Nik Ryder leaned against the doorway, arms crossed with a knowing smirk.

"Ah, young love. One dreams of a golden-crowned fae prince and the other’s got their eye on a red-haired hunteress. Just promise me no enchanted duels or midnight stakeouts, yeah? I’ve got enough nightmares chasing real monsters.", the father teased his children who started to blush.

"Dad!!!"

"It's not like that. Mom, say something."

Alex rolled her eyes playfully.

"Oh, hush up, Nik. They are just teenagers having fun. And Jace, Ellie, finish your food. Hurry up."

At their mother's request, Jason stuffed the last of his chicken leg in his mouth, and Elissa just glanced up from her daydream.

"Alright, slow down there, champ. You're not eating a banquet. And Elissa quit mooning over your prince and focused on that plate.", Nik chuckled.

"Be nice, Nik. They're going through those... interesting teen years. And I'm sure Jason's just being his competitive self, just like someone we all know, hmm?"

"That's why you married me, am I right?"

"Nik, remember how we fell in love? Remember how we fell in love Nik? When I turned 25, you protected me from a deadly bloodwraith as a bodyguard."

The blonde-haired man turns to his wife with his silvery-blue eyes softening like moonlight on steel.

"How could I forget? But you were fearless, crazy and very stubborn. Such a wild beauty. I was supposed to be your bodyguard and ended up losing my heart instead. That one night, you looked at me like I was more than just a hunter in a long coat. And I realized..."

Alex smiled, her chocolate-brown eyes shimmering, remembering their past.

"Oh boy, here they go.", Jason cleared his throat, not wanting to hear any more details.

"Shush. It’s sweet.", Elissa requested her brother’s silence.

The mother ruffled her son's brown hair to tease him. He tried to duck away, grinning.

"Hey! Stop it, Mom. I'm not a kid anymore, you know?",

"Your mother still can’t keep her hands off her little boy then."

"Mom!! Dad!!"

"Then who's that Claire you dislike?", the father asked curiously.

The boy stiffened at his father's question, trying to play coy.

"Claire? Oh, uh, she's just this hunter rival. Real annoying. Always bragging about her skills."

Nik raised an eyebrow, sharing a knowing glance with Alex.

"Uh-huh. And I suppose the fact she beat you in sparring last week had nothing to do with it?"

"She got lucky, Dad! Plus, her dagger was enchanted! Totally unfair! I can't believe she's Aunt Katherine chose her as her nighthunter student."

"Ooohhhh, sounds like someone's got a crush and doesn’t want to admit it...", the young sister giggled into her drink.

"Shut up, El!" Jason snapped with a playful glare.

"Jason and Claire are sitting on a tree..."

"She's insufferable, okay? Dad, tell her!"

Nik crossed his arms, the corner of his mouth twitching.

"Sorry, son. When does your face get that red over someone? That’s not hatred."

Alex burst out laughing as Jason groaned and flopped back in his chair.

"Traitors! All of you!"

"You're right, Jace. We should stop. Sorry.", the mother apologized to lift her son's mood, but the father couldn't stop. He laughed heartily, slapping a hand on the table.

"Enemies to Lovers. Oh, that would be a tale for the ages. The ultimate hunter rivalry turning into a love story?"

The boy groaned again, burying his face in his hands.

"You guys are so embarrassing. No wonder I avoid bringing my friends over."

Nik ruffled Jason's hair affectionately, still chuckling.

"Aww, we're just teasing you, buddy."

"Yeah, we don't want you to explode with all your secret emotions!", the sister teased.

"Oh yeah? And what about your prince, sister?"

Elissa blushed faintly, twirling a strand of her silvery-blonde hair around her finger.

"He's not mine... yet. But he’s noble, kind with golden eyes like starlight, and he plays the lyre like a dream. A true prince charming.", the girl described.

"Ugh, here we go. Next thing you know she’ll be writing poems in moonblood ink.", her older brother snorted.

"Ellie, just promise me he doesn’t have a cursed kingdom or some ancient prophecy hanging over his head", the father spoke with worry.

"Nik, shhh. I know that prince in my royal circle. As I am the fae duchess of Lamrian, I know the royals and nobles well. And Crown Prince Sky of Crystaval is really kind, generous and good-hearted. No ugly fae tricks.", Alexis reassured Nik and Jason.

"Fine, fine. If you vouch for the guy, I'll hold my tongue."

"I still don't trust that fae and won't let him hurt my sister. He'd better be friendly like Uncle Garrus or just like Mom said. Or else..."

"Overprotective just like his father."

"Alex, I'm not overprotective. Besides, looks like our son's got enough on his plate with that annoying, dagger-wielding, totally-not-a-crush hunter girl.", Nik chuckled.

"Enough now, let's eat.", Jason commanded.

The family dug into the food, swapping different stories and laughing. Nik watched his family with a warmth in his silvery-blue eyes.

His wife caught his gaze and smiled warmly, reaching over to clasp his hand.

"I wouldn't trade this for anything."

The man gave her hand a soft squeeze, nodding in agreement.

"Me either. Even if the kids drive us insane sometimes."

The following day, Elissa spent time carefully preparing in her pink, cozy room for her secret rendezvous with the fae prince. She knew that if Jason discovered her now, he would undoubtedly ruin the special moment and spoil her mood. Her long, light-blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders, the same as her father’s hair, accented by a few shimmering silver strands she had inherited from her mother, who was a half-fae. Elissa often wondered if there was some hidden magic or fae essence within her as well. Despite her curiosity, she couldn't perform magic, communicate with animals, or see through the glamour spell that her mother used. A spell supernatural beings used to hide their true identities from humans. She could only glimpse supernatural creatures if she wore a special charm, like her human father, Nik Ryder, had.

At last, the pink ribbon to tie her long hair, her personal trademark and with the right pink-white outfit, she was ready to meet her crush.

"Mom, Dad, I'm heading out! Be back soon!", she called and dashed out before her brother or father would stop her for questioning.

After about 10 minutes wandering around the bayou, she arrived in a secluded part of the woods. Surrounded by Mother Nature. Beautiful wildflowers were blooming. Little ladybugs, colorful butterflies and tiny birds filled the air with their singing as other animals were living peacefully. And it didn’t take long until she discovered him.

"Sky, there you are," she exclaimed joyfully, her face lighting up as she rushed forward. She threw her arms around the young fae teenager, pulling him into a warm, appreciative embrace. He responded by gently pulling her closer, his expression tender. The young prince was strikingly handsome, with smooth pearl-white skin that seemed to glow softly in the light. His icy-blue eyes shone with a gentleness, reflecting a kind spirit, and his light-blonde hair added to his delicate, regal appearance.

"Lady Elissa...".

Tall trees around them rose like ancient pillars. Somewhere nearby, a stream murmured over smooth stones, its gentle song blended with the chorus of birds. The air was cool and fragrant with pine, moss, and wildflowers. The world felt like an enchanted place.

"Lady Elissa, you're the light of my life. My happiness. With you, everything feels just right. Finally some time with you.", he confessed. His accent sounded almost British.

"Please don't call me Lady Elissa, Sky."

"But you are royalty. The daughter of the Duchess of Lamrian. It's not in my nature to..."

"So? You allowed me not to address you by your title and now I want the same too, my Prince."

The fae's hand found hers. He kissed them and together they moved through the clearing in smooth, sweeping steps. They danced a waltz which felt less practiced than instinctive, as though the rhythm had always existed, waiting to be discovered. They circled one another, laughing softly as the cool breeze swirled around them.

