The Alliance Marriage Went Wrong

"You want to keep a low profile and I understand that. So, I decided to appoint just one more guard who will protect you all the time. It\'s just one person. So, I hope that you won\'t think of it as a violation of your privacy. You know that\'s not my intention," Arin explained.

"That\'s -"

"Let me finish first," Arin said again which interrupted Iria from speaking. Then she fell silent and listened to him.

"It\'s just one more guard. In my opinion, it\'s still not enough but I don\'t want to pressure you. Rion is capable and I know that. If he works with another skilled guard, they will weigh the same as a few guards and our problem will be solved." Arin made a deliberate paused when he noticed her troubled face.

At times, he finds it hard to understand. It\'s just one more guard. Was that a big deal?

He remained quiet for a while, studying her expression. "Let Davian protect you. He will work together with Rion," he calmly said. He felt like she was teaching him to be more patient than he was now!

Davian? Iria\'s eyes flickered and she quickly glanced at Arin Helev. It\'s Prince Orius! Trying her best to regain her composure, she asked, "Isn\'t he the new guard?"

The Crown Prince nodded. "He is one of the most skilled guards I have ever seen. I spoke with General Calum in the evening and he is clean. If he tagged along with you, I think I don\'t have to be worried even if you wish to spend some time outside the palace."

He\'s clean? How come? This General Calum... was he on the Queen\'s side?! Iria was feeling too perplexed that she can\'t even utter any word.

Once again, she was reminded that Arin was the one who was in a more dire situation. He might even suffer some unexpected betrayal if this goes on. She wondered what she would do in this complicated situation.

She knew that Prince Orius was right when he said that everything he did was for Jerivia. She felt like she was standing in the middle of a big world. Her kingdom Jerivia on one side and Arin Helev standing on the other; her mind went blank. Throughout the twenty years of her life, she never felt this lost!

"I will take it a yes," Arin spoke up when she remained silent. She was using her thoughts again rather than communicating with him and he didn\'t like it though it happened often. "I will inform Davian to start escorting you tomorrow. Good night then," he added and walked to his chamber on the opposite.

Iria stood still for a while, not knowing what to do. Then she realized what Rion said to her early in the night. A safe chance. Was this what Prince Orius meant? Starting tomorrow, he will become her guard and there won\'t be suspicions even if they spend time together often. What\'s more, they can even go out together, no sneaking out anymore!

She was feeling uneasy but at one point, she was glad. She will be able to go out to practice more often from now on. At least, the new guard in the name was someone who knew her identity.

* * *

It had been a while since Iria wake up though the sun had just risen. She was quietly sitting on a chair in her chamber. Her elbows were propped up on the table and her mind was fully occupied by one thing. The letter from the King that Rion talked about yesterday. She still had no idea about the contents and it made her felt wary.

Did something bad happen in Jerivia? She really hoped it was not the case!

Iria Alewine was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the sound of the knocking on her door. It was Prince Orius who walked inside. After all the things that he had done, she wasn\'t surprised anymore.

The second Prince was still wearing the uniform of a guard and Iria rose from her seat when he approached her. However, she didn\'t say anything.

Orius Aventine was a bit surprised by her silence. He thought that she would question him of his motives again but... nothing like that happened. Why was she so different today?

"I think you already heard about it. Arin Helev wants me to be your personal guard. I\'m supposed to start the job today," he said. Did she still not hear about it?

"I heard about it last night," Iria replied. "About the letter from His Majesty, will you tell me what it is?"

"Of course, I will, but later. I have to go out today. I think it will be easier if we say that you wish to spend some time outside. You and Rion can practice while I take care of my business." Prince Orius suggested.

He knew who she was and he didn\'t have to worry as much as Arin. She can protect herself even if he left her side for a while.

"I understand. I will tell the Crown Prince about it," Iria promptly replied but when she gave a deeper thought, one thing surprised her. "How do you know that I used to practice outside with Rion?" She asked, confused.

"The Crown Prince told me that you often sneak out to wander around. Why would someone like you do that unless it\'s for practicing? The fact that you didn\'t want any Qalagon guards around you makes everything clear," Prince Orius simply said.

Iria only nodded and this made Prince Orius quite flustered. However, he didn\'t say anything about it.

"I think it will be best to leave right after breakfast. You should get prepared," he uttered and left the chamber before Iria could say anything.

After a while, Iria had breakfast with Arin and she told the latter that she will be going out. Arin was still feeling a bit uneasy but he decided to trust the ability of Rion and Davian. So, he allowed them to go. Besides, he also had to visit the military camp and spend all day there.

Just as Orius suggested, Iria left the palace with the two men right after having breakfast with the Crown Prince.....