A knight's code of honor [BXB]

A KNIGHT'S CODE OF HONOR - 24 | ''I trust you more than anyone.''

Not long after Gabriel had left Prince Damian's chambers, he walked down the long, echoing corridors of the palace. His mind was still reeling from the weight of their conversation, the trust Damian had placed in him, and the revelation of his own feelings. He reached his quarters, a modest but comfortable room in the knights' wing, and shut the door behind him.

The silence enveloped him like a heavy cloak. He moved to the basin and splashed cold water on his face, trying to wash away the turmoil inside. He grabbed a towel and dried his face, staring at his reflection in the small, polished mirror. The face that looked back at him was stern and tired, eyes shadowed with worry.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Gabriel straightened, turning towards the sound. Before he could respond, the door creaked open, and a young servant stepped in, looking somewhat nervous.

"Sir Gabriel," the servant said, bowing slightly. "Princess Isabella has summoned you. She is very worried and needs your assistance in her quarters."

Gabriel's brow furrowed. It was unusual for Isabella to summon him directly, especially for something that a maid or another servant could easily handle. "What does she need assistance with?" he asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.

"She mentioned a rat, sir. She needs help getting rid of it," the servant replied, his eyes darting around the room as if afraid to meet Gabriel's gaze.

Gabriel sighed inwardly. It was an odd request, but he couldn't refuse a summons from the princess. "Very well. Lead the way."

The servant nodded and hurried out, Gabriel following close behind. As they walked through the palace halls, Gabriel's thoughts turned to Isabella. Her recent behavior had been strange, and his suspicions lingered. He needed to tread carefully.

When they reached Isabella's quarters, the servant knocked lightly and opened the door, gesturing for Gabriel to enter. The room was lavishly decorated, with rich tapestries and plush furniture. Isabella stood near the window, her expression a mixture of distress and relief as she saw Gabriel.

"Sir Gabriel, thank you for coming," she said, her voice soft and melodious. "I am terribly afraid of rats, and one has found its way into my room."

Gabriel nodded, scanning the room. "Where did you last see it, Princess?"

She pointed towards a corner near her dressing table. "Over there. It scurried under the table. I fear it might come out again."

Gabriel moved towards the table, his senses on high alert. He crouched down and peered underneath, spotting the small, frightened creature. With swift precision, he cornered the rat and carefully caught it, making sure not to harm it. He stood, holding the rodent at arm's length.

"I'll take care of this outside," he said, heading towards the door.

"Thank you, Sir Gabriel," Isabella replied, her voice full of gratitude. "You truly are brave."

Gabriel exited the room, releasing the rat in the gardens before returning to Isabella's quarters. As he re-entered, he found her standing by the fireplace, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Is there anything else you need, Princess?" he asked, keeping his tone polite and formal.

She smiled, a hint of something playful in her eyes. "Actually, there is. I realized we haven't had the chance to speak much. You are always so busy protecting my brother."

Gabriel stiffened slightly, sensing the underlying tension. "My duty is to the prince and the kingdom, Princess."

"Of course," she said, stepping closer. "But surely you have a moment to spare for a little conversation? Tell me, Sir Gabriel, how did you come to be in my brother's service?"