As the King wanted to see me today, a heavy feeling settled in my chest, and my heart began to race. It was unusual for him to personally summon me; usually, it was the Generals who called upon me. I wondered what could be so special about this meeting.
I scratched the back of my neck, adjusting my crimson cloak and tidying my appearance. I dusted off any dirt and ran my fingers through my hair.
"Are you both ready?" I asked my apprentices.
"Ready if you are, Captain," one of them replied.
"Alright, let's go," I said, gesturing for them to follow me.
We approached the guards stationed outside the King's chamber. They regarded me with stern gazes and reached for the door handles. The doors swung open wide, and a bright light flooded my vision, momentarily blinding me. Once the light dissipated, I looked up and rubbed my eyes.
My chest tightened, and my knees grew weak as I laid my eyes upon His Majesty's throne. There he sat, looking at me with those gentle blue eyes. I swallowed, feeling a lump in my throat as a sense of awe washed over me. He was captivating, and it was hard to believe that I stood before the man I admired.
"You are now in the presence of His Majesty, Stormgaard Arcanthal, King of Men."
I knelt down with one knee, and my companions followed suit, mimicking my actions. I kept my head lowered, refusing to meet his gaze once again.
"Your Majesty, I present to you the Captain of the Crimson Cloaks, Miss Nyxerion Vermillion XII, daughter of the late Nyxerion XI." one of my companions announced.
Unable to directly gaze at him, I lifted my eyes slightly and caught the King's reflection on the General's sword. It was enough to satisfy me, knowing that I could observe him without staring directly.
I noticed his eyes scanning my figure, causing my muscles to tense.
"Miss Vermillion," he marveled. "Raise your heads so I may have a proper look at you."
I gently lifted my head, removing the hood from my cloak. His gaze met mine with a gentle expression, and he smiled.
My heart leaped.
I had always watched the King from the shadows, admiring his courage, strength, and the beauty of his leadership. He stood tall, with a lean body and a firm posture. His face was gentle and soft, his hair a golden blonde unlike my own pale and dull locks. He wore his customary royal tunic and dark pants, which accentuated his long, slender legs. A belt and a sheath, likely containing his sword, adorned his waist.
The King's presence was undeniably captivating, and he exuded an air of princely charm.
"So this is the most excellent Captain who has been in word of mouth in Arcanthal's streets lately," he breathed, his voice carrying a hint of fascination. "You are quite beautiful, Miss Vermillion."
What was that just now? Did he just compliment?
I could just die on my grave happily now.
I clenched my jaw and straightened my posture, trying to maintain my composure in front of him. I didn't want to let him see that I was secretly fawning over him. My father would hit me if he were alive right now.
"I have heard from the Generals about your exceptional skills in clearing the mountains, and for that, I am grateful," he remarked. "They referred you to accompany me for my safety."
I struggled to find my voice. He was too divine, too awe-inspiring. "O-Of course... You're welcome, Your Majesty."
"Even your name sounds strong and unbeatable," he continued, his words causing my cheeks to flush.
I felt a rush of embarrassment and tried to focus on his words.
"I know this is presumptuous of me to ask, Captain Red, but would you do me a favor?" he inquired.
I snapped my head up and nodded eagerly. "O-Of course. Anything, Your Majesty. My body is at your disposal as well as the Crimson Cloaks."
He slowly rose from his throne and walked toward me with purpose. I watched him, bewildered and breathless.
"Wonderful," he said. "You see, the North have recently been infested by werewolves. I have sent enough soldiers to ensure the safety of the villagers, but they were wiped out under peculiar circumstances."
"Peculiar circumstances?" I raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Reports suggest that the werewolves are not limited to attacking only during the full moon. Regardless of the lunar phase, they continue to hunt and feed. Is there anything you, as an expert, would recommend?"
Well, I suppose that is indeed a peculiar event.
Werewolves are not supposed to be in their true forms at a normal night. They must have the the blessing of a full moon to fully maximize their strength especially when they shift.
So how is this even possible?
"My recommendation would be to hunt them down and eliminate them as swiftly as possible," I replied firmly. "They're vile creatures and they reproduce quickly. An infected human can turn into a werewolf if they are bitten with intent. They should not be allowed to live and shift back into their imposterous forms. Or else, they will be blending amongst us."
I sighed. "I ask you reassign me to the North and I will take care of these matters myself, Your Majesty."
"Sure... but there's something else I want to ask of you."
"Huh..? Do tell."
The King eyes my apprentices and then looks at me.
"Well, you see, Captain, there may be some confidential matters that I am unable to disclose," he explained. "Do you mind if you can send them away for a moment? This is quite a sensitive topic."
This time, I raised an eyebrow at him.
"You request my own men to be sent away? But aren't we, the Crimson Cloaks, doing this mission of yours as one?"
There was silence.
No one was budging.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, I wish not to disrespect you, but I am afraid I cannot accept this 'favor' of yours. The Generals must have already mentioned to you how meticulous I am of details. The safety of my group matters more than recognition."
"What the hell are you saying?!" a knight scolded me in a whisper. "Do you want to die?!"
Tch.
I stand up on both feet. My apprentices were getting nervous and I could tell they were already begging to get out of this suffocating room.
"If that is all, Your Majesty, we will take our leave."