[h1][center][color=E77298]Anastasia[/color] &  [color=85aabd]Wystan[/color][/center][/h1]

[right][sub][color=E77298][@Rodiak] Zarai (The very end <3)[/color][/sub][/right]
[hr]

Anastasia had come bounding up to Wystan like an excited golden retriever as her blonde hair danced behind her. She had a plate of rolled crepes in hand and teddy bears tucked under her arm. [color=E77298] “Wystan! I haven’t forgotten about you I promise!” [/color] She outstretched the food toward him as she stood before him, [color=E77298] “I… I thought you might be hungry over here.”[/color] She was breathing a little heavier as she tried to catch her breath. 

The bodyguard blinked once at the dessert before he dutifully accepted the plate in one hand. [color=#85aabd]”Thank you for thinking of me, Princess.”[/color] Wystan had tried not to, but he looked over the delicacy with a little too much of an uncharacteristic gleam in his eyes. 

[color=E77298] “ Of course! Didn’t want you starving over here.”[/color] Anastasia noticed a certain look in his eyes and she grinned with pleasure. It had always entertained her to get a reaction out of the normally stoic bodyguard. [color=E77298] “ Go on. Try it! Pleeease!”[/color]

A small rumble erupted from the empty pit known as his stomach just then. [color=85aabd]”...”[/color] Without much else of a word, he nodded and gestured towards a bench nearby, patting down the spot for the princess before they sat. The watchdog held the plate awkwardly in his hands as if waiting for an order.

The princess hurried over and scooted beside him, her elbows against her knees and her chin in her palms as she looked at him expectantly. She nodded her head as if to urge him with a smile, her eyes alight with excitement.

Wystan then folded the thin pancake over his fork and promptly took a bite. It was practically an order from the princess. There was no world in which he could have refused. He closed his eyes for only a moment to savor its soft and creamy texture. A soft exhale left him as he did so, while his shoulders seemed to slacken ever so slightly.

A small, soft squeal of joy escaped Anastasia and she clasped her hands. [color=E77298]“ Ooooh you still love those… I’m so happy you still love those. I used to secretly pester the kitchen staff to make them more often so you could have them when you first started living with us.” [/color]

The bodyguard’s eyes fluttered open at those words. He cleared his throat with a fist over his mouth, effectively disguising his rather bashful reaction with a rough grunt. [color=85aabd]"Back then, it was you…?”[/color] He processed the memories from those early days— when he felt unworthy of stepping near the royal estate the first time he was brought there. Even with Auguste's sincere welcome, every fiber of his being told him that he did not belong. But for some reason, when it was time to dine, the royal kitchen staff had never missed serving him the crepe rolls he adored so much. Delicious food played a big part in what calmed his raised hackles and allowed him to relax. Truth be told, knowing Ana now, he should not have been surprised that she was the one behind all of that.

...And he wasn't. What [i]did[/i] surprise him, though, was how his mind stalled when he heard those words. A skip in his heart rate. Was he sick? He couldn’t make out what any of what he felt meant. Instead, he took his feelings out on the crepes, inhaling them in less than a minute.

[color=85aabd]”Thank you, Ana.”[/color] Wystan paused to think of that one thing Auguste often said to him to express sincere gratitude. [color=85aabd]”...I feel blessed to have you in my life.”[/color]

A smile slowly crept across her face that she tried to bite back as her gaze lowered and her cheeks reddened. Anastasia was thoughtful for once over her response. Wystan had a way of catching her off guard with his words often, in such a manner that made her want to consider her reply more selectively.  She glanced up at him through her lashes as she finally decided.  [color=E77298] “You know what... Can I give you a hug?”[/color] 

[color=85aabd]”Oh. As you wish, your Highness.”[/color] Wystan looked at her and then their surroundings, deeming it safe before responding with slightly open waiting arms. Then, he pat himself down around his abdomen and made sure his concealed arms were out of the way. The expression on his face was of concern, but not unwant. It was clear this was not something he was used to. [color=85aabd]”I am ready.”[/color] 

Anastasia emitted a giggle at his reaction. There was a very small inactive pause before she threw herself at him and wrapped her arms around his waist in a tight squeeze. Thankfully, she wasn’t a very strong princess. She remained there silently for a long moment until she felt satisfied with their hug. 

Wystan was silent. He had his arms laid gently around the princess’ back, careful not to squeeze too hard lest he pained her by any injuries he couldn’t notice from last night. On the other hand, the bodyguard was half-part perplexed and half-part amused, thinking to himself that perhaps if one were, for some reason, to be enveloped in a human-sized marshmallow, then that was what it would feel like. He would never get used to hugs, but he could for sure take solace in Ana’s. 

