She let out a harsh laugh, "Home? Do you think the royal guards live in pretty little house scattered around the palace? We live in hot, sweaty, cramped, quarters." Her dark eyes flashed with amusement at the ridiculous prince, even unaware of how the people around him lived. "And let me tell you something prince, if I left you here and something happened to you, I'd have my head cut off for treason."

Gennadius leaned forward with a smirk. "Chances are, you can't even keep the fire going. Then you'd not only have bandits to worry about but wolves." She had become bolder as her irritation rose with the cumbersome and naive male. Did he really think she could just leave him now? Did he realize he had put them both in danger?

When the man shivered again, the guard rose with an irritated sigh. Snatching up her cloak, she turned her back to him and pulled off her oversized shirt, exposing her bare back and bra. She had little shame over such things, having been forced to live in a man's world. Throwing the shirt at him, she pulled her cloak on and tied it in the front. "The shirt should fit since it's a few sizes too large for me."

Returning to be near the horse, she leaned against the tree and lifted her sword. The cold breeze bothered her little, being quite so used to it. Instead she focused on her blade, inspecting it meticulously in the fire light. "Since the chances of either of us finding rest, tell me, what brought the only heir to throne out to thses dark woods alone?"

Her gaze moved back to the prince, meeting his eyes. Gennadius again searched his appearance, looking for any clues to as what brought him out. He had not planned for this, evident by his lack of clothing and unsaddled horse. Rumor had it the young man was going insane. She had ignored such gossip... until now.

Nilo cocked his head at her harsh response to his comment. “But the barracks are your home, are they not? I was not insinuating that you lived in some manor on the plains with little daisies and doggies” He replied with a snort, rolling his eyes. “The king decides the conditions in which you folk live, not me.”

Nilo couldn’t help but grin at her feisty attitude. She was treating him like an idiot and he didn’t even care that much. She was treating him like a normal person, and in that moment, it was just enough to distract him from the seemingly permanent hole in his heart and mind. That, and he was always a sucker for a girl with a fiery personality.

“You’re right, I can’t keep a fire going, or fight off a pack of wolves. But I bet if I just flashed those mighty beasts one of my “oh so charming” grins, they’d turn into house dogs.” He joked, tone playful despite her evident irritation. As she stood up, he did as well, stretching out his long limbs as a shirt hit him in the chest. Nilo’s eyes widened. Wait… Then what is she wearing?

He didn’t get to find out, not that he really wanted to anyways. “Again, I’ll pass. Please start keeping your clothes on.” Nilo replied with a snort, letting the shirt dangle in his arms. The girl before him shifted, eyeing her blade in the orange glow produced by the crackling fire. He sighed in longing, remembering the days when he too, was taught to use one. But that was a few years ago. Nilo highly doubted he could even hold a sword properly anymore, let alone wield it.

But then came the question he had feared. She wanted to know why he was out here. She eyed him curiously, studying him again, just had she had done many times before. Nilo understood her confusion, he would want answers if he was in her position. Sadly, Nilo could not provide those answers. His eyes glazed over, and his newly playful demeanor died, wilting like old flowers. I don’t… I can’t… Nilo’s thoughts became a jumble, and he shook his head vigorously to clear them. I’m so sorry Castor.

Nilo walked over to her, well more like stumbled, and handed her the shirt back. His eyes were once again drenched in sorrow, and he felt a relapse approaching. You have to hang on. You can’t let her see you like this. He needed to get back to castle. He had to. At this point, if she saw him actively spiral in front of her, Nilo would be done for. He gestured towards the horse, and hopped onto its slim back. “Let’s get back. I won’t keep you out here for my sake.” I’m assuming you want to be the one in control?” Nilo openly dodged the question. He knew it, and she was beyond positive that she knew it. But Nilo couldn’t afford to share his secrets with her tonight, or anyone for that matter.

Gennadius took the shirt with a shrug. It would be too much of a pain to take the cloak off and put it on again. Instead, she hooked it to her pants and allowed the cloak to cover it. As she did so, her gaze never left the prince who has suddenly become like a lion in a cage.

"I have my own ride your majesty," she grinned cryptically as he invited her on his horse. Bringing her fingers to her lips, she let out a shrill whistle. The sound of pounding hooves neared until a dark horse broke into the clearing, stopping in front of her. Gennadius stroked its muzzle as she whispered softly to the stallion. The horse was the one thing she had truly grown attached to.

They had said the gorgeous horse was unbreakable and best taken out of its misery. In one day, the female had done what none of the men could do in weeks. Perhaps it was because they were both wild and out of place. She didn't really care either. She adored the creature.

