𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 // 𝙁𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙢 𝙓 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 8 {𝚍𝚎𝚏𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍}

"Thank you, (Y/N)... but....can you please help Masaru? He'll be hurt bad if he fights Deiron alone."

Before you knew it, you were quickly pacing out of the building to the courtyard in search of Masaru. Everything was starting to come together in your head.

He doesn't want to leave because of Princess Seraphina and little Prince Stellan... Even if Kismet is.. abusive to him. The family needs him to protect them. That's why he isn't quick to leave. But this shouldn't be his responsibility!

You were searching through your thoughts until you heard loud voices in what seemed to be a practice field behind the royal family's home building. You hid behind a large tree and peeked out to try and see what was happening.

There was a large male, clad in thick clothing. He was wearing a uniform and his stature loomed over the two before him. He had the same dark purple hair as the crown family, but it was more dull with age. He held a katana in his hand, pointing it towards the boy in front of him.

You held your breath in fear as Masaru glared at the man.

"Deiron! I won't let you hurt her!" A familiar voice called out and pushed his arm in front of Seraphina.

"This doesn't involve you... you're just a street rat that was taken in! But you're still a little rat even if you've been given luxury." The older man spat at Masaru's feet.

Masaru turned to Seraphina and gestured for her to leave. Seraphina was shaking and she placed her arm on Masaru's shoulder.

"Sera... leave." Masaru spoke sternly to her and the girl scampered away, looking back a few times.

Masaru's eyes narrowed at the commander as he drew his katana. "An eye for an eye, Deiron. If you want a fight, at least make it fair." He spoke in low voice, holding his katana in front of him to match the other male's stance.

"Makes no difference to me. I will still punish you for disturbing family affairs."

You wanted to leap out and help, but you felt worthless in this situation. You suddenly glanced down to the sabre at your side.

I'm not worthless anymore. I can defend.

Masaru lunges towards Deiron, matching blade with blade before attempting to push through him, but the commander was stronger, knocking Masaru to the ground.

"All this muscle you've developed won't help you. This is a battle of skill." Deiron glared down, pointing his katana at his neck. "Kismet will find a replacement for you."

You swallowed down your nerves and pull out your sabre, running out behind the tree. Before Deiron knew you were there, you aimed for his katana, knocking it out of his hand with your smaller, but sturdier blade.

Deiron stumbles back in shock as he quickly huffed, turning his attention towards you.

"Who are you?!" Deiron barked, his body towered over yours. He quickly grabbed at your throat, his fingers wrapping around your fragile neck with intent to harm you. He strangles you, with his piercing eyes glaring down at your weak position.

You huffed for air as you dropped your sabre, clawing at his hands for him to release your neck, but it was no use. Your body started to feel weak as your face turned red from lack of oxygen.

Masaru kicks Deiron in the gut before getting up, and quickly catching your fall. "Idiot." He grumbled, looking for signs that you would be alright.

You breathed heavily and looked up at Masaru's mismatched eyes. "I... just wanted to help."

Masaru sighed and laid you carefully on the ground for a moment as Deiron approached again.