The inner palace looked better on the inside. It possessed a unique aesthetic, unlike the picture books Ventren had seen throughout his life. The carpets were green instead of red and upon the throne sat the Prince Regent rather than the king. Although Maershal was still alive, Vaenir had effectively become the de facto monarch of Valkraun.
A line of palace guards stood on both sides of the carpet, each of them wore visored kettlehats with Vaenir's Banner as their tabard design. Pillars too displayed said banners, chandeliers that looked as though they cost more than Ventren's plate armour held expensive candles aloft, murals depicted the kingdom's major histories and stained glass dedicated to Matrem Myriam covered the windows and the wall behind the throne. Sir Harketh stood beside it, personally guarding the Prince Regent.
"Step forward, Sir Ventren," called the Prince.
Ventren walked slowly towards the throne, dressed in a pure silver-white cloak with gold trims and wearing a chaperon. A double-headed wyvern outlined in gold marked the garb—a symbol of the king's Royal Guard. He was not alone. Beside him walked the girl he had saved weeks prior, Gwendolyn, dressed in the same garments with her braided white hair visible.
"This is… quite the coincidence," Ventren said as he walked forward, eyes fixed ahead.
"The will of the Matrem works in mysterious ways," Gwen replied, also looking forward.
They both knelt before the throne. The Prince Regent rose and descended the steps with a claymore in his hands—its blade forged of gold. It was the kingdom's priceless artefact, the symbol of Valkraun's military might. The sword had been made from seized imperial jewellery after the Valk–Tytia War, commissioned by King Maershal following the capture of the imperial royal family. The grip was blue, the pommel held an emerald at its centre, and rubies adorned each corner of the crossguard.
Vaenir held the sword with both hands and began the rites.
"Do you swear to uphold the beliefs of the kingdom and all for which we stand? To lay down your life for the benefit of the kingdom, no matter the cost and to never betray your oath nor reveal the secrets of our kingdom to the enemies of the Matrem?"
"Yes, Prince Regent."
"Then rise, as members of the Valkraun Royal Guard," he paused, "Sir Ventren the Immovable, and Sir Gwendolyn the Shieldmaiden."
They rose as the palace guards stomped their halberds in unison.
"Palace Guards, dismissed."
The guards exited the throne room in perfect order. When the final door closed, only Ventren, Gwendolyn, Harketh and Vaenir remained.
"Welcome both of you to the Royal Guard," Vaenir said. "As you are aware, the king is unable to be present at this time, so you will have to make do with me."
I wouldn't join the guard if Maershal was still ruiling…
"Fine by us, Your Royal Highness," Gwen answered for herself and on Ventren's behalf.
"As Royal Guards, you hold the highest authority in the kingdom save for the Royal Councillors as of now and myself. You are expected to act responsibly and in the best interests of the realm as well as uphold your oath without compromise."
He turned his attention to Ventren.
"Normally, you would remain in the capital during the trial phase. However, Sir Ventren, due to your… ruthlessness—and the fact that you did kill a baron—intentionally or not—I must have you leave the capital immediately. The nobles are uneasy with your presence. Therefore, I am appointing you Executioner of the Royal Guard as an excuse to leave without quuestion."
Farewell, Stavross. Rot in whatever hell there is in the afterlife.
Vaenir continued calmly. "Your primary duty is to hunt down and exterminate threats to the kingdom and the throne. You will be away for several months. Do not worry—your manor will be granted in due time. You are already full-fledged knights."
"Affirmative, Your Royal Highness."
He then looked to Gwendolyn.
"Sir Gwendolyn, the same applies to you. You are the first woman to join the Royal Guard and so the more traditional nobility is displeased. I'll stomp out this issue while you are away. I'd say that's sacrilege considering our Matrem is a woman. You will accompany Sir Ventren as his partner and retain the title of Shieldmaiden for this purpose."
"Understood, Your Royal Highness." Gwen replied.
Vaenir produced a sealed parchment and handed it to Ventren.
"Your task: retrieve Knight Commander Eryn Redgarde from the Elven Theocracy along with his reports. You are also to investigate House Menzo on the way. Disturbing rumours concerning the count's daughter have reached my ears. You are authorised to use lethal force against all but nobles. You are also not to kill within the Elven Theocracy unless absolutely necessary."
"So retrieve Commander Eryn, investigate House Menzo, and don't kill Elves," Gwen summarised. "Got it."
