Jezin backstepped an instant after striking, but he still felt as the dagger whizzed by his face. A few strands of hair fell to the ground. It had been close, too close. He had inadvertently managed to dodge the attack from the man's sword. Thankfully, as it would've nearly certainly been fatal. The sword was still gripped tightly in his hand. It hadn't managed to find it's mark it seemed. He looked at the man for a moment, appalled at his ghastly appearance. The bodyguard took another step back, flourishing the blade around in his hands. It was awkward, but not overly so. Even in such a short encounter, Jezin could tell the man was a skilled fighter. He glanced towards the squire, whose attack had also missed it's mark. "Gareth. Listen to me and listen well. If I get him out of the way, you take Sophia and Eva, and you run like your life depends on it. Get the Princess as far away as you can, and I will hold this... thing off." Jezin took a deep breath. This man would not have the princess, not while he was breathing. He rushed forward with great speed, raising his blade, but just before he struck he ducked to the ground, throwing a swift sweeping kick at the man's legs, while holding his own blade between the man and himself to provide some defense while trying to knock him to the floor.

 Sophia watched as the scene unfolded before her, her eyes wide and her face pale. Eva's grip tightened on her arm. She was sure it was bruising, but she couldn't even feel it. Her worst nightmares were coming true. She felt her handmaiden pull her forward again, before noticing the woman's orange eyes looking back at her. "If we get a chance, we run. Understood?" Sophia shivered. "But... but Jezin." Eva shook her head. "He knows what to do. If we get an opening we run. Do you understand?" Sophia nodded, still shaking. Eva gripped her dagger tightly in her hand.