Chapter 4. A new beginning

Kael woke up before dawn, feeling eager to start his new role as a palace guard. The opportunity to serve and protect the royal family, especially the princess, filled him with a sense of purpose. Who knows, he thought, if he prove himself worthy, the king might even appoint him as the princess's personal guard.

After a refreshing bath in the nearby stream, He prepared for the day ahead. Cyrus, a seasoned guard, greeted him warmly. "Hey, man," he said, nodding in kael's direction. Kael returned the nod, feeling a sense of affinity.

"Ready for the big day?" Cyrus asked, polishing his sword with a soft cloth.

"I was born ready," kael replied, scanning the palace grounds. The grandeur of the architecture took his breath away. "This is an incredible palace."

Cyrus chuckled. "Wait till you see the rest of it. Now, go choose a sword that suits you." He pointed to the armory, where rows of gleaming swords hung on the walls. Kael walked over, his eyes scanning the selection, searching for the perfect blade to call his own.

Kael carefully selected a sword that felt tailor-made for him – not too long, not too short, with a perfect balance of weight and agility. "I like this one," he said, showing it to Cyrus, who smirked in approval.

"Indeed, it suits you," Cyrus said, his tone laced with a hint of admiration. "Considering your...impressive strength, I think you'll wield it well."

After a rigorous training session on the grounds, the king summoned all the guards, including Kael, to the throne room.

"Kael!" the king boomed, his piercing gaze locking onto Kael.

"Your Majesty," Kael replied, bowing deeply in respect.

The king's eyes swept across the assembled guards. "This is Kael, our newest recruit. From this day forward, he will stand among you as an equal, deserving of the same respect and camaraderie. Treat him as one of your own."

The king's words were met with nods of acknowledgement from the guards. Though only a handful were present, Kael knew that the palace was home to many more guards, all sworn to protect the kingdom.

With a dismissive wave of his hand, the king sent the guards back to their posts, and they dispersed, each returning to their assigned duties.

Kael took his position as guard outside the palace corridor, his eyes scanning the area with a mixture of vigilance and anticipation. The fine weather hinted at the possibility of catching a glimpse of Princess Farah, and he couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement.

As if on cue, the princess emerged from the staircase, her regal presence commanding attention. She wore a stunning red robe adorned with intricate embroidery, which accentuated her beauty and left Kael momentarily breathless.

Their eyes met, and for a fleeting instant, time seemed to stand still. Princess Farah's breath caught, and she slowed her pace, her gaze lingering on Kael as she sized him up from head to toe. A hint of curiosity and admiration flickered in her eyes, before she quickly looked away, a delicate flush rising to her cheeks.

Kael's lips curled into a satisfied smile as he caught her gaze, his smirk hinting at his awareness of her admiration.

Kael's instincts urged him to invade her thoughts, to uncover the secrets hidden within her mind. But he restrained himself, exercising a self-control that was both rare and difficult for one with his abilities. Instead, he deliberately raised a mental shield, blocking out the temptation to eavesdrop on her innermost thoughts.

The princess's embarrassment only added to his confidence, and he felt a sense of triumph, knowing that he had undoubtedly made an impression on the feisty and beautiful Princess Farah.

Princess Farah's eyes flashed with indignation as she approached Kael, her chin held high in defiance. "Good day, my lady," Kael said, his voice laced with a hint of teasing, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

The princess's voice dripped with venom. "I'm surprised you're still here. What's your purpose, hmm? Tell me, so I can perhaps...grant you permission to leave freely before you're caught. But if I discover you're hiding secrets, you'll face the consequences." Her words hung in the air, heavy with warning.

Kael's smile never wavered as he held Princess Farah's gaze. She felt a shiver run down her spine as his eyes seemed to bore into her very soul. There was something in their depths, something that made her breath catch.

"I assure you, Princess," Kael said confidently, his voice low and smooth, "I'm no spy. I've always wanted to work here, and I'm seeking a position. I have nothing to hide." His eyes never left hers, his gaze holding a quiet intensity that made her feel like he could see right through her.

Despite Princess Farah's above-average height, Kael towered over her, his broad shoulders and imposing frame making her feel almost delicate in comparison. Yet, she refused to back down, her spirit and determination burning brighter than ever.

"You lie," Princess Farah hissed, her voice barely above a whisper, but laden with venomous intent. "And I'll uncover your secrets, mark my words. You can't deceive anyone here" Her eyes flashed with determination, and with one final, scathing glance, she turned on her heel and strode away, her lady-in-waiting scrambling to keep pace.

Kael watched her retreating form, a low, amused chuckle rumbling in his chest. "What a fiery spirit," he mused, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled to himself. "This princess is going to be a handful." He shook his head, intrigued by the sparks that flew between them. Little did he know, their encounter was only the beginning of a tumultuous, thrilling dance.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the palace, Kael retreated to the guards' chamber. He ate a simple but satisfying meal, his mind wandering back to the fiery Princess Farah.

A beauty he had always craved, and one he was determined to make his own. Her piercing gaze, her raven tresses, and her full lips had left an indelible mark on his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had to possess her, to tame the wild spirit that burned within her.

Kael's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in resolve. He would stop at nothing to make Princess Farah his. He would charm her, seduce her, and ultimately, claim her as his own. The thrill of the chase coursed through his veins, and he couldn't wait to begin.

