Princess Monika

“Princess, your father and his guests await you for dinner.”  I called from the other side of the Princess’ bedroom door.

“Oh, Anon please enter the door is unbarred.”

I opened the emblazoned wood door into the princess’ chambers; across from me she was brushing her long flowing hair in front of a tall mirror.  I quickly tapped my feet together and clasped my hand to my heart in salute.

“Please Anon, there’s no need for such formalities.  I’ve told you this countless times.”  She responded with a smile.

“Of course princess.”

“Even after all of these years you still will not drop protocol,”  She sighed. “Monika, you may call me by my name.  Mo-ni-ka, certainly you can break your etiquette for me?”  She said as she tied her hair into a ponytail.

“I live to serve Prin-”  She glared back at me before I corrected myself. “Monika.”

“Ahaha, that’s much better even if you only can force yourself to say it every once and awhile.  We are friends are we not Anon?”

“Pardon Monika, I am your guard.  Your servant and protector.”  I replied.

“Yes, but you’re my friend!  You’ve helped me countless times with things that are not related to either of those!”

“Yes, right.  I suppose if you deem me worthy of your friendship than that’s what I shall be.”  I replied with a nod.

She sighed before walking up to me and placing a hand on my chestplate.  She traced the insignia on it with her fingers before speaking once more.

“That’s right, you’re my friend and I yours.  You know what friends do, do you not?”

“Of course, Monika.”

“They speak to each other about all sorts of things, the things they like the things they hate, what they want to do in the future and what they want to do together for the day!”

“Naturally.”

“Well I say you and I take a stroll in the royal gardens after dinner.  As friends; you got that?”

“Of course Monika.  Shall we?”  I responded motioning her to the dining hall.

“Yes, let’s see what interesting people father has brought today!”  She said sarcastically.

Monika and I began walking down the passage to the dining hall as I followed behind.  I glanced out the windows watching the guards patrol the upper walls some distance away.

“Do you know who my father is having for dinner today with us?”  Monika asked as we continued.

“I believe the guests your father has brought this day are the Magireeve Saros and his family of house Pentacross.”  I replied.

Saros was the ruler of Gadsden, and Arbiter of the Magic council of Kerabatol.  He was a powerful man even by the King’s standard.  One of the most powerful mages in the land; I suppose the King may wish to better trade between our kingdom and there’s due to our war with the Kingdom of Lucerim.  The King had already made arms dealings with Kaiser Rosa for over three hundred rifles and one hundred an fifty revolving handguns.  Firearms had been a very rare commodity, not as rare as magic items but ever more.  That is until Kaiser Rosa came into power in the southern Dominion of Viniscalo and began industrializing a large swath of the countryside.  They say you can can hear the clanking of the giant machinery for miles and see the black smoke from the factories for even further.

“Hail Princess, everyone is anxiously awaiting within.”  A doorman said as he opened the large wooden double doors into the lavish dining hall.

Monika thanked him and I gave him a nod as we walked down the side of the room.  The table was lined with seats with many nobles sitting at nearly every seat the king at the head with his wife the Queen at his side while Monika’s seat was empty to his right.  I walked ahead and pulled out Monika’s chair for her before she smiled and sat down.  I backed up and stood several feet behind her as she took her seat at the table one of my hands clasping my wrist in front of me.

“Ah there she is, thank you Anon for pulling her from her room!  Now why don’t we begin with pleasantries?  Magireeve Saros this is my daughter, Monika; normally she is not so late for dinner.  Accompanying her is Anon, of Anondale, a trusted royal guard as well as veteran of the Crucible Wars.”  He said raising his arm in my direction.

“Pleasant to meet all of you.”  I replied saluting.

“And this is my lovely wife Madeleine, now let us begin the feast!”
“Father there is no seat reserved for Anon, certainly he may join us today especially considering all he has done?”

“Monika it is unbefitting of a soldier to dine at the royal table.  He's a war dog just like Bartolommeo; he stands at the side and keeps watch.  Do you not agree Anon?”  The king responded.

“Of course sir.”

Monika looked at me from the side muttering my name under her breath before continuing.

