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THE KNIGHT
Being the Royal Knight of the princess of the Eternal Kingdom is supposed to be a great honor. I mean, to be a part of the Royal Family in a way is something every soldier has dreamed of.
But not me.
Please, don't get me wrong. I want the best for her, naturally. However, this life of standing by her side for hours while she paints outside in the garden is not what I pictured. Getting ordered around to bring her breakfast, lunch, and to dinner with the Royal Family instead of leading the Royal Guard and fighting in battles across the land—instead of helping our people and others?It's completely ridiculous.
"Help me with this, please." She says, her voice soft like honey. Picking up her easel, I grunt in response, giving up on words and being annoyed with how hot it is outside and the fact that I've been out here for most of the day by her side.
"Over there." She points towards the shade and I sigh in relief, happily carrying her supplies over. At least the sun won't be present across the garden while I'm standing for hours on end...
"Thank you." She carries her own seat to the shade and fixes the angle of the easel to her liking before nodding me off. And then I get into my usual position. Right by here side, watching her paint the scene before her, while I sweat.
And I'm bored.
And a bit tired.
So, so fun.
The princess herself is not so bad. She's quite gentle and beautiful so being around her is not a pain. What bothers me the most is that only a few days ago I was working on plans of bringing aid to another kingdom in desperate need, myself being on the frontlines leading the army, when I received news that I was being appointed to an even higher ranking.
I was excited and truly happy. But I didn't know I was to be the princesses personal body guard. My last few days have only consisted of this. Being around her from sunrise to sunset, 24/7. And so far, I'm not seeing why this is considered a high ranking. By standing around doing nothing? It seems so—
"Useless...this is so useless...it's impossible!" The princess suddenly exclaims and I'm taken aback by how loud she could be. I can't help but stare at her as she quickly stands upright and sets her hands on her hips, visibly frustrated as she huffs at the blank canvas before her.
Then she turns her head and looks at me—like really looks at me. In all the time I've been with her she's never looked me in the eyes. To be fair, I have a helmet on so looking at me would be difficult but this time she's really looking and I shift in discomfort.
"Do you want to leave?" She says and I am even more confused, this time not being able to hide my look of surprise with my helmet on. She leans forward to get a better look at me and I lean back, clearly weirded out by her behavior.
"Princess are you alri—"
"Can you take that thing off your head. I can't see you. Come on, take it off." Slowly, I take off my helmet and breathe in fresh air for the first time today. I'm not sure what to say so I stay silent, looking at her and feeling cautious in her presence for the first time.
"Let's get going then. Because I definitely want to leave this place." Without warning she picks up her seat and begins to walk away. Still confused, I pick up the rest of her things and follow close behind her, almost dropping a couple brushes here and there. No matter how much I try to push passed it I can't help but think what's wrong with the princess and what did she mean by that? By leaving?
