There was something to be said for the immediate knowledge that one did not need to engage in the act of small-talk. It was comforting to Robert, who had never particularly enjoyed idle chatter. He’d gotten into the bad habit of it, usually because Herbert didn’t seem to be able to get through any long period of silence when he, the Princess and Robert were alone. The two of them spoke easily to each other, but often tried to get Robert to join in. He’d gotten better at it – but not nearly so much as to feel comfortable speaking to Russell Lindval on matters like weather. Such things were for deeper friendships than he had with the older man.
The trip to Russell Lindval’s home was uneventful enough. As usual, they had to pass through all the security clearances and like any good military man – log their hours and purpose for departure. Robert was certain that Mr. Lindval’s mind was weighed heavily with the proposal that was about to be put on his daughter’s lap. It was not an easy assignment to accept, nor a safe one. There had been several attempts on the Princess’ life after her debut. Some had even taken place at school – which she had (thankfully) remained blissfully unaware of. But the boldness and audacity of the most recent attack really did warrant increased security. He couldn’t help but wonder of Russell regretted speaking up now that his suggestion had resulted in his only daughter’s life being mixed into the equation.
If he had any such troubles, there was no indication. Robert was immediately distracted from the question when their carriage came to a stop …right next to his own home. He a chill travel down his spine but his face was a mask of placidity as the two men stepped to the Lindval home’s doorstep. He stood behind, silent until the older man stepped aside to reveal him to Eirian.
“Mr. Ward…” Her voice was pleasant to his ears, but the years of academy training allowed him to continue the façade of indifference. This was a serious matter, not a reunion between friends. In perfect, four-second time he took a step forward, bowed and pulled Eirian’s hand from its tight grasp on her discarded apron and to his lips. “Miss Lindval.” He spoke into the delicate skin before straightening his back. The gesture was not required of them when they were…younger, when she was younger. In his head he’d maintained an image of the short-shorned, diligent, admirable, serious little girl. She was still petite but no longer quite a girl, rather, a truly beautiful young woman. N…not that it mattered. After all, children did grow up. Not that she was a child per se. Not that he cared! His mind was once again allowed a reprieve as Eirian’s father allowed him entry into the home and shut the door behind her.
The three stood in the entrance hallway of the home, until Eirian broke the silence. “…for what purpose do I owe this honor?” Always to the point. He thought with pride.
“Perhaps there is somewhere more private we may speak?” He asked, uncertainly to Russell Lindval – a gentle smile playing on his lips at the sight of a toddler running around with a spoon. The question lead the three of them to a small child’s room. It was quiet, smelling of baby powder and clean linens. There were a number of chairs…small ones, currently occupied by stuffed inhabitants. Only one adult-sized chair was available and the three of them seemed to come to the silent agreement to stand.
“I come on the business of his Majesty King Orion and the Crown Princess Alarice, Miss. Lindval.” He left the explanation up to her father, which he did perfectly given the minor detail that was allowed to be disclosed to a civilian; about the nearly-successful attempt on the Princess’s life. Robert then completed the thought by explaining the matter of the Court’s objection to her exclusively male detail and thus the need for a female handmaiden of Lician decent to serve as both companion and supplementary guard to her.
“With your father’s permission, I have suggested to the King that the role be filled by yourself. The suggestion has received preliminary approval, pending a meeting with the King, Princess, the small Court and the current guard detail. …Assuming you accept, that is.”
Eirian gave him her thanks for “thinking of her.” Robert had kept track of his former pupil’s progress over the years. It surprised him to hear her surprise at his suggestion. Of course she should be the first one nominated to the position, she was the best cadet he’d seen pass through the ranks in ages. Not that Robert Ward was of a type to stroke her ego by telling her that. So, instead, he decided to continue on with only the slightest nod of acknowledgement.
As he spoke, the seriousness of what he was offering to Eirian Lindval began to weigh heavily on Robert’s heart. True, Eirian was of-age and perfectly capable of making her own decision. But a part of him couldn’t help but remember the young girl he’d taken under his wing. “The position would require both that you guard the Princess’s life but also that you…. accompany her where male guards may be deemed inappropriate. It is not without its perils, Miss. Lindval. I suggest you consider this matter very carefully before choosing.” He knew he didn’t have to add on that last part, this was Eirian after all, yet he did so anyway. Perhaps in an unconscious desire to spare her from the grueling, dangerous job. It did not serve its purpose.
“I understand the dangers that would accompany such a position. But, regardless, I can tell you immediately that I accept. I can think of no reason which would prevent me from wanting to serve and protect the Crown.” Her voice never faltered, gaze steady and serious and her shoulders and back as straight as any soldier’s. Robert felt a swell of pride, which he quickly squashed in favor of continued efficiency.
“Then, I shall report your response to his Majesty. The formal review will take place promptly at 9am tomorrow morning, at the Palace.” This was where Robert hesitated. The request had been passed onto him by the guard at the gates of the palace. He wasn’t sure of its purpose, but it was his highness’s command. “Mr. Lindval, the King also requests you attend the meeting as well. But the Princess has ordered that I escort Miss. Lindval to the meeting myself. I believe it is her intention for me to more fully brief Miss. Lindval on the offer.” His own mother had taken remarkably well to the sudden lack of discretion when he had taken up his own guard position. Royal guards were not as ordinary soldiers – they held the crown’s secrets as close to their hearts as their own, dying to defend them in some cases. Of course – Robert often felt he was less privy to the Princess’ secrets than Herbert was. But almost certainly, both would end up taking a backseat to Eirian. Not only was she accomplished, kind and dutiful – she was a true friend. She was in every way a proper lady and…
There was a spoon on his chest. The giggling, smiling toddler attached to the spoon slid it down the front of his jacket and a button came undone. Thus Robert Ward’s jacket and shirt became coated in what appeared to be spinach and a sort of sauce.
“Oops!” Declared the beaming child, who released the spoon into Robert’s waiting hand. “Sowwy!” Robert just smiled in return, letting the boy finish his explanation. (“Missed!”) Robert then shook his head exaggeratedly. “Oh not at all Mr. Lindval, I was not particularly fond of that jacket anyway.”
Then, an older woman who resembled Eirian greatly appeared at the door. Her face was a little flush, her short hair the tiniest bit ruffled – but her smile was beyond compare and he tried to wonder if Eirian had ever smiled at him in such a way. Then it struck him that this was her mother. Repeating his earlier show of respect, he kissed Mrs. Lindval’s hand and murmured that she need not trouble herself.
“I was just leaving. I must change before I report back to the King.” He explained. “You’re quite the gentleman! Oh, now wait just a minute! You can’t leave so soon, not when dinner’s just about ready and you’ve come all this way. Stay and eat with us–you can borrow one of my husband’s shirts to make up for Turner’s accident.” Unconsciously, Robert found himself turning towards Eirian Lindval. He hoped that the call for help that had quickly blared out in his head had not spoken itself aloud.