Chapter I: Protector
Third person POV
Within the majestic Kingdom of Axylia, joy and opportunities abounded, particularly for men. The kingdom's recruitment of hundreds of knights for the protection of the royal bloodline and the realm was a testament to its prosperity. These knights, largely from the village, were the epitome of bravery and loyalty.
Prince George POV
On a sun-drenched afternoon, the kingdom and its people gathered to celebrate a momentous occasion: the 60th birthday of my father, King Victor. The air was alive with music, laughter, and the savory aromas of roasted meats and freshly baked pastries. As I stepped outside, I was met with a sea of faces, all eager to catch a glimpse of the royal family. I offered a gentle smile and a nod of acknowledgement, my voice reserved for those closest to me.
My brother, Arthur, was a stark contrast to my reserved nature. His warm demeanor and effortless charm made him a favorite among the villagers. As he mingled with the crowd, his voice boomed, "Please, everyone, just wait for the King to arrive!" The villagers eagerly obliged, their faces aglow with anticipation.
Meanwhile, I found myself struggling to meet the gaze of the older men in the crowd. Their piercing stares made me feel like an exquisite, fragile vase on display. Arthur, sensing my discomfort, approached me with a concerned expression. "You look reticent, brother," he said, his voice laced with empathy. I managed a barely audible "Yes..." in response. Arthur's reassuring hand on my shoulder helped calm my nerves.
Third person POV
As the minutes ticked by, the crowd's excitement grew. Finally, the moment of truth arrived: King Victor and Queen Elisha emerged from the castle, their regal presence commanding attention. The air erupted in cheers and applause as the royal couple made their way to the celebration.
Prince George POV
As we sat down to enjoy the feast, I mustered the courage to speak, my voice barely above a whisper. "Happy birthday, Father." I presented him with a painting I had worked on for months, a masterpiece that captured his likeness with uncanny accuracy. The King's eyes sparkled with delight, and his face radiated joy.
As the celebration drew to a close, I found myself sitting alone, lost in thought. My mind began to wander, conjuring up fantastical scenarios where I was protected by a mysterious, chivalrous stranger. The sound of footsteps broke the spell, and I turned to face a young man with an audacious grin. "Hey, beautiful prince, you're looking fierce today. Can we get to know each other?" he asked, his voice dripping with confidence.
I was taken aback, my face burning with embarrassment. Before I could respond, a girl around my age intervened, her voice firm but polite. "You can't just talk to the prince unexpectedly, especially if they don't know you." The young man's face darkened, and he retorted, "I'm interested in him, so get out of it." My brother Arthur arrived just in time, his presence commanding respect. "If he doesn't say anything, then he's not interested in dating you," he said, his voice firm but gentle. The young man slunk away, defeated, and the girl followed suit.
As we retired to the castle, my brother turned to our parents and said, "My brother isn't the first time he's encountered this. A lot of guys sexualize him." The King's expression turned grave, and he decreed, "Then we need a bodyguard for George, to protect his privacy and ensure his safety." Our mother nodded in agreement, and the matter was settled.
Days passed, and a multitude of volunteers came forward to serve as my bodyguard. However, most of them were more interested in serving as the King's bodyguard or joining the Kingdom Protectors. It wasn't until one evening, when the chamberlain arrived with a curious expression, that we found our candidate. "Your Highness, someone has applied to be the Prince's bodyguard," he announced, introducing a young man with an air of mystery.
As the young man, Cal, approached us, I felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity. His short hair and piercing gaze seemed to stir a memory, but I couldn't quite place it. He bowed low, his movements fluid and practiced. "Your Highness, I'm Cal." My father's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing the young man before nodding his approval. "Take care of my son," he instructed, his voice firm but gentle.
As Cal turned to leave, I called out, "You can come earlier in the morning for training, Cal." He nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. As he turned to leave, he surprised me by bowing low and kissing my hand. My face flushed with embarrassment, but I managed a soft smile, intrigued by this enigmatic young man who would be my protector.
The next morning, Cal arrived at the castle's training grounds, dressed in a simple yet practical outfit. My brother, Arthur, was already there, supervising the training session.
"Ah, Cal," Arthur said, nodding in greeting. "Today, we'll be testing your combat skills. As the Prince's bodyguard, you'll need to be able to defend him against any threat."
Cal nodded, his eyes focused intently on Arthur. "I'm ready, sir."
Arthur smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "We'll see about that. Let's begin."
With that, Cal's training session commenced. Arthur put him through a series of rigorous tests, pushing him to his limits as he demonstrated his combat skills.
I watched from the sidelines, observing Cal's technique and strategy. He was impressive, dodging and parrying Arthur's attacks with ease.
As the training session progressed, I found myself feeling more and more confident in Cal's abilities. He was a skilled fighter, and I had no doubt that he would be able to protect me from harm.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, the training session came to a close. Cal stood panting, his chest heaving with exertion, but a triumphant smile on his face.
Arthur nodded in approval. "Well done, Cal. You've passed the first test. But remember, being the Prince's bodyguard is not just about combat skills. It's about loyalty, discretion, and dedication."
Cal bowed, his eyes shining with determination. "I won't let you down, your highness.”
