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“Princess Shelby, please get down from there,” Abolish said patiently.
Shelby pouted, crossing her legs as she sat in the very tall cherry tree in the garden.
"I don't wanna," she complained.
"You must. It is for your safety," Abolish said.
"You'll catch me if I jump?" Shelby asked.
Abolish laughed quietly. "Of course. It's my job."
She leapt off the tree. Abolish, for his part, did catch her. He lowered her to the ground gently, offering his arm for balance as she put her shoes back on.
"I'll always catch you," he promised quietly.
She didn't hear it, skipping off into the next section of the garden. He jogged after her with a small, fond sigh.
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"Hemlock."
If she hadn't been trained for it, Shelby wouldn't have heard her bodyguard's quiet whisper. She lifted the glass of wine to her lips, faking a sip. The other kingdom's prince watched, disappointment flickering in his eyes as nothing happened. Diplomatic visits were always risky. Still, this prince was smarter than most. He'd clocked Shelby's fake sip quite fast. Shelby knew it too. Her hand clasped Abolish's below the table. Abolish slipped the antidote from his sleeve and pressed it into her palm. It was a song and dance they'd practiced far too often. She made it through the rest of the dinner safely. They were escorted to their quarters.
"Thanks for the catch," she whispered.
"Always," he replied.
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"The attackers have breached one of our walls. Abolish, you are one of our best soldiers. As regretful as I am for this decision, you will be sent to the frontlines to assist. Until you return, Shelby will have a different bodyguard," King Scott announced.
Abolish nodded solemnly. What else was he to do?
Shelby cornered him as he was packing his things. Her eyes were red from crying.
"You're just going to let this happen?" She demanded.
He nodded curtly.
"You could die," Shelby said, "or get so badly injured that we'll never see each other again, or get captured and held for ransom."
"I am aware of the risks," he answered slowly.
"I don't want to lose you," she said.
"You won't."
Shelby studied him.
"Remember what you're fighting for," she said finally.
He grabbed her hand before she could leave. He pressed a kiss to her knuckles, a formality they'd long since stopped. This was different. This one, as much as Abolish didn't want to admit it, had meaning.
"Who I'm fighting for," he corrected. With a smile, he added, "I'll catch you later, princess."
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"Hey," her new bodyguard greeted.
"Hi," Shelby said absently.
"I'm Drift. I'll be your bodyguard until my brother returns from the war," she offered.
"Your brother?" Shelby echoed.
Drift nodded. "Yeah. Abolish is my brother."
"How's that working out for you?" Shelby joked.
"Pfft. It's awful. He's just so nice and protective and smart and taught me everything I know. It's a nightmare," Drift joked back.
They both burst into laughter. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.
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"So, you were the princess's bodyguard? How's the castle?"
Abolish had to answer many question from his troops. At last, this regiment's resident doctor shushed everyone and made them leave him alone.
"I'm Legundo, but you can call me Legs. Or Doc, you'll hear that around too. Pleased to meet you," he offered.
Abolish nodded. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Abolish Veylocke."
"So I've heard," laughed the doctor. "Come, I'll show you the battle maps while the others get to sleep."
"You seem well-respected in the military," noted Abolish.
"I was a soldier before I was a doctor." From his tone of voice, Abolish knew not to push it.
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Dearest Dear Abolish,
Scott His Majesty gave me permission to write you a letter. This is my last piece of paper, so forgive the spelling errors and things being crossed out. I can't be bothered to get more. My new bodyguard is actually your sister, Drift. She's very lovely and has kept me very safe. I hope to remain her friend once you return. How are things on the front lines? Tell me everything (if you have time, of course). Oh, and I know you know, but Cleo and Pearl got married! The wedding was super fun! They liked the gift you sent and are sorry you can't come. We all miss you very much. I miss you a lot. Please come back soon.
Love, Yours,
Sincerely,
Princess Shelby Grace Goldsmith
P.S. Drift says hi
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Dear Princess,
Thank you for the kind words. The most important thing is that you are safe. I am glad Cleo and Pearl enjoyed their gift. Things are going well and I hope to return to you all soon. I'm afraid I do not have much time or paper, so forgive my short letter. We can yap more speak in more detail when I come back. My troops are very happy to hear that everything is going well in the castle. I miss you too.
Yours Regards,
Ser Abolish T. Veylocke
P.S. Tell her I said hi back :)
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"I'll be back in a bit, please stay inside. I have, uh, somewhere to be," Drift said rapidly before leaving Shelby in her room.
Well, that was bullshit. Drift kinda sucked at lying. Hopefully it wasn't a coup. After about ten minutes, there was a knock on her door.
"Come in," she called.
Who the heck...?
"Princess," greeted Abolish.
He wore not the regular uniform of the castle guard, nor soldier's armor. He just wore a simple black shirt and pants with a grey sash and black boots. He was beautiful. More importantly, he was alive.
"Abolish?"
"Indeed. Hi."
She sprinted forwards but tripped over her skirt. He was there, by her side in an instant, steadying her. She folded into his arms, pulling him into a hug. She felt the fleeting brush of lips against her forehead as Abolish pulled back just enough to look at her.
"I told you I'd be there to catch you," he pointed out.
She felt tears prick her eyes, only able to nod.
"I missed you," she choked out.
"And I, you," he replied.
She kissed his cheek. "Don't leave again."
"I wasn't planning on it," he assured.
A pause. Then he spoke again, a bit flustered.
"Is that going to be a regular thing?"
"Is what?"
He gestured to his cheek.
"Do you want it to be?" Shelby asked.
"For legal reasons, I can't say," he answered, even as a small smile played across his lips.
Shelby smiled back. "Then yes, it will be."
"Okay. I am your bodyguard again, by the way, for clarification," he added.
"I gathered. Drift?"
"A castle guard now."
She beamed. "Yay!"
"Mhm. I'm proud of her. I have to go freshen up, though, so she'll be with you for a bit longer. Catch you later!"
"Goodbye, my love," she called after him.
Shelby caught a glimpse of Abolish furiously blushing before the door closed behind him.
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"So, you're writing your vows?" Drift asked.
"Yep."
"Let's see what they say."
"Hey!"
Abolish lunged for her but she held the paper out of his reach, reading aloud as she fought him off.
"In sickness and death, yada yada, whenever she falls I'll catch her, I take her to be my bride, wow. This is sappy," she giggled.
"Shut up!"
She handed him the paper back. "Is that it?"
"Yeah," he admitted. "I think it's good. Short and sweet."
"It's good. I know she'll love it. Anyways, I hear Cleo storming down the hallway looking for me, so... bye!"
Abolish looked down at the paper again. Yeah, this was... hopefully okay.
He'd catch Shelby later to double-check.