Book 2: The Clan of Bear

If I have to watch over someone at a party, I might as well get something out of it. I poured some punch for my companion before getting some for myself. The refreshment table was a nice change of pace from the receiving line. Something deep inside me hoped that it would have been quite a few more years between my Swordman ceremony and the next one, but sadly here I am.

Sir Jacobson took his vows to become Lord Jacobson a few hours ago. Half the kingdom seemed to be teary eyed over him. I can only imagine being a child one day and a Swordsman the next. Surely I was not that naive when I took up Ursidae. But maybe I am a bit biased.

My father's death was not as heroic, having passed peacefully in his sleep. Although sad, I do not think as many commoners found that story as fanciful or exhilarating and did not spread it around as quickly as Lord Jacob's tale.

"Are you enjoying your time in the city, Lord Holden?" My companion tried to break the awkward tension that settled between us since I tend to try and say as little as possible during such events.

Queen Valerie assigned me to watch Princess Alina for the duration of the Sword Ceremony Reception. Although we have danced on a few occasions and I did spend some time at a manor protecting her, we were by no means close. I might partially be to blame on that front. I would prefer to spend time outside the city gates and with people who were more relatable than someone who would inherit a throne.

"It is always an experience when I'm in the city," I countered. I tried to keep my tone light and playful. I hoped my mask worked.

Too many political dealings and social climbers occupied the city walls for me ever to feel fully at ease here. At least back home if someone had a problem with me they would tell me to my face. Whereas here I felt I might find out with a knife in my back.

My heart longed for the queen to find someone else to fill my post so that I could sleep under the stars tonight on my way home. I know that hope is purely fantasy. Swordsmen are a resource spread thin at the moment.

Lord Garrison, the head of the clan of Falcon, dutifully stood at Queen Valerie's side, ceremonially and faithfully guarding. His natural height was imposing enough, but his stern expression amplified his commanding presence. If I were an enemy of Ensis, he'd be the last one that I would want to deal with. Him and possibly Sir John.

Lord Bleddyn, the head of the clan of Wolves, stood toward the back of the room. He was present, but not fully here. Since he found out his wife left him to join the Autarch, he lost his passion. Almost an empty shell of a man went through the motions of his profession without the fervor he once had for it. His love for his family drove him to achieve so much. Maybe it was all for nothing. Needless to say, protecting the kingdom was not his primary focus.

With Lord Jacobson taking up his clan's sword today and becoming a leader, he was not in a position to be on guard duty. Jacobson followed in the footsteps of his father before him to lead the clan of Stag. He had much to learn about his position and unfortunately not much time to do so. Ensis was no longer at peace.

That only left me. As Swordsman of the clan of Bear, I was the last option to guard Princess Alina. She could have been guarded by soldiers who knew the palace better but with the ceremony bringing in so many commoners into town, the queen did not feel it was appropriate to have someone unfamiliar to the public next to her only daughter.

"I am sorry that this particular experience was so eventful," Alina offered, emphasizing her final word in a sad tone.

I thought for a moment. Obviously my attempt at hiding my dislike for the city had failed, but I needed her to know that my poor opinion had nothing to do with her personally. It was not her fault that I was more of an outdoorsman than a courtier.

"I am honored to serve Ensis, Your Highness," even if it felt like more of an honor from afar, I was not about to say it.

"I do appreciate your protection, Lord Holden. You serve your country well," Princess Alina looked me directly in the eye letting a small smirk run across her face. Her lips parted then closed as though she doubted herself. She must have wanted to keep whatever she wanted to say to herself.

Good. Less talking means less chance she will ask her mother to keep me from my men along the border longer than necessary.

"Your Highness!" A voice mocked from behind the Princess. Lady Calista stood in a mock curtsy as she jokingly elongated Alina's title. Although from an outsiders vantage point she looked like she followed proper decorum, her tone was far from respectful.

I could see Alina roll her eyes. Although these women were both on the cusp of adulthood, I could not help but feel that I was playing royal babysitter.

"Lady Calista," the Princess replied in a similar tone as her friend. I never heard the raven haired beauty's full name and title from the Princess. More often than not she was simply Cali.

Cali grimaced at her full title. She seemed much more content with delivering jokes than being on the receiving end of them. Her sharp green eyes looked around the room attempting to find anyone remotely interested in eavesdropping besides myself.

"I came to check on you, but if you're going to go full Princess, maybe I shouldn't," Cali retorted with a smirk growing across her face.

Not only was I babysitting, but I had to babysit teenagers. It was going to be a long day.