“Father he is not a dog!  You should treat him with respect he's cared for me and protected me diligently all these years!”

“As a dog should!”  The king responded sternly “He's merely a tool Monika.  You've become much to attached which I fear may cloud your judgement and potentially ruin you when he dies.”

Monika’s eyes flared widely “H-He’s not going to die!”  She said raising her voice.

“Monika it's true that he's your bodyguard but he fought in the Crucible Wars years back and I may yet need him in the front lines should we not make headway at mid year.  Besides, Anon… what is your circles motto again?”  The king asked with a smug smile.

“Sanguinem nostrum sacrificabimus damus. Ad regem et regnum… Our blood we give; our lives we sacrifice.  For king and kingdom.”  I responded stoutly trying not to show emotion towards Monika’s distress. I realized that Monika was gripping her dress tightly her knuckles turning white while she tried to stifle tears.

I walked up to her side and kneeled before speaking. “My Lady I do appreciate your generous offer.  By my Lord is right; I serve not only you but your father and his kingdom.  I would gladly throw down my life if it meant saving you, your father, or the good people of this land. Until your father requires me to fight for the glory of this kingdom I shall serve you faithfully.”  I reassured clasping my hand to my chest.

She looked at me as stray tears slid down her cheeks before turning and rushing out of the hall.

“Monika!  Get back here this instance!”  The  king called out to her to no avail.  He sighed before taking a bite from his roast pheasant and turning his gaze to me. “Anon.  Go after her I know you're the only one who can get her to come back to dinner now.”

“Yes my Lord.”  I saluted before heading to Monika’s domicile

Upon reaching the grand door to her quarters I knocked on the heavy redwood and spoke. “Monika, your father is worried about you.  He wishes for you to return to dinner…” She didn't respond but I could lightly hear her weeping.  “Monika…”  I began to speak again before she called out.

“It's not fair! I don't want you to die!  I order you to always be by my side!”  She yelled between tears

“My Lady you know how turbulent this war has been. You know that your father does have the ultimate say in whether I return to the field.  After all I swore oath; I was willing to sacrifice my life… Had I not became a knight and sworn oath I wouldn't have met you after all!”  I said trying to lighten her mood. “I'm certain everything shall work out in Brelaus.  I know the commander; he's a smart man, a tactical man he shall have taken Bentenlou before Suns Dawn. I shall stay by your side ever vigilant and this war will be but a distant memory.

I heard the deadbolt on her door slide with a thud before she opened the door.  She was standing there her eyes red from crying. Before I could speak she rushed forward and clung to me. It felt slightly awkward due to my chest plate buckling into me but I could tell she was trying her hardest to hold onto myself through it.

“Monika... your father and his guests are waiting for your return.  I shall help you clean up and we can-"

“I can't.”  Monika cut me off.

“Of course you can. I'm certain his guests have all forgotten why you've left!"

“No, I can't keep this up Anon.  Don't you see!?”

“I beg of your pardon my Lady, I don't understand?”

“I love you Anon!  I always have!  Since I first saw you training at the battlements when you first joined!”

I flashbacked to the time I had first enlisted.  I was sparring with Emmanuel in a small opening between all of our tents.  Dodging his strikes before striking his Achilles' tendon and placing my wooden sword across his neck.  As some of the other recruits cheered a horn blazed announcing the Royal family was coming through and to straighten up. I didn't have time to dress into my uniform so there I was a buffoon shirtless saluting in with all the other recruits in a line as they rode by in carriage. I remember making eye contact with the princess now that she reminded me of the whole thing.  I averted my gaze ever so slightly to not be hit for my indiscretion but I recall feeling her watch me as they passed.

