It's going to be super long

The throne room was as grand and imposing as ever, its towering marble pillars and gilded accents designed to make anyone standing in it feel insignificant.

But I had been raised here, and the opulence didn't faze me. Instead, I walked in with my head held high, my gown trailing elegantly behind me, Ren trailing less elegantly behind that.

The king, my father, was seated on his throne, his face carefully composed but with an edge of weariness that only I could spot.

My mother sat beside him, her expression more severe than usual. It was always the same dynamic he tried to mediate, and she tried to command.

"Xyra," my father began as I approached, his tone already adopting that diplomatic lilt I hated. "And Captain Khasar." His gaze flicked to Ren briefly before returning to me.

"Father," I replied coolly, offering the shallowest of curtsies. I gestured vaguely behind me. "Your choice of bodyguard has arrived."

Ren didn't bow. She gave a nod instead, arms crossed, exuding an air of barely concealed boredom. Typical.

"Thank you for coming, Captain," my father said. "We have much to discuss regarding Xyra's security in the coming weeks."

My eyes narrowed. "My security?"

"Yes," my mother cut in sharply. "Now that you've graduated, you will be more visible at court events. The engagement with Lord Levan solidifies your standing, but it also makes you a target."

The mention of Levan made me tense, though I quickly masked it. As if his cowardice at the banquet hadn't already proved what a useless "protector" he was. I glanced at Ren, who was standing there, still infuriatingly smug.

"This is absurd," I said, my voice rising slightly. "Ren is unnecessary. I can defend myself perfectly well, as you should know."

"That may be," my father replied, his tone firm but kind. "But it is not just about your safety. It is about appearances. Having Captain Khasar at your side will reassure the court and deter any further threats."

"Appearances," I repeated, practically spitting the word. "You want to parade me around with her following like some glorified shadow?"

Ren raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"You're being dramatic, Xyra," my mother said, her tone clipped. "This is for your benefit, not ours. With the banquet next week and the tea parties that follow, your schedule will—"

"Tea parties?" I interrupted, incredulous. "You want me to drag Ren to tea parties?" I turned to her now, unable to stop the venom in my tone. "How do you feel about that, Captain? You can charm the noble ladies with your... manners."

Ren smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "I think it sounds delightful, Princess."

I clenched my fists at my sides. This was going to be unbearable.

"There's also the royal hunt," my father interjected, clearly trying to steer the conversation back to order. "A significant event, with dignitaries attending. Captain Khasar's presence will—"

"I'm not some helpless deer!" I snapped. "I don't need her to hold my hand during a hunt."

"Yet you needed her to keep you from being stabbed," my mother said, her tone icy.

The words hit like a slap. I opened my mouth to retort but closed it again, heat rushing to my face. The memory of Ren's arms around me, of her stepping in when Levan had abandoned me, made my chest tighten uncomfortably.

"I can't believe this," I muttered, mostly to myself, pacing in front of the thrones. "This is ridiculous. Banquets, tea parties, hunts. What's next? Am I supposed to take her dress shopping, too?"

Ren snorted. "I draw the line at shopping, Princess."

"Enough," my father said, raising a hand. "Xyra, this is not up for debate. Captain Khasar is your bodyguard, and she will accompany you as needed."

I turned to him, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "And what happens when she inevitably offends someone important? Or sets something on fire? Because let's not forget her temper."

"Oh, I don't need fire for that," Ren said casually, leaning against a nearby pillar. "I've got plenty of other ways to offend people."

I shot her a glare, but she only smiled, infuriatingly unbothered.

"Xyra," my mother said, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This isn't about what you want. This is about ensuring the future of the Eldarion line. You are a symbol of this kingdom's strength and stability."

"And nothing says strength like dragging along a pyromaniac, right?" I bit back.

My father sighed deeply. "Captain Khasar is one of the most skilled mages of her generation. Her achievements speak for themselves."

I scoffed, throwing up my hands. "Fine. Let's all bow to the great Captain Khasar and her achievements. Should I give her my tiara while we're at it?"

"Now that would be a look," Ren quipped, her grin widening.

I rounded on her, my anger boiling over. "Will you shut up?"

"Xyra!" my father barked, his voice echoing through the chamber. "That is enough."

The room fell silent, tension crackling like a storm about to break. I crossed my arms, biting back any further outbursts, but my frustration simmered just beneath the surface.

"You will do this, Xyra," my father said firmly. "And you will do it with grace. This conversation is over."

I bit my tongue so hard it hurt. There was no point in arguing further when his tone left no room for negotiation.

"Fine," I said stiffly, spinning on my heel. "But don't expect me to enjoy it."

I marched toward the door, refusing to look at Ren as I passed her. She followed at a leisurely pace, her boots clicking against the marble floor, and I could feel her smugness radiating behind me.

As the throne room doors closed behind us, one thought lingered in my mind, heavy and sour:

It's going to be super long.