Mounting, she pulled her horse beside his. "Whatever is bothering you, your majesty, I'd suggest you find a personal guard you can trust." The female, pulled her hood over her face as she clicked her tongue and the black steed moved into a trot towards the castle.

"And I'd also suggest, if you run into me again, don't be half naked and I won't try to give you something to keep yourself warm." Perhaps what made it so funny was the fact she said it in monotone. "And if I dare, I ask you not to mention my presence before anyone else." Her fear crept back into the conversation. The other royals may not respond as well as the prince had. She wasn't even sure if he was in a proper state of mind, he'd be so calm.

It was evident Nilo was impressed with her ability to call the horse. He had never seen it before, not that he’d ever gone past the nearby town in his lifetime. The prince watched as she greeted the creature. It was evident they had a strong relationship. He envied that. Not the bond between the horse and girl, but the closeness. The prince was so starved of emotional intimacy, of closeness with another, that Nilo had no idea how people loved. Real love. It was something he had never experienced, but needed now, more than ever.

Nilo knew lust like the back of his hand. He wasn’t some holy prince. In fact, he frequented taverns quite often, going under the guise of a civilian and making himself very familiar with the local women. Nilo would take women up to his room during balls. But never once had he pursued an actual relationship. As previously stated, Nilo was a stranger to love, it was something so far out of his grasp he couldn’t even imagine what it felt like.

Nilo scooted forward on the horses back, gripping its white mane within his fingers. He turned it around so that it was no longer facing the tree, before turning to look at his companion. As she spoke to him, he shook his head at her words. “If I shared what’s “bothering me” with anybody, it would ruin lives.” Nilo told her, his tone heavy and message ominous. Every bit of it was true. If he revealed his secret to the world, it would shatter.

As she began to move away, he ushered his horse in behind hers, his mare’s hooves gently crunching the dead leaves that scattered the floor. “Well, next time you see me half naked, maybe just let me tough it out like an idiot and freeze to death. If I die, you won’t have to babysit me.” Nilo suggested flatly, stretching out his arms. He felt so sore, as if he was going to collapse any minute. He rubbed his hands over his face, perhaps trying to massage some life back into it, but to no avail.

“And sure, I won’t tell anyone. I probably won’t even remember this in the morning.” His voice was monotonous. It was devoid of any emotion, as if he had exhausted his mind to the point where he couldn’t even feel any longer. Whatever the case, he needed to get home, and soon. If Nilo was going to pass out, he wanted to at least do it in the privacy of his own room, even if it did end up with him getting a faceful of hard tile.

The female rolled her eyes slightly, slowing down her horse to be next to his. The man looked unstable, as if he would fall off the horse any moment. The guards annoyance had risen to extreme levels and she gritted her teeth. "If you die... I would be killed for not doing my duty. You think they wouldn't figure out I had run into you?" How could he be that stupid?!

Clutching her reins tighter, the black steed bounced slightly, sensing her tension. Willing herself to relax, she patted the horses neck gently. "Easy there Magistrate, easy," she soothed, lensing forward in the saddle to get closer to its ear.

Leaning back up, she saw the castle looming ahead like an ominous shadow. Her face became a blank slate as they neared the archway that led towards the stables. It was as if her expression became carved of stone. "Hail to the king and queen!" She shouted out as a shadowed figure moved across the wall. Putting a fist to her chest, she raised the sword which glinted in the torchlight.

"Hail! Pass inside," a voice echoed from above. Moving the steed forward, she passed through the archway and guided her horse to the royal stables. Outside, she dismounted and led Magistrate to the side, tying his reins to a post. She couldn't have him running around the courtyards. The symbol on the bridle and saddle would claim the horse to be part of the royal guard.

Leaving him, she helped guide the prince into the stable itself and maneuver the horse into a stall. "I still suggest you at least find a personal guard to protect on such outings," she said after a prolonged silence. The stable boys were most likely asleep in the servant quarters so she searched for the brushes. It would be evident in the morning if she did get the sweat of the dapple.

Patiently, she wiped down the mare with a towel before beginning to curry and brush the fur. Whether the prince had left or not by this point, she cared little. The guard had done her duty and from here, well, it was the royals' problem. She was already cleaning up after his little escapde. This was the prince that was considered the kingdom's heart throb?

Nilo shrugged, “They probably wouldn't even care.” He murmured his response, face blank. The rest of their ride to the castle was in silence. As they approached, he threw the cloaks hood over his head in an attempt to not be seen. Nilo may technically have a guard at the moment, but if word of his midnight escapade reached his parents, it would all be over.