“When I saw you I don't know why but I was enraptured by you!”  Monika said through tears; bringing me back from the memory. “I needed to know your name so I sent an envoy to discover your identity.  For some time I kept that envoy watching over you and when I learned you were to be sent to Cacamlowe to fight, my heart sank. I'm not proud to admit it but I had my envoy take your letters to home every time so I would know how you were before passing them on to your family… When I learned that you were finally coming home from that damned war my heart soared I could finally see you again.  But I needed to truly meet you! Father would never allow it but I realized something. I was now coming of age and would need a bodyguard now that I could inherit the throne directly! My father had three regiments chosen for me to choose one soldier from to become my guardian. Yours was not one of them… Once again I went farther than my father would be happy of, Gods, farther than I am proud of but I needed to meet you! I managed to forge his document changing one of the regiments to yours so I would finally meet you...

I tensed up slightly as she explained all of this to me.  It was a little frightening that she had been watching over me for so long.  At the same time.  I felt calmed.  Did I have the same feelings for her?  I'll admit I imagined many a day of whisking her away into the countryside as loving newlyweds.  Far from the chaos of the war or the corruption of the council in the city. Everytime those feelings for her would surface I'd indulge them for one dream and then push them back down.  Me a commoner marrying the crown princess?  Ludicrous to say the least. Needless the say her father would be adamant of her marrying into another royal family. There's even been a few suitors he's tried to set her with, each she swiftly denied.

“Over our years together with you by my side I came to realize why I fell for you.  Why my heart yearns for you so deeply.  You complete me Anon.  You work so hard for me.  You make me so proud to have you next to me there's nothing more I longed for than for you to embrace me in your arms and confess your love for me and I would pour my heart out to you as I am in kind. Perhaps it was chance, perhaps it was the will of the Gods themselves; no matter, I thank the stars for the day our eyes met. Please Anon… Do you feel the same?”  She asked me as she clinged to me, not even looking up at my face.

“Y-your father would not approve…” I said looking away from her.

She placed her hands on my face and turned my view back to her so our eyes were staring into one another.

“I do not care of my fathers opinions.  I only care whether you love me.  Whether you will make me your wife.  Whether we will grow old together as lovers.”

I paused for a moment contemplating everything. “I... I do.  I love you Monika.  I want to be more than your servant.”

She laughed before crying tears of joy and wrapping her arms around my neck pulling herself close to me. “T-Then it's settled!  We are to marry whether my father approves or not!”

“Perhaps we should keep our affair low for now my love,”  I responded. “We must warm your father or at least the nobles to the idea at first.” I placed my hand on her cheek wiping away a stray tear as she put her hand on mine. “I'll stay by your side to the end of time as always.”  I said to her before pulling her in for our first kiss. “Are you ready my dear?” I asked as we parted lips.

“Ahaha, it’s funny finally hearing you call me that… yes I’m ready to go back.” Monika responded.

We continued back towards the hall but this time holding hands as lovers until we were close by. Once again we walked into the dining hall and I helped Monika into her chair before resuming my stance some steps behind her. The King sighed and thanked me once more; trying not to acknowledge his daughter’s outburst in front of his guests.  He cleared his throat before speaking.

“Magireeve Saros, I cannot thank you enough for meeting with me this day. As you know our Kingdoms would benefit greatly from trade. Your kingdoms enchanted goods and my kingdoms abundance in agriculture, and stone masonry. As I’ve been informed; you would be willing to trade certain magical items for our abundant crops and livestock as well as provide some wizards on the battlefield in exchange for knights to keep the peace in your towns... Is it true that your nephew is attempting a coup?  I know my knights are formidable even against magicians.”

“Yes, quite. You see the majority of my nephews usurpers consist of villagers he’s poisoned with lies. While his trusted friends watch over and provide support with great destruction, alteration and illusion magics…”  The Magireeve went on as I slowly tuned out the political conversation; that is until the King called to Monika.

“Monika why don’t you go for a stroll with Magireeve Saros’ son, Edmund. He’s a gifted caster and searching for a spouse himself. He studied under the Council of Mages after all!”

I looked over to the son, Edmund and eyed him head to toe. He was a half breed which while often looked down upon in the North as well as our enemies kingdom; was often a sign of good faith between the kingdoms of the South and West.  His Father, the Ruler of Gadsden, was a human while his wife, Mistress Erana of Karvestlion, an elf of the Elven kingdom Northeast of Gadsden. He had short slicked to the side ashen hair with sharp yellow elven eyes with human like ears with only a slight point to the top of them.  He had a self grandiose look about him with a nearly constant smug smile which was odd since his elven mother appeared very humble. Perhaps it’s from his father’s side? He appeared extremely delicate even for a noble; his fingernails were trimmed and fashioned. He lacked any clear muscle definition, and certainly had his servants do most of his labor and magic when they could not provide.

