"Your Majesty," he said, his voice sounding strange to his own ears.Rough.Desperate."I...perhaps Thyaar would be better suited.He is faster.His tactical scores are higher."
"Thyaar is a good warrior,” Daaynal agreed."But Thyaar is light.He is quick to laugh.He charms.Emily needs gravity right now.She needs someone immovable."His lips quirked slightly at the corners."And you, my friend, are the most intensedraanthicI know."
"Intensity can be a liability."
"Not when it is focused on protection."Stepping back, Daaynal dropped his hand.The moment was over, and the Emperor was back."This is not a request, Sub-Commander.It is a direct order.Emily Evans is under your protection.Her life is your life.Do not fail me."
Raaevik stared at him.He looked at the male he had sworn to serve, the male he respected more than any other living soul.The emperor trusted him.Daaynalwas handing him the one thing in the universe Raaevik wanted to steal, and he was doing it because he believed in Raaevik's honor.
"I will not fail you," Raaevik forced the words out.
It was a vow, and it was a lie, but it was the only thing he could say.
"Good."Daaynal nodded toward the door."She is in her quarters.Go to her.Don't let her out of your sight."
Raaevik saluted again.Then pivoted on his heel and marched out, his movements stiff and mechanical.
HolyDraanth.
He was a dead male walking.
* * *
Sleep outside her door.
Gods.This was going to kill him.
Reaching the lift, Raaevik punched the code for the Imperial level.The doors slid shut, enclosing him in silence.He leaned his head back against the metal wall and closed his eyes.
He was going to burn alive, and he was going to have to do it with a blank face while keeping his mouth shut as he watched another male claim the female his soul had decided was his.
The lift chimed.
He pushed off the wall.Straightening his tunic, he checked the position of the weapon on his hip and smoothed his face into an impassive mask.The default expression of the Imperial Guard.
Only then did he step out.
The corridor to the royal suite was wide, carpeted in deep crimson, and lined with statues of past Emperors.It was quiet here.
Thyaar was standing post outside the double doors.He looked up as Raaevik approached, relief flashing across his expression.
"You're alive," Thyaar said."I had a bet with Joreth that you were currently in the brig."
"You lost," Raaevik said.
Thyaar studied him for a long moment.His gaze dropped to Raaevik's hands, still raw despite the hours since the training hall, then back up to his face.
"What did the emperor say?"
"I'm on permanent detail.Personal guard.Her shadow."
Thyaar went still.The easy humor drained from his eyes.
"Her shadow," he repeated."You.Specifically."
"Yes."
"Raaevik..."Thyaar's voice dropped, barely above a murmur."After what I saw in the Hall?After last night?This is a bad idea."
