Knight Butch

I nod to William. "You're taking the backlash if my mother gets involved."

William laughs. "It'll be fine."

Susan squeezes my hand and then William's. "Thank you for the dance." She smiles at Butch before moving back to find a new dance partner.

"The queen may assume you can get me dancing with others." I rub my head while moving back to my position. Wallflower fits me better. "Dancing isn't fun."

"It is for Susan." Butch nods to the lady back on the floor. She found someone to dance with. "I would think if you didn't dance with her, you'd be the only one not to. I've been watching her."

I scan the knight beside me. He is wearing the house colors. Looking a house guard. But he is a knight like me. "You're friends, right?"

"We are. Susan is friends with everyone in her age range. She made sure of it." Butch rubs his head. "I... I owe her a debt. If not for her, I never would've reached the knights."

"We allow anyone to join. If you sent a letter..."

"I am unable to do such. Or I couldn't back then."

That would mean he lacked writing skills. Susan would need him to be capable of acting the noble. He'll need the blue three classification before silver selection. It proves things. I may be able to do something at that point. "Do you send letters now?"

"Yes. Often. We exchange letters weekly." Butch motions to Susan. "She is such an innocent creature readying to face the concerns of reality."

"And you wish to protect her." William grins at Butch. Butch refuses to answer that. "I wonder if Callie is here." He walks off. I didn't know if Callie made it. She's friendly with the Wartons. I don't think she'd have the same connection to Storm.

"Lord William does not act like a typical noble."

"Typical noble..." I think of that. "Most you see acting the 'typical noble' are just wearing a mask to hide their truth from you. Few truly are as they act within the nobility."

Butch nods. "I've seen that. I worry over Lucas."

"Why?"

"Lord Lucas..." Butch fidgets. "I shouldn't make a comment about my superior, but..."

"You can. Do you worry over him for a reason?"

"He almost aims for death?"

"What do you mean?"

"He has gotten quite a few knights severely injured or dead." Butch fidgets. "I worry any time he interacts with me."

The Lucas I know... Yeah, that holds. I should worry over him more. He's dangerous. "I told you before though. It is a mask, an act. I will worry more when Lucas is serious. He's playing a game."

"With other's lives."

"I cannot say whether he was protecting or acting treasonous. Be aware of the fact Lucas has been within the royal rings for a lot longer than you realize."

"Treasonous?" Butch shivers. "I would hope not that."

I think of it. Lucas used the royal rituals. That means we're cousins to an extent. He could gain from treasonous actions. But is he creating trouble to hide the level of danger he is? "You can always request a different mission."

Butch gulps. His fists tighten at his sides. "Silver selection requires me to interact with more nobles. Lucas leads many missions. I cannot ignore his position."

I watch him for a moment. So it's not just Susan wanting. Both are looking for it. "Yes, being among nobles is important, but you truly need blue three level to earn allowance to silver selection." I pat his shoulder. "If things are friendly between us by then, I can offer assistance. So just focusing on continuing your progress. If Lucas unsettles you, then tell others. I can understand why he does. Others will realize why as well." I face the ball instead of Butch. "It is difficult to reach silver selection without blue three knighthood. But if things fall apart, stick by me. I can help. Promise."

"Really? But... Thomas... You didn't even know my name before I ended up guarding you."

"I did see you. You saw me. Just because we didn't greet one another doesn't mean we weren't already on friendly terms." I watch as Susan dances about. She's enjoying herself. "White four means lead allowance. You're one away. Gain it and I can ask to be on your team."

"Really? Your-"

"Thomas." I eye him.

"Sorry. Force of habit."

"And I'll bet Susan was very particular about the denial of title. Consider me the same."

"Okay." Butch shifts dropping to a kneel before me. "But for this, I wish to use title." I watch as he places a hand on his hilt. He removes his sword to hand to me. It's a position where if I wanted, I could easily gut him or slice his head off. Although I'd consider my blade a better choice for either. "I pledge myself to your services, Your Highness Crown Prince Thomas Crowne. If you would allow me to gain such a consideration."

This is my first formal pledge. It's not really my first pledge. I take his sword and place it gently on his shoulder. "It would be my honor to have such a skilled knight offering me assistance."

I pull his sword back to offer him a hand up. "Seriously. You had to make a scene." I help him stand as the room cheers.

Butch seems shocked by the notice. But this was done among people. "Apologies."

"Don't worry about it." It's something I need to get used to. I hand him back his sword. "I didn't need your pledge."

"I needed to offer it. Not because of the knighthood or Storm or even Susan. I... I saw you before. I wish to serve you, Thomas. Your skills are incredible, but you are so humble. The loyalty you grant those around you is something to wish for in my life as well. I... I cannot imagine serving anyone else."

I stare at him. This is going to be my life isn't it? "Thank you."