“Of course, Father.” Monika responded to the King’s request showing no hints of annoyance. She turned as she got up and looked me straight in the eyes before mouthing to me “Stay close to me.”

As if to show off, Edmund then used magic to lift himself from his chair and levitate up to Monika’s side before walking alongside her. I followed behind Monika while his guard quickly followed behind him. Unlike myself this guard was also wearing rather extravagant apparel like Edmund. He was garbed in a light pinkish white tailcoat and trousers. The coat itself had thick wavy stripes going up along it that pulsed with a soft green hue. He was wearing a few rings as well as an amulet that all most likely were enchanted to help him maintain his magic and focus it more precisely. While my armor was esoteric it was not nearly as flashy as his clothing. It also further exemplified how much their people focused on magic rather than melee or ballistics. The only form of defense I could see on him was a small stiletto tucked underneath his wrist. If the rumors from the war room are true I’m not entirely sure this trade is worthwhile. Supposedly they have or are creating some type of mass negate and silence magic device. If the reports are accurate it could change the battlefield forever.

All four of us made our way out of the dining hall as the King and the Magireeve proceeded to his study to finalize the trade deal. As we winded through the stone corridors, Edmund made small talk with Monika. Mostly things such as “The weather in your kingdom is quite nice,” or “While the sturdiness of the masonry throughout the town is impressive it’s extremely horrid to look at. Our town’s appear like villas meant for Dukes!” The pompous ass. Monika would mostly only respond with simple “Hmm’s” and “Of course.” I could tell she was deeply annoyed and tense from just being near him.

Edmund’s bodyguard and I pushed the large doors leading into the Royal Garden allowing them both to pass. Noticeably Monika thanked me and curtsied with a smile that hid a “please help me” behind her eyes. While Edmund simply walked through not even acknowledging his servants presence; the poor welp. As we strolled through the flower gardens Edmund turned to Monika before speaking once more. He truly seemed to enjoy hearing himself talk since Monika had barely spoken at all.

“You know Monika, these flowers are quite beautiful, but not nearly as beautiful as thee. And the hedges are maintained properly, with such sightly form…” He said slimily. “Speaking of which, have you considered my proposal? I know you must have some love of this backw- quaint kingdom; but my kingdom-” He said before being cut off by Monika.

“Your Father’s kingdom.” She corrected, his ego obviously struck by her pointing out this fact.

“Eh, either way it will be my kingdom. It will provide you a grand life; and with my intellect and your fetching body, you shall bear me great children.”

I twitched slightly as his petulant words left his putrid mouth. Even if Monika did not have feelings for me or had not confessed to me I would absolutely abhor this man’s attempt at “romance”. Nevertheless I stayed my tongue.

“As much as that offer is INCREDIBLY taaantalizing,” Monika said sarcastically. “I shall have to refuse.”

“Hah… hehe you must have misheard me or misspoken; I am offering you the privilege of marriage! To the upcoming king of Gadsden! My intellect would ensure our offspring would be avid magic users the likes this world has yet to see! I have riches unfathomable, magics that allow me to be THE GODS!”

“You blaspheme as though it were natural. You must know how lucky you are to be a foreign guest. Had you not been, the church would have you lashed for this heresy. Even so; I hardly need your petty wealth nor do I wish to mate with a half man. Especially considering a half breed who hasn’t even tasted the thrill of battle. I desire a man willing to fight for me, not order his servants to do it for him.” Monika rebutted his childish tantrum.

“Mind your tongue whore! I have more power than even your father! Why else would we be here in this backwater squalor heap you call a kingdom!” He yelled taking a step forward.

I quickly stood between them glaring at him but attempting to maintain a look of “I do not wish to fight.” Even though i wanted nothing more than to strike this “man” to the ground with the back of my gauntlet.

