“Are you ready?” The hand was firm and rough as it gripped the shoulder of the young warrior. It made him wince; he was still wounded.

The soldier was covered in cloth bandages, tightly spiraled up his arms and chest to protect the gashes and cuts he had sustained in battle. They would surely scar, which his mother hated. But for now, they were hidden from the public eye, stained white cloth peeking from under the crisp dress shirt.

“I hope so…” The soldier's voiced, just above a whisper. He wished he had his armor, something he could hide in; however, it was still stained with the enemy's blood. It would be unprofessional to come covered in war. Yet he felt out of place in a dress shirt and slacks, at least he had his sword. It was embedded in his scabbard, which hung tightly against his hip.

“Vince, this is an honor!” The man said, his armor clicking together as he stepped in front of Vince, “You are just a foot soldier, yet they want you sworn into the royal family!”

“Galileo, that's the thing— I am but a foot soldier. This may not be the right decision.” Vince became smaller, he was still young, no older than twenty-five. Yet, here he was, outside the throne room doors. He didn't deserve the honor.

“Vince,” The knight started, emerald eyes boring into the other’s hazel, “During the war you showed great courage and bravery! And during the battle all the other soldiers were following your lead. When the battle becomes scarce, you protect the young king with your life! You are the reason for our victory.”

“But that's what any soldier would do—!”

“Not the way you fought, Vince.” Galileo released his friend, “This is an honor you deserve. Would you go against the king's orders?”

“Heavens no!” Vince would never go against the king, if he ever did he would hope to die on the spot.

“Then trust his word.” The words were soft, and it gave comfort to the knight soon to be.

“Alright.”

Galileo saluted the shorter, his brown hair falling to each side as he brought his hand up. “I hope to see you during training soon!”

Vince's own black curls bounced as he got into position, his posture now stiff as he stood tall. “You can count on it!”

Bringing his hands down, the throne room doors opened with a creak. The large mahogany doors revealed the long red carpet, the golden trim acting as a trail leading to the two thrones at the end. It was bright against the marble floors, as the small number of guests huddled around the thrones. The young king was standing at the end, his mother next to him. There were a few others as well, wearing fancy attire. They were a part of the royal court, there to oversee the event.

Even though it was small, Vince was not used to being in the presence of royalty, especially now. He did not know the proper etiquette, he did not know how to act in this situation. However, the two guards who opened the door nudged him along, and he proceeded down the carpet, keeping his head high and back straight. His strides were proud, even amid whispers.

“That's the King's champion, he is so small.” One would say.

“He lacks physique—I bet he's been mixed up with another.” Another would whisper.

“He probably lied; he's not fit to be a royal knight.”

Vince kept walking, even if they were right. He was shorter than most, but above average height. He did not look strong, his brown skin showing very little definition. That did not mean he was not fit, he was a soldier after all. However, he believed one thing; he was not fit to be a knight. He was just doing his duty, he was not special. And yet the king thought he was, so he would not judge his actions.

Vince came to a halt, right in front of the young king. He was large and wide, the top of Vince’s head just coming up to his shoulders. His dark hair was flowing, it falling just over his shoulder. And his dark skin was still scarred and bruised from battle. He was crowned a few years before, when he was just twenty-four, after his father became ill and bedridden. He was twenty-eight now, yet everyone still called him a young king by how few years have passed. Yet he was a good king, at least Vince thought so.

“Kneel.” The voice was deep, but airy and soft. Despite the stern tone, Vince was happily doing as he was told, feeling no malice or ill intent.

Of course the soothing voice of King Dominic did not stop the nerves of the other. He kept his eyes fixed onto the floor, just barely listening as his thoughts raced. He was counting the individual tiles on the ground, they light gray and teal accents in it. He heard something about bravery, and courage. He did not know the speech that led people into knighthood, but it seems it's just about his accomplishments.

“And I, King Dominic, Knight thee Sir Vince!” There was a soft cheer from Galileo as the others just clapped and stared as the sword went for Vince's right to left shoulder. He saw his eyes reflected in the silver blade, bright and golden.

He rose, not knowing what to do next, but the king kept talking. “Sir Vince?”

“Yes?” Maybe he was a bit too enthusiastic, because he stood tall, his hands pressed to his side as he awaited the King's response.

“With how you were on the battlefield, I would like you to ascend your position now.” King Dominic's reddish-brown eyes were soft as he looked down at the knight. However, Vince was confused, and it showed.

The war had been over a month now, with many knights and soldiers still recovering. It was too soon for Vince to take action now, even he was still recovering. This ceremony was even abrupt.

No one was prepared for what Dominic said, “I want you to be my personal guard.”

That statement shocked the entire court, which led to them flocking to Dominics side.

“Are you sure this is what you want!?”

“Yes, this is a drastic decision. I know you need protection but with him—!”

It wasn't uncommon for the royal family to have personal guards and knights to protect them, especially right after a war. But, for Vince to be given that opportunity so fast scared him.

“Are you going against my judgment?” Dominic stated, his tone was not cruel, nor malicious, but because of his size he towered over them, casting a shadow over the royal court.

“Of course not your majesty!” They repeated over and over, they seemed afraid of him. However, Vince was not scared. There was no reason to be.

The king trusted him enough to put his life in his hand, Vince had opposed his judgment the entire time and yet the King had given him this honor. If Dominic trusted him this much, he had no choice but to accept. “It would be an honor to protect you, King Dominic.”

“How can you protect him?” A woman scoffed, she was short and wore a large skirted dress.

“He trusts me with his life! I will not fail him!” Vince did not object any further, if the King trusted him, he would too.

“Then it is settled,” Dominic turned to Vince, “Do I have your word?”

“Till the end of my life.”