The Second Bodyguard

"Viv, explain everything that has been happening at school to me." I continued hugging Zara in bed while Viv came into the room and started telling me all about her school life.

"There's also a major problem with duke Cross. He seems interested in me and is pushing his luck by trying to get to know me." David Cross was on the hit list.

"Go get him. He's on my hit list as well. If there's a reason for him to be eliminated now, then I'll get rid of him now."

"My liege, people would know he went missing after coming here." She put her head down as to not question my order, but give me a warning.

"That's fine. The king can't do anything." Zara started lightly snoring and I found it extremely adorable so I kissed the top of her head. Her damp hair lingering with the scent of her shampoo.

"Do you like the duke?" I asked.

"No. I find him annoying." A quick response.

"Then you should be happy. If his intentions are to support the kingdom, then I'll get rid of him for you."

She seemed like she wanted to say something else, but held it in.

"Understood, I'll go get him." Viv left the room and went to go get the duke while I enjoyed my time with my sleeping beauty.

"I'll protect you forever." I moved a bit and kissed her sleeping lips, causing her to shift around, but not waking her up.

After having my fill, I waited in silence, slowly petting Zara's hair in the meantime.

I started wondering about her power. To be able to put back a dead body is unheard of. If it's a medicinal skill, it would be a major power that can probably cause a war. But I had a feeling that wasn't it. My intuition was telling it was different. Zara didn't know what it was either and I could tell she's worried about it, but is trying to be strong by hiding it. I have to hurry up and help her find those witch eyes she said she needed. If it'll help with controlling her power, that would be wonderful.

But before that, I have to get stronger. Strong enough to decimate the king and still have enough power to leave the kingdom safely. I started training my Alm while waiting for Viv to come back.

After an hour, Viv finally came back with the duke.

"I'm back, my liege." Viv bowed her head and welcomed in the duke.

"Greetings, I am the David Cross, one of the three dukes of this kingdom." I didn't bother to look at him but instead I released bloodlust strong enough to get him on his knees. I protected Zara with my Alm, so she wouldn't feel anything.

"Tell me what you're trying to do by getting close to Viviana or you die." I threatened him right away. I wanted him gone as quickly as possible so I could spend more time with Zara.

He tried to release his power but to no avail. He was too scared.

"I won't ask you again. Speak." I ordered him.

"I-I want to leave this kingdom and be free of my duties as a duke and as part of the kingdom." I didn't expect him to want to be a runaway like Viv.

Viv didn't have such a hard time standing straight in front of my bloodlust, but I could tell she was still struggling.

"I'll give you two options. You pick whichever one you want." I continued.

"Join my guard squad and I'll take you out of the kingdom, or die right now." I presented an Alm contract from my hand, all he needed to do was take it.

"You have 10 seconds to decide." I pushed him even further. I wanted him out of our room.

He suddenly got up and reached for my hand. The contract slowly started to dissipate and was ingrained in his heart that he would protect Zara with his life or die for failing to do so.

"Welcome, David Cross. For now, continue playing the part of the duke, and when the time comes, I'll get you out of this kingdom."