I raised my hand for silence. The crowd quieted down. Without looking at Aeson for whatever opinion he had I gestured to Adonis to kneel. He knelt down. I unsheathed my sword, the sword I got recently, the gemsword, I called it. Maybe I should make a better name for it later on. Like I don’t know, ultimate stone or something.

“I, Aurelia Helena Asterias, will honour you as my knight to Adonis Leonidas Halio.” I passed the sword to his hand and carefully sliced his hand leaving a long papercut injury. Surprisingly, Adonis was indifferent.

“I swear loyalty to the Light of the Moon of the Empire.” He let a drop of blood fall down on the ground.

The crowd cheered. An oath has been made, and many people have witnessed it meaning none of us could go back to our words.

I faced him properly this time. Amber-ish hair and blue eyes… Hey…..

“Have you escorted me before?” I asked.

He tilted his head and tapped his ears As he slowly stood up. Ah, he couldn't hear me with all the cheering happening. I raised my hand and the crowd quieted down once again.

“The games have ended, and please congratulate every competitor whether they lost or won. As they say, ‘Losing is to win.’ Anyways, today’s match was more intensive than usual, so I guess there’s more pressure on them. And to the competitors, we’ll announce your rankings this week or next, so be ready.” I cupped my chin wondering what else to say. “Ah, and don’t forget your betting money!”

The crowd cheered once more and we left the arena, with a new person, Adonis.

We spotted Aeson, waiting outside the carriage with Mr. Liam, holding a bag of.. Money.

“I greet the second Prince.” Adonis bowed. It felt somewhat funny because they were both S.P. (Second Princes.) Imagine something like this:

Someone: I greet the SP.

Aeson and Adonis: Hello.

Aeson waved Adonis off and turned towards me.

“I lost the bet.” Sir Liam handed Aeson the bag. “I was fairly sure Kile would win, since you asked for his name.” Aeson handed me the bag. It jingled with money. I could probably buy 4 or 5 designer dresses, but this money wasn’t for me. It was for-

“Come on Rela,” Aeson jarred me out of my thoughts, “let’s go.”

I took his hand and stepped inside the carriage. I made room for Adonis but he didn’t get in. Instead, he took a horse and escorted us from behind. I felt somewhat embarrassed.

“Mmm. We have a 2 rounder now eh?” Aeson said.

I frowned, confused about what he was talking about. “You talkin’ about the dude who won?” I asked.

“Yeah. I mean it’s really unusual. He is your personal knight and a consort for you. It somehow feels like we are trying to cut off our staff.” sighed Aeson.

Aeson really changed during the months, that it was hard to know which one was his real personality. When we were kids, he was somewhat angelic-- all innocent and smart and then when I went undercover and he found me in the training ground, he looked so mature and quiet and caring and right now, well I guess, that some of Ian’s bad personality started rubbing onto him. He became more complaining and more noisier, but at least he’s easy going. Looking back into it, he really did change. Which one was the real him?

The carriage rattled and for the first time in months, I felt like the tension in my shoulders loosening up just a little.

RATTLE RATTLE RATTLE

A sound of something small and rock-ish rattling against something hard. Ah, that's right, I have to give Aeson his little late birthday gift.

I took out the box from underneath my seat and opened it.

“Choose one stone.” The remaining three glistened.

“Oooh. Nice stones.” Aeson studied the stones. “I’ll take the blue one.”

“Take it.”

Aeson took it. “Um, what do I do with this? Is it jewelry or-”

“You see that faint circle on the stone?” I quickly took out my jasper.

Aeson seemed to understand. He pressed it and it turned into a dagger. “Ah!” the blade sliced his hand.

“You ok?” I Asked.

“I’m fine.”

The design looked the same as mine, except it was a dagger. Did it change into any weapons or did it change into any weapon you liked or did every stone have a different weapon as fixed?

“Uh, so you press here or something and-”

Aeson pressed the part where it had the gemstone before I could finish explaining. It morphed back into a stone.

Aeson marvelled at his new weapon. His eyebrows high, his eyes wider and his mouth slightly open. “Whoah, and I get this thing?”

I nodded. “Mmhmm. ” I closed the box and put it back.

