Alexander Clifton

"I'm not sure if that's wise, Alex," Randall, an old friend I hadn't seen in ages, leaned in over our pint of beer and glass of the finest scotch available, ready to share his thoughts. "The main reason I left the job was simply because I couldn't handle the relentless pressure of being in Princess Amelia's vicinity. She was the very essence of my dissatisfaction with my role. In fact, I'm convinced she's the root cause of frustration for all royal servants. Working with her or even being in her proximity is akin to navigating through a never-ending nightmare," he elaborated.

Randall had been working abroad and was back in town for a visit. Catching up after so long, I mentioned the job offer I'd received from none other than King Joseph himself - to become the personal guard of his daughter, Princess Amelia. Randall's experience working for the royal family made his opinion valuable to me. Typically, I keep my personal matters close to my chest, sharing very little with friends, colleagues, or even family. Privacy is something I value greatly. However, I felt compelled to discuss this with Randall, given his history at the castle and his subsequent move to Norway for a less lucrative job. My intention wasn't to seek his advice on whether to take the job – I had already accepted it - but rather to gain insight into what lay ahead.

I reclined into the plush sofa, enveloped in the serene atmosphere of the exclusive bar where I held membership. This was my sanctuary, a haven away from the clamor of conventional clubs and bars. Here, tranquility reigned supreme, enforced by a strict age restriction that kept out the raucous energy of youth. I had little patience for the cacophony they often brought.

The ambiance exuded a subdued elegance, characterized by a palette of dark hues - deep purples, velvety blacks, and rich browns - casting a comforting shroud over the space. It embodied everything I sought in a retreat: darkness, tranquility, and a muted sophistication.

With a contemplative sip of scotch, I peered at Randall, my curiosity piqued. "Tell me more about Princess Amelia," I requested, my voice barely above a whisper, echoing the subdued ambiance around us.

Randall blew out his cheeks and chuckled, shaking his head. "Covering Princess Amelia over a pint of beer, my dear friend? I'm afraid that's quite the tall order," he remarked wryly. "There's simply too much to unravel."

A subtle smirk played on my lips. "Then let's order another round. The night is still young," I replied nonchalantly.

Randall chuckled, his eyes squinting mischievously. "You've already accepted the job, haven't you, Alex?" he teased.

I smiled knowingly. "Of course I have. But what I need now is an insight into Amelia Joseph. I want to know exactly what I'm getting into."

"You'll be contending with a real handful," he quipped dryly.

I hummed thoughtfully, taking another sip of the scotch before meeting Randall's gaze. "I know how to tame a monster, Randall," I asserted confidently, perhaps too assured of my abilities. Randall was well aware of my penchant for taking on challenges, after all, I'd faced battles and undertaken secret missions. Surely, handling Princess Amelia would be no different.

He chuckled, his laughter tinged with a hint of skepticism. "Not this monster, my friend," he countered. "While I have no doubt in your ability to conquer any challenge life throws your way, this..." He paused, exhaling heavily before continuing, "...this might be a battle you can't win. Princess Amelia is too stubborn, ill-mannered, spoiled - a total nutcase. She embodies everything one shouldn't be," he concluded, his words carrying a bitter edge.

This particular proposition intrigued me. It had been quite some time since I'd been assigned a truly challenging case. Following my injury in the field, I'd been relegated to more straightforward and mundane assignments. They lacked the intensity and excitement I craved. While I held Randall's opinions and insights in high regard, his warning about Princess Amelia only served to heighten my interest. His words carried weight. His perspective was a luxury not everyone in my circle possessed. If he deemed Princess Amelia difficult to handle, I had no reason to doubt him. Yet, I found myself drawn to the challenge.

I relish difficult challenges. They push me beyond my limits and drive me to excel. In all honesty, it's this mindset that propels me forward in life. The rigors of the field provide a welcome distraction from the thoughts I'd rather not dwell upon.

With complete trust in Randall, I divulged, "The King himself approached me for this job, Randall," surprising him with the revelation. His eyes widened in astonishment. It was unprecedented for King Joseph to personally extend such offers. Typically, he delegated such tasks to his employees and servants. "He requested my presence and made me the offer himself. In exchange for accepting the position, he promised to fulfill any financial request I make," I elaborated.

Randall scoffed, his gaze sweeping across the opulent surroundings of the exclusive club. "Like you need more money," he muttered with a shake of his head. I offered a soft smile in response. It was true; I possessed ample wealth, far more than necessary. But it hadn't been handed to me on a silver platter. I'd earned every penny through hard work and dedication. While financially comfortable, there were other aspects of life where I felt lacking.

His words brought a sense of relief. I welcomed the distraction from contemplating my own circumstances. "You're renowned for your expertise, Alex. If King Joseph has faith in your abilities, then I have no reason to doubt," Randall affirmed, his confidence in me a reassuring balm.

There was a brief pause before I divulged the specifics. "King Joseph didn't simply assign me the task of guarding Princess Amelia," I began, capturing Randall's interest as his eyebrow arched in anticipation. As he waited for me to continue, I could sense the weight of the responsibility settling over us.

Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I swirled the remnants of scotch in my glass, a somber air surrounding us. "He tasked me with making..." I paused, "He requested a transformation in Amelia's lifestyle. He tasked me with preventing her from self-destructing and ensuring her protection, as well as..." I hesitated, struggling to find the right words to convey the enormity of the request.

Before I could articulate it fully, Randall interjected, his voice steady. "Discipline," he supplied, completing the thought.

I sighed heavily. "That's not the exact wording he used, but yes, essentially that's what he wants. Protection and discipline for her," I explained.

Randall chuckled, lifting his pint. "Well then, Alex, I believe you're the ideal candidate for the job. If anyone can instill some discipline in Princess Amelia's life, it's you," he remarked with a smirk. His tone then turned serious. "But remember, she's incredibly manipulative. You're going there to change her, not yourself," he cautioned, his words striking a chord.

I narrowed my eyes at the warning, acknowledging the gravity of his advice.

A slow smirk spread across Randall's lips as he raised his pint for a toast. "Here's to you being shielded from the whims of Princess Amelia Joseph Arthur," he declared, eliciting a muted chuckle from me. We clinked our glasses together, a silent agreement forged between us.