“Kira, do you know what Prince James has planned for us?” Aeria asked.

“From everything I have seen Prince James is a genius. He is clearly talented in swordsmanship based on his spar with the captain. Add in his ability to use battle magic and healing, I do not know of anyone in history skilled in all those areas. In the battle against the necromancer, it was at first total chaos. Yet our prince seemed to hone right in on where the necromancer was located, and from what I’ve been told, took him out singlehandedly.”

“I heard those stories too.” Anara commented.

“I answered your question Aeria with this so you can gain some idea of what he is capable of. Prince James seems to think several steps ahead. Whatever he has planned I feel it will take us some time to fully comprehend.” Kira replied.

“Having a battle mage squad is not unheard-of.” Aeria stated.

“That is true Aeria. But having one that is part of a personal squad is.” Kira answered.

“Having battle mages who can hold their own or tip the scales of a fight only makes sense. I can see why my old teacher Lady Rollara praises him so. I can see cold calculations in his eyes.” Anara said.

“I see glimpses of that, but I believe he is more driven by instinct or his gut. There is compassion in those eyes too, you can’t be such an effective healer without it.” Kira stated.

“Yes, I saw the warmth in his eyes but hopefully that doesn’t interfere with doing whatever is required in the middle of battle.” Anara said.

Shaking her head Kira replied, “Always the heart of ice Anara.”

“But of course! I do have some winter fey in my bloodline if my grandmother is to be believed.” Anara stated.

“One day I hope someone can melt that cold shell Anara.” Shaking her head again at how calculating her friend is, Kira turned her attention to her duties. “There is much to discuss my old friends.”

“Yes, let us discuss. This will be the first time since the Royal Academy where we will be able to team up again. My support Magic, Anara’s ice damage, and your amazing heals we were unstoppable.” Aeria said happily.

“I agree. It will be nice to team up again.” Kira said.

“Yes, it will be good to stand side by side in battle.” Anara stated.

Simmons approached nodding to the Tempest squad, “Ladies.”

“Lieutenant.” The three ladies replied in unison.

“Sergeant Kira, have you determined who will be covering what shift?” Simmons asked.

“We have not yet decided Lieutenant. However, Anara can cover the first shift. It would do her good to get to know the prince’s routine. As we are light on those with healing abilities I will coordinate with Mira on Leonard’s availability.” Kira said.

“How sensible of you.” LT Simmons said as he thought to himself, ‘I’m surprised, her and Mira seem obsessed with him, though Rita is not much different.’

Coming out of his thoughts, “Very well Kira, we can sort out the details later. It might be best to change the rotations up for a bit to help everyone get used to working together. I have already instructed Sergeant Thorn to assign his people and pick rooms.” LT Simmons stated as he pointed in the direction of another set of doors.

“Rooms lieutenant?” Aeria asked.

“Yes. I think there are enough rooms in the prince’s wing of the palace for each squad to pick a bedroom to use when off duty. I already reserved the one closest to his majesty for your Tempest squad. You’re welcome.” Simmons said as he watched the expressions on their faces light up.

‘Oh, the shenanigans I can see coming. The prince has no idea what he has gotten into. It is only a matter of time.’ Simmons thought.

“Good night.” Simmons said before turning around and heading to his room to get some shuteye.

“Just like Simmons, blunt, to the point, and no broker for an argument.” Anara said.

“It has served him well.” Kira commented.

“Nice backside too.” Aeria replied as she looked at the door LT Simmons entered.

“Aeria!” Kira admonished.

“What? I can look.” Aeria answered.

“You never change Aeria. You move like a breeze from one interest to the next.” Anara commented.

“Blame it on my element. I let the wind carry me to my next destination. Ha, ha, ha.” Aeria giggled.

‘I better chime in before they get into another element debate.’ Kira thought before speaking up. “Alright you two, let us discuss how we want to do our shifts.”

— -

Morning came quickly for Anara. She could not understand why she felt nervous. ‘Perhaps all the stories I’ve heard about the prince make him an interesting mystery? What is he planning? Why a focus on mages known for battle magic?’ Anara thought while she waited for Prince James to awaken and come out for breakfast.

