I was already learning that I would have no choice but to do whatever Tigra told me to do, something I had not thought about when I became Tigra’s Guardian. I would have to ask dad more about when he was Guardian to King Alton. I’d only seen a small part when I saw the past, he seemed a handful.

Heading to the throne room, we were already getting quite a lot of stares, just walking behind Tigra, in a formation I had chosen. I was right by Tigra, followed by Zack, Dash and then Link at the back, no way anyone would be able to sneak up on him.

To be honest I thought the four of us following Tigra around was a little too much, but it was only for today, so I wasn’t going to worry about it too much.

I kept hearing things like:

“Are those the crown princess’s new Guardians.”

“Four of them, are they that worried about her being attacked.”

“What a powerful selection.”

“I thought Dumah was going to be her Guardian.”

“Whoa, Fang, he’s one of her Guardians now.”

“I heard he’s the only survive of his specialised unit.”

“What happened to the rest?”

“Ambush, I think.”

“I heard one other survived, thanks to him.”

“I just hope he can protect our princess.”

Some of the words were directed at me. I pushed forward ignoring them completely, even though I saw Tigra look back at me with sorrow in her expression; she was the only one I had told about how the whole thing went down, she was the only one who knew how I truly felt.

“Keep walking forward. I am fine.” I whispered, she nodded, but I could tell she was not convinced.

Making it to the throne room, it was filled with a verity of Feles from Uncia to Leos, some Panthera Pardus from the herb village, Smilodon, Onca and many more.

I felt a bit nervous with all of them staring at me, but I kept my eyes on Tigra, staying focused as we approached the king.

I glanced down at Raziel who was already on guard, ready for any signals I gave to defend. I looked ahead again to see Dumah standing there next to the King, the veil of darkness spreading out across the room, it was far stronger than before, had the Draco somehow made them stronger.

“Late.” I heard dad’s voice as he came into the hall, in an instant the dark mist was halved. I caught a glimpse of him moving closer to the front. King Alton nodded to him, and dad went to stand on the other side of him. “Sorry.” He whispered.

Standing next to King Alton, Dumah struggled to keep his darkened influence in the room, obviously dad’s purification ability was still far stronger than his dark power.

Queen Daz smiled seeing us all together, she seemed even more sure of her choice in Guardians for her daughter.

King Alton greeted his daughter warmly, standing up to hug her, then he looked towards us, as the four of us stood in a line behind Tigra. Never in the history of Cathopia had a royal had so many Guardians, usually two, but not four.

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“I have brought you here to introduce Cathopia to those who will protect my daughter, the crowned Princess Tigra!” King Alton raised his voice so all those in the hall could hear him. I noticed Loki and Hunter standing beside Queen Daz. “Each one has been selected for their strength and loyalty. Zack, son of Gual.” Zack stepped forward hearing his name, the others followed. “Dash, Link.” King Alton looked at me with a strange smile. “And legendary Fang.” I stepped forward and we all bowed.

I heard whispering again as my name spread across the room. “Can someone like him really protect the princess.” I wanted to turn and challenge every single one of them to a fight, I’d prove I had a right to stand beside Tigra if I had too. Raziel rubbed himself against me, he was trying to calm me down.

“Are you sure your majesty.” Dumah spoke up. “He is mysteriously one of two survivors of his unit.” He was trying to get in the way again.

“Silence!” King Alton raised his voice. “These fine warriors were handpicked by my wife, the queen.” He had already approved of Queen Daz’s choices. “If anyone has doubts about their skills then they are more than welcome to challenge them.” He glanced at Dumah. “If I remember correctly you lost in your last challenge against Fang.” Dumah snarled as he brought it up. “These are the finest our Kingdom has to offer; may they all protect my daughter well.”

I bowed, speaking up. “I will make it my life’s mission to protect Princess Tigra from anyone or thing that wishes to harm her.” My eyes meet Dumah’s as I said those words, he would never touch Tigra, or subject her to influences of the darkness.

“I am sure you will young Fang,” nodded King Alton. “Now let Cathopia know your presence.” He raised his arms with a smile. “And may the festival begin!” He raised his voice to fill the hall. Everyone in the room cheered.

I nodded. “This way your highness.” I sometimes found it hard to be formal with Tigra, considering it was not very often I used her titles when I spoke to her, or around other Animalia, but now I was her Guardian I would have to take protecting her seriously and that also meant how I treated her while in the presence of others.

“Of course.” Tigra took the lead. Now we would follow her to the festival grounds, which was the large area outside the castle, usually filled with food venders and games, unfortunately while on duty protecting Tigra, I would not get a chance to enjoy playing anything.

“So, when do we get to play games.” Dash whispered excitedly.

“No.” I glanced back. “The only one to return home after the walk around the festival is Zack, ready for night duties. The rest of us are to remain on duty, until Zack relieves us.”

“Oh, very serious.” Dash pouted. I shook my head.

“You can have fun at the festival if you want Dash,” said Tigra as we left the castle.

“Tigra,” I hissed.

“Come on, lighten up.”

“We are on duty, there is no time to be playing about.” I snapped.

“Uh um.” She cleared her throat.

“Of course, your highness.” I sighed, feeling more like a dog on a leash by the second.

“Good.” Tigra clapped her hand. “Can I just quickly change.”

“Why?” We haven’t been up that long,” I commented.

“This outfit will match the festival more, please,” she pleaded.

“I don’t have a choice do I,” I said.

“You’re getting it,” she beamed, and we headed to her room.

While waiting outside I had Dash head off to check the area around the festival, just to make sure no one suspicious were wondering around. I was going to make sure she always remained safe.

Tigra reappeared in a beautiful dress, I stared at her in awe. The dress blue blending into purple the lower you looked, set off the shoulders, the skirt swiping round, the front shorter than the back, and an elegant lace shaw wrapped around her. She looked in my direction, smiling.

“Sorry I took so long.” She came closer.

I barely managed to get the words out, so captivated by her beauty. “Don’t worry about it.” I gulped. “They would have waited all night if they had to.”

“Really.”

“Area clear.” Dash came running over.

“Oh… Good.” My attention went to Dash. “Keep it up.” I glanced at Tigra. “You can play a few games as long as you stay on guard.”

“Can I?” He jumped in the air and rushed off.

“How nice,” smiled Tigra.

“Shall we, your highness.” I held my arm out. “Allow me to escort you.”

“Of course.” Tigra took my arm, and we headed off together.