Be her bodyguard

I strode down the darkened path leading back toward the castle, my thoughts spiraling uncontrollably. No matter how much I tried to focus on what had just transpired the fight, the revelation about the masked figure it all kept circling back to her. Xyra.

The image of her, still caught in my arms, haunted me. The warmth of her skin, the faint scent of jasmine that clung to her, and the way her sharp, haughty voice snapped at me to put her down.

It shouldn't have affected me. I should've rolled my eyes and moved on. But no, her defiance always had a way of needling under my skin, even now.

I couldn't wait to see her again.

"Captain!"

Valeria's sharp voice jolted me out of my thoughts. I stopped, turning to see her jogging up to me, her red cloak billowing behind her. She looked annoyed, as usual, though there was an edge of concern in her storm-gray eyes.

"Valeria," I greeted, feigning nonchalance. "What brings you here?"

She stopped in front of me, crossing her arms as she glared. "What brings me here? Are you serious? What happened back there? I saw the aftermath—burned grass, fainted nobles, and a lot of terrified faces. Care to explain?"

I shrugged, shoving my hands into my pockets. "A couple of brainwashed idiots tried to make things interesting. I dealt with it."

Her brow furrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Brainwashed? Magic manipulation?"

"Yeah, pretty standard stuff," I said, deliberately downplaying it. "Found the guy responsible. Turns out, some masked bastard paid him to orchestrate the whole thing."

"And you let him go?" she snapped, disbelief flashing in her eyes.

"Relax," I said, rolling my shoulders. "He was a nobody. I scared him enough that he'll think twice before trying anything again."

"Scared him?" Valeria pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling sharply. "Ren, you can't keep handling things this way. You're a captain. You're supposed to set an example, not leave loose ends wandering around the countryside."

"Spare me the lecture," I said, smirking. "What was I supposed to do? Drag him back to the castle in chains? Not my style."

Valeria gave me a long, hard look, her expression unreadable. Finally, she sighed. "You're impossible. So, what are you planning to do now?"

I tilted my head, considering the question. "Honestly? No clue. Thought I'd swing by and report to the king. See if he has any brilliant ideas."

"That's rich," she said with a scoff. "Since when do you care what the king thinks?"

"I don't," I admitted with a grin. "But it's his daughter they're targeting, so... might as well keep him in the loop."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, and a sly smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "His daughter, huh? Funny how you're suddenly so invested in her well-being."

I felt a muscle in my jaw twitch but kept my tone light. "You're imagining things, Val."

"Am I?" she shot back, clearly amused. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're bending over backward for a certain ice princess."

"Drop it," I said, my voice firm.

She chuckled, clearly enjoying herself. "Whatever you say, Captain. Just remember, you've got your rank test tomorrow. Try not to get too distracted by royal drama."

I waved her off as she turned and walked away, her laughter fading into the night.

With a sigh, I continued toward the castle, my mood souring. Valeria wasn't wrong. I was distracted, and it wasn't a good look for someone in my position. Still, there was no use dwelling on it now.

When I arrived at the castle, the atmosphere was tense. Guards stood on high alert, their eyes darting nervously as I passed. Inside, the grand hall was eerily quiet, the usual opulence overshadowed by the lingering threat.

The king and queen were waiting for me in the main chamber, along with Xyra. She stood beside them, her arms crossed and her expression cold as ever.Sha had change and her gown was pristine, her posture perfect, but there was a tightness around her eyes that betrayed her unease.

"Captain Khasar," the king said, his voice steady but tinged with worry. "What news do you bring?"

I glanced at Xyra briefly before addressing him. "The attack was orchestrated by a magic manipulator. A hired hand, from the looks of it. He admitted that someone in a silver mask paid him to carry out the plan."

The queen gasped softly, her hand flying to her mouth. Xyra's expression didn't change, but I noticed the slight clench of her jaw.

"And this manipulator?" the king asked, his tone sharp.

"Gone," I said bluntly. "He wasn't worth wasting time over. The real threat is whoever hired him."

The king frowned, his gaze darkening. "A silver mask..."

"We need to tighten security," I continued. "Whoever this is, they're not done. If tonight was just a warning, the next move will be worse."

"Worse?" the queen said, her voice trembling. "How much worse?"

"That depends on how prepared we are," I said, crossing my arms. "Right now, the castle is vulnerable. Your guards are competent, but they're not equipped to handle this level of magic. If you want to keep your daughter safe, you'll need someone who can match this enemy's power."

Xyra's father glanced at her, then back at me. The room was heavy with tension, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on all of us.

"I'll double the guards," the king said finally. "And we'll reinforce the wards around the castle."

"That won't be enough," I said, cutting him off. "You're dealing with someone who's willing to use manipulative magic on commoners to make a point. They'll find a way past your defenses."

"Then what do you suggest, Captain?" the king snapped, his patience wearing thin.

I hesitated, the answer already forming in my mind. But before I could speak, he beat me to it.

"Please," the king said, his voice softening as he turned to me. "Be my daughter's bodyguard."

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap, and for a moment, I wasn't sure I'd heard him correctly. Xyra's eyes widened slightly, her calm façade cracking just enough to reveal her shock.

"Your Majesty," I began, but he raised a hand to silence me.

"You're the only one I trust with this task," he said firmly. "Your skills, your experience—you're the best we have. Please, Ren."

I glanced at Xyra, who was now glaring at me as if daring me to accept. Her expression screamed defiance, but there was something else there too. Something vulnerable.

Damn it.