 She freed him and looked up at him, her hands moving to her hips with solemnity. [color=E77298] “Now I am ready too.”[/color]

The watchdog found satisfaction in her satisfaction. In that moment, he was simply glad that she felt safe enough around him still, even in spite of his failure to keep her and her brother safe during the nobles’ getaway. After eating away at him all night, that thought finally crept back into his mind as he lost himself for a moment in silence. 

[color=85aabd]”...Ana.”[/color] He spoke low. [color=85aabd]”I want to know… and if it’s absolutely okay, what happened last night?”[/color] He repeated the question Auguste had asked him prior, only to realize the heaviness in his chest of anticipating her response. 

Anastasia had tilted her head with a frown at his sudden silence and change in disposition. Though his next words cleared her confusion up, she did not seem to cheer up any. Her shoulders slacked. [color=E77298]“Oh. Right… [i]That[/i].”[/color]She wondered if Wystan would be as disappointed as everyone else. The idea stung to think about, but there was no escaping his question. 

[color=E77298]“Well… My friend throws these parties… He tries to make a space where everyone can be themselves and not worry about titles or their reputation. He’s a really nice person I think so I didn’t want to tell my parents his name without any proof he did anything wrong... I thought it would be fun to bring people to the party but I convinced Darryn, the stablehand, to bring us there.”[/color]

The bodyguard acknowledged all of this with a slow nod, recalling the boy’s face from the stables.

She paused and bit her lip. After rubbing her forearm, Anastasia continued, her throat growing tighter with every word, [color=E77298]“ Then this morning…No one remembered anything that happened but apparently, a lot of us came back in bad shape, even the Alidasht royalty. So of course my mother freaked out and tried to blame Darryn-“[/color] Her words broke off as her voice cracked. She covered her mouth to keep the dam from breaking. Farim and the festival had managed to distract her enough to forget how she had been feeling.

Wystan laid his hand on her shoulder, tightening it in a warm grip to refocus her attention on him. [color=85aabd]”Be easy, Princess.”[/color] He nodded at her with concern, establishing full eye-contact. [color=85aabd]”I’m listening, but you need not speak more if it pains you to do so.”[/color] 

[color=E77298] “I-...”[/color] She looked up at Wystan. His words were soft and soothing; they managed to calm her a little. Her hand drifted from her mouth.  Even though Wystan had given her an out from the conversation, she found herself continuing to speak. [color=E77298] “They tried to torture him… Callum told me that Darryn’s free now…But… I have a feeling my mother...“[/color] 

It wasn’t chilly by any means this day, but the princess shook like a leaf. In turn, watchdog respectfully held her tighter. [color=85aabd]”It’s alright.”[/color] He spoke softly. [color=85aabd]”It’s alright… it will all be handled.”[/color] 

Anastasia wondered if Wystan had meant his words simply in comfort, but it was the idea that motivated her to feel that she had to [i]make sure it was handled[/i], though she had no idea how she’d do so quite yet. [color=E77298] “ Yes.” [/color] She relented with a sigh finally after a pause. [color=E77298] “ Suppose it will...” [/color] 

 [color=85aabd]”Ana, I hear that heavy sigh.”[/color] Wystan knew she was in her head again. His heart ached a little without his intention, but his voice still sounded strict due to concern. [color=85aabd]”Please worry not. Prince Auguste likely has a plan in the making of what’s to come. He will not let a trusted stablehand, especially one as loyal as Darryn, go without a fight. In fact, I would not mind being a substitute for such punishments in his place— after all, I was in charge of looking after all of you last night.”[/color] Though he was painfully aware of the Queen’s merciless potential, there was resolution in his voice, and a suggestion like this was never prone to doubt when it came from the watchdog. 

Anastasia’s eyes widened on their accord and she cringed a little. She was shocked and frankly horrified at his suggestion.  She did not interrupt as he continued to talk, her mind racing as his initial words looped.

[color=85aabd]”In regards to your friend’s gathering…”[/color] He pulled away to give her a look; the stone-coldness of his features warmed into icemelts as he spoke with sincerity. [color=85aabd]”I know that I have apprehended you and your acquaintances more times than any man could count… but I want you to know that we do this because we worry. Your brother, Auguste, tells me to keep an eye on you because he cares for you deeply. Prince Wulfric, too. Young Prince Callum doesn’t like to mention this to me, but I don’t doubt his consideration for you, either.”[/color] 

Her gaze was on him as he spoke. She was paying attention though too caught up in worry to comment just yet. Anastasia did believe him when it came to Auguste and Callum, but she did wonder sometimes if Wulfric really cared. She’d die for any of the three regardless as well as for Wystan. She cared about all of them, even her parents, more than she wanted to sometimes admit.

