The carriage ride back to the castle had been quiet. Edwin's chin rested on his palm, propped upon the door, as he stared out of the small window of the closure.

Edwin and Sirius had said their final farewells before we had climbed into the carriage, surrounded by the student onlookers. Now, we headed back to the estate escorted by the sound of hooves. I stared at the Crown Prince; his eyebrows furrowed. His gaze appeared dazed, as he absently watched the passing buildings outside. Alas, it wasn’t my place to question him in the uncharacteristic silence.

Instead, my eyes peered over to the other end of the carriage bed, watching as he slumped on the side of his seat. "This new side of the carefree prince that I knew was almost refreshing. I had assumed earlier about the real reason for the visit, but this reaction only further proved my suspicions.

He sighed heavily, crossing his arms, before glancing back over at me, “…So, did you enjoy your time in the academy? How did it feel to be surrounded by normal children your age?”

Despite his attempts at small talk, the Crown Prince could not hide the trouble behind his eyes. It was a horrendous poker face. What royalty didn’t master that?

“Lackluster.” I answered sparingly, “Are they really the future of the kingdom at that level of skill?” I scoffed.

This broke Edwin out of his daze. He let out a soft chuckle, grinning, “You know, most teenagers aren’t capable of subduing multiple attackers without breaking a sweat.”

“I’m more aware of that now.” I acknowledged, thinking back to the multiple skill levels of the students. Pathetic.

He sighed, adjusting himself to the middle of the leather seats, “Anyway, Guard Asta, I didn’t know you were familiar with Sirius.”

Familiar? That’s a little farfetched to describe that relationship.

“I wouldn’t say familiar. I just happened to hitch a ride with him when I was with Jamie.” I explained, reaching over to close the curtains to the carriage window on his side, “I was not aware of his position at the academy if that’s what you’re hinting at.”

Edwin shook his head, holding a hand up to dismiss my assumption, “Guard Asta, it’s not that. It just made me aware that I hardly know anything about you.”

His eyes danced, now glancing down at his feet. The prince leaned forward, sighing, “Most of that information would have been covered had you followed the proper channels to enter the royal guards. Unfortunately, you were a special entry.”

It didn’t matter. Because with-or-without the check, to their eyes, I would have just appeared out of thin air. Oh, I see now. Maybe…

I sighed, “I don’t have any reason to betray you, Edwin, if that’s what you’re thinking,” I answered curtly, ignoring the shocked expression on his face, “If I wanted you dead, you would have been already.”

“Want me dead? Wait. Did you just…No matter,” Edwin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, “It’s not that. Thank you for that reassurance though.”

It wasn’t precisely reassurance. I just didn’t have many options at my disposal at this point.

“Then, what is it?” I poked further, curious as to what had the happy-go-lucky prince in a jumble.

He exhaled, looking me straight in the eye, “Well…,” Edwin hesitated, “…Do you have any siblings?”

“Excuse me?” I raised my eyebrow, “Why do you care?”

He cleared his throat “I have a younger brother, but he’s from another lady that my father courted. So, he reigns as a duke in the Kingdom.”

I didn’t sign up for meet-the-family.

“And I care because?” I stared at him blankly.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Wait.

“Have you been quiet because you wanted to learn more about me?” I clarified, honestly disappointed. From what I’d learned from my abbreviated time in the presence of Edwin was that he was a simple human.

“Yes! I would love to learn more about you!” He cheered, instantly perking up from his slumped demeanor.

A part of him reminded me of my second brother, as scary as that was. I wasn’t thrilled to answer questions, but the resemblance chained me. I crossed my arms, raising my hand to hold up three fingers, “You have three questions. I could refuse to answer if I chose. Deal?”

Edwin smiled, nodding eagerly, “Deal. Do you have any siblings, Guard Asta?”

“I have two older brothers. I’m not close to the oldest and the other one annoys me.” I answered, nearly cringing at the mere thought of the second prince’s doting. Can’t say I missed it.

“Well, if they ever visit Trane – you’re welcome to invite them to the estate,” Edwin offered. Hah.

“Trust me. You don’t want them to ever come here,” I scoffed, “My family aren’t the nicest individuals.”

The only reason that would happen would be to attack the kingdom, but the dear prince didn’t need to know that. It was the thought that counted, I guess.

“…Oh. Okay,” He laughed nervously, “…so, how about parents? Do they know you’re here?”

I almost felt bad about the answers that he was bound to get. But it wasn’t my fault that he kept foolishly asking.

“Never knew my mother. My father disowned me,” I wasted no time sugarcoating my reality.

Edwin frowned, a look of pity scorning across his features, “I’m sorry about that. I can’t say that I’m close to my father either.”

To this, I did have my own question, “Didn’t he visit the estate recently, though?”

“He did. But it was to discuss political matters that have been going on.” Edwin sighed, adjusting his golden coat.

Political matters? I kept this comment in the back of my mind. From what I was aware of this timeline, the wars were still going on. If not slightly, there was a need for military forces. I doubted I would have been scouted so soon if that were not the case. Whether or not, it regarded Hellion, I would need to question Dagon about it sometime. There hadn’t been enough time to reach through to him, nor did I have the opportunity to risk doing it haphazardly. If plans worked out like promised, then I would have the rest of the night to attempt to contact my general. Well, Former general.

