Everyone rejoiced as Vellen’s world stilled into a tilted haze. As the words he had been dreading to hear sank into his heart, splintered it, blurring his sense of duty, if only for a moment. Only when the knight to his right cleared his throat did his clarity return to him. He looked at the expectant green eyes he had grown to know so well, as they waited for his response.

“It would be an honor, my prince.” Vellen only barely recognized the voice as his own.  

“Thank you. Your company on this journey will be most appreciated.” 

The king - somewhere to the left of the crown prince - let out a content sigh. “Yes, thank you, Sir Vellen. I can think of not a single soul better-suited to accompany Tennet to meet his soon-to-be bride. Now, let’s feast, my friends! A toast, to the most advantageous of unions - Princess Leora, and my son, Prince Tennet. May prosperity finally shine upon us!” 

The entire room exploded into a wave of cheers, a fake smile plastered on Vellens’ face as his friends cheered his name. Sang it. Drank to it. 

It was one of the biggest honors as a royal knight, to accompany the prince on one of his journeys. And for that journey to be the one that brought their prince to his betrothed… 

For years, the guards had gossiped about this day. Who would the princess be, what kingdom they’d be linked to, who would be chosen to accompany him… Less appropriate comments quickly fell into place after, until a superior would shut the conversation down, much to Vellen’s appreciation. 

Still, he was used to wearing the mask he had built for himself, so he drank to his own dreaded success. He smiled through the feast, laughing, exchanging banter with his commerads. The energy around the prince was unparalleled. Of course, he was engaged, to a princess of an incredibly wealthy kingdom, at that. Their own city-state, Liweo, was barely running on the funds they had. Besides, a royal engagement was always exciting - the festivities were sure to be grand.

Gods, he didn’t want it to be him. 

Vellen let the feast reach a point where it would no longer be rude to leave. He bowed his head to his prince before making his way to his quarters to pack for the journey in the morning. His halberd, extra clothes, rations, a map, a flint to start fire… he was sure he was missing something… 

“Got a sleeping pack in all of that?” the prince asked quietly from the doorway. He stood at attention, only his slight smile betraying his stance. If it was genuine or if it was his reaction to the drink was still to be determined, though the flush in his cheeks suggested the latter. 

Vellen didn’t respond as he reached for the sleeping pack he kept under his bed, with the rest of his travel essentials - a medicine kit, a canteen for water he’d fill in the morning. 

“We leave at sunrise,” the prince stated. “Best get this over with.” 

“Why did you choose me?” Vellen asked. “Thirty guards to your name, why did you choose me?” 

Tennet didn’t respond right away. “You’re the one I actually want to travel with.” 

“I am almost tempted to let you go alone.” 

“You’re upset.” 

“You could have chosen anyone…”

Vellen finally looked at his prince, whose smile had tightened. After a quick glance down the hall, he stepped into the room, close enough to the knight to be able to whisper, just barely brushing his hand with his fingertips. 

“I chose you, Vel, because this choice is the last one I could make for myself. And if it was my last chance to choose you… It was one I had to take… I’m sorry.” 

Vellen let his hands move up, thumb brushing the inside of the princes’ wrist. Footsteps echoed down the hall, prompting them to take steps away from each other. Tennet returned to the door, looking happy again, as he greeted those walking by. He seemed proud, regal. 

Beautiful. 

“Good night, Sir Vellen. Rest well.”