"You're right, my Elissa. My apologies. No more titles among us. You're my Elissa and I'm your Sky."

"Then tell me, Sky... Why me? What did you see in me? A human with no pointy ears and no magic. Aren't there any other fae girls seeking your attention?"

"Since I saw you at your mother's ball in Lamrian, I couldn't take my eyes of your beauty. Your silvery-blonde hair, rosy lips, your bright eyes. Those two diffrent eye colors of your's, one blue and the other brown. Not only your beauty, but your kindness and generosity captivated my heart. I never met a girl like you."

After sharing moments of lively dancing and heartfelt laughter, they eventually parted ways, each carrying a heavy heart filled with bittersweet memories.

"It’s time for me to return to my duties. I promise that we will reunite soon enough, Elissa."

"I'll miss you."

"I understand, my rose. I will make sure we meet soon again."

After a while, they parted ways, each heading toward their own destination. The young girl lingered for a moment, watching her beloved disappear from sight.

She walked at an unhurried pace, following a path she knew by heart. The bayou held countless memories for her family, but one story stood out above all the others. It was here, among the moss-draped trees and quiet waters, that her parents had shared their very first kiss. Her mother often spoke of that day with a fond smile, while her father would pretend to be embarrassed before eventually adding details of his own. Every bend in the trail seemed connected to one of their stories.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed how far she had wandered. Then a voice broke through the stillness.

"Elissa!!"

"Jace?"

"Ellie? What are you doing here, sis?", the brown-haired boy asked her with surprise who was standing next to a girl with scarlet-red hair and a dagger in her hand.

"Uh... Nothing. I was just walking by. Are you and Claire...?

"What??!! No, I wasn't expecting her. She just came out of nowhere. I was here first and now I'm leaving. Let's go, El.", the brother hissed and pulled his sister along towards their way home. Claire, the red-haired hunteress was just smirking at them as the siblings left. And then she left too.

"Elissa, what hell were you doing there alone? Something bad could have happened. It's too dangerous. If Dad finds out..."

"I'm fine and safe, don't worry. By the way, what were you doing here with her? A secret meeting?", she giggled.

"I'll hide all your pink ribbons if you tell anyone about it, El. And there's nothing between me and Claire going on. She's annoying.", he warned her.

The girl just rolled her eyes and smiled.

The Ryder siblings moved carefully along the narrow path through the bayou, their footsteps slow and deliberate. The ground beneath them was soft and waterlogged, causing their boots to sink slightly into the damp earth with each step. It didn't take long before they reached the city and finally made their way home. Climbing the stairs, they unlocked the door and stepped inside.

They were immediately greeted by their father, who was sitting at the kitchen table. He looked exhausted. It was clear that last night's hunt had been long and demanding. He glanced up as they entered, offering a weary smile that softened the fatigue etched across his face.

"Where did you go that early on a Saturday, kiddos?", he asked and ruffled his son's head which the child didn’t like.

"Dad, you're ruining my hairstyle. Don't do it like Mom. Where is Mom actually?"

"Alexis got a meeting in Lamrian. So now I'm the boss here. Hope you guys didn’t get in any trouble."

"Trouble? Of course not. Just went on a walk. Nothing else, Dad."

"That early on a weekend, kiddos?"

Before they could answer their father, there was a sudden knock on the sturdy wooden front door. As Nik approached and opened it, he was greeted by a group of teenagers who were acquaintances of his and his wife's close friends, as well as friends of Jason and Elissa. The first to step inside was a boy with chestnut-brown hair, a teenage werewolf in his human form, dressed casually in everyday clothes. His name was Caleb, a nephew of Cal Lowell. Following him were two twin sisters, Veronica and Lucy, both daughters of Vera Reimonenq and Luc. They embodied their mother's striking beauty, with dark, glossy curls framing their faces, sparkling eyes that seemed to hold secrets, and wearing fashionable dresses with vintage gloves that gave them an enchanting appearance.

"Good morning, Mr. Ryder. We're here to meet Jason and Elissa."

"Jace, Ellie, let's hang out together before my Wizard School starts tomorrow which will keep me busy with lessons. I want to become a good wizard just like my Dad.", Lucy suggested.

"You mean you're going to Pendergast, the School of Wizardy. So cool. And you, Veronica?", Elissa asked with curiosity.

"Mmmhh, I don't know... I would rather choose my mother's path and her beauty. Now let's go."

"Wait, did you guys invite Claire too?", Jason asked with curiosity which made Elissa raise her eyebrow.

"Why are you asking, dear brother?"

"It's not what you're thinking, El. Just wanting to make sure that annoying girl stays far away from me."

"But she's our friend too.", one of the twins informed.

"Well yours, but not mine. She's a rival. Now let's go before I decide to stay home with Dad."

The young nighthunter's attitude made Nik chuckle

"Really, hero? Go and have fun with your friends. And take care of my princess."

"Dad, I love it when you call me your princess.", Elissa confessed before planting a quick kiss on her father's cheek. She was his Princess and Jason was his Hero.

version without the bg bc i wasnt super sure abt it

A more chibi-ish drawing of them too

Haha so many Maiele drawings, he's very fun to draw

I like drawing him with @storyofmychoices 's Daenarya too so I was like ummmm why not

But then I was like ok do someone else too!!! so here's Iara with Lukan:

Andddd your ID mc Kalen bc you listed the rest tooo and I love drawing ID mc's + I remembered this post you reblogged so!!

"Alex?! What's going on? Where are you? Are you alright?"

"Nik, I don't remember, I'm beeing held captured in... Uggh, my head..."

The young nighthunter tried to focus his mind, using the telepathy connection to sense her location, the scene and gather as much information as possible. According to her state, she wasn't able to tell where she was, but he still had to find her somehow. And fast. With a deep breath, he sent a strong mental message aimed at Alex, filled with concern and urgency.

"Alex, stay calm. I'm coming for you. Just tell me one thing. Are you hurt?"

"Nik, I..."

She stopped speaking as their connection broke, and she fainted.

Nik's entire body tensed with urgency, his instincts kicking in. He swiftly rolled off the bed, grabbed his clothes and weapons. He quickly pulled on his gray shirt, put his black pants on, adjusted his long brown leather jacket and grabbed his black boots. Every second counted now as he prepared to set out.

"Alex, hang in there. I'm coming, rook."

With the Holy Light Crossbow slung across his back and the Blightblades strapped to his belt, the man dashed without hesitation. Whatever stood between him and Alex, it wouldn't survive long enough to regret it.

♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️

"Let me go! I will never marry you.", Nik's girlfriend, Alex shouted at the kidnapper.

"You will marry me, so I will become the ruler of Lamrian. And then, I'll get rid of you, dear.", the figure hissed while playing with the magical handcuffs she was forced into. They made sure that no fae magic could break them. She was a prisoner.

"No, I won't let this happen."

"Stubborn, aren't we? My servants did a great job in arranging a last-minute wedding. By the way, you look pretty in your new wedding dress."

"Get your filthy hands off my girl!", a powerful voice echoed in the hall. It belonged to a muscular, blond-haired man with silvery-blue eyes who burst through the chapel doors with a crossbow drawn. He fired a warning shot that shattered a stained glass window.

"Nik! I knew you'd come! You finally found me, love.", Alex whispered.

