Thread: In a Kingdom of Unrest [Seraphina X Just Another King]

Kaden was quiet as he watched the princess, Clara Montcroix, as she sat at her vanity. His hands rested on the pommel of his long sword, belted to his waist, long dark hair tied behind his back. He paid little attention to what the princess was actually doing, his mind leaning more towards this evenings adventures. For four days he had been her bodyguard and in those four days he had gone from being nervously apprehensive, to being at great ease. The mercenary, only twenty two years old, had certainly managed to make a name for himself. Or several as it were. Being an orphan and a bastard, he had no family name and no-one to care about him. Hed been taken in at a young age by a mercenary who needed an assistant the same way that a knight needs a squire. However as the boy travelled with him, the mercenary took a shine to him. Kaden was rebellious and mischievous, prone to fits of anger at everything and anything. After all, orphaned bastards often have little reason to be happy with a world that hates their kind. However the old mercenary took pity on him and saw potential in the young boy. Not only was he quick to learn but he also showed signs of magical abilities. Those abilities flare up for the first time after an altercation between Kadens master and a local militia, in which Kadens rage and abilities saw the soldiers and a good chunk of forest incinerated. From then on the old mercenary began to teach and train the boy. He learned how to read and write, learned the appropriate etiquette for the varying degrees of nobility and royalty but most importantly he learned how to fight. With weaponry and hand to hand combat, his master trained him. Whether they fought with swords and shields, bow and arrow, lances or the great two handed weapons of war, Kaden excelled at them all. He was an apt student, eager to learn. And while the young boy had no formal magical education to speak of, he made up for it with his ironclad willpower and a voracious appetite for all books, tome and scrolls on the matter. Over the years he soon had a grip on his abilities and good idea of how far he could push himself. By the time he was nineteen, Kaden was a formidable warrior. Tall, lean and muscular. He was well trained in every known manner of fighting, while his magical power only made him stronger. It was this time in his life that his master passed away. Old and frail, Kadens mentor succumbed to illness. Taking up his own sword, Kaden set out as a mercenary, taking on work alone. Whether it was for poor villagers, noble lords and ladies, or anyone in between, he performed all kinds of feats. Monster slaying, fighting on frontline battles in wars, protection and even the occasional assassination. And his feats certainly gained him a reputation and more than a few names. Kaden Brightblade, some called him for the way his sword would alight with magical blue fire. Or to some it was Wyrmslayer, or Wolfspeaker or a dozen other names. However despite his prowess, he had never worked for royalty before and never had he been chosen to protect someone such as a princess. When he received the summons from the King, he had been tempted to ignore it, or to run away. But, as is the downfall of many mercenaries, the pay was too good. After shaving his bushy brown beard, Kaden donned his best armour and clothing darkened steel, chainmail and a fine black cloak. I dont expect you to be able to keep her in the castle at night, that would be asking the impossible, The King said of his own daughter with a wry yet tired grin. but I ask that you accompany her, wherever she goes and keep her safe. Will you accept this task? Of course, Your Majesty. Kaden had replied. The King sighed with relief. Thank you, Sir Kaden. Oh, its just Kaden, your Majesty. Kaden insisted. Proved good at your job and perhaps it will be Sir. The King offered. And with that, Kaden found himself appointed as the Royal Protector of Princess Clara Montcroix. Onto of his generous wage, the mercenary was also granted his own quarters, meals with the royal family and, should he so chose, armour, clothing and weaponry courtesy of the King. Opting to wield his own sword and armour, he chose to take some new clothing, befitting his station. Out again, your highness? Kaden asked as the princess stepped past him, doing his best to keep the sarcasm from his voice as he followed her along her own little escape route. The mercenary did his best to to act professional. In a matter of four days he had come to a simple conclusion regarding Princess Clara she was a spoiled brat who wanted to escape and rebel from the duties expected off her. There was also perhaps some bitterness, after all from a young age he assumed she would have had anything she wanted given to her whereas he has had to work and literally kill for everything he owns. But hed be damned if he ever let it show. Once they were out of the castle, Kaden kept his distance. They would attract less attention if they travelled alone. Pulling the hood of his dark cloak up, Kaden wore simple chainmail over a fairly ordinary clothing long sleeved tunic and clothing. His boots were sturdy and he had a pair of leather gloved tucked into his belt. The bodyguard, with the aid of his magic, leapt up onto a roof. From there he would have a much better job of following Clara. His hands rested on the several throwing knives sheathed at his belt. In his experience, the merchants who traded at the night market often did so for a reason. Most were probably guilty of minor crimes that drove them to deal at night, while others were perhaps more serious and hardened criminals. And besides, a pretty young woman wandering the streets alone at night? The cynical mercenary didnt like it and knew there would be others out there eager to prey on her. After purchasing her necklace, Kaden followed Clara as she disappeared into the crowds, leaping from rooftop to rooftop, prowling silently. He muttered a spell under his breath and his hazel eyes started glowing with magical energy. Suddenly her outline appeared to him, glowing and making it easier to track her. As they made their way towards he listened to the talk of the city most of it was idle and innocent, but he overheard too many people mention a new gang in town for his liking. Apparently they were looking for a target to make their mark and gain attention. Kaden didnt know what Clara had in mind, but he wasnt going to take any chances. As soon as he had the chance he dropped from the rooftops, landing silently, cloak billowing. He quickly fell in beside the princess. A pretty trinket, but I dont suppose youd consider an early night? I have a bad feeling this evening. He asked, though he knew it was in vain. Just asking the question would no doubt enflame Claras rebellious nature.