Guard

Chapter Twelve: Letter

XANDER

Something was bothering me. I knew there was, but the problem was that I couldn't put my finger on it.

I knelt beside a small chest with different kinds of medicine I had brought with me from the Royal Guard's storeroom, placing the medicine I had used with Elena back in its original place and thought back to a few moments ago.

"Do you not trust me?" I asked, my voice almost a whisper. It scared me to think that she didn't. I was supposed to be her guardian and I have been protecting her. Wasn't I doing my job right?

She closed her eyes. "No." She replied. With those words I immediately felt as a if a big weight had formed on top of my shoulders. "Not as much as I would like." She added.

I slammed the chest shut. My breathing turning heavy, I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself down. Thoughts swarmed my brain. Why didn't she trust me? I've been doing everything I could. I've been focused. I haven't been distracted. I've followed protocol, I've gotten to know the people around us, and no one seems to be a threat. What was bothering her?

I sat down and rest my back against my bed, running my hair through my hair in frustration. I was so caught up that I almost didn't hear a knock on my door.

I walked downstairs and opened the door, revealing a young mailboy. Not Will, but a different one. "Are you Xander sir?" He asked, his big doe eyes looking up at me.

I nodded.

"This is for you." He said, handing me an envelope.

I took it from his hands and thanked him, making him smile and wave me farewell, before running off, his mailbag bouncing up and down with each stride.

I walked back inside, pulled a chair out from under the table and sat down. I opened the envelope and immediately relaxed as I saw my father's handwriting.

"My dear son Alec,

It warmed my heart to read your letter. You seem to be doing a good job down there. I am fine, and William is fine too, he visits me when he can. Thanks to Princess Emilia, Her Majesty Queen Amelia has made sure I am always supplied with my regular medicine so don't you worry. I hope you're taking good care of her my son.

Remember, she is in a new place, with new people. Everything is unfamiliar. She needs, not only a guard, but a friend. Be there for her, not just physically, but emotionally. She is not like us Alec, she is different. She is delicate and must be treated as such. You must support her. She needs you. I know you'll do the right thing.

I hope this letter finds you well.

Stay safe my son, and protect the princess. I love you.

- Father."

I wiped the tears that had fallen onto the paper with my hand, then wiped my eyes. Seeing my father's writing and hearing his voice in my head as I read his words made me realise just how much I actually missed him.

I read over his letter once more. Father always knew what to say at the right time. Wisdom really did come with age. I knew he was right about something, but I couldn't see what I was doing wrong. I looked over his letter once again then I folded it and placed it back in the envelope. I put it on the shelf where I kept my belongings I had taken to remind me of home.

I walked out of the house and across the road. I walked up to the door and was about to knock when I heard my name being called from afar.

I looked to over to see Leon, ushering me over to him.