Chapter [04] + Extra Info

[Author's Note: Hello! SORRY FOR NOT POSTING LAST FRIDAY AND MONDAY- I underestimated how long doing this chapter would be. Longer chapters are more likely to take four to five days now because of how much notes, making sure the plot makes sense, and other things have to be worked out. Next, I will not be posting new chapters for the book because of school, so I have a lot to do, but I will be posting old chapters of my book, which are different, and maybe a chapter about the characters so far. And hopefully, by then- the fifth chapter will be out, and during the summer, I will work on the book constantly. ALSO! HAPPY PRIDE MONTH, EVERYONE!❤️🏳️‍🌈 Now onto the chapter~:3|

My eyes cracked open as I forced myself to sit up from my slumber. Feeling a severe ache in my lower back, I hunched over and took many deep breaths. I finally seemed fine and realized I needed to hurry.

I proceeded to cover myself in a sleeveless tunic, dark trousers, and black knee-length boots. I surged out of my room and banged on every door, shouting- "RISE AND SHINE, GUARDS! Duties are up!"

Guards trotted the hallway, Left and right. Marching down the stairs, I glanced into the armory, searching for my set of protection. I found my armor on a stand near the back walls, my fingers caressed the steel, and I recognized some pieces of the chest plate chipped- exposing the underneath coat. I shook myself back to existence, sliding it on and snatching the helmet.

*Thud* I shifted to the noise and sprinted to the hall- seeing a furious Liam Armstrong. He glared at the ground and was eyeing two broken halves of a helmet. "Liam?" "I am sick and tired of this..." He jolted the pieces against the wall with one forceful kick; the sound echoed. "And what is it you mean by that?" His stare gave shivers. "Look about- THAT KING IS WILLING TO PUT OUR LIVES AT STAKE FOR THAT DAMNED HOUSE!"

My sights fell onto my palms, contemplating my helmet. A grin came, presenting it to Liam. "It is not the best, but it will do." He smiled, "And I shall talk to the King." Liam bowed. "Thank you, Sir. I appreciate the thought. I must leave now. Take care." He left happily.

I fled to the weaponry and fetched my preferred sword along with its scabbard.

I took my leave to the canteen, boxing my breakfast and stepping foot in nature.

These marbled roads gave me such amusement those many years ago when men and women alike would crowd these streets with joy- in pairs or even groups. Unlucky folks would misstep and possibly lose balance, but I was merely a child then and now; it is foggy, streets are lifeless, and taxes are rising day by day. I fear that Liam is correct, but what frightens me most is that I might not prevent it.

I heard cries in an alley, spotting a young girl crawling closer to the trash. "Please... Do not hurt me." She weakly begged. I had this urge to comfort her. However, she looked all bones with shredded attire and dirty skin. She's vulnerable, and I won't want to scare her. I immediately pulled the box from my satchel, dropping it and running to the mansion.

I charged in, observing the black rugs and red-stained walls. The paintings were beautiful from a grim perspective. I lingered the stairs and soon found myself outside the study.

I knocked, "Who is it?" "It's-" The door flew open, and arms swung around me. A tall male in a fancy robe held me, "Brown Sugar! Why have you not visited!?" Beau whined as if he were a pet. "Beaumont, I am a guard. I have tasks, I have no time for play-" Beau gave a slight grin."H-however, I am usually out about, and I would not mind company..." "Brown Sugar- I would adore nothing more, but today I cannot." He released me, taking a seat at his desk. "Do you have plans?" He nodded, "A shipment from Lancaster village is docking, and I must stay to sign the forms." He explained, and I created a smirk. "I have a conundrum." Beau leaned in, "Tell. I believe I can help."

"Well... I've been aware of the shortage of supplies. The guard's armor, for example, is rusting and on the edge of shattering." He nodded- "I shall order you new protection." I perked. "Perfect. I have organized a chart with all the sizes for my men." He shook his head. "I will not require it. Thank you." "But you must know the-" Beau interrupted me. "I do not because I shall only purchase some for you." I felt perplexed.

"But my guards-" His eyes narrowed, "They are not crucial." "They shall die!" "Their lives are their own, and they can get their own if need be." "I do not believe my ears- MARCEL WOULD NEVER!" "I am not my father." A chuckle escaped me.

"That is very apparent because you are far worse. You're an egotistical, pretentious Schmuck," He teared up, "Hosuh..." His fingers lingered to my palm; however, I pulled away to leave. "Adieu, king Beaumont." I was outraged and disappointed.

I sprinted into the village with no specific destination in mind; I just desired a distraction from my temper. I lost my stability and collapsed. "Commander?" I looked up to see Stephan Frederick, and his blond hair wisped in the wind- "Are you okay?" I rubbed my neck, feeling tense.

"Hard to say; my responsibilities do become draining." He agreed, "I wouldn't underestimate it. The work of a guard is vital. However, the military deserves downtime like any other." His hand reached out to me. "Do you not agree?" I clutched it, "Aye." I began to haul myself up, but instead, I dragged poor Stephan to the ground alongside me.

All around us was silent, and our eyes met. Stephan's blue eyes, white skin, and dimples were beautiful. Suddenly, we erupted into laughter.