Bold Souls

Recognition

Denali got ready after she watched how Blake dealt with the old knight. Sir Joseph greeted her with his sword and she copied his movements. Denali saw from the corner of her eyes Blake and his father's curious glances. The little Prince was very excited about the match while the queen... She seemed uncomfortable. May other knights gathered around them to watch their teacher duel with a snow ghost. Sir Joseph marched with his sword searching for weak points. Denali soon realized that the old fox was aiming for her free arm. She elegantly put her arm behind her back and danced around Sir Joseph effortlessly waiting for the moment the knight put his guard down and that's going to be her moment. Sir Joseph tried every trick he had up his sleeves but the little woman toyed with him as a cat would with a mouse. If every snow ghost fights like her... Our Empire would suffer great loss in case of an attack. The match continued until Denali finally found a weakness in Sir Joseph's defense. She avoided the long sword swung towards her head and she kicked the knight's legs from under him. She threw the sword and jumped on Sir Joseph with a knife at his neck. The old man's eyes widened but he started laughing and Denali grinned. She got up and offered her hand to the knight. He accepted the extended hand and said.

- I hope I found an ally today Miss. I don't want to become your enemy. - the knight's sincerity surprised Denali but she smiled widely.

- Same on my side Sir Joseph! At least I know whom Blake could thank his life before we met. You must've been a great teacher to him, if you accept me, I'd love to learn a bit from you too. - her request made Joseph so proud.

- I'll have to get permission from his Highness but if he allows, it would be my pleasure to learn from you too. - they walked back and Denali heard the Emperor saying to Blake.

- You won the bet son, what's your wish? - Blake's eyes fall on Denali and Edgar saw the shine in his son's glance.

- I'd like to think a bit about it, if that's okay father. - Blake said and Edgar pat his back with a wholehearted laughter.

- Of course! Take your time! - Denali arrived back to them and bowed for the Imperial family before she took her place next to Blake. They headed back to the castle while Sir Joseph talked with Edgar, Blake turned to Denali.

- You let him save his face in front of my father and his disciplines. - he said to her in her native language. Denali shrugged and answered.

- What use would come from revealing all my trump cards? I could never know when that old man will aim for my neck in reality. - this though made Blake think and he grabbed Denali's hand pulling her to stay a bit behind his family.

- What are you planning to do now? - he asked and she looked pensive.

- Since a few hours ago I was in the dungeons... I'm happy to be alive and well now. - Blake laughed and took a deep breath. .

- Stay here with me. - he said and his voice sounded so mature. Denali even got surprised because of the change in his tone. At that moment Blake wasn't a boy but a grown up man in front of her and she didn't know the meaning behind this request, but she wanted to find out.

- If his Highness allows I'd love to. I don't want to go back. It would be nice to start with a blank page and maybe even get recognized for my merits. - Blake hugged Denali and she blushed by the sudden affection. They hurried after the rest of their group and Blake walked to the Emperor.

- I've decided what my wish is. - he said and Linett frowned.

- Wish? - she asked and Noah peaked at his father and brother from next to her.

- Yes my dear. We made a bet, I promised a wish to Blake if he wins the bet. - Edgar turned back to Blake and with a big smile he asked.

- Whatever you wish for, is yours. - Blake grinned and woth a slight bow he said.

- I'd like you to accept Denali as a member of the Imperial palace.

- In what position? - Edgar asked and Blake swallowed, he didn't think about it thoroughly. That's when Sir Joseph came to the rescue.

- Your Highness, if you allow me to join the conversation. I believe that the young lady would be at a great service for the Prince as his personal guard and right hand. - Linett shouted.

- Absolutely not! How could you say that Sir Joseph?! She is an outsider! A snow ghost! Would you trust the Prince's safety and the Empire's secrets to a wild woman?! - Noah grabbed her sleeve and tried to calm his mother down. He could see the pain in Denali's eyes and feel the change in her aura. Noah could see the others mana and auras. Denali's was incredibly interesting for him since her aura was pure white and stable even during the battle. But now it got mixed with a red one which belonged to his older brother. Their auras together looked like fresh blood spilled onto the early snow.

- I think she already proved her loyalty by taking care of Blake despite being a lost child. - Edgar said and Linett still fumed.

- Would've she act the same way if she knew that Blake was the crown Prince of the Empire? - she asked pointing at Denali and Noah got surprised. Denali's aura shined brightly almost like holy power while his brother's got darker almost black. They are complete opposites... - he thought when Denali smirked at his mother.

- What makes her Majesty think that I didn't know? - Blake looked at Denali and his aura calmed down. Noah couldn't understand the way he looked at her. Doubt? Amazement? Anger? His brother's expression was indescribable.

- Did you know he was the crown prince all along? - the Emperor asked and his voice sounded dangerously low. If this woman knew who Blake was... Why did she keep him with her?

- See your Majesty! This was her plan from the beginning! - Linett shouted and Blake stood between them and Denali. He glanced back at her and she smiled.

- I just asked what would've happened if I knew. I never said I knew Blake's identity. Where my father came from was a land full of people with red eyes like his Highness. So even if I thought that he might be a descendant of noble blood, I never guessed that he is the crown Prince. For us he was just Blake. - Edgar calmed down and Linett seemed disappointed. Blake noticed the Empress's hate towards Denali and he couldn't wait to figure it out.

- If she is willing to pledge her loyalty to you and to our Empire officially, I'd grant your wish son. - Edgar said and they both bowed in front of him.

- Thank you father for your generosity. - Edgar turned to Denali.

- I don't think you understand what this means young lady. If you pledge your loyalty, even if you go back to your tribe one day, you could never hurt Prince Blake and must obey his orders. Even if he orders to end your life. - Noah noticed how Blake's hands clenched into fists and his aura became pitch black. As if it wanted to swallow everything around it. Denali nodded.

- I know what it means, and I'm willing to do it if that's what his Highness orders. - Edgar nodded and turned to Blake.

- Think about ot carefully tonight of this is really what you want son. Once its decided there is no turning back. - Blake nodded and they went back to their bedrooms. Later that night Noah sneaked into Blake's room and tried to get next to him in his bed. But Blake woke up and pinned Noah to the bed with a knife at his throat.

- Bro... Brother... It's me! - Noah mumbled and Blake took the dagger back.

- For the love of Gods Noah! I could've killed you! Never sneak in like this! Knock for f***s sake!