You're Grounded

Bhoooonnn

A trumpet sound started, indicates that the fight is starting. Hayden squeezes his heels to the horse and his horse starts to run.

Prince Hans also does the same. Both of them from a different direction. Hayden, slide out the black beast sword from his side when they almost near. And Prince Hans also drew out his sword. It is a little thin and slim than Hayden's black beast sword. While Hayden wants to strike his body, he leans his body backward and uses the edge of his sword to attack the black horse that Hayden riding.

His horse has been injured by Prince Hans, he then hops on his horse back and jump to the ground striking the ground with his sword. A blazed of lightning hit the ground and the horse that is ride by Prince Hans is slipped.

Prince Hans jumped from the horse and landing straight facing Hayden. Hayden then drags his sword with the edge of his sword on the ground with a smiling face. His eyes look scary and dark as a midnight sky for a moment.

In a second after, he swings his sword. Ready to attack Hans with full speed.

At the observation areas, Yuina clasps her finger together and hoping that Prince Hans will not be injured. She knows well how Hayden skills. He never loses any battle from before. His power is equal to a thousand soldiers.

Zirconia kingdom has five general from five clans. Each clan is ruled by the General and they will submit to the King of the Zirconia kingdom. In 16 years old, Hayden already leads his clan and work under King Edward. For him to win this competition is nothing. He also trained all the soldier in the castle. Not only that, he is an ideal man to be a great husband. The family and the lady from the rich family would love to have him in their side, however, he is owned by the King and only obeys to his Majesty.

Once his majesty gives him mission or order, he needs to fulfill it no matter what it takes.

Zrnggggg!

Prince Hans blocks his attacks by his sword. Even though his sword loses in comparison with Hayden's sword, his sword is made by the thickest material and high-quality compounds. It's not easily broken.

"Prince, your side body is exposed," Hayden said and kicked him at his abdomen, making him laugh in pain.

"Oh god! You really hit me." He holds abdomen and makes a defense formation.

"I didn't use my full strength, Prince. It's just a little hello from me." He continues to strike him and in years of training, Hans Prince is also not someone who can beat up easily.

Prince Hans counter strikes Hayden's attacks and the fight makes them both tired. After three hours of fighting, finally, King Edward calls them to stop and call it a match for today.

Yuina hurriedly went to the barrack and see both of the men. She looks at Prince Hans who is a bit injured. She then storming to Hayden with a bit furious.

"Hayden, why did you injured Prince Hans? You know he can't be injured, right?" She said with a bit of regret. Regret to not stopping her father to void Prince Hans into a useless battle.

"Yuina, come on. I am a man. Don't say something that will embarrass me. I'm not that weak, it is Hayden who is too strong." He pats on Yuina shoulder and consoles her from punishing Hayden.

Hayden stands still and not say any single word to her. However, he still lowered his gaze upon the Princess, he knew where's he standing. Even though they're a childhood friend, he still only a mere orphan who is raised by the master of his tribe. He did not have any slightest royal blood in his body

"Hayden, don't take to heart what she's said. She's sometimes can be really stubborn. You know it too, right?" He patted on his back before he wraps his hand around Yuina's shoulder.

"Let's go to the dining hall. Your Majesty might be waiting for us." He said and before they both go out of the room, Yuina turns to Hayden.

"You're grounded. Don't come 10 foot near me for two days."

Lowered his head again, he says, "Yes, Princess."

...

The night birthday banquet.

All of the lords from all other tribe comes to the party. All the five General also invited to Yuina's party. Important guests from all over the country staying in the castle for today and tomorrow. Tomorrow is supposed to be the day where the King will announce the engagement of Princess Yuina Zephyrine with the one who will rule the kingdom in the future.

Like what has been instructed by Yuina, Hayden is prohibited to stay near her below 10 foot. Thus, he only observing her from afar. King Edward notice the situation, he then calls Hayden in one of the resting room.

"General Hayden, is your elder already received the memorandum from me?" He asks him gently.

Lowered his head, he replied, "Yes, your highness."

"So, are they accepting my proposal?"

"They did not let out any objection, which is, I assume they accepted it." He straight looking at the King.

"I see, is there any problem with you, regarding my decision?"

"No, your highness."

"Hayden, Yuina is my precious daughter. She is the only one I have. Thus, this is my last mission for you. Protect her till your last breath. I'm counting on you."

With steady, Hayden kneeling down and lowered his head looking at the floor. "At your service, your highness."

" I will protect her with my own life." He makes a promise to the King.

"Raise your head." He satisfies with his answer and loyalty.

Raise his head, King Edward signaling him to stand up.

"I heard that Princess Yuina punish you to stay away from her for 10 foot, huh?" He chuckled a bit.

Hayden only nods his head.

"Don't take to your heart about it. She is sometimes a bit childish. I wonder what is her reaction when she knew who was her fiance tomorrow." His smiling looking like he's really looking forward to it.

...

After the banquet, Yuina returns to her room, while Hayden has been released from his duty to guard her room.

He was staying at the soldier barrack at the outer side of the castle. While he wants to go back to the castle wall, he noticed most of the soldier who guarding up tonight is not from his camp. They look rather new.

He keeps glancing and watches them. Yup, as he thought. There's something strange tonight. Whenever they saw him, the soldier on guard will turn frigid and stand like a pole.

Normal soldier under his care will greet him, or at least bow their head to him.

"Something is happening inside." He tightens his grip on his black beast sword. He walks steadily and fastens his pace to return back to the inside of the castle.