From the gap in the carriage, I caught a glimpse of the estate in the distance. It’s noticeable, grand outline against the horizon, rapidly approached by our carriage. Calls from the carriage man dawned, as the horses trotted up to the gate. Soon my duties of escorting the blonde bitch would be ceased. For that, I couldn’t help but feel excited.

I held up one finger, “You have one more question, your Highness. Use it well, Edwin.”

“You know, you never talk to me formally.” He sighed, shaking his head, “Okay. I know. Guard Asta, would you want to be my personal guard from now on?”

Pause. Was he crazy? My eyes darted toward the prince, who leaned forward eagerly, waiting for my response.

I pointed to myself, “Me?” Then, I pointed to him, “To be your guard?” Pfft.

No way. There was no way that I’d subject myself to that. Nope.

He nodded, “I can talk to Sir Serlon about it. But Sirius was the one that suggested that I appoint a personal guard.”

For what reason? Edwin had authority over considerable amounts of guards and military resources. Asking someone that they barely knew? It was a walking security risk.

I sighed, holding my hand to my face, “And why would he suggest that?”

“…I can’t tell you yet,” He deflected, “But I can if you become my personal guard!”

Oh. If that was the case…

“I’ll pass. Hire someone that’s worked here longer than a week, dipshit,” I countered, watching the prince’s expression turn into a pout.

“Why?” He started to whine before the door to the carriage swung open to an exhausted-looking Serlon. Whiny ass.

Why? Because it wasn’t worth the headache. Simple as that. No longer did I hold a reason to obtain information for my father. I would not be returning to Hellion, ever. Becoming the Crown Prince’s guard held weight in reputation and responsibilities. Responsibilities that I wasn’t sure that I desired in the slightest.

Even with the head guard standing at the opening, Edwin continued pestering, “Why, Guard Asta? I consider you, my friend.”

“We’re not friends, nor would I ever want to be yours,” I shook my head, wasting no time to hop down. Slipping past Serlon, I said, “Second, I agreed to three questions, not four. Why? Figure it out yourself.”

“You’re horrible…” The prince exhaled, looking to his head guard for help. Serlon could only glance at the scene in confusion.

“I try to be.” I chirped, waiting outside the carriage as Edwin attempted to climb out in his bulky attire.

“What’s going on?” Serlon sighed, already rubbing his temples. Dark circles had formed under his eyes, giving the knight an exasperated appearance.

“You don’t want to know...” I sighed, shaking my head. At this rate, we were both going to have to retire early. Human royalty was so needy.

“This is perfect,” Edwin said, walking alongside Serlon to the doors of the estate, “I was wondering if Asta could be appointed as my personal guard.”

I felt Serlon’s stare as I walked in front of the two. His voice was cautious, “He’s only been working here for close to a week. I’d rather you had one of the other guards escorts you. Eran, Gunnar, someone like that.”

“And I agree.” I chimed in, turning around to give Serlon a thumbs up.

He grumbled, “Besides, Asta is only sixteen. That’s a lot of pressure for someone of his age.”

“…I guess that’s true, but still,” Edwin added, “He’d be less noticeable if I wanted to attract less attention.”

Serlon paused for a second. It was silent as the guard contemplated this, “I suppose that’s true.”

Edwin’s voice piped up, “Yes! Exactly! So, I don’t think it would be a bother to assign him at least occasionally, as my personal guard.”

“I’ll have to think about it…” Serlon gave in, nodding to the soldiers that were stationed outside of the estate’s doors. They bowed, shouting their greetings to the Sun of the Kingdom, “Your Royal Highness! Future of the Kingdom! Crown Prince Edwin!” The two soldiers addressed; their bodies still folded over in respect.

Serlon cleared his throat, “Rise.” He declared to his troops, then glanced back over at the Crown Prince, “Your Highness, you have some urgent papers to sign off on in your office.”

Edwin nodded, giving one last look before disappearing into the estate doors. I played with the hilt of my sword, waiting in silence. Serlon stood by my side, as the two soldiers stood stationed at the open doors.

“Asta, how are you liking the guard position?” Serlon questioned, his gaze falling on mine. His expression heeded a layer of conflict.

“I mean, it’s fine.” I shrugged, “I always assumed the guardship would be more strenuous. We’ve only had to do escorts and basic patrols.”

He gave a halfhearted smile, reaching his hand over to pat my back, “I’m glad. If it ever gets too much for you, then come talk to me. There are openings in the lower posts that are less stressful.”

“…Right. Sure.” I gave a sideways glance to the tired guard, “I’m not as fragile as you think I am, old man.”

Serlon chuckled, tiredly, “I know, Asta. But you’re still sixteen. You’re just a kid.”

I lifted my hand, starting to stroll off into the estate, “I’m fine, Serlon.”

And it was the truth. I’m fine with the way things are. I was growing content with my current position.

Even if it was among humans.