Nilo allowed himself to be guided into the stables, too tired to bite back at the babysitting. He ran a hand over his forehead, wiping the sweat from his brow. They were furrowing in concentration, as the world had become hazy, as if some fog had rolled in. Only, the night had never been clearer.

“I don't do guards. They sit there and judge you. Not that I don't deserve it” He replied to her with a snort, following her the rest of the way inside. As he dismounted his dappled steed, he went to get the mare a portion of hay, deeming she deserved some. The prince had always had a soft spot for animals. When he returned hay in tow, Nilo saw his female companion grooming the horse, and he cocked a brow. “I could've done that. Really, you should go rest.” He offered, placing the yellow grass on the stalls floor. Nilo turned, grabbed another brush and worked together with his frustrated guard. She shouldn’t have to pick up after him. Nilo was sure she was tired, he knew her job wasn’t easy. He was sure the last thing she needed was handle a rogue prince.

He allowed several moments to pass in silence, too focused on trying to keep himself conscious. But Nilo was never a fan of silence, even though he knew the poor woman probably just wanted him to shut up. And in the state he was in, he definitely couldn't read the room. Nilo cleared his throat, and spoke, “And thanks for dealing with me by the way. I know it's kinda in your job description, but thanks anyways.” He paused, for a moment, as he was finally done bugging, but he continued, “I'm sorry that you saw me like this, and that I kept you out when you probably just wanted to be home. Makes me seem like an ass huh?” Nilo apologized, gritting his teeth at his own selfishness. God, just how many people am I going to drag into my mess?

For a few moments, she stayed silent, irritated by his attempts at conversation. Couldn't he simply leave her alone with the horse? When he shut-up for a second, she thought he was done. Instead, he continued to spout off his retardism. While the apology seemed nice enough, she sensed it came from his own mini pity party.

"Be home?" she laughed as she strode away to return the brushes and leave. Turning on her heels, she faced him once more. "This isnt a home. This is a roof over my head and a small living. Besides, keeping me out simply saved a few men from wounded pride."

With that, she strode out, heading towards a post to switch out early. Gennadius knew her shift started in a few hours anyway, so she might as well do it now considering she was already at the palace. The cold air struck her and she stood outside, the moon streaming down, casting its bluish light down. Pulling her hood down, she reveled in the chilling effect it had on her. For a small moment, her festures relaxed. Standing there, hair shining in the moonlight, her features gentle and feminine, she would have attracted any man. Of course, no soldier or guard dared look at her in a roving manner. From the beginning she had made it clear she was off limits.

Gennadius finally moved away, pulling the hood back over her face. The guard had a job she intended on doing. Missing sleep had not affected her too much though a repeat of the night would start to wear on her. Milo would have a batch of his bitter herbal mix in the morning which would keep her awake the rest of the day.

Striding up the steps, she took post over the archway. Midday she would help train some of the newer soldiers in fighting techniques. After that, she planned on chashjng in her tokens and buying herself a nights stay at one of the inns. A soft bed in a private room would be a nice change.

(Feel free to time skip)

Nilo left after her, giving the speckled mare one last pat on her pale neck. He discarded his cloak at the stables entrance, as it hadn’t belonged to him in the first place. Now once again exposed, he quickly made his way back to the castle, slipping in through the servants quarters. He flinched with every step he took, his one distraction, the female guard, was now gone, allowing the soreness of his body to kick in. How long have I been awake? Hasn’t it been 3 days now? Nilo couldn’t help but release a groan.

He barely got into his room before collapsing, his body slumping against the ancient oak doors that decorated the entrance to his quarters. The prince was asleep before he hit the floor.

~Time Skip~

The prince woke up mid-afternoon, face pressed up against the cool tile of his floor, his body splayed out across the rug that sat at the base of his room’s doors. Nilo let out a soft moan of protest to nothing in particular, and rolled into a sitting position. He squinted his eyes against the suns rays as the bathed him with their midday light, neary blinding him.

He was disgusting, covered in dirt and grime from last nights adventure. Nilo smelled like sweat and other unknown substances, it was vile. Repulsed by himself, the prince drew himself a bath, deeming it necessary to be clean before he made his way down. After successfully scrubbing his skin raw and dressing himself, Nilo emerged from his quarters, a fake smile plastered on his face.

Nilo didn’t look so bad now, compared to the night previous. Dark circles were still present beneath his eyelids, but that was really the only evidence that hinted towards his sleeping issues. Gone was last nights mess of a man, and back was a prince. His hair was no longer left unkempt, and body was no longer sweat-slick and fragile.

