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My mouth dropped then closed as he continued.
“I stand before you, good fellows of IronHaven, asking as your merciful king, to swear your allegiance not only to Prince Ramiro, but to my daughter, Princess Robyn, as well.”
The room fell silent as King Rian looked around, waiting for someone to step forward, to be the first person in history to swear allegiance to a woman—his daughter, Princess Robyn.
People turned toward one another, whispering among themselves. My eyes fell back to the king, and though worry lines creased his forehead, he still stood tall. He turned to the princess, took her hand, and pulled her to his side.
Prince Ramiro looked disgusted, his brows turned inward as he gave a slight, disapproving shake of his head.
The Princess, however, looked like a bird ready to spread her wings and fly away. She nervously bounced on her heels. She looked like she wanted to be anywhere but here.
What the king had asked was huge. It was the dawn of a new beginning for IronHaven and Storm’s Vale. A step in a different direction, away from an archaic belief system. A system many still hold dear to their hearts. The king’s request went against their values and a tradition they’ve honored for centuries.
I took note of each individual’s reaction, and something stirred inside my chest as I watched the hesitant responses and memorized the snide faces around me.
One by one, the king’s bannermen and the lords of IronHaven stepped forward, bending the knee as they swore their allegiance to the princess.
I stepped forward, making my way to the front. When the king looked up, a cheerful grin spread across his face. I don’t know what I expected his reaction to be when he saw me again, but that was more than I could have dreamed.
He rushed down the stairs, slapping a hand to my shoulder. “Good to see your face, my boy. And on such a glorious day at that.”
“Glad to be here, Your Highness,” I say with a matching smile.
He backed away, taking two steps at a time until he reached the top. “IronHaven! This is the man I’ve told you all about. The man who saved us when we were ambushed by the arrogant King Barouk of Eros on our return home from battle. His men had us surrounded, and if it hadn’t been for the bravery and courage of this man, we would have been dead,” he boasted proudly. “He came to the aid of me and my men when many would have stayed their journey and turned a blind eye. But not Tristan.”
Pride swelled inside me. My cheeks flamed, and I tried to hide it. I looked to my feet, rocking back and forth nervously. This is not the welcome I was prepared for.
“It is with my honor that I grant this man one request for his act of selfishness and bravery.”
My heart pounded in my chest. I didn’t know how to respond. I wasn’t prepared for this. I came to IronHaven because I made a promise and wanted to honor it.
“Well, Tristan of—” he said, waiting for me.
“Of . . . nowhere, My King.”
He laughed. “Okay, Tristan of... nowhere. What will it be?”
I took a moment to think. Most men might ask for riches or land, but I’m not most men. I looked at the prince and princess then back to the king, finally deciding on something that suits both of us.
“I’d like to be in your guard, Your Highness. I’d like the opportunity to protect you once more. Let me be at your service,” I said with a bowed head, waiting for his response.
The room was silent, and after a minute, I looked up, watching King Rian ponder my request.
“An old man like me has lived a thousand lives, and I have no need for someone new in my rank.” My heart stopped, and my eyes fell to my feet. He said he would grant me one request and then he denied me. He asked me to come here, and now I look like a fool. “But I think you will do well in the princess’s guard, Sir Tristan of nowhere.”
I looked up, meeting Princess Robyn’s gaze. Her emerald eyes shone bright, and my heart stopped beating once again, but this time for a different reason. The feeling that came over me when I looked into her eyes was indescribable.
My feet moved up the steps until I stood in front of her. I searched her eyes, and when she gave me a slight nod, I fell to my knee.
I looked up at her, and she seemed overwhelmed with happiness. “It would be an honor to protect you, My Princess. I swear on my life and everything holy, I am yours until the day I no longer have air left in my lungs.”
She clutched her hand to her chest, then swiped away a tear. The king chuckled, whispering for only us to hear, “Way to show me up, boy.” The three of us laughed.
I glanced at Prince Ramiro, who stood with a stone-cold grimace on his face.
I should’ve known something was off that day, and over the years I’ve stood by the princess’s side, it’s become more and more evident that the prince despises his sister.
“You’re late!” Greyson huffs.