Nik Ryder, nighthunter and Alex's boyfriend was flipping his blightblades in each hand with style while his eyes were locked on the villain.

"Nobody forces my Alex into anything. Let's settle this like men. Unless you'd rather run now?", he demanded before he gave Alex a quick wink.

"But... but the ceremony is already...", the villain stammered.

"Oh good, then we can skip to the fun part where I kick your ass.", the hero cut him off as he cracked his knuckles.

Then he noticed his girlfriend struggling with the heavy wedding dress. The sight was so beautiful, but with the wrong groom by her side.

"Here, let me..."

With a single precise slash of one of his blightblades, he cut exactly some of the heavy fabric away while keeping her completely safe. She gasped as the heavy fabric fell away, leaving her in a much lighter and more comfortable mini dress.

"You always know just what I need!"

The young man grinned while twirling his blade.

"Dresses are overrated anyway. Nice high heels by the way. Now...", he spoke, extended a hand toward her while keeping his crossbow trained on the villain with his other hand.

"Shall we dance our way out of here, sweetheart? Ready to escape this place, rook?"

"Lead the way, my nighthunter. With you by my side, I'm ready for anything."

Nik turned back to the villain while still keeping an eye on Alex.

"Last chance to surrender, pal."

"Never!!"

Nik swept Alex into a dramatic dip as the villain charged toward them.

"Hold on tight, love..."

And in one fluid motion, he covered her while firing his crossbow backward without looking and successfully pinned the villain's sleeve to the wall.

"Show-off!", Alex called, got up, and positioned herself next to him now.

"For you? Always, rook.", he answered while spinning her under his arm.

Suddenly, more attackers appeared from behind to stop the couple from escaping. Nik pulled out twin blightblades and his playful grin now turned deadly serious.

"Stay behind me, beautiful. We're dancing our way home. One bloody waltz at a time."

In a blinding flash of holy light caused by his crossbow arrows, Nik effortlessly fended off numerous attackers without once looking in Alex's direction. The girl was awed by the display of his strength and power.

"Wow..."

As the dust settled, Nik turned to Alex with a playful smirk.

"Oh, I'm full of surprises.", he answered while scanning the area. He flicked blood off his blades and then began to break the enchanted handcuffs around her wrists.

"Still think bodyguarding is boring, rook?"

"I never said boring... Just a bit too dramatic?"

"Where's the fun in that? Besides... You're worth every bit of drama, rook.", he whispered, then stepped closer and tucked a loose strand of silvery-black hair behind her ear.

The young woman blushed as her savior and lover suddenly scooped her up bridal style. He grinned at her squeak of surprise.

"What? Thought we'd walk home after all that?"

With the wind rushing through their hair, Alex wrapped her arms around Nik's neck for support while the night skyline streaked by. He effortlessly landed rooftop to rooftop with each leap, never losing balance or breaking stride. Alex starts laughing uncontrollably.

"This is insane! You can't just... just... Woah!!!"

The man leaped into the air with a spin that ended with her dangling upside down, but before she could yell he caught her just in time so they're face to face. Holding her effortlessly, he gazed into her eyes with a teasing grin.

"Yes? Can't just what?"

She spluttered, flustered, as he righted her effortlessly.

"You can't just carry me around like a sack. It's... It's..."

"It's... what?"

"It's not fair. I want to show off too!"

"Okay, that's a fair point. Let's see you try, then."

He gently set her down, keeping a steadying hand on her waist.

"Fine, I'll show you. Watch this, Nik."

The woman took a couple of steps back, gathering speed, then leaped... only to trip just short of the next rooftop and fall flat on her face.

"Ow..."

He burst out laughing, tried hard to contain it as she dusted herself off. Her cheeks flushed from the embarrassing fall and his laughter.

"Damn, that... that was... You okay, rook?"

"You know, I actually meant to do that. And it worked."

"Uh-huh.... Riiiight. Sure you did."

Without warning, Nik suddenly scooped her up and tossed her into the air, only to catch her in a dramatic dip just before she hit the ground. His face inches away from hers while his blue eyes twinkled with mischief.

"That, rook. Now that was on purpose."

Alex's breath hitched as he pulled them both upright in one smooth motion. She playfully shoved his shoulder while still clinging to his leather jacket.

"You're ridiculous, Nik Ryder"

"And you're stuck with me, rook."

"But Nik, jokes aside. I'm... I'm so glad you saved me today. If you hadn't, then I..."

She turned serious, took his hand, and rested her head on his shoulder, hiding her worried look on his face.

"Alex, don't think about it. I'm here and you're safe now, that's what matters. I'll always be there for you.", he comforted her while stroking her hair.

There was no way anything or anyone would dare to harm her in his watch. Not with Nik Ryder.

Suddenly, unwanted guests appeared from the dark and surrounded the young couple on the roof of a building.

Immediately, Nik and Alex pressed their back against each other's and got into a defensive stance. Nik drew the crossbow from its holster and secretly gave her an extra dagger to use if she needed. The palms of his girlfriend, Alex started to buzz with fae magic. She wanted to fight beside him, but with her magic instead.

"We have visitors, Nik."

"They picked the wrong rooftop to crash our date night. Let's teach them a lesson. You ready?", he asked and grinned as he saw her magic flare up brighter.

"I'm ready, babe."

Back against the wall, the couple shot arrows, fought in combat, used magic, and more to fight off their opponents.

Nik just ducked a swinging blade and rolled to one knee, firing two rapid shots. Through the battle, he happened to move farther away from his partner. But they were winning.

"You holding up okay back there, rook?", he shouted before charging another shot.

"Nik, watch out!! Between us!"

The couple spun around in a perfect sync, daggers flashing as they carved through the enemy between them. The last foe dropped down.

"Up all night, got demons to fight. Remind me to take you somewhere less... stabby for our next date!"

"What date? But I'd love that, Nik. By the way, I really enjoyed our teamwork. I hate to be a damsel in distress sometimes, but I'm glad you always have my back."

"The way we move together... Almost like we were made to fight side by side.", the hunter remarked while wiping his blade clean on his jacket sleeve.

Nik Ryder was a nighthunter. And nighthunters had to keep their health in check in case an immortal decided to be a nuisance. But the trouble of waking up sweating from another dream often discouraged him from resting his eyes. His night-time activities like hunting down pesky ghouls or trapping feral vampires in flasks helped him have almost no time left for nightmares. The rewards kept him going, and his daily dose of snake tequila was enough to keep a headache away. 

Nik was used to losing sleep. He shouldn’t have had a problem staying up late that day either, even if it was for a completely different reason. But fighting his feelings for Alex was nothing like hunting monsters. He could do the latter easily. Alex, on the other hand, had him wishing to get a good night’s sleep without thinking about her. He begged for anything other than her to be a distraction, even if it was a nightmare about Elijah.

He looked at his client on the couch in the living room. Alex was still sleeping peacefully– at least as peaceful as she could be, given her current situation. Regardless of his promise to himself, his gaze lingered on her for a little longer than just to ‘make sure she was fine’. His lips twisted into a small smile as he watched her. Her chest was heaving up and down. Her hair was a mess. Her lips were parted as if she was trying to say something. Resisting the urge to check on her, he turned his face away instead. She was going to be the death of him. 

It was past midnight already. Nik stood on the balcony with his arms over the railing. The metal bars were cold, and the slight breeze did ruffle his hair. But the shiver of his body seemed to come from within his soul. 

