I moved some of my belongings into my room, getting Tigra to help me carry a few things from the bakery, which felt strange gathering up my stuff, never thought I would be leaving home, mind the move wasn’t too far, I was still in the castle. I left some stuff in bags to collect a little later.

After unpacking some of the stuff I decided it was time for a break and started jumping up and down on my bed to test it and making the place feel a bit more like home. It was super springy and strong. I encouraged Tigra to join me who thought I was being silly, perhaps I had wanted to, hoping to chase away some of the emotion within me. I felt a sense of dread at to what the future held as Tigra’s Guardian, I still wasn’t sure if I could protect her.

Tigra laughed. “Good to see you laughing again.”

“Sorry if I worried you.” I put on a smile just for her.

“I can jump higher than you.” Tigra jumped.

“Yeah right.” I laughed.

There was a knock at the door, and a voice called in. “Alex.” It was mum. She slowly opened the door peeking in, we stopped mid jump. Mum smiled. “Having fun.”

“No,” I coughed jumping down. “How did you know I was here?”

“We brought your remaining stuff round,” mentioned dad, coming in next, carrying the remaining bags. “Well done my boy.” Dad looked at Tigra, still standing on the bed. “Testing it?”

“Yes.” Tigra jumped down.

Dad looked around. “Not much has changed, apart from the furniture.”

“You know this room?” Tigra asked curiously.

“This was my room when I was your father’s Guardian,” replied dad. “I had the hot tub installed in the bathroom.”

“Seriously.” I was surprised to hear he used to live here.

Dad put my bags down. “I also brought some stuff for Tigra.” Dad picked up one of the smaller boxes. “Your favourite snacks.”

“Thank you.” Tigra took the box off him and peeked inside. “Yummy.” I smiled looking at her affectionately. It made me happy seeing her happy, her joy was infectious.

“Congrates for finally telling her,” grinned dad.

“You told him already,” I sighed.

“About time,” commented dad. “He’s been meaning to tell you for a long time now.” Dad let out a little chuckle.

“Yeah, I know,” nodded Tigra. “I am still worried though, Dumah has been pushing harder to force dad to let him become my betrothed.”

“It’ll be fine. Everyone is fated to find their soulmates and you’ve found yours, sure there may be a few more challenges along the way, but everything will work out as the goddess intends.” Dad moved towards the door. “We’ll let you settle in, tomorrow everyone will know who protects the future queen of our city.”

“Make sure you look after her.” Mum waved as they left the room.

“Want me to help you unpack?” asked Tigra.

“That would be great.” I nodded, letting out a sigh glad my parents had finally left.

“What did he mean by everyone will know tomorrow that I am your Guardian?” I asked.

“It is the royal festival tomorrow and of course I will be accompanied by my new Guardians, all of you have to be present,” responded Tigra heading over to one of the boxes.

“Oh, that randomly occurring festival the queen sets up to announce stuff, and this time it will be about us,” I sighed. “Great, just what I need, to be the centre of attention.”

“Yep.” Tigra was already digging through my stuff, first thing she came across was my clothes. “Your mum packed everything.” She held up my shorts.

“Hey.” I dashed over snatching them off her. “I don’t go looking at your underwear.”

Tigra laughed looking through a different bag. “Oh.” She pulled out one of the swords we used to play fight with. “Remember how I used to kick your butt.”

“Excuse me.” I looked at her. “Who beat who?”

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“Me beat you.” Tigra said slowly, smiling.

“I don’t think so.” I disagreed. Tigra let out a laugh, then we heard a knock from her side of the room.

Tigra dashed over, opening the door. “Stay close just in case.” I nodded. “And don’t come through this door, we don’t want others knowing about it.”

“Understood.” I nodded.

Tigra disappeared into her room, closing the door behind her. I walked over to the door, putting my ear against it. I wondered who would be calling Tigra, when everyone knew she would be preparing her new Guardians for their duties.

“Tigra.” All the hairs on my body stood on end as I heard the voice of Dumah.

“What do you want?” she asked, her voice displeased too by his visit.

“I came to see you, my betrothed.” I heard him brush passed Tigra.

“What do you think you’re doing, get out.” Tigra’s voice became agitated. “I’m not your betrothed.”

