The morning sun poured gently into the royal hall, gilding its towering pillars in soft gold. Courtiers stood in quiet attendance as Princess Aeloria approached the throne. Her movements were poised, yet beneath that practiced grace lingered something deliberate, something already decided.
Her father watched her with a patient gaze.
"Speak, my daughter."
Aeloria lowered herself into a respectful curtsy.
"Father, I wish to request additional protection for my journey."
A faint murmur rippled across the hall.
The King's brow tightened slightly. "You are never without protection."
"I know," she replied calmly. "But I travel beyond Zephyr's borders. I would feel safer with chosen guards of proven skill."
The King studied her. There was thought behind her words — not fear, not hesitation.
"Whom do you have in mind?"
Aeloria's heart beat once, firmly.
"Lylan Ardent… and Lucas."
Silence followed.
Then whispers.
Even before the King spoke, many within the court already knew the names. Zephyr had not ceased speaking of the two soldiers who had stood against giants, who had survived Vardok's horrors, who carried Rael's legacy like living steel.
The King leaned back slowly.
"The realm already speculates the same choice."
Aeloria held his gaze.
"I ask not as a princess seeking privilege," she said quietly, "but as your daughter seeking reassurance."
The hall stilled.
The King's stern expression softened.
"You shall have them."
The announcement spread through Zephyr like wind through tall grass.
By midday, Lylan and Lucas were summoned.
They entered the command chamber in disciplined silence, boots striking the stone floor in perfect rhythm. The air within felt heavier than usual — the presence of royal decree always carried weight.
An officer unfurled the parchment.
"By command of His Majesty, Lylan Ardent and Lucas are hereby assigned as personal bodyguards to Princess Aeloria for her journey to Kingdom Nium."
Lucas's eyes widened.
Lylan remained composed — but only outwardly.
"You are to remain at her side at all times. Her safety is your highest duty."
"We understand," Lylan answered.
But Lucas could barely contain himself.
The moment they exited the chamber—
He grabbed Lylan's shoulder.
"Do you realize what this means?"
Lylan exhaled. "It means responsibility."
Lucas grinned wildly.
"It means destiny, you blind fool!"
Lylan shook his head, though a smile threatened his restraint.
Lucas leaned closer, lowering his voice dramatically.
"You. The princess. Endless proximity. I give it three weeks before wedding bells."
Lylan let out a short laugh.
"You never change."
"And you never dream boldly enough."
Their laughter lingered — until—
A presence shifted behind them.
They turned instantly.
The King stood there.
Unnoticed.
Both men snapped to attention with startling speed.
"My King."
"At ease."
Their rigid stance loosened.
The King approached slowly, his gaze sharp yet thoughtful.
"My daughter," he said, "is a gem beyond measure."
Neither soldier spoke.
"Nothing," the King continued, voice lowering with quiet intensity, "must be allowed to befall her. Not carelessness. Not hesitation. Not failure."
Lylan's chest tightened.
"You carry not only your honor," the King said, "but my trust."
Lucas's playful energy vanished completely.
"We shall not fail you," Lylan said firmly.
The King studied him for a long moment… then nodded once.
"I expect nothing less."
Preparation was swift.
Lylan fastened the final strap of his armor, fingers briefly lingering over the familiar steel. This was the same armor worn against Vardok. The same battered plates that had endured giants, captivity, and Rael's last stand.
A reminder.
A vow.
Lucas adjusted his own gear nearby.
"Weakness," he said quietly, "is still not an option."
Lylan nodded.
"For Rael."
"For Rael."
The royal convoy departed beneath clear skies.
Knights rode in formation, their banners fluttering proudly. At the center rolled the princess's chariot — its polished wheels gliding smoothly over the stone road, drawn by powerful white horses.
Lylan and Lucas rode closest.
Ever watchful.
Ever alert.
Lucas leaned slightly toward Lylan.
"Still feels strange."
"What does?"
"That life keeps moving."
Lylan's gaze remained forward.
"It always does."
Hours passed peacefully.
Until shadows emerged along the roadside.
Bandits.
Rough figures stepped forward, blades glinting with ill intent.
The convoy slowed.
Tension snapped tight.
Lucas's hand drifted instinctively toward his weapon.
But before steel left its sheath—
One bandit squinted.
Then froze.
"…Wait."
Another followed his gaze.
Recognition struck like lightning.
"Those are Zephyr's wolves…"
Fear spread rapidly among them.
Within seconds—
They fled.
Disappearing into the brush like startled animals.
Lucas blinked.
"…Well."
Lylan allowed the faintest smirk.
"That was efficient."
From within the chariot, soft laughter rang out.
Aeloria.
She lifted the curtain slightly, eyes gleaming with amusement.
"This is my second time witnessing such a scene."
Lucas turned his horse slightly closer.
"Second, Your Highness?"
She nodded.
"The first time, the bandits were less perceptive."
Her smile faded.
"My guards fought for me."
A quiet pause followed.
"They were terribly wounded."
Lucas's expression hardened.
"But they survived," she continued gently. "They were treated in Zephyr."
Lylan inclined his head.
"Zephyr does not abandon its own."
Aeloria's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than necessary.
"Yes," she said softly. "I know."
The road stretched onward.
Toward Kingdom Nium.
Toward unfolding destinies.
And beneath the endless sky, three hearts traveled together — bound by duty, memory, and the quiet beginnings of something none of them yet dared to name.