[center][h2][color=#EEDC5B]The Prince[/color] &  [color=#85aabd]The Watchdog[/color][/h2][/center][center][sub]MENTIONS: Anastasia Danrose [@princess], Ezra Turner [@Potter], & Auguste Danrose [@Inertia][/sub][/center]
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While it was surely the bodyguard’s priority to keep the Danroses safe, these circumstances proved to be more difficult for him to apply his skills. As the situation soon escalated to become more of what looked like an issue to solve between the royal family, it was clear to Wystan that the function that came with his station was not required. A fact like this was quite easy to recognize, especially to someone who swore a vow never to cross the line– only to come when he was called. As such, the watchdog would of course know his place and adjust accordingly. 

Wystan resigned himself to very seriously keeping an eye out for the crowds that began to surround them. Whether it was out of curiosity, malicious intent, or simply an attraction to Callum’s shenanigans, the watchdog paid attention to all sorts of mindsets and possibilities as he went on his way to shield the Danroses from being viewed like exhibits on display. His fairly considerable height and regularly-trained build were enough to deter many onlookers, causing them to cease their focus and pay their heed elsewhere. As for the more eager observers, he employed the classic raise-of-a-hand to signal his warning to keep their distance, interrupting many sheep in the process before causing them to disperse as well. 

After the visitors were effectively turned away from the Danroses, Wystan would keep his attention at the ready, never allowing that sigh of relief to escape him just yet. Such a decision would prove useful even after Callum and Anastasia descend from the table, as he effortlessly spots the princess attempting to sneak away.

With Prince Wulfric, Auguste, and Callum reasonably occupied, the bodyguard quickly stepped out of the crowd to gently catch hold of the princess’ arm. After shifting himself closer to her side to manage a more comfortable grip for her sake, he fixed the princess with a stern gaze. Even still, the characteristic biting frost that accompanied his eyes could not disguise the unmistakable concern that they exuded.

 [color=#85aabd]“Your Royal Highness, this evening’s banquet is about to come to an end. May I ask where you are in a hurry to?”[/color]

Anastasia had stiffened, not expecting to have her arm caught. Her gaze moved over to his slowly and she smiled innocently as she said, [color=E77298]” Just the guest house. Wanted to check on Thea. I don’t see her here so I think she may have left early.”[/color]

 [color=#85aabd]“...Alright.”[/color] Wystan loosened his grip. There was assurance to be had in the fact that the guest house was not too far from the ballroom, and that he could make it there rather quickly if he took shortcuts. However, most of the insurance laid in the fact that he would be back on her trail in less than an hour. That was enough to let her go for now.  [color=#85aabd]“Be safe when you wade through the crowd, and take the front exit of the ballroom so that I can see you from here.” [/color]

[color=E77298] “I will! … You stay safe too, kay?”[/color] Anastasia told him genuinely with a smile. 

 [color=#85aabd]“As you wish, Your Highness.”[/color] The bodyguard nodded promptly, returning her smile with a small yet restrained one of his own. Aside from Prince Auguste, not many others would wish for his own safety– if any at all. It was wholly unnecessary for someone of his unit, in the end. However, if the prince and the princess thought it necessary, then he would simply do his best to comply. His safety meant he could keep watch over theirs, after all. Without another word, he proceeded to diligently keep his eyes trained on her as she then turned on her heels and continued toward the front exit as he had requested. 

Being left alone returned the frosted and steel-cut exterior the watchdog was underhandedly known for. Even still, he carried himself with respect and dignity, keeping his chin leveled but not high in clear respect of his company with the Danroses. A dog such as he knew his place, and thus he would not stand to tarnish the name that took him in with willing arms - a name that he carried close to his chest, both figuratively and literally. Over his robe’s breast pocket, the brass metal of the insignia granted to him by the second prince shone brilliantly under the dimness of the ballroom lights. Overlining was the embossment of a wolf’s profile facing forward, looking stern, focused, and unyielding. In the name of loyalty and in complete honor of the royal family, this badge he carried encompassed his undying devotion to the line of high nobles he never once ever dreamed of speaking of in the past.

Soon, with most of the crowd dispersed from the food tables. An opportunity was found to place himself beside his employer– the man who granted him a home, and a new life to call his own. After giving the prince some time to gather himself and settle pleasantries with the nobles around him, Wystan finally spoke.

[color=#85aabd]“Good evening, Your Royal Highness.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Ah~ a pleasant evening to yourself too, Wystan.”[/color] Auguste smiled, [color=#EEDC5B]“I take it you enjoyed your leave?”[/color]

[color=#85aabd]“Yes, I have.”[/color] Wystan nodded. Such was normal for the prince to lead their conversations. As of now, though, the bodyguard hoped that the prince was simply using small talk to disguise the goal of their conversation in the event of any… unsavory auditors. A thorough move, indeed. Especially with him knowing that the bodyguard would never start up pointless idle chatter during public events unless completely necessary. [color=#85aabd]“It was by a stroke of luck that I managed to be back in time for this event.”[/color] [i]And in time to witness first-hand a few certain persons of interest.[/i]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Well done attempting to coral my siblings, not a simplistic task.”[/color]

 [color=#85aabd]“I did not lead much of a hand in that, but I appreciate it, Your Highness.”[/color] Wystan glanced at the prince, and then at his siblings. It was true that Auguste did his best– with Callum especially. “In any case, it was much more simple driving away the flock of sheep that came with.”