“You do need protecting and who better than me to do it.” He sounded so smug.

“I have my Guardians,” snapped Tigra.

“No one can do a better job at protecting you than me.” I heard scuffling.

“Get off!” cried Tigra. I dashed out of my room, to her main door, ready to burst in, but I had to restrain myself. “If you don’t leave, I will call my Guardians.”

“I doubt they’re even that loyal,” remarked Dumah.

“You think.” Tigra whistled. I smirked; it was the signal.

I pushed open the door. “You called your highness.” I heard the doors of Dash and Zack also open; they were standing behind me within seconds. We all turned as Link came in from the balcony doors. I gave him a weird look but would ask him questions later.

“You!” snarled Dumah, redirecting the situation towards me. He held Tigra’s wrists tightly, she seemed to wince, he was hurting her. I had to control myself from taring him to pieces.

“I believe you are trespassing,” I said.

“I am with my betrothed,” commented Dumah.

“I don’t think so.” I shook head, getting tired of this rubbish.

“Of course, I am!” shouted Dumah.

“Then where is the royal betrothal sword.” Zack had spoken up this time. “You are not even considered betrothed unless Princess Tigra gives you the betrothal sword.”

“Which means?” I tried to encourage Dumah to answer, but he only snarled at me. “You are trespassing in her highness’s room, without permission, punishable by imprisonment.”

“What are you going to do about it?” Dumah held Tigra tighter. “She will be mine.”

“I don’t think so,” I hissed.

“Fang did you want me to get the queen?” asked Dash. Dumah’s eyes widened.

“Only when I give the signal.” I lifted my hand, ready to click my fingers.

“Damn you.” Dumah pulled away from Tigra, barging passed us he left.

I shrugged. “Don’t know why he’s so scared of the queen.” Tigra rushed over hugging me. “Tigra.”

“Thank you.” She burrowed her face in my chest.

I glanced back at the others. “Scared her.” They both agreed.

“I hope you never marry him,” commented Dash.

“You’ll be okay Princess Tigra.” Zack put on a smile. “Fang will stay with you until it is my turn to guard you.”

“Okay.” She nodded, pulling away from me. “Thank you all for coming.”

“It is our duty,” bowed Zack.

“I will keep an eye on Dumah,” said Link, leaving the way he had come. Zack and Dash, both gave me a nod and left too.

I took Tigra over to the seat and had her sit down. I sat next to her. “You’re okay now.”

“I know.” With no one there, she went back to hugging me. “I wish Dumah would just disappear.”

“One day he will,” I said. “When I become stronger, I will destroy him and those who killed my friends.”

“I know you will.” She touched my cheek and smiled, before laying her head on my lap. I was a little surprised but acted cool. I just smiled at her, smiling as she closed her eyes.

I stayed as still as I could for the longest time. Tigra had fallen into a deep sleep as her breathing became more relaxed. I heard a gentle knock at the door, I thought Tigra would stir but she didn’t.

Zack popped his head in before entering fully. “I have come to relieve you.” He whispered.

“Great.” I whispered back. Slowly moving out from under Tigra’s head and placing it on the seat. I looked down at her fondly.

“Not going to leave her there, are you?” Zack came up beside me.

“What else am I supposed to do with her?” I questioned. Zack just looked over to her bed. “But…”

“She’ll be more comfortable.” I let out a sigh, he wasn’t going to let me leave until I did.

“Okay.” Taking a deep breath, I slowly lifted the sleeping Tigra into my arms, carrying her over to the bed. Zack removed the covers and I put her down.

“You must remember we are more than just her Guardians,” said Zack as he covered her over.

“Learn everything from your dad?” I asked.

“Yeah,” he nodded.

I smiled tucking Tigra in. “More than just her Guardians.” I repeated.

Without a word we both left the room. Zack stood at attention at the door, while I headed to my room. I yawned.

“Sleep well Fang.”

“I will.”

I headed into my room, stripping my top off before laying myself on the bed. I really could not be asked to be picky; it was time to try and get some sleep; it had been a very long day and more than I thought had happened.

My dream and promise had come true, but I wondered if I could truly protect Tigra from Dumah and the growing darkness.