“Oh surely you jest peasant boy; I could turn you to ash with the snap of my fingers, freeze you solid with the blink of my eye! You are nothing to me!” He lashed at me with his words.

“Is that so?” I responded twisting my side revealing the insignia on my arm, the emblem of the ‘Schalldämpfer’s’ or ‘Magic Silencers’ in the common tongue.

His eyes widened before he glared daggers at me and Monika. “My Father will hear of this indiscretion!” He scoffed before turning and heading back into the palace. I watched as the little rat scurried away with his bodyguard in tow. I heard Monika sigh and I looked over to see her staring at the moons.

“Anon, that was unequivocally disgusting. To think that… that…”

“Pathetic bastard? Writhing maggot? Bastard spawn?” I said finishing her sentence.

“All of the above… thought he could marry me… let alone bed me with that kind of speech. Ugh” She shuddered.

“It makes my spine shudder even more than when I saw a captured Kerrowari bird.”

I chuckled before speaking. “Here I was thinking no suitor could top Duke Martins ‘Proposal’.”

“You never truly appreciate why gluttony is a sin until you meet Duke Martin...” Monika responded.

“You have no reason to worry any longer my love. You know how us knights are. When we swear fealty to someone we will die before it is taken from us.” I said with a smile.

“Ah but Anon, fealty only pledges you to serve and protect.”

“True but when you confessed your feelings it allowed me to open up my undying love to you. So now it applies to every fiber of you and I.”

Monika placed her hands on my cheeks. “Well then, I order you to always love me till time ceases for I shall show thee the same. Now and forever. Yours.” She said before glancing around quickly then standing on her toes to kiss me. “I swear my undying fealty to you my dear.” She said as we parted lips.

“But you're not a knight?” I responded jokingly.

She playfully slapped my shoulder before composing herself to go back inside.

“What are we to do about the lies he’s trying to spread. My father does need this trade deal.”

“Do not fret, I’ll be there should he try to lie about what occurred. Your agreeing to marry was not part of the deal after all.”

As we made our way back to the dinning hall another guard whispered in my ear about what was happening. The child lied to his father claiming I struck him when he went in to kiss the princess' hand. He knew of my time in the military but also knew I was punctual and maintained myself for my work splendidly. Upon reaching the hall I could hear the spider spinning his web. As we came into view, he glared, before pointing at me.

“I demand you lash this insolent mutt for daring to come between the princess and I! The fact that such a vulgar dog is allowed to be so close to the princess is beyond me!”

“Silence Edmund!” The Magireeve commanded. "Tell me guardsmen. Is what my son says true? Have you struck my son?”

“No sir, I simply stepped between him and the princess when he became irate.”

“Tell me, why was my son acting irate.”

“He was disgruntled that the princess refused his wedding proposal, Sir.”

“Is that so?...”

“Monika why have you refused Edmund surely he would make an excellent mate. He is one of the most avid magicians in Gadsden.” The King said.

“I beg your pardon Father but I simply prefer a man who has seen battle. Edmund is a swell man… but he simply isn't one I can see myself marrying.” Monika responded.

"A warrior hmmm…” The King muttered.

“I see, Edmund is there anything else you wish to say?” Saros asked.

"Is this some giant jest? Are you really going to let these… these human mongrels disrespect us this-” He was cut off by a sharp slap across the cheek from his mother.

“Shut your foolish mouth Edmund! How dare you speak ill of them for being human. Have you forgotten who your father is!? Who you are!? You arrogant child, return to the carriage immediately!” She fumed.

He stood there dumbfounded hand on his cheek, before his expression turned to anger and he stormed out of the room.

“Please forgive my son’s arrogance and disrespect. He’s been getting this poison pushed into his mind by some students at the university. I really must put my foot down more often… Thank you my love for castigating him.”

“Think nothing of it, darling.”

“Well I think it would be best if we make our leave as well. It was a great pleasure dining with you all tonight! We shall speak again King, on the matters of magic.”

“I’m looking forward to it Magireeve.”