The Princess's Guardian

15

The King and Queen return safely, making Sunny retreat back to the routine without extra work. I can tell that she's itching to do more than she already has. Talia and Yousef up my training although they don't talk much about what they found from the Oppenheim League. 

Yousef had been teaching me the theory of transforming into another form by will. Let me tell you, it's so tough. Talia assured me that it'll get easier over time once the bond settles. 

I have not talked to a single soul for close to two weeks now and it's driving me nuts. I have too many questions which I can't ask Sunny and she's trying her best to understand what I'm trying to tell her. 

Luna left the palace a few days ago after her parents' overprotective tendencies settle down and Luna beg to go back to the academy in time for her duel. Spending time with Sunny's young sister made me adore her like she's my younger sister too. Although Luna don't dare to physically touch me, she often tells me interesting facts about her sister during Sunny's training with Sir Udenter in the palace courtyard. 

Around anyone who is not family or me, Luna is a badass. If she isn't obedient to her parents, I have no doubt she would be called a rebel rather than the warrior princess. She constantly bug the palace stewards, butlers, maids and especially the Royal Guard's second-in-command who is a tiger Animus called Rex. She has a habit of challenging everyone she meets, except for us Guardians. 

The palace feels out of place without the presence of the Warrior Princess. Meals with the family seems more formal without Luna as the buffer. Sunny has been trying to convince her father to allow her to shadow him at meetings and official engagements, which he refused because most of his work require him to travel.

Sunny has not gone further beyond the City of Arbor for her own protection. She didn't mind it during the first few weeks, but now she's sick of the restrictions placed on her. Heck, I'm sick of the palace too. The other Guardians don't interact with me outside of the lessons. The King and Queen only acknowledged me, but never really spoke to me. It feels like I have no one else but Sunny in this majestic prison. 

I have no doubt that Sunny is feeling as trapped as I am. She mentioned how much she's missing our simpler life back home with my brother and his dumb friends. She also miss Alex and Annie who were pretending to be her parents.

One dinner seems to push Sunny over. 

"Your father and I have discussed and agreed that it is time for you to start looking for a prospective husband," the Queen casually says, eating into her pie.

I give Sunny's mother a baffled look and then look at my best friend in concern. Sunny stiffens with a surprised look. 

"What? Why?" Sunny stammers out, paling instantly.

"You're going to be the ruler of Earth Kingdom, Sunderlette," her mum replies as if she's trying to make sense. "We understand that you're still adjusting to your life back home, so we will allow you to make acquaintance with all the lords, barons and mayors in the nation for now."

"You don't have to get married so soon," the King quickly adds in, giving his daughter an assuring look. "We just want to make sure that you open your hearts to potential candidates."

"What if I don't want to get married?" Sunny calmly retorts, keeping her eyes on her mother. 

The King beams when he hears this, until he looks at his wife and  wipes away his eagerness. The Queen doesn't look impressed at her daughter's question. 

"You are going to be Queen, Sunderlette. You need a King by your side and to produce an heir. Also, the nation had nearly crumbled in chaos after the news of your non-traditional Terra Guardian," the Queen says. "Many factions were upset to hear that you didn't choose any of the Royal Guards handpicked by the Council to be your Guardian. The pool of trained youngsters were upset that you didn't go through the proper procedure and felt like they were lied to by the Council and the Royal Family. Your father and I had to do damage control and propose that you will meet all eligible bachelors in the country."