The carriage stopped and when I looked out, we were already back at the palace. I sighed, “After you.” I gestured Aeson to go out. He stepped out first into the blinding light.

I stepped out, lightly holding a hand which reached out to me. My brain was like; this is Aeson.

But the moment my hand touched his gloved hand I immediately felt alarmed. With a quick glance to my right, I realized it was Adonis, my new guard. I resisted the urge to sigh with relief. If I sighed, maybe everyone would tell me to get some rest, and I’ll be slowly dying due to the boredom in less than a week.

After a few minutes of walking in the palace, I mustered out my courage after a short intense debate in my head whether to say it or not.

“Sir, Adonis Leonidas Halio, we’ll discuss your job in the study room.” I closed my eyes tightly.

I didn’t have to say it since, he’ll follow me there anyways, but it felt somewhat wrong to just ask him questions without giving a heads up.

Finally Adonis spoke. “Yes your majesty.”

“Sit.“ I ordered. He sat in front of me.

“So...” I took a pen and paper as I started writing down a quick job contract since I…. wanted to look organized.

“Your name.. What should I call you?”

He seemed to ponder about it. “Adonis or Adon. To be honest, I don't mind.”

“Mmm.” I scribbled down ‘Ado’ then realized that he might want to have it, and wrote the last ‘nis’ in neat writing. “Your skills?”

“My skills? In bows its 7 or 6, running 6, grip 8, dagger throwing 9, javelin 9 and swords 9 or 10.”

I quickly scribbled it down on the paper and admired the numbers.

Normally when I asked people their skills, they’ll start boasting or if you were unlucky they’ll tell you that they suck but in reality they weren’t so bad. Adonis… He just told me the answer I was looking for. And look at this level! It’s quite high.

“Oh and what about your shifts?”

“I prefer it on the day. But if you are planning to go somewhere at night, I’ll gladly guard you. I’m a short heavy sleeper so I am able to get plenty of sleep.”

“Oh, thats fine.” I was happy that he was very understanding and easy going. “Oh and another question, what style is your sword skills?” I put my pen down and clasped my hands as I leaned on my arm.

“We learn the style in the Halio kingdom. We just don't have any pattern really. Pretty handy in battles I guess. We just do what our gut tells us to do.” He smiled nervously as if their technique was weird. Truthfully it wasn’t so bad. Maybe I didn’t have to train him after all.

We sat in silence for a few seconds. It felt awkward.

“Your Highness, it’s dinner time.” he stood up.

I stood up as well.“ You already memorized the time table?” I asked.

“I guess.”

“Oh, and your job as the consort,” I picked up the paper, “You don’t have to do much. Just attend the same ball I go to.”

“And will they know that I’m your consort?”

“Good question. Thought you’ll never ask. Actually, I was thinking of that too. Later tonight, I’ll talk with Aeson about it.”

We headed to the diner room. Normally I would wait for Aeson to come if he came later than I, but I was too hungry. I nodded to the maids to bring in the meal. They brought in the meal and just when I was going to start with the soup, Aeson came in and joined. The maids left and our personal guards stood by the doors.

“I got a letter from Ian.” he said, then continued sipping his soup.

“What did he say?” I started cutting the meat.

“It’s going okay there. The Vortigen people are slowly retreating to the borders. Ian said he can handle it.”

“I see.” I wondered why Ian didn’t tell me, but then again, I might've been intimidating. (Yeah right, to a person who calls me sis instead of sister.)

“Can I see the letter?”

“Oh…uhhh .” he looked troubled. “I burned it up. Sorry.”

I sighed. “It’s fine. Just don’t do that again next time.”

“Understood.”

We ate in silence after that. Just when I finished desert and when I was about to leave, I realized I had to settle matters about Adonis. I turned around.

“About the prince from the Halio Kingdom. What are your thoughts on announcing the consort part to the public?”

“I’m not sure.” his tone felt frosty and distant. “Maybe keep it a secret for now, and keep him as your personal knight.” He said. His tone became normal.

“What’s wrong? Did I disturb your thoughts?” I wanted to ask. But I decided this wasn’t the mood to ask. I stood up ready to leave.

“By the way, are you going to send him a letter?” he asked.

“No I wont. Send him a letter on my behalf.”

“Understood.”