Auguste scanned the ballroom as the guests filtered out of the building. When only a few stragglers remained and were out of earshot he exhaled wearily and turned towards his dark-haired ward. [color=#EEDC5B]“You have that look about you, dear Wystan.”[/color] He said, [color=#EEDC5B]“Anything of import that you’ve to report?”[/color]

 [color=#85aabd]“A few.”[/color] Wystan lowered his voice to a reasonable pitch as he finished off his own scan of the perimeter. For now, it was safe. 

[color=#85aabd]“Morning report, merchant’s district, southwest of downtown. I’ve found that news of the most recent unaccounted murders is connected to a drug-smuggling ring, which ultimately leads us to unlicensed doctors engaging in medical malpractice. I’ve gathered evidence of my progress– it will be at the ready should you or Prince Wulfric need to present it at the council.”[/color] The watchdog reported in practiced eloquence. [color=#85aabd]“I have plans to return to examine the thieves’ cant left behind by my informants, and also to seek further information on financial transactions and motives if any. The latter objectives are orders recently given by the crown prince.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Job well done as always.”[/color] Auguste’s pitch matched Wystan’s own. [color=#EEDC5B]“The council will be unable to shoot it down this time. It appears we’re getting close to an arrest. It will be a pleasure to personally arrest those involved.[/color]

The watchdog responded with a nod. [color=#85aabd]“It would be a pleasure to personally tend to those who resist your arrest.”[/color] He issued another glance at the exits, corners, and balcony area before continuing his intel report.

[color=#85aabd]“Afternoon report. Strange news from my informants about a misused warehouse.”[/color] He shifted his position on the off-chance there may have been a listener nearby. [color=#85aabd]“Those who were willing to divulge information leaked that the repository was used for practices considered scandalous. Heinous, even.”[/color] He frowned, before looking directly at the prince. [color=#85aabd]“Your brother instructed me to follow Anastasia after this event.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Ah, so this warehouse has a probable connection to this… invitation-based event?”[/color] Auguste looked as if in thought, [color=#EEDC5B]“The individuals handing out the invitations hid their presence well, but I’m certain you and I were able to trace their presence.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Had Wulfric not instructed you so, I would have.”[/color] His eyes were serious and sharper than usual. [color=#EEDC5B]“Be on your guard for this event, Wystan, something's not quite right.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Drag both Anastasia and Callum out of this event if necessary. I will deal with their complaints later on.”[/color] The prince continued, [color=#EEDC5B]“You, as well, exercise caution.”[/color] He knew from years of experience that Wystan was not the type to have a lax guard, but better safe than sorry. [color=#EEDC5B]“But there is also no need for you to lay down your life.”[/color]

[color=#85aabd]“Very well, my prince. I plan to ride as soon as possible.”[/color] Wystan heard everything Auguste had to say except for the very last bit. Whether it was by instinct or stubborn selectiveness, the watchdog’s devotion simply knew no bounds. If anything during this event called for such an extreme last resort, then he would deliver without another word. In this second life, nothing was too much for him if it was for the Danroses. 

[color=#85aabd]“Now, my last report is fairly recent,”[/color] Wystan spoke in a quieter tone this time, seemingly casting a glance to his side to browse the tables of food and those surrounding it. He stepped closer to the prince to shield his words further.  

[color=#85aabd]“It’s about Ezra Turner – the baker you may have met prior to the fiasco.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Ezra Turner?”[/color] Auguste enquired, [color=#EEDC5B]“Hmm, go on.”[/color]

[color=#85aabd]“It is regarding Anastasia, my prince. During our introductions earlier, something about him didn’t seem quite right,”[/color] Wystan stated, his eyebrows furrowed as he recalled the baker’s strange demeanor towards the princess. [color=#85aabd]“While it is not rare for the princess to receive expressions of admiration, this baker seemed entirely fixated on her during our first meeting. It was to the extent that it seemed my presence was either… unwanted or wholly ignored.” [/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“In cases like this, your instincts tend to be accurate.”[/color] Auguste replied, [color=#EEDC5B]“Keep an eye on this Ezra Turner. His apparent obsession with Anastasia is a worry.”[/color]

Auguste paused for a moment, waiting for any more clarification but Wystan stayed mum. [color=#EEDC5B]“Alright, if that is all, make your preparations.”[/color] He continued, [color=#EEDC5B]“I’ll be expecting your report tomorrow unless it is an emergency… I’ll have to go and get prepared for my meeting with mother and brother.”[/color]

Wystan nodded, then looked Auguste straight in the eye.  [color=#85aabd]“If there should be any trouble here at the estate, Harper has been stationed at the back gates.”[/color] The watchdog placed a hand on the prince’s shoulder.  [color=#85aabd]“Please send for me. I will be ready.” [/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Perhaps I shall give Harper a greeting, see if she is doing well, it has been awhile since I’ve spoken to her.”[/color] Auguste said. [color=#EEDC5B]“Trust me Wystan, should something warrant your attention I will call for you. I’m more worried about this party. I’ll say this once more, exercise due caution.”[/color]

The bodyguard simply nods in response, choosing not to say that Harper would indeed appreciate the gesture, even more so coming from Auguste himself. [color=#85aabd]“Very well, Your Royal Highness. Have a safe evening– my regards to your brother and the Queen.” [/color] Wystan stepped back to give the prince his final bow for the evening before executing a swift departure. 

From this point on, it seemed time was of the essence.