Setting off at a slower pace behind his little prince, Axel chuckled softly to himself at the spectacle Fayt had made. If only he’d be more honest with himself... Then again, it just made him easier to tease. Picking up his pace only slightly, he watched Fayt grumble to himself as he wandered up the flight of stairs. “I at least get a wonderful view from here,” the knight catcalled as he stared at the others rather shapely butt in front of him. Oh, the many things he wished he could do to that butt if only he were given the chance. ‘Patience…’

“Pervert, stop staring at my ass right after you flirted with a maid.” His prince tossed a glare over his shoulder and ran up the rest of the stairs. This only made Axel chuckle even more as he followed right after. Fayt was way too easy.

Once they made it to the room that held the balcony they used as a way to address their people, Axel walked over to the edge to take a look at the crowd that was gathering in waiting to hear the news of their prince’s coming of age. Many bore grins on their faces at the joyous occasion. However, looking further, Axel made sure to take note of those who didn’t and seemed to be oozing with malicious intent. Of course, this would be the perfect time for something bad to happen, but it was his job to prevent it at all costs and to keep his prince safe.

Backing away from the balcony, Axel approached the chair Fayt settled into and stood behind him in position as the rest of the family eventually flooded in. There were a few knights other than himself settled around the room in case of emergencies. However, Axel tried his best to stick to Fayt like glue. For his own personal fun, as well as to protect him because for the following year, he was fully responsible for the prince.

There was small chatter now and then as they waited. But after each conversation ended, the tension in the room increased; they were all rather nervous.

Softly sighing, Iris stood up as it became time and motioned the others to follow her to stand outside the balcony. She stood at the front with her daughters behind her, and Fayt at her side with Axel close beside him.

“Citizens of Arcadus, I have gathered you today because it is my son’s, your prince’s, seventeenth birthday. Today marks the start of his year-long trials, and I hope, just as all of you, that he will make it and become your king.”

The crowd broke out into cheers as Fayt walked slightly forward so he could be able to better project his voice. “My people, it is an honor that you have all gathered here to celebrate the start of what I hope...will be the start of the end of this curse upon my family. And I hope-” Fayt continued as Axel peered out into the audience for anything suspicious.

Everything seemed to be going well…until he caught a glimmer of ominous silver in the distance. As panic shot through him, two choices came to mind; push himself in front of Fayt or grab his arm and pull him down.

Quickly, he sprang into action.