Jacob and Prince Eric eyed each other carefully. Months have already passed by since King Stefan appointed them to be military partners. The King ordered both men never to go easy on each other in their matches. As a matter of fact, he even told them to give each other the hardest possible time.

They already had a total of more than a hundred spars and contests in those months that passed. Both of them already knew each of their weaknesses and strengths and did their best to outwit each other every time. Prince Eric always moved the fastest while Jacob strategized every attack. The results of their matches also vary. At times, Prince Eric wins. Sometimes, it would be a draw. But MOST of the time, Jacob wins.

Prince Eric narrowed his eyes and with an impressive speed unsheathed his sword and attacked. Jacob drew his sword to block it. Prince Eric smirked seeing that he was faster and his sword will make contact on Jacob's flesh. He was confident that he would win this round.

However, the prince celebrated too early as he felt pain on his side as something made contact with it. He gave it a quick glimpse and saw that Jacob used the sword's sheath as a follow up strike to his sword block. He grimaced at the pain and he lost his balance because of the force of the blow but he won't give up just yet.

As he fell down, he opened his palm that was holding his sword to hold his weight and used his legs to attack. He spun upside down and used his legs to deliver strikes to his opponent.

Jacob quickly backed away. But, the prince's attacks were too fast to block by hand so he immediately did his evasive three fold back flips to keep distance. Then, they were on their feet once more. Both of them did not waste time as their swords clashed again in the middle. Both putting force, pushing, blocking, and clashing until they seceded.

Then, it was silent. Jacob was on the lookout, alert, wary of Prince Eric's movements, even his breathing. Then, he heard it. Prince Eric always takes a loud deep breath before attacking. Jacob knew it would be fast. Prince Eric was attacking straight forward. Jacob jabbed his sword on the ground and used the topmost of the hilt as his step stool to flip behind the prince and deliver his final blow to his neck using the sheath of the sword.

The Prince fell on the ground. Jacob's blow could have knocked out an ordinary man in an instant but not the Prince. He was surely hurt but he was still conscious. However, he knows it would take him a while to stand up thus the King announced Jacob as the winner.

The people cheered. Jacob went to the prince and held out his hand to help the latter get up. The prince graciously accepted it. Jacob pulled him up. The people cheered louder at the display of such sportsmanship. The handsome prince took hold of Jacob's wrist and lifted his hand up so the people could see that he accepted Jacob's win. The crowd went wild, chanting both their names.

Until now, Jacob could not get used to such showmanship. He was still too uncomfortable. Prince Eric, however, revelled in such moments. He loves hearing his name chanted by the people.

"Your Highness, I should make my exit right about now," Jacob told the Prince.

Prince Eric scoffed, "Just smile, Jacob. They love it. Besides, you won… AGAIN. You should be happy, correct?"

After the display of sportsmanship, the prince quickly walked away. The royal doctor met him promptly to check on his injuries but Prince Eric quickly dismissed him. King Stefan also met both of them and congratulated them both.

"Job well done, once again. That was a very excellent spar. I did not know who was going to win," the King said while laughing.

He patted the prince's back, "You did not get hurt that much, did you?"

"It was nothing I could not handle," Prince Eric replied.

Then, the King looked at Jacob adoringly. "But, you boy! Those moves were quite amazing. I wish you were my son," he declared then gave him a bone crushing hug.

Prince Eric clenched his fist and turned away after hearing his father praise Jacob. "Excuse me, Father. I still have some previous engagements," he said then looked at Jacob. "Lieutenant Commander…"

"Oh no no no no," King Stefan replied. "You are now looking at Captain Jacob Alon of the Navy. In six months, he will have his own crew."

"I offer you my felicitations, Captain. Excuse me, Father," the Prince responded and left right away.

Jacob could not help but notice the negative vibe coming from Prince Eric. But, he never dared question it.

"Would you accompany me to my daughter's manor cottage? It's been a while since I saw Yazmine. You don't mind, do you?" King Stefan requested or teased, knowing of their relationship.

Jacob smiled, "Not at all, Your Highness. It would be an honor to accompany you."

*****

"My King, you should have sent me a message prior to your visitation," Yazmine said as she led the two men in her cottage. She then quickly told her servants to fetch some tea. "What is the manner of your visit, Your Highness?" she added and gave Jacob a quick smile.

King Stefan chuckled, "Could I just say that I miss seeing the face of my eldest daughter? Besides, I came bearing a gift," he claimed and looked knowingly at Jacob.

Yazmine sighed, "Don't let your advisors hear that. You, missing me, I mean. Word travels fast. You know the nobles hate me so."

"Now, now, now, you're overreacting. They do NOT hate you," the King replied.

"If you say so, Your Highness. But the attempts on my life were proof enough that I am right this time," she argued.

King Stefan smiled, "That's why I brought Captain Jacob here. For three months, you will be a part of his responsibilities. He will take over your personal guards' duties when their shift is over. Jacob will be here during the night shift."

Yazmine's eyes widened, "You should've consulted me first, Your Highness."

"It is only for three months. Just to put this old man's heart at peace," the King said and looked at Jacob. "I am not asking for too much, am I? I will compensate for your efforts of course."

Jacob looked at Yazmine then turned back to the King, "I will do as you order, Your Highness. You do not need to compensate me. Her protection is also my priority."