The Princess's Guardian

19

The five royals keep the atmosphere light during lunch as they tell tales of their antics at the academy. Prince Leonardo has been very animated when talking about the time he sneaked out and got into trouble. It's amazing to see how someone so good-looking - typical blond hair paired with blue eyes - is trying so hard to impress the Warrior Princess.

Everyone can see that Luna is amused by his attempts and often reject his advances. Somehow, the prince knows his limits and never push Luna beyond her comfort zone. There are times that Leonardo shows his wisdom when he engage in a policy conversation with Sunny, impressing her immensely. I have no doubt that Leonardo will be an amazing king who will be loved by his people with his down-to-earth personality.

His cousin Prince Geronimo is clearly as shy as Sunny, but very articulate. He ensures that his future king doesn't make a total fool out of himself. Geronimo chips in his thoughts once in a while but remains silent most of the time. Sunny also doesn't bother striking a conversation with the potential partner. 

Princess Elena is very similar to her brother in terms of personality. Her looks, on the other hand, is vastly different from Leonardo and Geronimo. She has long curly brunette hair that's tied into a professional bun. As a representative of the Wind Kingdom, she's wearing a white dress and a noticeable necklace with her family crest. 

It's clear that the Wind Kingdom royals are unearthly beautiful, just like the Luna and Sunny. I wonder if it's a royal or an Oppenheise trait to be naturally attractive, but until I meet another native human from Oppenheim, I wouldn't know.

Elena ensures that Sunny is included in the general conversation since I suspect that Elena is aware of Sunny's timid personality. I truly appreciate the foreign princess for keeping my best friend entertained. It isn't until now did I notice that Sunny is always quiet at the dining table unless if a question is for her. She wasn't like this back on Earth whenever she's over for dinner with my family.

Elena's presence is definitely a blessing in disguise.

Another difference between the Moretti family compared to the Werstein family is the Morettis tend to use their gift in their everyday life. There are times I see Leonardo or Elena wield the air to fly over a dish to their plate. I rarely see Luna or Sunny wield the earth unless if they were practicing combat. 

Last but not least, the angelic Guardian named Mikael is as silent as me. He seems to always have his slit eyes on me once in a while as I do the same to him. My instincts can feel how powerful he can be if he ever decide to engage in a fight with me. No doubt that we would be evenly matched if I gain the ability to shift by will. At the moment, I have to settle with the panther form. 

Not that I'm going to pick a fight with him. I don't think I've ever heard of Guardians from other Kingdoms fight each other. I'm pretty sure it had happened before, considering that other Kingdoms used to be in wars all the time. 

"Is everyone done with their food?" Luna speaks up, noticing that no one is touching the food for the past 10 minutes. 

Sunny decides that she has had enough with their company and excused herself. I stay by my best friend's side as I watch Elena watching our departure from the dining hall. The moment we're alone, Sunny runs her fingers through my black fur. A nervous trait that she picks up every time I change into a furry animal. If I am tiny, she would absentmindedly pat me gently. 

Sunny leads me straight to her study table in the room, writing into her journal. I jump onto my usual perch on the gold sofa by her huge window. It is close enough to watch her work, yet enough to give her space. My ears perk at the sound of horse hooves and carriage. I turn to look outside to spot the butler and a few assistants walking to the front of the castle. I can only guess that the other guests are arriving, but they are greeted by the castle's officials instead. 

I turn my attention to Sunny's fast scribbles and huff in boredom.

My best friend raises her eyebrows at me. "Bored?"

I nod, giving her a feline smile. 

"Your teeth is awfully yellow, Jord. You should brush your teeth more frequently," Sunny jokes.

I glare at her and let out a grumble from my chest. 

She laughs, pulling her chair closer to me as she reaches out. I look at her silent permission to stroke me, which I grant by putting my head into her arms. She looks like she needs some comfort and I don't mind giving in the form of animalistic affections.

"The Morettis are pretty nice people, aren't they?" Sunny says thoughtfully. "I wonder if the Council would let me attend their academy... I highly doubt it though. There's no reason for a princess to attend an academy meant to groom warriors."

I croon, offering her comfort. I know that she miss the freedom she had on Earth. 

"I feel so trapped in this castle..." she murmurs, scratching a spot close to my jaw. The action made me purr out loud. 

That night, the royal family of both Kingdoms eat together at the same dining table. The King is interested to know more about Leonardo and Geronimo as they discuss combat techniques that they have learnt at the academy. Luna joins in their conversation until her mother shoots her a disapproving look. 

It's no wonder Luna practically ran to the Wind Kingdom for her freedom. 

"So, Elena dear, do you have a boyfriend?" the Queen asks, cutting into her tough meat. Instantly, Luna chokes on her drink whereas the two boys snicker softly. Mikael looks amused, but remain silent. 

I can't help but roll my eyes at the Queen's method of starting a conversation. She reminds me of my mother, trying so hard to mold me into the perfect lady. It's just too bad for her that my brother influenced me to act less girly. 

"No, Your Majesty," Elena says as politely as she can. 

"Why not? You're very beautiful!" the Queen gushes.

"Mother, stop prying into her personal life," Sunny says, glaring at her mum. 

"Yeah, mother. Just because she's beautiful doesn't mean she needs a man by her side," Luna comments casually. Judging by the Queen's baffled look, Luna's comment is considered scandalous. 

"It's okay," Elena tries to diffuse the situation. "I prefer to graduate from the academy and focus on my future before getting into a relationship, Your Majesty."

"Ah! A woman with goals!" the King says in interest. "Are you planning to join the Oppenheim League one day like Luna?" 

I continue to eat without paying much attention to the conversation. I have a feeling that something is going to happen during the Ball tomorrow.