He closed his eyes and shook his head. He was so done with his job, but he was glad it brought Alex to him. When he opened his eyes, he expected to see the full moon comforting him using its light.

What he didn’t expect to see was the figure of a man, floating in front of him. Nik stumbled back a few steps, throwing himself away from the railing. The ‘thing’ he was face to face with was a ghost, just like the many he had handled in his life. Its transparent body was outlined by a faint glow of turquoise, yet its face was a blur. It was only when he heard its voice that another chill ran up his spine. 

“Close your mouth, boy”, the ghost said.

He knew the voice. It was so familiar to him that it pinched a hole in his heart. He felt his vulnerability coming through and swallowed.

“Don't just stand there like you saw a ghost. Is this how I taught you to deal with one?”

Nik took a cautious step forward. Maybe it was a dream. He knew how to handle dreams. He just had to wait a few minutes and his father would go away, and he would wake up on his couch again. Although he would once again regret not being able to apologise to him or pour his heart out to him, he could at least do it in his dream.

“Dad?” Nik whispered. He was now standing before his dead father’s ghost, gripping the railing with trembling fingers.

A touch of the ghost’s deformed hand to his shoulder confirmed that it wasn’t a dream. The touch felt too solid to be of a ghost, and too real to be an illusion. It was a comforting gesture from him, as if he knew all of Nik's worries, as if he was part of all his nightmares too. 

Nik tried to read the expression on what was left of Elijah's face. It seemed to him that the ghost was hiding its face on purpose. He could only imagine what the monster who killed him did to it. 

Elijah's ghost floated beside him, both now staring at the horizon.  As shaken as he was, Nik was also comforted by the eerie presence of his dead father. It was the first time in the history of his supernatural encounters that his mind was clouded enough to prevent any proper thoughts from forming. 

“You need to get yourself together.” Elijah's sharp voice still managed to alert him; as if he was still his student and Elijah was his teacher, training him to be perfect in every hunting skill. “For both of your sakes.”

Nik took a deep breath. Elijah knew everything. If he didn’t know better, Nik would think that his father was there at such a time for no other reason than to lecture him. But this wasn’t the old Elijah. A lot of things were different, starting from his bare arm. The tattoo that he cherished for almost a lifetime was gone.

‘The Saviour’. It was carved into his skin at the age of five– a subtle reminder of his bloodline and the work his ancestors did since the existence of nighthunters. They carried the name with them till their heart stopped beating. Nik received it at the same age his father did. Although the tattoo was a permanent definition of who he was, he never believed he could ever fit that title. “The thrice-cursed son” – it never stopped echoing in his mind. 

Whether Elijah was with or without the tattoo, he belonged to a bloodline– one that protected the needy and saved them from destruction. The needy was now his son. Elijah could help him not get destroyed.

Nik lacked the courage to talk to his father, even though he was dead. He didn't have the least guess as to why he had come there in the first place. But he held back from saying anything other than what was absolutely necessary. Nik was scared that the moment would slip away, and he would continue living in regret for the rest of his life. 

“I'm sorry. I broke my promise”, he said in a shaky voice.  They both knew what the promise was. But to Nik, it had also been his life saying, until he started seeing Alex in a different light. His walls had broken down for her, and he was finally trusting someone– for better or for worse.

“I knew it would happen.” Elijah's ghost shrugged. “You’re a young man. Young people fall in love.”

“But this is different, I swear.” Nik’s tone was almost desperate, as if he was trying to convince Elijah but mostly himself– he didn't fall for her on purpose. It wasn't his fault that she came to his life at the perfect moment, was it?

“You’ve got to make up your mind, boy.”

Nik held in a bitter laugh. What was he supposed to decide between– breaking the heart of the woman he loved, or risking both of their lives to get distracted by his feelings for her? When he weighed his options, it seemed better to stay alive. He shut his eyes, frustrated at himself and punched his fist onto the railing, trying to control the emotions boiling up inside him. 

A light shower which soon turned into heavy rain disturbed his thoughts. It poured onto the empty streets, shaking the leaves of flora on the way. A gush of wind slapped the droplets onto Nik who was sheltered under the safety of the roof. He was forced to put off his decision for yet another time. 

“There’s something I wanted to say,” Nik said to the ghost.

Elijah turned to him. He was almost sure they wanted to tell each other the same thing. Yet, he hesitated to say it first. He could be dead, but he still couldn’t bear to have a proper conversation with his son.

“That fight… I didn’t mean to,” Nik said with a lump in his throat.

Elijah knew exactly what fight he was referring to. He had seen his son storm off into his room after that fight. Elijah was his own kind of stubborn, and went off to fight without him. Ever since then, both of them had been alone.

“I know. Neither did I.” He dropped his head in shame. He knew he was never a good father for Nik. But that’s why he never had kids in the first place; and why his wife left him. She had thought she could change his mind, silly woman. “Look, I.. I have to go.”

Nik looked at him with surprise. “Where?”

“I have duties to attend to. Ghostly ones.”

“What kind of duties?”

Elijah snapped. “You’ll know when you’re dead. Don’t ask too many questions.” With that, he gave Nik a slight nod, as if apologising for leaving without telling him what he wanted to say.

Nik clenched his jaw as he watched the ghost fly off. He had left with a simple “see you”. But maybe that was a promise; maybe he would keep it. 

He returned to his living room, where he watched Alex still sleeping, unaware of anything that happened in the few minutes. When his body hit the half torn cushion of the old couch, his mind was foggy again. 

Away from his sight, a turquoise glow was coming through the window. The ghost was looking, its invisible eyes scanning the sight. 

Elijah Ryder had failed again. 

************

"Hey, wait! Wait for me!"

Nik and Cal stopped and turned to look behind them, as a young woman hurried after them.

"Why is a pretty lady following us?"

"I'm pretty? Well, whatever... I want to become a musketeer too. The first female musketeer. Let me join you two on your quests and fight evil."

Nik seemed a little skeptical, raising an eyebrow, trying not to laugh at her.

"That's quite unexpected... Aren't you just a simple flower girl? And besides,  what makes you think you have what it takes to be a musketeer, miss?"

"I'm more athletic than other women.", she answered with pride.

The blond-haired man crossed his arms, still looking skeptical.

"And? That doesn't necessarily mean you can handle the dangers and challenges of being a musketeer."

"But I trained for years!!"

"Is that so? And what weapons do you know how to use?"

"Uhhh..."

Nik stifled a chuckle while his comrade, Cal tried to stay respective.

"You don't know how to use any weapons, do you?"

"Shut up!!! I do practise sword fighting with Katherine. You men always think a woman can't do anything. Always!!", she yelled.

Her loud tone made Nik raise his hands defensively.

"Hey, hey, calm down, miss. I never said you couldn't. It's just unusual to find a woman interested and prepared for such a risky job."

"This miss has a name. My name is Alex and I'm ready."

Nik's silvery eyes bored into her hazel-brown eyes, seeing determination and stubbornness. Cal sensed it too.

"Alright, you are so sure about this. How about a little test then?"

"Nik, don't...", Cal tried to argue but Alex cut him off.

"Yes gentleman, I'm ready."

Nik smirked.

"Very well. You say you're athletic. I'm going to trust you in that. Your challenge will include running."

"Okay."

Nearby, a small park nearby stood out and he pointed towards the green area.

"See that veryyy large park? I want you to go do a round around it. As soon as you finish it you come back to us. Understood?"

"I'm fast."

"Speed? And what about endurance? Well, I'll see for myself. Ready, set, go!!"

