"Sir Gareth would enjoy your company dearly, Shirou. I ask you do protect her as you would protect me."
To imagine this is the same girl who stubbornly objected to every consideration I had for her safety...
I sigh deeply and fondly I smile at her. We’ve both come so far since then, together, even when apart. As I will always trust my sword to defeat my enemies, as she trusts me to protect her from hers. Why shouldn’t the same extend to my king’s knights as well?
I offer her a short bow, clutching my hand against my chest, where even now I can feel the warmth of where her sheath once resided.
“You needn’t even ask, your majesty. You and your court are safe under my watch.”
After all, who would expect any less from the Queen?
