Royal Guard's Embrace [𝐙𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐖 FF]

𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞

I stayed in bed the entire day, refusing to move even as Poppy tried to get me up again.

"Your Highness..." he began for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Poppy," I sighed, my voice muffled by the pillow, "this is your third time trying to get me up. I'd prefer to just lay here if that's okay."

He paused before gently insisting, "You must eat, Your Majesty. Stay in your pajamas if you wish, but please eat something."

I exhaled sharply, knowing he wouldn't relent. Slowly, I swung my legs off the bed and slipped into my slippers. I held out my arms, and Poppy, always ready, draped my robe over my shoulders. I tied the belt and followed him out of my room, purposely not stopping by Zee's door like I usually did.

As we entered the dining hall, I hoped for a quiet meal. But there he was, already sitting at the table.

"Good morning," Zee greeted, his tone light.

I forced a weak smile, not returning the sentiment. 

Nothing about the morning felt good. 

I turned to Poppy instead, who motioned for me to sit.

"Please sit, your Majesty," Poppy instructed with a bow.

I obliged, and moments later, breakfast was brought out. There are banana's Foster pancakes, fresh fruit, and orange juice that had likely just been squeezed. The food looked exquisite, but I had no appetite.

"Poppy," I called softly.

"Yes, your Highness?"

"Can you bring Jackson in here?"

He bowed and went to fulfill my request. Zee, still chewing a bite of his breakfast, looked curious.

"Who's Jackson?" he asked, wiping his mouth.

"He's my friend and sword trainer," I explained, pushing the food around on my plate.

"I see." He nodded slowly. 

The silence fell between us again. It felt awkward, like there was a weight between us, and Zee finally spoke up.

"Are you mad at me?"

I looked up, startled by the question. "No, why would I be mad at you?"

"I'm not sure, but you aren't speaking like usual. Like you're upset with me." He shrugged, looking unsure.

"I'm not upset with you," I lied, keeping my expression neutral. 

It was a lie, or maybe it was the truth, but I wasn't even sure myself. All I knew was I didn't want to have this conversation right now.

"Okay," he said, though the doubt lingered in his tone.

There was a pause, the kind that felt heavier than it should have been. I broke it, asking the question that had been gnawing at me since last night.

"Have you... spoken to Yim yet?"

Zee shook his head. "No."

"Why not?"

"I don't know," he said, rubbing the back of his neck, his voice suddenly quieter.

"I'm not even sure how I feel about him."

"Midnight doesn't like him much, though," he added with a small chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

"And I trust Midnight. We're a pair and always have been. It's like we come as a package deal. You can't have one of us without the other."