Royal Guard's Embrace [𝐙𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐖 FF]

𝐨𝐧𝐞

Thick curtains hung on the walls, showing battles and kings. Sunlight came through colorful glass windows, lighting up the room. 

Prince Chawarin entered, the air thick with anticipation and the faint scent of roses from distant gardens.

"You called, father?" His voice broke the solemn silence, footsteps echoing softly on polished stone.

"There's been a change in arrangements, my dear boy," 

My father answered, getting up slowly from his throne. His face was serious, and he moved with care as we started walking.

As we left the throne room, my father walked ahead of me. Each step he took echoed in the hallway. I followed closely, my mind busy with the importance of what he had said.

 "I will be leading the war against Ravana."

"What...?" My heart sank, disbelief flooding through me.

'He can't do this. He's aging, and Ravana is one of the most ruthless countries on earth. They'll crush him,' I thought, panic rising within me. He couldn't possibly think this was a good idea.

"Father, you can't be serious," I blurted out as we reached the gardens.

"I am very serious, Chawarin. This isn't a laughing matter." He paused to observe the tulips outside the castle, his demeanor serious and unwavering.

"You can't do this!" I protested, my voice edged with desperation.

"Watch your tone, Chawarin."

"Who will watch the country and stay at the castle while you're gone? Who will make sure everything is rationed fairly? If you leave, then who—"

"You will take care of those responsibilities," he interrupted, a hint of pride in his voice.

"M-me?"

We emerged onto a quiet terrace adorned with neatly planted roses. The air was crisp and filled with the sweet scent of blossoms.

I stood beside him, taking in the calm scene and trying to understand what it all meant. 

"Yes, you."

"Father, I do not know the first thing about being a king! I'd rather you put me out in the war!"

"I believe you'll do fine," He reassured me with a smile that did little to calm my fears.

"And if there is trouble here? Who's to call for assistance? I cannot be left in charge of a place I cannot protect."

"Which brings me to my next statement. You will be given a guard."

"A GUARD?!" I exclaimed redundantly, frustration and disbelief mixing in my tone.

He shot me a stern look, a reminder of our royal decorum. "I'm sorry, father, but I haven't needed a guard since I was a child. I am trained. What would I do with a guard?" I questioned, feeling cornered.

"Really? Just a second ago you were saying you couldn't protect the castle and now you're overqualified?" he chuckled lightly, finding a flaw in my logic.

I turned away, chastened. "You will be given a guard, Chawarin, and I won't hear anything else about it. It's for your safety. You may be trained in the eyes of a king but you are not fit to be a warrior. A strong soldier is far different from a boy who was taught sword lessons at a tender age."

Silent and uneasy, I stared at the gravel beneath my feet.

"He has already been chosen."

"Without my assistance?" I asked, meeting his gaze with concern.