Chapter 23: The agreement II
The next day, Hael, Loki, and Anthanasia sat around the kitchen table, their expressions somber.
"So, the King wants you to become his guard," Anthanasia said, digesting Hael's words.
Hael nodded.
"And you're doing this of your own free will? He's not forcing you?" she asked, suspicion flickering in her eyes.
"No, this is something I want to do," Hael replied firmly.
At his words, Anthanasia stood up, her face a mixture of concern and alarm. "But what about the guild? I asked the captain to sponsor you because I thought you were planning to join. What will you do now?"
Hael pursed his lips. "I'm sure the captain will understand."
Anthanasia sighed, frustration creeping into her voice. "He'd better. Not that he'll have much of a choice once he finds out you'll be the King's personal guard. What I want to know is why? The King's never needed a guard before—he's the strongest man in the land. So why now?"
Hael shrugged, a faint sense of uncertainty crossing his face. He didn't know either. Even when he asked, the King hadn't given him a clear answer. But deep down, Hael couldn't shake the feeling that the request wasn't purely about security—it might be a way for the King to spend more time with him. Just as Hael had grown fond of the King, perhaps the King felt the same. Whatever the true reason, Hael was more than happy to oblige.
Anthanasia rubbed her temples in exasperation. Realizing she was still standing, she sank back into her seat and looked at him. "If you're happy with this, I guess I can't stop you. But if you're working as his personal guard, that means you'll be living in the palace, right? If you were just another guard, you'd be in the barracks. They're nice enough, but nothing compares to the palace. If that's the case, people will start asking questions. They'll wonder why you're living there, why you're being treated differently. That could cause problems for both of you."
Hael didn't respond immediately. He hadn't considered the implications of his position, but even if trouble arose, he didn't mind. His decision was made.