The food had just been delivered by one of the servants.

‘According to Kira, Prince James is usually an early riser.’ Anara thought.

During her musing she looked at the other knights on duty with her, Sergeant Callus Thorn and Leonard Phillips. Callus, ever the professional, was standing at attention guarding Prince James’s bedroom door. Leonard Phillips was standing by the suite entrance and looked nervous as hell.

‘I don’t think anyone expected Leonard of all people to become a personal royal knight, least of all Leonard himself. The man is hapless as ever.’ Anara chuckled internally to herself.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Just then Prince James’ bedroom door opened as Prince James walked out of his room shirtless. Missing shirt in his hand.

Anara’s mouth opened and blatantly stared at Prince James’ half naked figure.

‘How is he so ripped?!’ Was the only thing Anara’s brain could think of for a moment. Once her brain finally caught up, she realized the prince had said something to her. Closing her mouth and wiping the partial drool she replied, “I’m sorry your highness, what was that?”

“I said, all of you please sit and join me for breakfast.” Prince James stated again.

“That would not be proper, your grace.” Sergeant Callus replied.

“Nonsense! You are my personal royal knights and as you can see there is more than enough food, Sergeant. I make sure the maids know to bring enough.” Prince James said before smiling as he continued, “You wouldn’t be disobeying an order now would you Sergeant?” Prince James asked.

Sergeant Callus quickly replied and took a seat. “No, your majesty! Thank you for thinking of us.”

‘He really needs to put a shirt on! This is super distracting.’ Anara thought before she too took a seat.

Leonard timidly took a seat as well, looking completely lost in what he should be doing in this situation.

“Anara, right?” Prince James asked.

“Yes, your majesty!” Anara said while staring at his chest and abs.

“Is something the matter Anara? You seem rather distracted. Did you not get enough rest?” Prince James asked.

Blushing Anara replied, “My apologies your majesty. I’m just deep in thought.”

“Ah. I can understand that. I too can get lost in my own thoughts.” Prince James said.

“Was the Prince in mid-process of putting his shirt on?” Sergeant Callus said, realizing what was really distracting Anara.

“Ah yes. Thank you, Sergeant. It appears I too got distracted.” Prince James replied while putting his shirt on.

After he adjusted his shirt, Prince James turned to the sergeant “May I call you Callus?”

“Your Grace can do whatever he likes! It would honor me to be called so informally by your highness.” Callus replied.

“Excellent. Now let’s eat. Don’t be shy Leonard. You look nervous as hell.” Prince James said as he turned his attention to Leonard.

“Uh, yes... as you command, your highness!” Leonard awkwardly answered.

“Calm yourself man. Right now, just consider this situation as four people sharing a meal together. Drop all the pretense and stop worrying, you already got the job.” Prince James stated in the hopes to help the man start to relax.

‘He concerns himself of others. Kira was right, he is compassionate. Normally that would turn me off from someone. Getting lost in emotions is too dangerous in battle. Yet I find his concern endearing.’ Anara thought as she watched Prince James.

“Anara please eat, it is important you remain in good health.” Prince James said as he winked at her.

‘What is this heat in my heart? I feel the ice around it melting. What is happening to me?!’ Anara thought to herself as her cheeks reddened again for the second time.

“You look a little flushed Anara, are you feeling well? Do you require healing?” Prince James asked her.

Leonard, realizing he could be of use, began to rise from his seat. “I can help heal you if you require it Lady Anara.”

“I’m fine my Prince.” Anara said before giving a cold look at Leonard. “I do not require healing Leonard. Sit back down.”

Turning back to Prince James, “I think you are right your majesty; I should eat something.” Anara said as she grabbed food and started to eat.

“I am always right, Ha, ha, ha.” Prince James said laughing to himself as if that was some inside joke.

After breakfast they all proceeded to the military training grounds to observe the officers and the other soldiers as they performed various exercises and battle routines.

‘I still cannot believe Prince James’ morning exercise routine is what they spend time practicing now. Where did he learn such effective routines.’ Anara thought while watching the soldiers’ exercises.