A slightly mocking smile was spread on the face of the green musketeer. He and Cal watched as the young lady started running fast around the park. Cal watched her run, impressed by her initial speed, but as they waited for her to return, they began to notice that she was starting to slow down.

Nik let out a low chuckle as she returned back to their side, quite panting from the effort.

"Looks like someone overestimated herself. Am I right?"

"Shut up!"

The man rolled his silvery-blue eyes, unfazed by her comment.

"Calm down, I'm just teasing you. It wouldn't be easy to become a musketeer. And this was just a running test, the rest is much more difficult."

"Hmmpph, I don't need to prove to you I'm good. I will become a musketeer anyway."

Nik just shrugged nonchalantly as both men watched her leaving in anger.

"She is quite stubborn, isn't she?"

"That's for sure, Nik. But she's also pretty cute."

"Yeah... well..."

The tall, bulky man nudged him.

"So... What do you think? Did she win your heart, Nik?"

"Oh, please. Just because she's cute doesn't mean I've fallen in love all of a sudden, Cal.", he answered, rolling his eyes which made his friend grin.

"Who can blame you? She has beautiful eyes, and that fiery personality of hers is kinda enticing."

"Even if it's little annoying?"

"That's up to you to decide, bro."

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Later that day, the sun began to set. The two musketeers were sitting on a bench, tired from their missions and their training sessions on the castle grounds. They were both drinking from a flask of water. Cal sighed, resting his head against the back of the bench.

"It has been quite a tiring day, don't you think, Nik?"

"You can say that again. My muscles are sore from today's training. And we still have to continue.", Nik informed, rubbing his tired eyes. His friend, Cal stretched his arms up in the air with a groan.

"I wonder what that pretty little lady is doing."

Nik remained cool and indifferent, though a slight pang of jealousy did somehow bother him at the mention of Alex and he didn't even know why. Why did Cal's interest in that girl suddenly bother him? Cal was his companion and Alex was just a pretty girl he just met today. He didn't know her at all. Pretty girl? Does he find her pretty? Questions, questions, and confusions filled his mind, which he tried to clear.

"Why are you even thinking about her, Cal? I don't care. I don't care about that girl. Who knows, probably practicing her nonexistent skills and complaining that she wasn't successful."

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Alexis entered the grand halls of the royal palace, her eyes scanning the exquisite decorations and elegant courtiers who passed by. She was clearly out of place among the high-society women dressed in luxurious dresses.

She couldn't help but be impressed by the opulence surrounding her. The high marble ceilings, the decorative details in gold, and the soft music that played in the distance. Everywhere she looks is a new spectacle of luxury.

"Hmmm, perhaps I could sneak inside and watch musketeers train. Only to learn and copy, of course."

As the young woman continued to sneak inside, she noticed armed guards patrolling the halls. It would be difficult to get close to any place reserved for the musketeers without being noticed.

"I can do it. I want to be a musketeer."

Taking a deep breath, determined, she searched for a discreet path, trying to avoid the watchful gaze of the guards. Hiding behind a column, she observed the guards' movements, waiting for the perfect moment. An opportunity presented itself when the guards' attention was momentarily diverted. The girl slipped through the halls, moving quickly but quietly, blending into the shadows, and making her way to the area where musketeers trained. As she arrived in a courtyard where she discovered the musketeers training. Their weapons gleamed under the fading sunlight. They spared and practiced combat techniques, their movements graceful with power and energy. It was a very fascinating view, watching them train in awe. She felt the adrenaline coursing through her veins, imagining herself using weapons and defending the innocent, like those fearless soldiers in front of her. Alexis, the musketeer. Wearing a fashionable outfit and gracefully sword fighting against men. She could imagine it already. Shaking her head and waking up from her daydreaming, the lady discovered from afar Nik and Cal in a more secluded corner of the courtyard, taking a break from their training. They sit and talk, enjoying each other's company and sharing jokes, unaware of her presence observing them.

Unconsciously, Alex's gaze was fixed on Nik. There's something about him that fascinated her. His confident demeanor, his sharp gaze, his strong and muscular physique. It's all very attractive in its own way even if she felt annoyed by him. She continued to watch from the shadows as her mind raced with determination and a hint of admiration for the blonde-haired musketeer. Watching him laugh with his friend, seeing his easygoing and cool personality. She couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat. Even though she refused to admit it.

"No, focus. Stay focused, Alex."

She shook her head to clear her mind. This was no time to get distracted by a young, handsome man. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to stop admiring him and refocused on her goal. She watched the training exercises carefully, trying to learn as much as possible from the way the musketeers used their weapons to fight and defended themselves. She took mental notes, analyzing their moves, their strategies. Determined to become as good as them, maybe even better.

But somehow her mind drifted back to Nik, and against her will, she found herself stealing glances at him from time to time again. The young man seemed so confident and skilled, wielding his weapons with precision and speed. Seeing his muscles flex made her cheeks flush, and she quickly looked away, scolding herself for letting her thoughts wander in a different direction. She couldn't let her distract herself from her goal, especially for the man who doubted the most on her. She was here to observe and learn, not to fall for some guy who probably wouldn't give her a second look anyway.

The girl checked the sky, noticing that it was getting darker. It was time for her to leave before someone noticed her presence. Taking one last look at the training musketeers, with one last glance at Nik and his friend, she sneaked out of the courtyard, moving quickly and quietly, avoiding the guards and the people around.

As she exited the courtyard and re-entered the palace halls, she suddenly heard a commotion coming from the throne room. Concerned, she decided to hide behind a pillar and listen carefully.

"Hmmmm, what's going on?" she whispered to herself and tried to focus on the voices.

Several people were speaking in hushed tones. They seem to be engaged in a whispered conversation, their words too low to be understood clearly. But Alex was able to catch some pieces of the exchange, enough to make her tense.

The mention of treachery, the upcoming Masquerade Ball and an attempt to overthrow the king made her blood run cold. She didn't know who these people were or what they were planning, but she could sense the dangerous implications of their words. She continued to listen. Further, her heart beat faster as she tried to make out the details of the discussion. But the voices were still too faint, and she could only catch some fragments of the dialogue.

Then she hurried through the halls, her mind focused on the critical mission of warning the musketeers about the attempted coup. She ran as fast as her legs allowed her, her heart pounded with urgency. When she arrived back at the area where she saw the musketeers training before, she searched for Nik and his friend, Cal, among the men.

"Nik! Cal!"

Every musketeer exchanged curious glances, surprised to see a young woman in their training grounds. They didn't expect that, and especially not to be yelling at them urgently. Nik Ryder raised an eyebrow, looking at her with a mix of surprise and slight irritation. He walked towards her, curious to know what all this commotion was about. As he approached her, Alex took a moment to catch her breath, feeling a bit intimidated by the presence of all the men in sweat around her, but too worried to let it stop her.

Nik looked at her, his expression serious and a bit defensive.

"You again? What are you doing here? This is no place for a woman."

"Listen... I... The King... The Duke..."

Nik and the others exchanged confused glances, not sure what to make of her rushed words. They watched her expectantly, waiting for a clearer explanation.

"I... Nik, the King is in danger."

That statement immediately grabbed everyone's focus and full attention. Their expressions turned serious, immediately on high alert.

"What do you mean the King is in danger?"

"I heard how the Duke wants to dethrone our King Elric of Lamrian."

"Are you sure about this?"

