Relief

Balor's large frame turned to see who had challenged him. Sir Pudgy stood in defiance before realizing his opponent. He at least had the decency to look mortified when he saw he had just insulted the crown Princess.

"The people of Ensis are worth protecting. No matter their station. No matter their status, job or region within our borders." Although her speech rang out true with her tone full of bite, her voice was quiet. Alina did not want to cause a scene, but wanted to prove a point.

"Some are just worth protecting more? Why else have a whole clan whose original purpose was to protect the house of phoenix?" I think the man had a death wish. I deeply wanted to grant it.

Alina balled her fist. Although I had never seen her strike someone, I'm sure she witnessed Cali's temper strike something and had probably picked up a few pointers. I barely held my tongue, hoping that I had learned something from Alina's ball.

"My apologies, Your Magnanimous Highness. My clansman speaks for only himself. He does not understand the honor we experienced today being able to personally protect you. Maybe he would be better suited for a position without any distinction." Even bleeding Gavin stood. The future Swordsman leaned against the wall for support. Somehow Gavin still had a commanding presence. He was not going to tolerate his kinsman's disrespect. Balor was unwilling to learn.

Alina's tension left her hand. A smirk crept across the corners of her mouth. "I agree, Sir Gavin. I shall not dishonor the clan of Falcon by exiling someone from our lands. Especially after your personal sacrifice today. I will not relieve anyone from their post just yet. I will say that the clan of Bear could use some help protecting crops along the border where they have to prepare their own food, after they hunt it, that is" Balor's face fell. He had never had to even catch a chicken and it showed. His plump stomach might benefit from the assignment.

"The clan of Stag could use some assistance better mapping out the marshlands to the west. They are uninhabitable due to some reptilian monsters who keep attacking." Alina continued. I had read about those creatures with large snouts and natural camouflage. Sir Pudgy's pale pallor turned green. Although he was not a gnome, I think he was seeing an unpleasant future for himself.

"The clan of Wolves could use someone to clean latrines used near the city walls. If a clansman from the house of Falcon is dissatisfied serving in a traditional role close to the throne, I'm sure these other clans would welcome him. If he might learn something from these brave countrymen, I would be happy to assign the gentleman as an honored representative to the clans that protect a wide variety of our citizenry." Alina flexed her authority without breaking a sweat.

Balor gulped. He was about to open his mouth but Gavin stopped the nonsense that I'm sure was about to come from Sir Pudgy's vile thoughts.

"You are most gracious, Your Highness. I will discuss the events of today with my father and mention the Princess's most generous offer. Hopefully we will come up with some arrangement to help this countryman better understand the worth of his fellow man." Gavin was sweating, but it did not seem to be from his words. The pain from his injury had to be taxing him more than he wanted to admit. I'm positive that standing, even out of respect for Alina, was not the best action for his current condition.

Balor finally kept his entitled arrogance to himself. His mouth hung open in disbelief as he breathed audibly through it. If he had any more thoughts he wanted to share, he was unable. The doctor returned to collect Gavin and enlisted Balor to help Gavin to the infirmary.

"Thank you, Sir Gavin, for your service to the crown. I shall visit you once the doctor and circumstances allow." Alina offered as the men exited.

"That would be lovely, Your Highness" were Gavin's last words before disappearing from sight as he turned into the hallway.

Alina and I barely had time to join my family around the fireplace before Uncle John could be heard somewhere in the hall.

"Where is my family?" I never heard him so worried. Someone must have pointed in the correct direction because he soon came bursting through the door, passing the king without so much as a nod. He was solely focused on us.

"Is everyone alright? I heard someone from the parade was injured." John's panic made little Abrin start to squirm again. Uneasiness returned to the air.

"Our family is fine, John. Calm down. You're upsetting the children." My father sternly addressed his brother.

Looking at the group around the fireplace, my uncle inspected each face for injury or pain. Finding none, his face relaxed momentarily. He let out a deep sigh of relief then panicked anew.

"Queen Valerie, please don't tell me one of your family was injured." John looked around again. Inspecting Alina's expression and the queen's. Both looked fairly tranquil.

"We are well, Sir John. Sir Gavin defended us bravely. The doctor thinks he too will soon be well." The queen quelled John's worry while still keeping out details that might upset my siblings.

"Don't worry Uncle John. Daddy will always protect us." Liliana chimed in. She got off my father's lap to hug my uncle around his middle.

"Ah. Silly me. How could I forget? Thank you Liliana." My uncle bent down to her level and bopped her nose. She giggled for what felt like the first time. I did not even realize how healing her joy could be.

Happiness did not die today. There can be joy even in the darkest moments. My sister was definitely worth protecting. The innocent people like her that could not defend themselves still created moments like this and that was worth protecting at all costs. How could Balor be so blind to that?