He entered the throne room, since he had missed breakfast, and moved to greet his father. The stoic king eyed his son with a narrowed gaze, and spoke. “Servants reported you leaving the castle alone last night Nilo, you know that is not allowed. You must always be with a guard.”

“But father, I am an adult. And, I found a guard while I was out, and returned with them. They were incredibly helpful.” Nilo defended.

The king laughed at him. “You are so ignorant. Leaving without a guard? You are my only son left, you must stay protected.”

“I am grown, you have no ri-”

His father cut him off. “I’m assigning you a personal guard. They will be with you at all times. Room next to yours. I cannot risk losing you like I lose Castor.” Pain laced the rulers tone and the kings azure eyes flashed with memories. He was no doubt remembering the day he got the news that his youngest child had died. Nilo shuddered, For a moment, he felt his composure crack. He shook his head.

“Da please. I can’t just be locked up here.” His plea was soft, barely above a whisper.

“You won’t be kept within the castle, but you will be followed. They should be arriving any minute.”

(You can assign Gennadius, or I’ll just assign a random, doesn’t matter. Also, feel free to control the monarchs as well, if you need to at any point)

Gennadius was furious. Beyond furious was a better way to put it. She had been enjoying a simple post, a quiet, simple, post. It was a normal morning, the cool air flicking her hair, easing her fears and ramping up her restlessness. She had waited impatiently to spar with the new soldiers, to release any pent up tension. Then, then oh how glorious life would be for a few hours. She would cash in her tokens and take the money to get a bath... not a cold shower.... a hot bath at a lovely inn with real food and warm beds, far away from this life of hers. That HAD been the plan.

Darius, head of the guard, had strode up to her. "The king is looking for a personal body guard to accompany the prince." The large man towered over her, arms crossed, mischevious smile painted across his features.

"And that means what to me?" Gennadius bit out, leaning forward against the stone, looking out to watch the soldiers coming in. Which ones would she be training? They looked like a miserable group of men... miserable and cocky. Of course, she'd make the miserable worse and fix the pride aspect.

"I'm assigning you." The words were so blunt and unexpected, Gennadius lost her balance, though she quickly caught herself. Her eyes blazed, her mouth drawing into a thin line. Yes Darius had saved her. Yes he had been like a father. But no, he would do nothing like this to her... He couldn't.

"You want ME to watch that pompess royal?! What in the high heavens could have given you such an idea?!" Bitterness laced her tone. To be a personal guard was to be a slave, chained to the every whim and movement of a lazy man. It was torture... it was misery.

"To be frank, you are the only one I trust. You have better skills with the sword, a quicker sense, and stronger loyalty than any man here. Besides, someone needs to keep you in line before you bet every soldier and guard out of his salary." Darius was clearly amused by his decision and the fire he saw practically shooting from her eyes. "It will be good for you. Maybe you'll learn a thing or two."

The female guard pushed past the man. "Absolutely not Darius. Throw back in the street if you wish but I am not going." Her mind flashed back to the prince the night before. Reckless, insane, disgruntled, selfish.

"The king expects us soon. It's too late now. Man up sweetheart." His cool tone enraged her, but Gennadius stopped, awaiting the man's infernal company. Her future darkened before her eyes and it felt as if any hope was gone.

So there she was, walking beside Darius towards the throne room. Clank, Clank, Clank. Her metal boots echoed through the hallway as if reminding her, that with each step, new chains were being forged. She was to be chained to the prince and his miserable, boring, life. The large doors swung open revealing the king and prince. Darius stepped forward as both guards went down on one knee.

"I have brought the best of the guards, Gennadius. I understand the unusual circumstance this may bring out but I assure you, I vouch for her with my life," he defended her respectfully to the king. Gennadius was kneeling, without her cloak, in the full armour of a guard. She wore the leather pants, the metal plating clinking around her waist. The sword was tied above that as a belt, a bright red shirt beneath. Her chest was covered by a more feminine version of a breastplate, the red cape attached in the back. She held her helmet in her arm as she kept her head respectfully bowed. Her golden hair fell over her shoulders, contrasting sharply with the silver metal.

As Darius arose, she followed suit. The Captain turned to the prince, "Your royal guard your majesty." He brought his fist to his breastplate and gave a dip of his head in respect. The man put a hand on Gennadius' shoulder and whispered as he passed, "Be patient."

Gennad kept her cool, though she preferred to knock both the soldier and the prince out and then leave. However, she put her attention on the prince. Her expression was grim and cold. "My prince," she said, hand to chest and respectful dip of the head. "My loyalty is sworn to you."