TBATE-ONESHOTS

Honorbound 4

The kings' and queens' smiles quickly faded, and Virion looked a little confused at Arthur's tone. Reynolds gave his son a side eye, wondering why he spoke so flatly in the presence of royalty. Tessia looked down, biting her lips between her teeth, trying to hide her humourous smile.

Arthur, quickly composing himself, cleared his throat and stood straight. "M-Me?" Arthur began, quickly trying to rack his brain, coming up with an excuse or something to get out of this. "I uh," Arthur gave a genuine smile. "This opportunity is quite an honor, Your Majesties. But would it really be okay to appoint someone such as myself as the princess's guard? Surely there is someone stronger and more skilled than I."

Arthur's eyes flicked to Tessia, seeing she was no longer hiding her humourous smile. Tessia mouthed, 'Nice catch,' to Arthur, and he narrowed his eyes on her.

The king and queen's smiles returned as they heard Arthur's words, believing he didn't think he was worthy of this position. 

"The fact that you did not accept it immediately solidifies my decision," Alduin reassured. "It shows you are a humble individual who deeply cares about my daughter's safety."

Tessia scoffed a little, and everyone's eyes shot to her. She then covered her mouth and fake coughed a few times. She removed her hand and smiled, "My apologies. Allergies."

Arthur mentally grumbled, scolding himself for not being able to think of a way out of this. He knew if he blatantly refused, it would be disgraceful and would anger the elven royal family. Plus, he would never hear the end of it from his father.

"So, Arthur," Merial began and leaned forward, looking directly at Arthur. "Will you accept this assignment and promise to protect and watch over my daughter? It was her choice to have you as her guard, after all."

Confusion washed over Arthur as he heard that, and he wanted to scream no, but he bowed with elegance and said, "It would be my honor to protect your daughter, Your Majesty."

"Good," Alduin said and stood from his throne. He took his silver elven blade out from his dimensional ring and descended the dais. "Approach, Arthur."

Arthur approached Alduin and knelt before him, his head down. 

"Arthur," Alduin began. "As a soldier in the elven military, do you promise to conduct yourself honorably during this assignment?"

Arthur nodded, "I do."

"Do you promise you to show loyalty and respect and conduct yourself with integrity as you protect my daughter?"

"I do."

"Do you promise to show courage and conduct your duty selflessly as you protect my daughter from all dangers?"

"I do."

Alduin unsheathed his sword and gently tapped it on both of Arthur's shoulders, "Then, from this point on, you shall be awarded the title of my daughter's personal guard." Alduin sheathed his sword, "You may rise, Arthur."

Arthur stood up, and Alduin placed his hands on his shoulders, looking at him in the eyes. 

"Keep a close eye on her, Arthur," Alduin whispered. "She doesn't know it, but the biggest danger to her is herself."

Arthur nodded reassuringly, "I understand, Your Majesty." 

Alduin removed his hand, walked back to his throne, and sat down beside Merial. "Now, do you have any questions?"

Arthur shook his head, "None, Your Majesty."

"Then this meeting is dismissed," Alduin said, and his eyes flicked to Reynolds. "Reynolds, could you stay for a moment? There are things I would like to discuss regarding the Lunar Solstice."