The Guardians

Intro | Tasks

“ Would you care for some company? My charge has ran off only God knows where. “ She offered out of sheer politeness that had almost being beaten into her during her training days. Magda wasn’t here to make friends, or forge alliances, but if by mingling with other royals she could aid Poland and its objectives so be it. One never knew where a morsel of useful information could come from.

The prince’s answer didn’t catch her by surprise, after all she only cared for her princess’ well being and her future. In an odd way, Magda had become a good fit amongst the royals as a guard; she had spent ample time with them over the years. “ Of course, though isn’t that what everyone seeks? No harm coming to them, and a stronger position if possible. ” She paused briefly. “ I find it unlikely everyone will be pleased with the results by the time we all go home. “ With all the royals, and their egos, she’d be shocked if everyone behaved as their stations dictated and not like the spoilt children many of them were.

She barely raised a brow as the young man approached her. “ Food shall be served once bride and groom arrive, and they take their seats. “

She could understand the other’s need to observe the grand and lavish decorations for the ceremony. This was something Daiyu would never subject herself to personally, that need for attention never sat well with her. She was happier being discreet, not having eyes on her; whether that was an innate personality trait or one she had acquired over the years as part of her less known line of work, she couldn’t tell. “ I’ll pass your well wishes to her, ma’am.” She paused, giving herself a moment to think on the other’s words. “ Why wish her luck, of all fates? “ She never truly understood romantic relationships either, which was perhaps the reason she couldn’t fully grasp the concept of luck for a wedding.

Magda watched the crown prince for a moment, never quite sure what  Kazimierz had in mind. She did know he cared for Raine, and that was enough for her to respect him; having spent enough time amongst the siblings, she felt comfortable enough to approach him and talk to him, though never forgetting that his station was above hers - she was but a mere farm girl turned personal guard. “ Your highness, “ she greeted him as she approached, though with him she didn’t bother with a courtsy. “ any thoughts on the wedding, a future memorable celebration or as dull as the summit thus far? “

Magda, although not one to care much about appearances, knew she had to be on both her best behaviour and dress accordingly for the wedding. She knew her knees were going to be sore from so much kneeling and courtsying before any royal she came across, as it happened once she found herself face to face with the Ethiopian Queen. “ Your Majesty, it’s good to see you’re joining us for the wedding. “

“ Do you need any assistance? “ Diayu asked to the younger woman. The guard had been overseeing the finishing touches for the big day. After all, one of the princesses she watched over didn’t get married everyday in a lavish ceremony as the one to be held within the Swiss palace. This was, perhaps, the last free moment she’d have prior to the ceremony and the celebration that would follow. 

“ Every high born holds power here, your highness. “ She pointed out, while also making the mental note not to bow to him in the future out of respect for his choice. “ It won’t happen again. “ She assured him, calm as ever. Ah, so he was one of the prince’s friends. That didn’t make her change her stance, or react to him in any other way. “ As a friend of the Prince Xueqin, I’ll be keeping my eye on you. “ It wasn’t a threat by any means but a warning, as she often found herself on duty to watch over Xueqin. “ My training for today has come to an end. “ Daiyu informed him, as she had no reason to continue her session.

She doesn’t need to turn around to know who was calling out for her. Only the youngest prince would dare use such an annoying sing-song voice to try and get her attention; luckily for him, Daiyu had a soft spot for him and found it near impossible to grow angry at him. “ Your highness. “ She greeted in return, a slight bow of her head, stoic as usual once she turned around to face him. She raised a brow at his question. Was there anything ever entertaining in a foreign land when you couldn’t explore beyond the palace’s grounds? “ I did find the training grounds. “ Which was as exciting as it could get so far. She scoffed at the idea of a vacation, which could only mean one thing. “ What trouble am I going to fish you out of this time? I recognise that mischievous glint in your eye, you know. “

The way in which he carried himself along with his clothes were enough to clue her in to know she was in the presence of a royal. She bowed her head deeply before sheathing the weapon she had been training with, for she didn’t want to come across as a threat to him. “ Your curiosity got the best of you, your highness. That’s not a trait to apologise for. “ Daiyu was surprising herself given how much she had talked, or the fact she wanted to say more. “ A good fighter must practice their skills as a dancer their steps. I see merit and similarities in your thinking. “

Magda rubbed Raine’s back gently, as judging by the hug the girl was giving her she had missed her. No words were necessary between them at times to know what was really happening. “ My duty is to you, I only stayed back because you let them borrow me for a short time. “ If the castle were on fire, she’d let all of them burn to ensure her princess’ safety. And only then she’d go back to find others, that was the level of loyaty and devotion she had towards her charge. “ Of course I came looking for you right away. The journey exhausted me more than I thought, as this was the last place I came looking for you. It should’ve been the first. “

“ I’m a personal guard to Princess Raine of Poland. “ She answered. Magda never thought of herself as a fighter, no matter how well she knew how to fight or skilled she was with blades. “ I can’t say much about the palace, I only arrived last night therefore had no chance to explore it. “ Her eyes lowered towards the growing belly of the other woman, especially as she kept caressing it. An experience she’d never go through herself, she alraedy had Raine after all. Her brow raised at the introduction, her instinct being correct as she thought of the young woman as a lady. “ The honour is mine, my lady. My name is Magda, no titles to follow along the name. “

The moment she saw Raine was running towards her, Magda opened her arms for her and the hug she knew was coming. “ Córeczka, I missed you. “ She murmured into her hair as she held her tightly, followed by a kiss to the girl’s temple. She was the only daughter she’d ever have - or want in her life. “ I got here last night. I should’ve arrived with you. “

“ You can only be embarrassed if you feel shame towards your actions. “ Daiyu stated as she looked at the younger woman. Her clothes were an indication of her social status, she didn’t need look at her hands to know they hadn’t known any work or hardships. She didn’t fault her for being born into a life of privilege, no one had a choice in that. “ Surely you must have some way to defend yourself if the need arises? “

Daiyu’s morning round on the castle’s grounds was cut short once the girl spoke to her. There was no denying she seemed lost but she seemed to keep her wits about herself, and she was polite - which the older woman appreciated it, as she never had time for fools. “ I can guide you back inside if you follow me, young lady. And don’t get lost again, someone must be worried about you. “