"Some gifts, before you depart," Vaenir said.
Harketh and some maids brought forth a decorated chest containing the highest quality ornate weaponry; two white-and-gold crossbows, a colossal axe, a shaska and a shortsword.
"And Sir Ventren," Vaenir added, handing him a parchment. "This is for you personally."
Vaenir winked.
As Ventren opened it, his eyes widened. Although he couldn't read, it was clearly an execution order.
Richard Green's face.
"With my blessing," Vaenir said quietly. "On the way to the theocracy."
"My utmost thanks, my Prince."
Ventren felt genuine loyalty settle within him which made him think back to the Ironhold Archduke's request.
I'll tell them he's fit for the throne.
"Your armour awaits you in the Royal Guard chambers," Vaenir concluded.
They bowed and departed.
—/—/—
Ventren entered his chambers and it was grandiose. An ornate four-poster bed suited for his size, a couch, a fireplace, an ornate cupboard and books filled the room. To his left, there was an armour stand and a place where he could place his axe if he were to actually use this room. The armour retained Ventren's original designs: an ornate silver winged horns visored bascinet, fully decorated plate armour, a chainmail hauberk with gold along the edges and a surcoat bearing the Royal Guard colours to be worn on the outside. There was also a golden belt included.
A maid was waiting for Ventren in the room, holding a pouch of what he assumed to be coins.
"Sir Ventren, I will assist you in getting outfitted. Additionally, the Prince told me to tell you that you may take a few books with you. They are picture books for noble children, specifically made to help with reading. The Prince is aware you are illiterate due to your background. Sir Gwen is also taking her share of books. An hour of reading per day and you will finish them in no time," she smiled. "Oh and this pouch has some funds granted by the prince for your journey."
Ventren thought she was pretty cute—her hair was black and short, her features soft and her skin almost as white as snow. Her eyes were nothing short of black pearls. He had no intention of flirting or dating her, though, especially with his newly found status as a de jure nobleman and Knight of the famous Royal Guard and because of his experience with Irina.
As she assisted in getting him ready, he tried to make small talk.
"So, what's your name?"
"Alexandra, Sir Ventren," she said as she fitted the straps of his greaves.
"How is it like working in the castle and under the Prince Regent?"
"Wonderful. I used to serve at Wahenburg serving drinks until the Prince took interest in my ability to read and outfit knights during a visit with my former hosts. He now has me assisting himself and Sir Harketh with their armour and tending to noble children when their parents are visiting the Royal Capital."
"So you aren't the cook-and-clean type?"
"Well, I do them occasionally but this is my primary duty. My father is a wealthy armoursmith, so I learned my skills with him before becoming a maid for nobles—and now royals. Overall, it's a nice life."
After about an hour he was fully armoured and ready to head out. His cloak went over his armour as the final touch, his winged horns protruding and standing intimidatingly.
"You know, Sir Ventren, for looking quite scary, you are actually pretty nice. I appreciate you taking the time to make small talk with me. Most ignore my existence—except for the Prince himself and the children, of course," she chuckled a little.
"Oh, don't worry about it."
Ventren left his chambers with Alexandra guiding him and went towards the stables.
Gwendolyn was already waiting for him there atop her horse. Ventren was surprised to see the Prince Regent himself down there to see him off. Beside the Prince stood Vesper who was outfitted as well, sporting silver horse armour and Royal Guard caparison.
Even underneath the helm, everyone could tell Ventren was quite happy. He bowed to the Prince, then ran and hugged his horse.
"Hey buddy."
"Safe travels, Sir Ventren. I hope you succeed in whatever task you were given." She waved and bowed.
"Ready to go, Sir Ventren?" asked Gwendolyn with a smile. "I have the map here. Though I can't read long words in books, I know how to read a map!" she said smugly.
Gwen herself was outfitted with mail and plate. She also wore the Royal Guard cloak; her circular shield bore the Royal Guard crest and her shaska replaced by the new, higher quality ornate one gifted.
"Ready. Let's go."
As they strode towards the palace exit, an entourage of hooded figures bearing the Royal Councillor crests—probably the Archmage and the Royal Mages returning to the palace—crossed paths with them on horseback. They seemed to be in a hurry. A girl with pink hair caught Ventren's attention.
"Is that…? No, it can't be."
"What is it, Sir Ventren?" called Gwendolyn.
"Nothing. Don't worry about it."
They galloped towards the west.