With a newfound sense of purpose, Kael pushed back his chair and stood up, his eyes burning with determination. He would not rest until he had won the princess's heart, and claimed her as his prize. The game had begun, and Kael was ready to play.

Princess Farah retreated to her chamber, her mind consumed by thoughts of the enigmatic new guard, Kael. What was his story? Why did his presence leave her breathless and flustered? She couldn't explain the unfamiliar sensations that coursed through her veins whenever he was near.

Not even Prince Wilfred, her betrothed, had ever elicited such a strong reaction from her. Wilfred, with his chiseled features, raven-black hair, and piercing blue eyes, was undeniably handsome, but somehow, he paled in comparison to Kael's rugged charm.

Their upcoming wedding had always been a prospect she looked forward to, having grown up with Wilfred and shared a deep affection for him. But now, with Kael's arrival, Farah felt a growing sense of unease.

Just then, her younger sister, Princess Zoya, burst into the chamber, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Farah, have you heard about the new guards?" she asked, her voice barely containing her enthusiasm.

Zoya, with her mesmerizing hazel eyes and petite, feminine frame, was a beauty in her own right. Though not as tall as Farah, she possessed a unique charm that could captivate anyone.

Farah's gaze drifted to her sister, and she forced a smile, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts of Kael. "Yes, I've met one of them," she replied, her voice measured. "What about you? What do you know?"

Zoya's eyes sparkled with excitement. "It's just one guard, but oh my goodness, Farah, he's absolutely breathtaking! When I looked into his eyes, I felt completely lost," she gushed, her cheeks flushing with a deep blush.

Farah's expression turned stern, a hint of warning in her voice. "Stay away from him, Zoya. We don't have time for childish infatuations. You need to focus on your royal duties, not chasing after some handsome guard."

Zoya's face twisted into a scowl, venom dripping from her words. "Who are you to tell me what to do? I'll do as I please, and I'm sure this guard will be drawn to me, unlike you. My beauty is unmatched, after all." Her eyes flashed with malice, her gaze raking over Farah with disdain.

This was the root of their strained relationship Zoya's constant need to belittle and one-up her sister. Farah's smile masked the burning anger within, but her words were laced with a subtle chill. "Very well, Zoya, do as you please. But if you'll excuse me, I need my beauty sleep."

She turned to her maid, Elara, her voice crisp. "Please, help me prepare for bed. I'd like my hair packed up."

Zoya's words hung in the air like a challenge, but Farah refused to take the bait. Instead, she watched calmly as her sister flounced out of the room, the door closing behind her with a soft click.

Farah's gaze lingered on the door, her eyes narrowing slightly as she replayed Zoya's venomous words in her mind. But she didn't let them take root. With a quiet determination, she pushed aside the hurt and began to undress.

Elara, her loyal maid, helped her prepare for bed, gently brushing out her long hair and securing it in a loose braid. Farah slipped into a silk gown, the soft fabric rustling against her skin as she climbed into bed.

As she settled under the covers, She closed her eyes, her breathing slowing as she focused on the gentle hum outside the palace.

Despite Zoya's hurtful words, Farah refused to let them ruin her peace. She knew her worth, and she wouldn't let her sister's insecurities define her. With a soft sigh, she drifted off to sleep.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kael returned to the guard chamber, where Cyrus was already seated, polishing his sword. "Long day, eh?" Cyrus said, nodding in greeting.

"Indeed," Kael replied, taking a seat beside him. "But I'm getting familiar with the palace layout. It's impressive."

Cyrus chuckled. "Wait till you see the entire kingdom. You'll be amazed."

After a hearty dinner, Kael decided to explore the palace further. He strolled through the corridors, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls. As he turned a corner, he caught sight of a figure darting into the shadows. It was the princess, her smell was unbearable.

Kael's instincts kicked in, and he followed the her, careful to remain unseen. She led him to a serene stream, where the sound of gently flowing water filled the air.

What was she doing out here, alone and unattended, at this late hour?

Kael's gaze drifted away, his face warming with embarrassment. He shouldn't be spying on the princess. He began to sneak away, careful not to make a sound.

Just as he turned to leave, Princess Farah's head jerked up, her eyes scanning the surroundings as if sensing she was being watched. Kael froze, holding his breath, hoping he wouldn't be discovered.

As Princess Farah seemed convinced she was alone, she let her guard down and continued with her bath. Kael, not wanting to intrude further, sneaked away, careful to make no sound.

He made his way back to his chamber, his mind replaying the unexpected encounter. He couldn't believe he had stumbled upon the princess bathing in the stream. The image of her slender figure, illuminated by the soft candlelight, was etched in his mind.

Kael shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He shouldn't be thinking about her in such a way at least not yet.

As he entered his chamber, Cyrus looked up from his book. "Where've you been?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kael hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Just taking a walk," he said finally, trying to sound nonchalant.

Cyrus's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, returning to his book. Kael breathed a silent sigh of relief, grateful his friend hadn't pressed the issue.

He changed out of his clothes, his mind still reeling from the events of the evening. As he lay in bed, he couldn't shake the feeling that his encounter with Princess Farah was only the beginning of a complicated and potentially treacherous journey.