"I just heard this with my own ears. Duke Richards is no supporter to the Crown and our Kingdom."

Nik looked at her intently, trying to evaluate the truth of her words. It was not every day that a young woman appeared with such an urgent and serious warning.

Unfortunately, the other musketeers were too hesitant to take her seriously. After all, she was just a young woman outside the palace and it's suspicious that she overhearded such plans.

"Are you sure, milady?"

"I heard this. It's true! Please do something.", she begged at the men.

Nik held up a hand to signal the other men to quiet down to focus. He studied Alex intently, his gaze sharp and penetrating, trying to discern if she was telling the truth or not.

"Nik, please..." she whispered.

He looked at her, his expression still serious but there's a hint of doubt in his eyes.

"Why should we believe you?"

"Nik?? Seriously? Don't you trust me? What about you, Cal?"

Cal stepped forward, still eyeing her with a doubtful expression.

"Listen, milady, don't understand us wrong, but... I'm sorry. The Duke and our King have always been supportive of us musketeers. Just last week, the Duke declared to give half of the musketeers longer vacation."

"Of course, he would do that so that King Elric has less security. Okay, fine. Don't believe me, fake heroes. I'm on my own now."

"It's not..."

"Shut up!! I always admired the musketeers especially you two. Nik Ryder, the green musketeer. The strong leading musketeer who is well-trained, brave, and the best musketeer this kingdom has. And Cal, the dark-blue musketeer with a heart of gold who always supports the people of the lower class, respects women and is every child's favorite. You two were my role models. But now..."

They watched her leave. Nik was torn between doubting her words and feeling a pang of guilt for not taking her seriously. The other musketeers exchanged glances, some of them shaking their heads, still unconvinced by her warning. But a small part of them couldn't help but wonder if there might have been some truth to her words.

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Days later, there was a celebration held in the royal palace. The grand ballroom was lavishly decorated, and the guests were dressed in their finest attire. The atmosphere was one of elegance and sophistication, with music, champagne, and conversations flowing throughout the room. Musketeer Nik and Musketeer Cal were present and on duty. Both looked dashing as always in their uniforms. They mingled with some other musketeers, talking and drinking. Despite the festive atmosphere, both were on high alert, keeping an eye on the guests.

Many of them were wearing masks or elaborate disguises, adding another layer of mystery to the festivities. The ball was in full swing, the orchestra playing beautiful music, and couples dancing elegantly throughout the room.

The green and the blue musketeer, Nik and Cal stood by a wall, drinking and talking amongst themselves. They wore masks as well, which added a touch of intrigue and anonymity to their presence, watching the guests and discreetly looking for any signs of suspicious behavior.

In the center of the ballroom, King Elric and other royals were present, engaged in cheerful conversations with other guests. The Duke was also amongst them, chatting with the King and other nobles with a smile on his face. Nik and Cal watched the scene from afar, noticing the duke's presence and his proximity to the king. They exchanged glances, a feeling of unease growing within them.

"What do you think, Nik? Was Alex serious that day?"

"I don't know."

"But the king and the duke seem to get along well, right? On the other hand, Alex..."

"Cal, let's just focus on the presence. We're on duty."

"Right."

Nik and Cal were too engaged in the crowd to notice her. Their focus is on the duke and the king's conversation. Alexis managed to sneak in unnoticed, blending in amongst the guests in elaborate disguises. She was wearing an elegant, bejeweled pink gown with a matching mask. Something she would have never afforded by herself, but it was thanks to her generous friend, Vera who worked as a tailor and knew about the plan. She designed that gorgeous gown only for her, which made the young lady look like a real royalty. She perfectly blended in among the crowd. Even a few men driven by her beauty, tried to invite her for a dance, but she successfully escaped them.

"Starting Mission Save the King!! Now, where could the King and the Duke be?" she mumbled to herself.

Alexus scanned her surroundings, trying to spot the duke amongst the crowd of masks and elegant attire. As she moved discreetly through the crowd, she finally spotted Duke Richards in a secluded corner, engaged in a conversation with another courtier.

Suddenly, the music changed to a waltz, and the couples on the dance floor began to move in time with the music. The atmosphere in the room became more elegant and romantic, as the dancers swirled across the floor.

Nik and Cal watched the dancers, talking quietly amongst themselves as they kept an eye on the Duke. Cal tried to steal a glance at some of the female guests, especially the ones dancing gracefully.

Nik noticed his gaze, amused by his friend's distraction.

"Cal, you're supposed to be focused, not appreciating the dancing ladies."

"I can appreciate and focus, Nik! Don't underestimate my multitasking skills."

The ballroom was filled with couples dancing elegantly, their movements synchronized to the music. Amidst them, Alex stood alone, watching the scene with a hint of wistfulness. She looked envious, wishing to be part of the festivities and to dance like the rest. But she's on a mission, and that took priority over her personal desires.

The Lady in Pink moved through the dancers, trying to get closer to the Duke without drawing too much attention to herself. She moves elegantly, hiding her real intentions behind her disguise and the dance moves.

As she danced closer to the duke, she eavesdroped on his conversation with the courtier, trying to overhear any crucial information they might be discussing. She caught snippets of their conversation about some suspicious plans. It appeared that Duke Richards was indeed plotting something against His Majesty, King Elric of Lamrian. Her hazel-brown eyes widened as she listened intently, trying to catch every word.

As she danced, her heart raced with the information she'd just overheard. The music and the atmosphere around her fade into the background as she becomes hyper-aware of the words spoken by the duke and the courtier.

"Oh no. I heard right."

When the duke excused himself from the courtier and turned to lead the king away towards the secluded corner, presumably to continue their conversation in private.

Alexis moves too, following them from afar. She tried to keep a safe distance but close enough to keep an ear on their conversation.

Nik and Cal, who had been observing the ballroom, notice a woman in a pink gown suddenly start running. They exchanged a perplexed look, unsure of what has startled her.

They watch as she dashed across the ballroom, moving quickly and purposefully. The other guests started to notice the commotion, and some even stop dancing or whispering amongst themselves, curious about what's happening.

Immediately, Nik and Cal excused themselves and quickly followed the disguised Alex, trying to get an idea of what's going on and what's causing her to act so urgently.

They moved through the crowd, trying to keep up with her pace. The other guests parted to let them pass, giving confused looks and whispers as they saw the two most respected musketeers in pursuit. When Alex approached the secluded corner, she discovered the Duke brandishing his sword and pointing it at the king. King Elric was shocked and confused, taken aback by the weapon directed at him. Alex stopped for a moment, stunned and horrified by the scene unfolding in front of her. Her heart leaped into her throat as she realized the danger the king was in.

"No, stop!! Let your sword fall, Duke Richards! I'm here to save his Majesty. Surrender!!" she shouted and revealed her own sword, which was hidden under her gown. The sharp tip pointed towards the duke.

The evil duke looked up, surprised by her sudden appearance. He eyeed her with a mix of annoyance and suspicion, but his sword remained pointed at the king.

"And who are you?"

"Alexis, I'm here to save His Majesty and I also want to become a musketeer."

"A woman with a weapon? Hah! What are you going to do? Poke me to death", the evil man joked, not taking her seriously.

Alex and the Duke clashed their blades together. Despite the duke's initial arrogance, he was a skilled swordsman, and he fought with precision and speed. Alex parried and blocked the duke's blows, her years of training evident in her every move. She was not as strong as him, but she was agile and quick, using her speed to compensate for the difference in strength.

