A tall elegant young man walked in. Joan could notice every single jaw drop on seeing the last commander walk in. The beauty if his armor was enough to win the heart of any lady He walked with such steady feet that one could mistake him for the king. He wore an helmet which he removed rather slowly asif he was teasing the crowd the ladies.
Joan had a difficult time breathing when she saw his face for the first time. He was the mist handsome vampire she had ever seen his eyes colored in flames of fire. She felt something trigger inside of her immediately his eyes came in contact with him. She knew instantly he was the right one even if she had chosen him blindly.
"My Queen I am sorry for keeping you waiting" he said kneeling with one knee on the ground.
His voice sounding like sweet music in the ears of Joan. Even Queen Veronica was struggling scold him.
"What is your name and why are you late? "she managed to ask trying not to sound friendly.
"My name is Lucas Lucien, commander of the 1st patrol protecting the borders between this kingdom and that of the werewolves."
Everyone's eyes immediately became lit with admiration. The borders separating the werewolves and the vampires was the most feared place to be posted to. Every commander always pray never to be sent to that border as there was always pocket of fights from time to time. A werewolf bite is enough to kill any vampire without an antidote so it was a no go area for most vampires.
"I was late because my grandcommander didn't pass the information of this meeting early enough to me. I am sorry my queen" he added bowing his head deeply still on his knees.
"Arise Commander Lucas you are forgiven" Queen Veronica pardoned him more for his handsomeness than for his excuses
"Mother can I change my guard? " Vanessa whispered to the queen.
Queen Veronica turned her gaze to princess Joan if she had an objection.
"I don't have an objection if you want to change your guard but commander Lucas is mine" Joan replied with such boldness that surprised her. She had already put her seal of ownership on him with those words.
"While we have heard the Princess there will be no change you can all leave now.... "
"Mother please wait" Becky yelled as she rushed forward towards Lucas to execute her favorite technic on him as she did earlier with other commanders. But he was faster than her as he blocked the sword coming to his lower abdomen and the daggar coming to his chest without breaking a sweat. He gave her smile which infuriated her the more as she went for his head this time but he was able to block her move without removing his sword from its sheath.
Everyone broke into a louder round of applause for him than they have done for her in the past. Becky was surprised at her quick he was. To her he was faster than a normal vampire. She backed away slowly with her head hung in shame.
"I can't believe this, it is not possible" she kept saying to herself.
"Are you really a vampire? " She asked suddenly turning back to look at him.
"Yes my lady" he replied bowing slightly with a smile playing accross his lips.
Joan could tell her sisters must be blaming themselves for chossing too early who would have known that such a hand some commander would be among the commanders. She could smell jealous from them.
"I suggest we move now as the king await our presence" Queen Veronica spoke when she could no longer bear the intimidating thought of Joan making the better choice than her children
Joan looked towards Rose who gave her a nod of approval and she became instantly satisfied with her choice.
They moved from the female court to the main court of the king where he was waiting to receive them together with the other Lords of the kingdom.
Immediately they walked in the three commanders took the center stage with their knees on the ground and their head bowed while the princess stood behind their guards. It was a tradition in the kingdom that was about to be observed.
Great Grand commander Zacki came forward to present the guards to the king. He was the Lord in charge of the armies. In the land of the Olehzaki having a personal guard was considered a big thing as your guard could be liken to your life. The bond between a personal guard and his lord or lady was so deep it could be compared to a marriage only separated by some little major differences.
The commanders were stripped of their former robes and armor and they were changed into a new armor. All made with a shred of clothe from the princess they are to protect.
Great Grand commander Zacki came forward to read their oath to them. It goes as followers
"I commander... Wish to pledge my alliance to princess..... To always be by her side in both peace and war. To always put my life before hers. I promise to do whatever I am told by my princess never to leave her side and to be put to death on the day she dies if I am still breathing. May the sun bear me witness"
The commanders repeated those words with zeal that Joan wondered if they ever thought about the meaning of those words.
The last part of the oath cut across to her heart she stood behind Lucas. It became clear that it was a crime for him to be alive if she is dead. She wonders if he will be able to keep to those words.
The king arose up to make a short speech.
"Commanders Zod, Caleb and Lucas. I want to thank you for acepting the offer to be the personal guards for my daughters. I will like you to remember that you are not just personal guards according ti the oath you are also their lifeguards. Do well to protect them with your life. "
"Thank you.". He concluded as he gestured for food and drinks to be served. With the princesses going to their seats and their life guards standing right behind them.