<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'">“As long as I have to, my lady.” <a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=http%3A%2F%2Fimage.wikifoundry.com%2Fimage%2F1%2FwF5vkwC3uYTj20O_plqgUw46358%2FGW374H374&amp;hash=c8cada559c44d6fd914a0bc76383a079" href="http://image.wikifoundry.com/image/1/wF5vkwC3uYTj20O_plqgUw46358/GW374H374" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">Arin Elric</a> responded, stepping out of the shadows and into the princess’ personal chambers. The 21-year-old man had been entrusted with the protection of the princess, and took his responsibility rather serious. Born in a family with a long history of serving in the king’s court for generations, he still couldn’t wrap his mind around the fact that he had been giving the task of ensuring the safety of the heir to the throne. Even though he had served in the Kingdom’s armed forces, he couldn’t see why King Phillip trusted him enough. Nevertheless he had carried his title as royal protector with pride for what had been just shy off a year.<br/>
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During that year, Arin had grown rather fond of the princess in a way, even though it was clear she didn’t appreciate his company most of the time. Nerida was a brat and a hassle - always going where she shouldn’t go, doing what she shouldn’t do. But he didn’t mind it. It even amused him at times. Her behavior and attitude reminded him about his own when he was still a kid her age. He too had tried to explore every nook and cranny of the royal palace, and the city that spread itself around it, often sticking it’s nose where it didn’t belong. But people didn’t care where a young servant boy roamed, or what he did. The princess however, was an entirely different case. Although the kingdom was at peace, danger could still be lurking around every corner and Nerida had to behave like a true princess, even at her young age. <br/>
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“You know your father only wishes for your safety.” the broad shouldered man continued calmly. “You do remember what day this is, right?” It was a special day for the kingdom - one filled with festivities and events. It wasn’t a regular occurrence that the royal family of Yaro, a wealthy kingdom far beyond the mountains to the South, payed a visit to Gwaredith, and everything had been done to make sure it would be a successful visit. For Arin and the princess this meant attending the audience and dinner with both of the royal families. “Are you ready?” he asked, impatiently looking outside the window, judging by the position of the sun that they didn’t have much time left.</span>