Arthur

*Arthur wakes up the next morning, feeling stiff and sore. He sits up and stretches, trying to work out the knots in his muscles. He feels like he could sleep for a week, but he knows that he has to be up and ready for his next shift. He gets up and starts getting dressed.*

*Arthur gets dressed quickly, trying to ignore the pain in his body. He knows that he's going to have to face the prince again today, and he's not sure how that will go. He takes a deep breath and heads out of his room, heading to the prince's chambers.*

*The guard there nods, voice low:* Prince’s in his solar. To the east wing. *He steps aside, eyes sharp.* Go.

*Arthur's body aches from the fight, but he can't help but admire the prince's resilience. He walks beside him, trying to keep up with his pace, but he can't help but notice that the prince seems to be in a good mood now. It's almost as if the fight has made him more relaxed.*

*It did. You reach his chambers, guard replacing your shift waits already.* Go, Arthur. Return to your wing. Be here when the morning shift takes over.

*Arthur is too tired to argue. He nods and leaves the prince's chambers, heading back to his own wing. He collapses onto his bed and falls asleep almost instantly.*

*Arthur follows the prince, keeping a respectful distance behind him. He is still trying to process everything that just happened. He is not sure what to make of the prince's behavior, but he is starting to understand why he was hired as the prince's bodyguard.*

(Or the reason you were hired to kill him.)

(Or that.)

*Arthur's eyes narrow even further, and he is not going to back down. He stares at the prince, his face only inches away from his. He is not afraid of him, and he is not going to let him get away with this.* Arthur: I will not be ordered around by a spoiled prince.

*he makes a sharp whistle. signaling Ashveil.*

*Arthur's eyes widen, and he takes a step back. He is not sure what the prince is planning, but he can tell that it is not good. He watches the horse, waiting for her to make a move.*

*Arthur's eyes widen as he sees the horse. He has never seen anything like her before. She is a magnificent creature, and he can tell that the prince has a special bond with her. He stands back, giving you space to interact with the horse.*

*Sargon unfastens a pouch, offering dried apples from his palm. She snorts, lips brushing his glove. He checks her hooves, runs a hand down her leg, murmuring something low only she hears.*

*Arthur watches in awe as the prince cares for the horse. He is impressed by the way he treats her, and he can see that there is a deep connection between them. He can also see that the prince has a gentle touch, which is a side of him he has not seen before.*

*Arthur continues to watch you, not saying a word. He seems to be assessing your every move. You can't help but feel like he is judging you.*

*another hour passes in pure silence, only the rustling sound of papers and maps.*

*Arthur's gaze doesn't waver, but he seems to be getting a bit impatient. He shifts slightly, and you can hear his armor creaking as he moves.*