[color=85aabd]”...And as for myself, I do feel this way, too.”[/color] He looks away as he mumbles the rest of his point before returning his careful gaze to her. Her eyes met his somberly, frowning slightly.  Anastasia then folded her hands anxiously as he spoke once more. [color=85aabd]”Anyway, my point is… I apologize for making you recount the night prior, but I thank you for sharing this with me, Ana. I know now that I have your trust, and I assure you I will do my best to maintain it as your retainer.”[/color] 

Her mind was still hung up on his willingness to substitute himself in Darryn’s place. Imagining Wystan all scarred up like that made her grip her hands together tighter. [color=E77298] “… No. You are not substituting yourself for any punishment.”[/color]  Anastasia’s words were firm and she had a look of resolve as she spoke. She wasn’t one to take on a demanding tone often. She looked up at him, locking her eyes onto his. [color=E77298]”You’re never to offer yourself for such a thing… Okay Wystan?”[/color] Concern swam in her eyes, [color=E77298]”Promise me please?”[/color] If her mother or father, or even Wulfric, ever [i]agreed[/i] to hurt him, Anastasia knew she would turn on them completely and never turn back.

[color=85aabd]”...Understood, Princess.”[/color] Wystan did in fact not quite understand Her Royal Highness’ concern for this offer, however, she looked scared, and so he did not have any difficulty in compliance. [color=85aabd]”In turn, may I too ask you for a promise?”[/color] She nodded her consent as she visibly relaxed.

[color=85aabd]”...Please do inform me of where you will go the next time.”[/color] The watchdog lowered his eyes. He didn’t want to think of the possibilities of what could’ve happened had he or the Queen’s men arrived a tad bit late. [color=85aabd]”I cannot blame you for wanting to leave after the ball. I do not mind so much where it is you find yourself. I will not judge you for the places where you’d rather go to be.”[/color] 

 [color=85aabd]”Oftentimes, I feel the same way.”[/color] He gave a light pause, realizing that perhaps he has spoken too much in this one sitting than the entire half-year. [color=85aabd]”If you need to run, then do so, but I’d rather you not without me knowing where.”[/color] 

[color=85aabd]”...Forgive me for my straightforwardness, Ana. I hope that you may understand.”[/color]

[color=E77298] “… I do understand. I’m really sorry for the stress this caused.. Anyhow, I promise. “[/color] Anastasia held up her pinkie, to which the bodyguard looked at with mild perplexion.

[color=E77298]” Pinkie swear!”[/color]

[i]Ah.[/i] [color=85aabd]”Pinkie swear.”[/color] Wystan followed Ana’s lead and intertwined his little finger with hers.

[color=E77298]”…Annnd to start things off, I’ll be honest that I plan to go visit my friend who threw the party to find out what happened… Buuuut I don’t think I want my brothers to know…” [/color]

[color=85aabd]”I appreciate your upholding of this “pinky law” so immediately.”[/color] With fingers still conjoined, he couldn’t help but smile.[color=85aabd]”Date, time, location, and means of transportation, please.”[/color]

[color=E77298] “ Tonight. 8pm. Improvising.”[/color] She was smiling as she declared her answers despite their lack of depth. 

[color=85aabd]”Clive’ll follow. 7:30pm. We’ll be ready to hear of your improvisations. Clear?”[/color] Though his voice was stern as always, he wore a satisfied expression as if calmed by relief.

[color=E77298]” Crystal clear! … Or should I say …[i]Crystal Damien[/i] clear?”[/color] She giggled at her own unfunny joke, immensely pleased with the delivery.

[color=85aabd]”...”[/color]

[color=85aabd]”Mmmfh.”[/color] Wystan suppressed his own giggly laughter, but he could only do so much. [color=85aabd]”Hahaha!”[/color] He slapped his knee in the process. 

Anastasia’a smile grew as wide as possible as soon as Wystan began to giggle. However, it was the knee slap that sent both her into laughter and her ego through the roof. [color=E77298]”I KNEW IT! I [i]am[/i] funny ! [i]Yes ![/i]”[/color] She triumphantly raised a teddy bear in the air victoriously.

[color=85aabd]”Hahaha..”[/color] Wystan was clutching at his stomach. [color=85aabd]"You always come up with the best jokes.”[/color] There was sincerity, and he meant every bit of what he said.

