The Royal Guard | A.A

5

As Y/n descended the grand staircase leading to the castle's main room, her head was swirling with thoughts and questions. Why had Armin, the Commander of the scouts, started moving into the staff's home room located within her chambers? The space had always been there, reserved for a 24/7 guard if needed, but it had remained untouched during her years living in her section of the castle. What could have happened to prompt such a change? And why not just any guard, but the boldest and bravest of them all? It seemed excessive and puzzling to Y/n, trying to make sense of it all as she reached the bottom of the stairs. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something significant had occurred for Armin to take up residence in her private quarters.

Her thoughts whirled and spiralled as she approached the grand doors of the throne room. As she neared, familiar voices reached her ears - Captain Levi and his assistant Cee. Her heart quickened with curiosity and concern. Why were they meeting with her father? She knew their role - they were in charge of interrogations when something occurred within the castle walls. A wave of anxiety washed over her as she strained to hear their conversation, desperate for answers.

"It wasn't just a random occurrence though my king, this is what we're trying to explain to you" Levi stated, concern filling his voice. "The first time we spoke to them, they hardly answered anything at all. Yes, we found the weapons and the photograph of Y/n, but we didn't know why. We do now, this isn't just random."

'Weapons and a photograph of me? What?' Y/n thought.

The Princess' heart raced with anxiety and confusion as she tried to make sense of her situation. The presence of armed individuals and a photograph of herself as a target only added to her growing unease. What danger lurked around her, she could not fathom. Despite her efforts, the only information she had gathered was that she was a potential victim in some unknown plot.

"Your Highness, they both had similar reasons as to why they were sent here for the Princess. They told us that you hadn't been keeping your end of the agreements over trading. Of course, we aren't involved in trade agreements. That is quite frankly above my pay grade." Cee informed him. "We have no idea if what they are saying is true, but that is the reason they were sent here for her."

Uncontainable anger boils in her chest as she realizes the truth. Her father, consumed by greed and selfishness, had put her life at risk without even a word of warning. It was only through a eavesdropping and a stranger moving into her safe haven that she discovered the danger lurking in her supposed home. Betrayal and fear grip her heart as she realizes that she has been living in a blissful ignorance this entire time. Not even an hour ago, she was enjoying a pleasant conversation with Armin. Not knowing the true, terrifying reason that he had been there in her chambers.

A small gasp escaped her lips as her eyes began to water, a mix of shock and fear flooding through her. The harsh reality of what had been happening hit her like a punch to the gut, causing her to falter and stumble backwards. The noise had barely left her lips when Cee, Levi, and the King all turned to look in her direction. Levi's expression was blank, but there was a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. Cee's gaze held an unspoken sympathy, as she could only imagine the terror Y/n must be feeling in this moment.

With a quick glance at each other, the three having the initial conversation understand what has just happened. As soon as she catches sight of them, Y/n turns on her heels and attempts to flee back to her room in a hurry. The King nods towards Y/n, indicating for the captain and his assistant to follow her. The sound of their footsteps echoes through the hallway as they chase after her, their determined expressions matching Y/n's panicked one. It's a silent race towards her, the tension between them palpable. The King watches from afar, his eyes filled with curiosity as they slowly leave his sight as he lets out a short sigh and shakes his head.

As they finally reach her, Cee clears her throat and begins the conversation. Knowing that if she left it to Levi, with his direct nature and lack of understanding for emotional subtleties, he would likely blurt out painfully honest statements. But Cee knows that empathy is needed in this moment, so she takes control of the situation.

"Princess Y/n, I don't know how much of that you heard but I can only imagine the fear inside of your head right now." She starts, speaking in a soft tone in hopes to calm Y/n, even if it's only a little. "Assuming you heard the whole thing, please know we are doing everything we can to keep you safe, that's why Commander Armin is here."

"I apologise for my bluntness, Cee. But I would really like to be alone right now. Well, as alone as I can be with him being here, in my quarters. I'm sorry." Y/n replies, genuinely hoping she hasn't come across as harsh.

In this isolated and lonely place, Cee is the only person close enough to what you could call a friend. Amidst the cold, stone walls of her confinement, Cee is a warm presence that she treasures dearly. Though their encounters are infrequent, the Princess cherishes the moments they share and the heartfelt conversations they engage in. Cee's genuine kindness stands out like a ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds.

After finishing what she was saying, Y/n turns on her heel and makes a beeline for her quarters, desperate to escape and process everything that has just happened. But Cee is determined to follow her, taking a step forward with her mouth open to say something. Before she can, however, Levi swiftly intervenes, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder to hold her back and calmly suggesting, "Perhaps it's best to give her some time to think things through. She must be under immense stress at the moment." His voice is gentle yet firm, making sure to not offend Cee, whilst also making sure she listens to what he is saying.