"I trained for years to become a musketeer, Duke Richards. And I was the one who found out about your plan."

The duke attacked again, his expression growing more frustrated as he slowly began to realize that Alex was not as easy to underestimate as he had initially thought.

"I won't let you ruin everything!"

"You seriously want to harm a woman, Duke Richards?"

"I don't have a problem killing anyone who stands in my way to become King."

The old man lunged forward, aiming a vicious blow at Alex's midsection. She barely managed to deflect the attack, the force of it sending her stumbling backward.

"Ouch!!"

The duke advanced closer, seeing that she'd been momentarily thrown off balance. He swung his sword again, intending to take advantage of her momentary weakness. The king stepped closer to prevent a woman from getting harmed, but Alexis quickly regained her footing just in time, her instincts taking over. She ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding the duke's blow. Getting back to her feet, she took a defensive stance with her sword at the ready for the next move.

The duke got frustrated, but couldn't deny being impressed by her skill and determination. He moved closer, circling her like a predator stalking its prey. His sword lowered but still held at the ready, as if he was more interested in her than the fight now.

"You're not bad for a woman. Such a delicate thing holding a sword. It's almost attractive.", he praised as his hungry gaze roamed all over her slim body.

But the duke's flirtation got interrupted as Alex started to attack. Their swords clashed with renewed force and intensity, the sound of metal meeting metal rang through the air.

"You will not harm our King, traitor!!", she warned him.

"You're stubborn, I'll give you that. But there's something... intriguing about you, girl. I can't tell if I want to kill you or kiss you."

Nik Ryder and Cal Lowell finally caught up to the scene just in time to see the duke and the mysterious woman behind the mask locked in their struggle. Their eyes widened in surprise and concern as they took in the situation.

"What the damn hell is going on here?!!" Nik commanded an explanation, ready to take action while Cal moved towards His Majesty to make sure the king was and stayed unharmed.

"Ah, seems you have a little back-up. What a pity. And here I was enjoying your company, little lady."

"Ewww, back off!!"

"Don't pretend you weren't enjoying it too, sweetheart. There was something... electric in the air between us, no?", the duke flirted as gracefully used his sword to let Alex's mask fall off her face, wanting to know the face of the mysterious woman.

With Alex's face revealed, Nik and Cal watched her with shock and horror.

"Alex, you were behind the mask fighting?", Cal gasped.

The duke moved closer towards her, admiring the new view.

Nik watched the exchange with growing irritation and a hint of jealousy. His gaze darted between the duke and Alex, his jaw clenched as he realized that the duke was shamelessly flirting with Alex the whole time.

He took a step forward, muscles tense and ready to attack if needed.

"Alright, that's enough. Get your hands off her, you bastard.", Nik yelled at Richards.

"Nik, I can handle it."

"Alex, I'm sure you can, but I'm not going to stand here and let him ogle you like that."

"Move aside, Nik."

Nik watched with a mixture of awe and concern as Alex continued to hold her own against the duke. He couldn't help but be impressed for the first time by her skill and bravery but also worried about her safety. He glanced at Cal, exchanging a look with him as they observed the fight. It's clear that they both wanted to help Alex, but they didn't want to interfere and throw off her rhythm either. So the blonde-haired gripped his sword tightly, his fingers itching to join the fight. But he forced himself to hold back, knowing that Alex was doing impressively well on her own. He now trusted in her abilities and her determination to protect the king.

Later, the battle ended with the duke's sword flying from his hand. The weapon clattered to the ground as it slipped from his grasp. The old man fell to his knees, defeated.

"Now who said I can't become a musketeer?", the girl cheered.

Both musketeers turned their gazes to Alex, dropping their mouths open in surprise at her triumph. Nik carefully approached her, a mix of emotions written on his face.

"Wow, you beat a duke. I... I didn't actually think you could do it."

Cal grinned and proudly gave her a hearty pat on the back.

"I have to admit, I underestimated you. We both have. And you had me worried there for a moment."

"Oh... Thank you, boys.", she blushed.

As the duke saw that the three were distracted, he swiftly grasped his fallen sword and scrambled to his feet. He moved with a surprising speed and stealth for someone who had just been defeated.

But Nik Ryder, who was watching Alex with a mixture of pride and amazement, turned his head just in time to discover the duke rise again with a sword in hand. The young man immediately tensed, his expression darkening in anger. He stepped in front of Alex, putting himself between her and the duke.

"Stay back, Duke Richard. She is under my protection. A single touch on her and you'll be damned."

"Is this the way a musketeer speaks to a noble like me?"

"A true noble isn't just someone who was born into nobility. Nobles are those who respect women, but you tried to harm one. And I cannot let that happen as a protector and musketeer.", Cal explained, remembering what Alex once reminded the boys before leaving the castle grounds while they were training in the courtyard.

After a brief but intense fight and struggle, Nik finally disarmed the duke and knocked him to the ground. He stood over the defeated man, his breath heavy and his sword pointed at his throat.

"Game's over, Duke Richards. Now you'll be thrown behind bars. That's where the bad guys like you belong."

"Thanks Nik.", Alexis was grateful for the little rescue before, even though she was confident to handle it alone. But it was a great feeling for her to have someone else watching her back.

Nik glanced back at her, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"No problem, I wasn't just going to stand there and let you get hurt."

A pair of guards quickly emerged, grabbing the evil duke before he could do more harm. Everyone was safe now. The king was allowed to step out now that there was no danger anymore. His appearance made Nik, Cal and Alex bow.

"Your Majesty."

"Rise my heroes. Especially you, young lady. You have demonstrated courage, loyalty, and skill beyond anything I could have expected. You have proven yourself worthy. To you and your two companions."

"Those two are not my companions.", she whispered to herself, not wanting to disturb the speech of His Highness.

"I hereby bestow a great honor. You are now an honorary musketeer, young lady. You have earned the right to wear the musketeer badge."

"Wait, what? Really? Thank you!!! I'm a musketeer now.", she cheered.

"You're welcome. But remember, with great honor comes great responsibility. Wear your badge with pride, and use your skills to defend the kingdom"

"I will."

Suddenly the king's voice became soft, almost hesitant.

"Young lady, wait... You look familiar to me. Your face... I feel like I've seen it before. Do I know you?"

"Uhh... No, I don't think so. I'm just an ordinary flower girl."

King Elric gazed Alex for a long time, his blue eyes widening in surprise as he suddenly recognized her which made his expression softend. He carefully took a step closer, studying her face intently.

"These eyes, that face... Could it be possible?"

"Huh?"

"Child, do you have any birthmarks?"

"Your Majesty, I don't. Well, except this one, if it is even one.", she answered while exposing her right shoulder where a crown was depicted.

Even Nik and Cal exchanged a puzzled glance, watching the king and Alex with a mixture of curiosity and surprise. It's clear that the king was experiencing some sort of epiphany, but neither of them understood exactly what was going on. Nervously, Nik stepped forward to break the silence.

"Your Majesty? Is everything alright?"

Elric ignored his loyal musketeer for a moment, too focused on the female musketeer to respond. He continued to study her face, his hands trembling slightly.

"It's you. It has to be you. After all these years... I can't believe it. You don't know me but I know you."

"Huh?"

"Alexis was your name, young lady... Right?"

"Yes, Your Highness.", she answered.

"Alexis, you're my long-lost daughter, the princess I thought I had lost all those years ago. And now, here you are. Alive and grown. You don't know how happy I am to see you."

