The princess stumbled into view using the door frame to hold her up, for a moment he was stunned. How had someone gotten to her while he was in the other room?<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"A-Alex, I ne-...I nee-"</span>the scent hit his nose and he raced forward as she gestured behind her and started to sway.<span style="font-style: italic">"...Need you..."</span>Alan reached her as she started to fall and caught her easily. He lifted her in his arms and set her gently on the nearby couch. His eyes scanned her prone form for serious injuries any at all. He didnâ€™t smell blood on her. It must have been emotional trauma. Once he was sure she was alright he turned and narrowed his eyes as he palmed one of his blasters and headed back into the room. Within a fire blazed tearing though her things and leaving a path of destruction. Goddamn he couldnâ€™t see anything. If anyone had been here they were either dead or long gone by now. Damn it all. Alan grudgingly holstered his blaster.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Put out the fire before it spreads.</span>he thought and darted into the bathroom grabbing her towels and throwing them into the shower and turning the water on. Effectively soaking the plush, expensive things. He pressed the intercom just inside the bathroom door, heâ€™d taken note that there was one in each room in case the princess had an issue.<br/><br/>â€œYes maâ€™am?â€ A female voice asked<br/><br/>â€œThereâ€™s a fire in the princessâ€™ bedroom, send emergency services now!â€ He roared into the intercom and started trying to quench the fire with the soaking towels. The action was effective around the edges of the fire but the further in he got, the harder it became. There was no way he was going to be able to do this one his own. He started retreating from the room and just as he had reached the door savage pain shot though his left arm. He cried out, surprised by the sudden flood of pain, and looked down at his arm. Flames shot up and he instantly started beating the flames out, the fire died quickly and he darted out of the room slamming the door shut behind him and leaning against it, cradling his wounded arm to his chest.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Note to self. Fire hurts.</span>He thought and he righted himself, he scanned the room and thatâ€™s when something on the floor caught his eye. Parchment. He picked it up cautiously<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Elisa, As you've ignored the rest of the threats, we've decided to try something to get your attention. Yes, we've been in your room, as we were able to place this directly for your reading convenience. We also know about your room within a room. Lets hope you're not holding our other threats, as that would be most tragic.</span>Alan cursed but at least he had something to go on now. She would be able to explain more to him when she awoke. He pocketed the threat just as emergency crew burst through the door, he moved out of their way and stood next to the couch he had laid Elisa. A medic approached her and looked at him.<br/><br/>â€œSheâ€™s fine no injuries. She fainted.â€ He said, the medic nodded and proceed to check her vitals. Satisfied with what he found he stood up and walked away without a second glance at Alan. A moment later the king himself burst through the door looking ready murder someone. When his eyes fell on Alan, he made a beeline for him.<br/><br/>â€œWhy werenâ€™t you doing your job and protecting her?!â€ He roared once again getting in Alanâ€™s face.<br/><br/>â€œI was doing my job. There was no one in the area when that fire started, it must have been something preplaced.â€ Alan said trying to remain calm. The kings face turned a shade of red Alan previously hadnâ€™t thought a human being could turn.<br/><br/>â€œYouâ€™re lucky sheâ€™s okay. Or your life would be forfeit. So do your job.â€ The king shoved him back a step and Alan resisted the urge to toss him out one of the bay windows. Even with his arm charred to a crisp he could do it. It wouldnâ€™t be hard. Just a simple flick of his wristâ€¦.<br/><br/>He shook himself hard. He was in the state of mind where he just might do it.<br/><br/>â€œYou want me to do my job? Lock this place down. No one in or out without my say so. And cancel that damn event tomorrow. Then maybe I can start doing my job.â€ Alan growled.<br/><br/>â€œI will not bow to the whims of terrorists!â€ The king yelled<br/><br/>â€œYou fool! Your daughter was attacked. There was a fire in her room! Someone inside this palace is helping them! Thereâ€™s no other explanation! Get your head out of your ass and look around!â€  Alan snapped.<br/><br/>â€œThe only threat I see here is you.â€ The king glared and Alan started to take a step forward to show the king how much of a threat he could really be.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">If you get kicked out of here. She will die.</span>A voice drifted though Alanâ€™s mind. Call it instinct. He couldnâ€™t get forced out of here.<span style="font-style: italic">Bite your tongue for now. Donâ€™t jeopardize the mission.</span>The voice sounded eerily like his mothers.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Youâ€™re in shock Alan. You were on fire moments ago, and someone managed to hurt your charge while you were mere steps away. Back up from the situation.</span>Alan growled hating himself as he turned away from the king and sat in a chair next to Elisa.<br/><br/>â€œDonâ€™t walk away from me!â€ The king yelled and Alan turned slowly and stared at him long and hard. Reminding him just who he had hired. The king took a step back as if Alan had threatened him physically. Alan turned back to Elisa and watched her waiting for her to wake.