Grand Commander Navarre stood off to the side on the balcony, dressed in full ceremonial armor for the grand event that was the Princess Eclypsia’s ascension to Levantine throne. The entire event was safeguarded by members of the Royal Honor Guard, strategically placed to deter assassination attempts. Not like there was much possibility of that, though. Sir Gregal, former regent of the Levantine kingdom, was an almost universally despised ruler. The people, himself included, were eager to see the true heir returned to power.<br/><br/>The glorious event went well. The audience was well-behaved, the young monarch was well-received with a chorus of cheers and applause, and Vincent was proud to stand beside the new Empress.<br/><br/>…Then her words took a sudden, dark turn. Without hesitation, she had two guards flanking Gregal drag him to the edge of the balcony as she declared his execution. Vincent’s hand went to the hilt of his massive sword before he could think.<br/><br/>What is going on? He thought, astonished at his own reaction. All he could do was to stand protectively by the Empress in case Gregal tried anything desperate… but then he was gone - hurled off the balcony like a rag doll.<br/><br/>Vincent closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and sighed heavily. What had she done? After she and her bodyguard had left, Vincent strode to the edge of the balcony and squinted down. Needless to say, Sir Gregal was no more.<br/><br/>One of the guards who helped dispatch the regent noticed the Grand Commander’s hard gaze. “Sir…” he asked, somewhat timidly.<br/><br/>“Nothing,” Vincent replied wearily, turning to leave. “Carry on.”<br/><br/>He walked back inside, entering the audience chambers with the clap his metal boots on the floor and the jingle of armored plates, his large cape billowing out behind him.<br/><br/>“Your royal highness,” he addressed Eclypsia, dropping to one knee and bowing his head low. “If I may have a word?”<br/><br/>