They come first.

“Ah, but I’m unlike all the other men out there. I support love and making peace, instead of war.” Federico let out, his eyes dancing with joy and laughter. Unlike most, he understood Jo’s strange sense of humor, however odd it might be. That was what fascinated him in the first place. Ever since their first meeting, she’d bewitched him somehow. Circumstances in life never permitted anything other than friendship to bloom however, and he’d grown to accept that even if it was a bitter pill to swallow. 

Joanna was about to throw a comment his way, about how he’d rather peace and making love, instead; not the other way around. It would’ve been just to tease him, of course. Ever since she remembered him, he’d always been betrothed to Princess Corine. It was something she understood in a way, but felt lucky for not having to experience it herself. She knew from a first hand what it meant, having to give up love for duty. At least she’d fallen in love; Federico, though? She couldn’t know, but she did hope it for him. He deserved it. 

She released a breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding when the other woman lowered the gun. “Thank you.” Next time she’d be sure to take a map of the castle to find her way back on her own.

Joanna nodded once formally at the woman, and then jerked her head towards the castle’s hallways entrance. “This way; after you.”

“Thank you for lowering the gun, nice to feel respected.”

“Sure. Nice to feel I won’t be chasing any fugitives this afternoon.”

“Are you a missionary? Because I don’t know what kind of job condones that” he mused. “Braden, ma’am.”

“Close enough; a guardian in patrol,” she retorted and, eventually, lowered her gun. If he were a fugitive or an outsider, he wouldn’t have been this chatty for more than five seconds.

“Why would you expect that?” Federico pulled a horror filled look in Jo’s direction. “Have you been watching Game of Thrones again? I hear people kill off each other all the time in that show, and all the nudity. I really should watch it.” He guffawed, his lips stretching to the point of pain, but he couldn’t seem to stop. It was easy to laugh with Jo around. 

calebhaas:

“No clue, possibly some jealous fool, and then there’s also the Dorchas. I don’t know what their problem is, but apparently, they are out to kill all the royalties of the world. That’s a little too extreme if you ask me. What did all of us do to them?” The King ranted for far too long. It was a habit he’d form with the people closest to him, and Jo seemed to have fallen into that category. “I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting the Princess, but to be sure, I’ll check out her behind for you. You know, just so we’re clear that her asset is truly fine.” Mirth flowed from his tongue, a smile brightly lighting his features. 

          Joanna nodded simply. It was a fact that, danger was everywhere. As if there wasn’t enough destruction among the royals before, the Dorchas had made things worse. At least, any schism between the royals seemed to have locked itself in a corner. All being safe meant all being united. “At least I haven’t noticed any of you royals driving blades through each other’s throats anymore. That’s something.” 

“That’s good to know.” The Argentinian King released a breath, feigning relief. His eyes twinkled with laughter as he observed the woman. He advanced into the room, and promptly took a seat on a grandfather chair; one leg easily overlapping the other, while the easy smile on his face stayed in place for Jo. “You’re mistaken, I’m afraid. This King needs all the protection he can get. I’ve been told that someone is out to get me, and I’ve been forced here by my Advisor.” He explained. “What about you, Jo? Which royalty’s fine behind are you protecting?” 

          Joanna’s gaze followed Fed’s figure as he sat down while she kept on standing still. The guardian folded her arms over her chest loosely but, once he said that someone was after him, her eyebrows frowned and she approached him. “Do you have any clue who could this person be?” Like always, seriousness and alert covered her features, but also...passion. Passion because her calling in life was to protect, and because this was someone she knew and cared about. His joke only managed to break the tension slightly. “Princess Mila, of Finland. Though I haven’t noticed whether her behind is fine or not, thank you very much.”

Federico’s hands were behind his back while he walked the grounds of Cailleach Bán castle. He didn’t expect to bump into anyone, let alone her. An amused brow lifted, his gaze set on the gun she pointed in his direction. “You would really shoot a King, Jo?” 

          Joanna was expecting to run into anyone. An intruder, perhaps someone trying to escape, or even a royal that she’d made the mistake to point a gun at. Anyone but him. Her own eyebrows raised in surprise and a hint of amusement lit her own features and turned the corner of her lips into a tiny smile. “Nah, probably not. I’m not suicidal just yet,” she replied lightly and, at last, lowered her gun. “Silly or not, I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Since when does the almighty King need magical protection?”