Chapter Text
Paulo quietly walked the grand hallways of the Carlis mansion in full gear. The tall pristine walls and marble floor were adorned with paintings and ornaments, something that he was sure costed multiple of lifetimes.
He wasn't exactly a fan of the grandeur. He has long resigned himself into thinking of serving the Kingdom after leading a number of wars and combats. After his father, the late Colonel Lieutenant Ted, second knight of the King Zeus, died, he has taken positions and a number of posts to take over. But certainly, this post now is not something that he imagined he would do after gaining the royal family's favor.
"I disagree."
Paulo stared at his superior in incredulity. He wasn't particularly happy with the General Commander's decision. He knew it was long time coming but he thought he still has time looking for a replacement before it comes down to this.
A few weeks before, their General Commander already told them of the upcoming marriage of the Prince Ken of the Land Zeryo and Princess Ren of the Kingdom Carlis. Two of the most powerful kingdoms joining forces meant mortal threats. Subsequently, that also needed heightened security controls.
Which now brings him here.
While he has known the Prince for a time now given that they had a few encounters during their combats with rivaling kingdoms, guarding the sole Princess meant to be Prince Ken's future spouse, was not something that he looked forward to if he had a choice.
"I assigned you to that job for a reason, Paulo." His leader declared after putting down the papers that he is holding. Removing his specs, he regarded one of his most trusted soldier. "That's an order."
Paulo hissed. The man wasn't getting it. He wasn't entirely fond of the royals. The only reason why he's serving them by fighting wars was because his mother asked him to do it, to serve the community, the greater good. But joining the royal's affairs was not something he dreamed of. Not even close.
Further, given his status, he knew that being the dedicated soldier to the Princess meant an entirely knew role altogether. He will have to stand by the royal 24/7, being part of their whims and daily routine, holding security and all the unwanted and unnecessary stuff given that he'll be guarding a young one.
"I can only trust you with the Princess, Paulo."
Paulo didn't think that the General Commander understood. But there was also this look in his eyes which told him that he sympathized. Further, given the current situation of the upcoming change in Kingship once the two royal families are congregated, a looming threat over the crown is being posed by one of the Suson's abandoned bloodline. And yet, he could not help but think how the timing puts him at a great disadvantage, especially when his cycle will begin in about a month or so from now.
"You know the reason why I am having second thoughts about this." Paulo finally stated, not really intending to highlight this particular fact.
The General Commander looked at him, eyes remaining stoic. But the gentleness in the man's voice told him he equally regretted the decision.
"It's fine. The Princess is an omega. Further, King Von, the Princess' father, made a request. He wanted you to guard his daughter."
Fuck.
Ever since his father died, he has been more exposed to the royalty. And that means gaining recognition and more work. Which is the exact opposite of what he wanted, less interaction with their family as much as possible.
"Gen--."
"Paulo..." There was pleading in the man's voice as he said it. "You're dismissed."
The only reason why he's even considering this now is because he wanted to return the favor for Prince Ken who has always been kind to him. Except for that, he has had enough.
A few weeks ago, one of the royals and their noblemen, nephew of the King, hit on him like the number of times he did so with reckless abandon. Like he was not even a soldier to begin with. One touch on the hilt of his sword though gave these men enough warning to halt their advances.
One night during their drinking sessions with the rest of the knight battalion, brigadier and the Commander General, Prince Ken graced the after party with his presence and had a drink with them. From there, he exchanged a few words with the man.
"It's no use. Even if you tie your hair, they will still hit on you." Prince Ken stated as he sat beside him holding a bottle of beer.
Paulo was surprised about the man joining him, much more that the Prince is now downing a beer. But what did he even mean by saying things like that?
"Wield the sword, they might step back." The Prince continued. "Or call me, I'm considering giving them a hard lesson."
Paulo smiled as he chugged on his beer.
"Accept my gratitude, my Lord. But I can handle it from here." He responded. The Prince then gave him a side look.
"Alright. Just...just don't let it affect you. If you want to wear your hair down, do so. Whatever style it is, it suits you."
Paulo stared as the Prince stood.
"Got another beer?" Prince Ken asked. The man then looked at his half-finished bottle and took it from him. "I'm taking this."
Prince Ken then declared as he chugged at Paulo's bottle without fuss and hesitation.
Paulo smiled as he watched the man walk away.
Paulo stopped in front of the large oak doors. He already spoke with the King and had the rest of the royals introduced. Now, he would need to meet King Von's daughter.
In a span of a month, the marriage of the two kingdoms will be consumated. And he hoped by that time that he would get another post other than being the Princess' guard.
He knocked on the door. As the servants mentioned, the Princess should be in her room. He particularly hated introductions, but he would have to get by on this one.
As soon as he got the signal, Paulo entered the room, hands touching the hilt of his sword. Habits do die hard, so they say.
Paulo took in the lavish setting as soon as he stepped inside the Princess' room. The exorbitant cherry wood oak and amber finished furtniture, the priced bed and satin sheets, the layers of ebony and gold. As he stepped on the center of the wide expanse of blank space, something hooked on his arms as he saw a young woman, probably about 16 to 18 years old grinning happily at him.
"Are you my knight?"
Paulo stared at the young woman clinging to him as the other happily moved about around him. She is pretty with her long dark tresses and soft brown eyes staring back at him in wonder. However, he could tell that she has child-like attitude from the way she welcomed him.
Should she really be marrying another royal at such a young age?
Nodding, the woman squealed and clapped her hands. He then kneeled before the Princess and bowed his head.
"Let me serve you as your loyal soldier, your Highness."
Unbeknowst to him, the Princess sat on the floor, dress falling around her. She then touched her face, head tilting to look at him.
"You look quite pretty for a soldier."
That took him by surprise.
The young woman then asked. "Are you sure you're not a princess too?"
Paulo blinked. He was in his full armor, hair tied in a neat ponytail, and looking masculine enough to tell him that he is male.
The Princess smiled at him again, looking at his tied tresses and she asked.
"Would you mind if I braid your hair?"