Kalon had dozed off during the night for when he woke in the morning his sister was laughing as she pointed out his hair that was partially plastered to his skull. “You seem well,” he commented as he ran a hand through his hair. She did look better; the blood had been cleaned from her face and she was bandaged. Peeking from the top of her tunic he could see white bandages. The knight had wondered what happened to her, “Did the King—“ 

She stopped him, “Yes, the King asked of my whereabouts and what happened. They are coming, brother, they draw closer each day. I had a head start on them—they will be here soon. Go to the Princess and protect her.” Coming from a family of noble birth her brother had always been taught to serve the royals. But their family was so far removed from the royal line that they were almost peasants, well Loria was no longer thought of as family aside from her brother. They were close, Kalon and Loria, well as close as the two could be anyways. She belonged to the King, she was a [i]Graceling[/i] and he was a knight, one that was sworn to protect the royal family and so far he had proven his worth in battle. Kalon by no means was just a simple knight, he served the king on a more personal matter—guarding the meeting chambers for the regular guards were not trusted nor skilled enough. He knew much about the kingdom, perhaps more than he led on. Loria was a possession, as simple as that, she could be replaced…well not her ability. There had been others like her, those gifted or rather cursed with foresight; she could see things moments, months or even years before they would happen and most of the time she was totally powerless to stop them from happening. Needless to say not many with her gifts lasted long. There was always a catch to great power—those gifted the foresight often met young deaths by their own hands. That was the only way to stop the visions, to stop the helpless feeling. 

Kalon had promised his sister that he would not allow that to happen to her. 

“No you have to stay—“

“I’m not made of glass, brother, I can get up.” Loria hissed as she stood, her brother was too protective over her. It was something that the King had seen as a nuisance and a distraction. If Kalon was worried about Loria’s health how could he do his job properly? “Let us go to the Princess,” she said. Not many servants of the castle seemed to like the Princess, she was nice but beyond that…there was nothing. Loria had insisted that none ever took the time to try to get to know her, well what did she know? Loria had visions in the past of the Princess; she had predicted her birth as well. 

Kalon was one of the many who seemed to notice that the Princess was spoiled, and that for the most part she was one that he would not want to know…unless she gave him reasons otherwise. He didn’t like to rush into knowing people like his sister did. Unlike her, Kalon was not so trusting. He gave into his sister eventually, but first they needed to see the King.

“Your majesty,” they said together as they bowed deeply. Loria’s head spun and Kalon had to grab her but they presented themselves as best as they could in front of the King. The King…he was different, that was safe to say. The relationship that he had with the Graceling was one that had many people wondering if she was being used as his personal whore. Loria always declined to answer those questions, it was not her place. The King would need to be addressed, and then they would understand. Kalon looked at the King with wary gray eyes. “My sister desires to aid me in protecting your daughter.” He announced. 
Loria looked at her brother but nodded, knowing that his was a way to ensure that not only would his job be done but he could protect one so dear to him…and possibly help him endure the Princess. “Loria’s gift if valuable—the others took their lives too young, long before they could have been of use but she…she has not even tried, your majesty. Think of it. I will have help in defending your daughter and heir to the throne but that somebody could foresee if your daughter were to be attacked.”

Kalon stood straighter as the King gave his decision. “I will allow Loria to accompany you but she is to report to me every day.” He said. Kalon nodded and thanked the King before turning away.

“Kalon…”The King said suddenly, “The war is upon us…my daughter may not be safe here…but we…my counsel and I,” he avoided looking at Loria, “have decided that once the army is seen on the horizon or the city is attacked she is to be sent away…somewhere safe.”

“Understood, sir.” 

Kalon and his sister quickly walked from the throne room where the King had been awaiting his advisors. They headed to the chambers of the Princess. 

“Your highness,” Kalon bowed, “We have orders from your father to guard you.” 

One could tell that they were related; their hair color was shared between them although Kalon’s was a bit darker and the shapes of their eyes were similar, and of course their coloring would be different. 

Loria hung back behind her brother, unsure if the Princess was willing to have a Graceling in her presence. Though her father didn’t seem to mind much.