For generations now my family has served the royals. It started with my great-great-grandfather saving the crown prince's life. The royal family was so grateful of Grandpa Ernesto, they awarded him with being the royal bodyguard. My great-great-grandfather, my great grandfather, my father, and now I have served the family ever since.
I was put in charge of protecting Princess Novalee by my superior Jonah. He's the guard of King Hes and the senior guard, he's the one in charge of me and the rest of the junior guards. The main reason I was given Princess Novalee was because of Grandpa Ernesto's legacy. I was trained to be a guard from a young age by my father. Long nights of staying up late outside of the princess's bedroom, many days of memorizing her schedule, and learning combat training was how I spent twelve years of my life. Being a six-year-old soldier was not fun. Now that my 18th birthday has passed I can be with the princess without having a senior guard by my side.
My days typically start around the break of dawn with a workout and a shower. My dad always told me to start and end my day with exercise to relieve any stress. Then I put on my uniform, a gray jumpsuit with black combat boots, and grab some breakfast before I meet Princess Novalee and her maids.
The princess's maids are putting away her pajamas by the time I get to her room. In the center of three maids is the lovely princess. Every morning she makes me laugh, with her bored expression as her ladies in waiting to do her hair. It looks to me like she still hasn't completely woken up yet.
"Princess," I bow, "good morning"
"How good can a morning be? I'm exhausted, how can you be so awake?" She complains
"I wake up early," I shrug, " I also don't stay up late watching soap operas"
She shoots me a dirty look, "What are we doing today Everett?"
"That's not up to me Princess," I tease
"Aren't you supposed to know my schedule?"
"I believe that's your responsibility," I lie
"Well then, I suppose I'm not doing anything today."
The main maid, Lucinda, worriedly asks Princess Novalee is she was sure about her decision. The princess rolls her eyes and said she was sure. Princess Novalee has always had an attitude since I've known her. She hates being told what to do and she dislikes following her schedules. Tragically for her, I do know exactly what she's doing today.
I pat Lucinda's shoulder and give her a reassuring nod. I feel for the ladies since they have to deal with Novalee's stubbornness on a daily basis. Granted so do I but they're on a more personal level.
Princess Novalee looks at me through her mirror, "You lied about not knowing, didn't you?"
"Yes."
She sighs heavily, "What do I have to do?"
I smile, "Well first you need to eat breakfast with your parents and your betrothed."
"Oh just shoot me now," she whines, "He hasn't even given me the ring yet. I don't understand why I have to do things with him."
"Your parents like him and his family."
"He's as interesting as a piece of wood." Novalee stands as soon as her hair is finished being styled, "I'd much rather marry you instead Everett."
I'm not too sure how to respond to that, "I'm flattered."
"It's only because I've known you longer and your personality is more like tomato soup; there's at least something interesting."