[color=E77298]”I know! I’m glad you still have a great sense of humor.”[/color] 

[color=85aabd]”...Thank you, Princess. You are the first person to tell me this.”[/color] After wiping away a stray tear, he experienced post-laughter clarity in which he inwardly questioned how they went from a very serious topic to this. 

She reached up to wipe away a stray tear he missed with the back of her finger, gentle and slow with her movements. Anastasia was thoughtful as she collected her grip over the teddy bears again.  [color=E77298] “ … Hey you should come meet my new friends. I have been hanging out with some of the Alidasht visitors. They’re actually really nice… Plus after everything that happened, improving our relations with them is probably a good idea.”[/color

[color=85aabd]”Uh- Ah, yes.”[/color] Wystan was visibly caught off-guard, but brushed it off at Ana’s suggestion. [color=85aabd]”That, we should do.”[/color] With that, he stood up and offered a hand. 

[color=85aabd]”Here, let me carry those for you.”[/color]

[color=E77298] “Okie dokie! Prepare your hands! They’re really soft…”[/color] Anastasia began to place her teddy bear in each of his hands, but then halted her movement just before they touched his skin and gave him a serious warning look, [color=E77298] “... aannnddd prepare your heart too because they’re very cute! Don’t want it melting, do we?”[/color]

[color=85aabd]”No, of course not. Don’t worry.”[/color] Wystan wondered if the warmth burning inconspicuously inside his chest the entire time was akin to “melting”. He stretched his arms out to receive the bears with a rare smile as he looked at her.

[color=85aabd]I do suppose these bears [i]are[/i] quite cute.[/color]

Anastasia had started walking toward the group when she recalled the gunshots they had heard earlier. She slowed her pace as the importance of that dilemma dawned on her. She suddenly whirled around and looked at him. There was a dramatic pause before she spoke in a hushed voice. [color=E77298] “Wait… Did you hear that [i]bang, bang, bang[/i] earlier? “[/color]

[color=85aabd]”The… what?”[/color] Wystan squinted his eyes and leaned in closer. [color=85aabd]”And where did you hear that from?"[/color]

Anastasia decided to step close to him and get up on her tippy toes so she was just by his ear. She then whispered, [color=E77298] “Gunshots from the south. Three.  Think there’s something bad going on. “[/color] The princess retracted her head from that position and instead looked up at him with eyes, sparkling with bad ideas. Truth be told, there had been a pang in her gut about that situation. If someone was hurt, every moment counted.

[color=85aabd]"I can hear your thoughts and I don’t like them.”[/color] Wystan frowned and sighed quite audibly. [color=85aabd] "I will be the one to scout the area. You will stay here, safe and sound with the company of your guards.”[/color]

[color=E77298] “No way! I’m coming with you. I gotta make sure you don’t get hurt.”[/color]Anastasia at first grinned as she spoke. After a sigh, she rested her hands on her hips and the smile fell.  [color=E77298] “In all seriousness, I want to help. If someone’s getting hurt and there’s something I can do about it, then I want to. I know I am not a badass like you but I promise I won’t be any trouble. Besides, those guards are going to just follow me wherever I go anyway. ”[/color] She gestured to the two on the sidelines. The two looked each at other before moving toward them with the intention to join.

The bodyguard exhaled deeply. He knew that if he were to apprehend her, she would simply find another way to slip through. [color=85aabd]”I will not make myself regret this.”[/color] He spoke simply. 

[color=85aabd]”You may come. But do keep in mind that I need you in my sights at [i]all[/i] times. If you remove yourself from my view even just once, I will find you, and I will attach you to me without hesitation.”[/color] Wystan patted his hip, making it obvious the number of concealed tools he had on him, ready to use whenever.

Anastasia sucked in her lips to keep in a laugh that bubbled deep within. The princess was barely audible as she muttered to herself,“[color=E77298]Is that supposed to be a bad thing?[/color]” She struggled to keep her lips from upturning so she instead averted her gaze in an attempt for him not to notice. 

The bodyguard raised an eyebrow. How could it not be a bad thing? He was perplexed but didn’t want to entertain this mischievery any longer for fear it might underplay the urgency of the situation. 

[color=85aabd]”...Why are you smiling?”[/color]

[color=E77298] “...I’m not...Oh look is that Zarai? [/color] Anastasia’s gaze fell on the pretty girl with strawberry blonde hair. She was hard to miss. [color=E77298] “ My love! Back from the War already!” [/color] She called to her.