“Your Grace, may I ask you where you learned these morning routines?” Sergeant Callus asked.

‘So, I’m not the only one thinking about his impressive feats.’ Anara thought when she heard Callus’ question.

“I learned most of it from John and Susan.” Prince James replied as he thought, ‘Granted I learned it through gaining their memories and knowledge. Those two really did love the prince and their people. What is the old saying? Oh yes, they are never truly gone. They live on in us, in what they taught us and how they made us feel.’

Turning back to Callus after his quick moment of deep emotion and appreciation once again for everything he gained from the two elders.

“The famous adventurer duo that retired to help raise you?” Callus followed up after noticing Prince James seemed lost in thought.

“Yes, their knowledge was quite extensive.” Prince James replied.

“I would think so, they were some of the best this kingdom had to offer before they retired as a personal favor to the King and Queen. John the Lionheart was one of the most unstoppable fighters across the continent. He’s a legend and one of the reasons I wanted to become a royal knight.” Leonard said. Blushing once he realized the Prince, Callus, and Anara were staring at him.

“He speaks.” Callus joked.

“Of...course...I speak.” Leonard finally said after a moment.

“He’s joking with you Leonard. That is the clearest you’ve spoken all morning. You are quite timid you know, don’t be. I chose you for a reason so stop questioning why you are here.” Prince James said.

“Why did you choose him my prince?” Anara asked.

“What?” Prince James asked absently while watching the morning routine.

“Why did you choose Leonard? My understanding is he is quite average all around, barely eligible to be a knight.” Anara pressed wanting to know why the prince would choose such an inferior person to protect him.

This seemed to draw Prince James’s full attention. “Ah but that is what everyone is missing. He is average in Everything. Literally a jack-of-all-trades. Such a person is a perfect member to fill so many roles when needed.”

Seeing the three knights were all focused on him, Leonard included, Prince James continued. “People do not quickly see the value of Leonard because they only measure him by one skill in isolation compared to others who possess that one skill. Yet they are not seeing the entire capability of having a person be able to fill any gap or join any team.” Prince James said, getting more passionate about his stance as he talked.

‘Such passion, why do I want him to say such things about me in a passionate way.’ Anara thought but she managed to school her face and replied, “Fascinating. I had not considered it from such a perspective. You have given me something to consider in future battle tactics. Thank you, your majesty.”

“Thank you, your grace. No one has ever seen my skills in such a way or spoken so highly of me.” Leonard said while bowing to Prince James.

“You have sold yourself short Leonard. I will have you filling various roles in future missions. Be proud of your wide range of skills. Your potential is endless, and I intend to tap that keg.” Prince James told Leonard.

A moment later Prince James said more to himself than anyone else, “Phrasing! Got to watch how I say stuff with my high Charisma.”

“Come. Let us join the morning exercises. I feel like working off some of this energy.” Prince James said while walking onto the training field.

‘I could think of how I’d like you to use some that energy.’ Anara thought before rushing to follow.

Prince James observed his new personal royal knights as they trained as he considered what he had learned. It was clear his first impression of Callus Thorn was spot on. He was the personification of a loyal military officer and honorable knight. From the selection process he had learned that Callus was a former trainer which would serve his future plans quite nicely. Clearly a good addition to the team.

Leonard Phillips reminded Prince James of a typical nerdy and insecure guy who had no clue of his value or strengths. The moment Prince James realized he possessed so many skills it was clear Leonard had a hidden talent. This talent will be perfect to fill the gaps as needed. Hopefully the mini pep talk Prince James gave Leonard would help him begin to understand his value.

That left Anara. The woman many people called the Ice Queen due to her mastery of ice magic and her supposedly cold, calm, and calculating nature. However, Prince James didn’t see it. Sure, she was calculating and perhaps a bit abrasive but calm or cold? No, that was not the impression Prince James received. She seemed very passionate deep down. If he could tap into that passion to strengthen her capabilities, he would help her.

‘Though she did give off a bit of a yandere vibe, not complete psycho, but still something was there. I’m going to have to tread carefully with her and Mira.’ Prince James thought.