"What?!"

The king's words not only shocked Alex, but also Nik and Cal.

"What the...?"

"I'm a princess?", Alex asked again.

"Yes, my dear. You are the princess of this kingdom. My heir. You were stolen from me when you were just a baby, and I thought I'd never see you again. But here you are, standing before me. It's a miracle."

"No, I don't believe this. I'm just a regular flower girl in our kingdom. I never met my father and my mother just abandoned me.", she sobbed as she got emotional.

The gentle king took her hand, leading her to a secluded corner, where a painting hung on the wall. Nik and Cal were close behind.

"Child, look at the portrait and tell me what you see."

"It shows me you. And my mother??!", she gasped.

"Yes, it's me and your mother holding you as a baby in our arms. 25 years ago. And the typical silvery-black hair which only you were born with and nobody else."

"It can't be... You're really my father?!", the young woman cried as she couldn't believe what truth she just found out. Even Nik and Cal were shocked after hearing this discovery. The girl they always found stubborn, but cute was the daughter of their king. She was a princess. Both men now bowed in front of Alex showing her the true respect she deserved, not only as royalty but as an hero too which made the girl feel akward.

"You saved the king and our kingdom today.", Cal thanked her.

The father, Elric opened his arms to Alexis, an invitation for a hug.

"My dear, my darling daughter... Come here. Let me hold you, I've missed you so much."

"Father...?"

But before anyone could say anything, the Duke began to laugh. Nik, Cal and Alexis listened in shock and anger as the duke casually confessed his crimes. He was the one who kidnapped Princess Alexis and killed her mother. Separating both women from Elric to make him miserable and suffer. Perhaps even wanting him to leave the throne. The king's expression turned cold and dark as he listened, his hand instinctively reaching for the sword at his hip.

"You killed my beloved Jacqueline and seperated me from my daughter? How dare you hurt my daughter and take her away from me? You took Jacqueline away from me. I'll make you pay for what you've done. You'll never know a moment's peace again."

"You separated me from my family? You jerk!!! How could you?!!", the young woman screamed at the villain while shedding tears.

Nik rushed to her side, putting a comforting arm around her and pulling her close. Letting her cry on him.

"It's okay, I'm here. Calm down, everything will be alright.", he wispered in soothing words while stroking her cheek, completely forgetting for a moment that she's the king's child, a princess.

"Nik, I want to kill Richards."

"Damn him!! I know you're upset, but we can't let anger rule us. Revenge won't bring your mother back. We need to act wisely, not impulsively."

"But..."

"Hey... I know, it's hard. But you don't have to go through this alone. I've been there too and I'm here for you. Always."

Never did the young girl imagine seeing a much softer and more caring side of the Nik Ryder.

"You don't understand..."

"Of course I understand. It hurts. It damn hurts. Alexis... I mean, princess... I lost both of my parents at once when I was only 5 years old. I had to watch how they got killed in front of me. I understand your pain better than you think.", Nik growled, trying not to break in front of her.

"I... I didn't know. I'm so sorry..."

"And that's the only reason why I became a musketeer. Not for fun, not for adrenaline, not for money, but only to protect those who can't protect themselves. To help the weaker ones and those in danger. To serve King Elric and his kingdom because he took me when I was a young adult, after my adoptive father, Elijah."

"You were adopted like me? By Elijah?"

"My adoptive father, Elijah Ryder, was the head of the musketeers before he died, and now I will follow his part to serve the royal family, which now includes you, princess. You're under my protection now. And so is this whole kingdom including the commoners like me. And the criminals will be punished."

The duke was laughing like a devil after hearing Nik's words. The heartbroken king turned to his guards, giving them orders.

"Take the duke away. Lock him up in the deepest, darkest dungeon and throw away the key. He'll rot there for the rest of his days."

The royal guards nodded and complied, grabbing the duke and dragging him away. He protested and struggled but to no avail. Nik and Cal stood nearby and exchanged a look of satisfaction as they watched the duke being led away.

The king turned back to the young Alex. His expression, a mix of anger and compassion.

"My darling daughter, I'm so sorry this happened to you. If I had known where you were, I would have moved mountains to find you. I promise you, I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. You have no idea how happy I am to finally have you back. I'll never let you out of my sight again."

"If you are my long-lost father... Am I really a princess?"

The king nodded, his eyes filled with pride and tenderness.

"Yes, you're a princess. The lost princess of this kingdom, finally found and returned to me."

"But I wanted to be a musketeer. Can I still become one?", she innocently asked.

Kind Elric chuckled and exchanged a glance with Nik and Cal before answering.

"Well, it's not traditional for a princess to be a musketeer, but I suppose there's no rule against it in my kingdom. If you really want to be a musketeer, who am I to deny you? You saved my life and the kingdom from Duke Richards after all, my shining star."

"Eeekk, yes!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I'm a musketeer now", she excitedly squeaked.

The king smiled affectionately.

"You're welcome, my dear. Just promise me you'll be careful out there. The life of a musketeer is dangerous enough for a man, let alone a princess. I don't want to lose you again, my little moonlight."

First, Cal congratulated, then Nik. Both couldn't help but smile at hearing her determination and the king's acceptance.

"Congratulations Alex, you deserve it."

"Yeah, congrats. Not bad, princess. You gave that backstabbing duke what he deserved. And that move from before? You copied my signature move very well."

King Elric turned to them and the men got serious.

"I trust that you two will keep an eye on her and never leave her alone?"

Nik nodded immediately.

"Of course, your Majesty. You have my word. We'll look after her, no matter what. Right, Cal?"

"Yeah, don't worry, we'll make sure she doesn't get into too much trouble."

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Days later, after the lost princess got introduced to the kingdom.

"Nik, Cal, how do I look? I'm the pink musketeer, the first female musketeer of Lamrian. Designed by the wonderful Vera Reimonenq.", Princess Alexis asked while showing off her new, stylish uniform.

Both guys stunned by her beauty and couldn't keep their mouths closed.

"Too much pink, but that's... wow. That'll do."

"Seriously Princess... if I didn't already know you I'd think... I mean, I'd be afraid to even talk to you. Just keep your sword away from me.", Cal confessed.

"Thank you, boys. Now shall we? Next stop, to the stables", she giggled and ran to pick her own horse. It was a majestic black mare named Moonlight. Perfect for a royalty and young princess. Sometimes she loved to tease Nik by telling him that both of their horses were having a crush on each other.

"Woah, careful there. You're our princess. The king wouldn't forgive us if something happened to you.", Nik called out, before climbing on his white stallion named Prince. A tall, strong and elegant horse.

Without listening to the warnings, the energetic girl climbed on it, ready for a new adventure.

Cal following close behind on his chestnut brown colored stallion.

"Careful, princess."

"I'm careful, boys. Now let's have a horse race. If I win, I'll be our group's leading musketeer instead of Nik. And I'll recruit my friends, Katherine and Vera in our group as musketeers.", she teased.

"No way, impossible."

"Hey, I'm the princess and pink musketeer. Katherine, our stable girl, l will be the purple musketeer and my designer, Vera will be the light-blue musketeer. Ohh, and Kristin the turquoise musketeer. Just imagine us..."

"Noooo!!"

"Hmph, then I'll order our castle wizard, Luc to turn the two of you into frogs.", she commanded and rode off.

"Honestly, I rather want to be a werewolf than a frog," Cal commented.

"Hurry Cal, after her!!"