Chapter II

Roes Lyne Raden is the heir to the Kukya Kingdom. Her father, the king, wants to marry her off to someone who has wealth and power. Roes, however, wants to live her life the way she wants to. Going on adventures with her self-appointed bodyguard, Miracle. A rogue she found on the brink of death.

Thanks to the kingdom’s healer and her own ability with first aid, they were able to save their life. Ever since then, Miracle has pledged their life to protect and follow Roes. Even if it was to the end of the world. The bodyguard is the first to wake and rouses the princess from her sleep, who mumbles about wanting five more minutes. They chuckle and gently shake her, saying that they could get breakfast in the first town outside of the Grand Stone Forest.

“Okay, okay, I’ll get up after all if you’re promising breakfast.” Roes yawned and stood up on wobbly legs and began helping Miracle with rolling up the bedrolls. They packed up their gear and began their trudge out of the forest, heading towards the next town. The bodyguard opened the map they brought and followed the path. It would still be a couple of days’ trip till they reached Kirkwall. In between, there was Pran, a travelers’ rest.

“So, it’s a two-day trip till Kirkwall? Then a day and a half in Pran the Travelers Rest.” Roes looks at the map with Miracle. “I don’t think I have ever been there before.” the princess sighed. Roes adjusts the sword on her hip and looks forward with a determined look in her eyes. It made Miracle smile at how independent, strong, and beautiful Roes had become. The bodyguard shook their head, trying to stop the blush from spreading on their cheeks.

The princess glanced at them and they turned their head away. “Everything okay, Miracle? You look a bit flustered.” She giggled. Miracle cleared their throat, putting the map away. They stated that they are fine and made an excuse that it’s just hot today. Roes smiled, knowing that her bodyguard is fibbing but decides to let it go.

Along the road to Pran, they gather herbs and plan to do some hunting. It would be a chance for Miracle to put their archery skills to good use. “Now that I think of it, there should be red deer in this area. We should hunt for one of them or a jackrabbit. Both sound wonderful, don’t they? You should show me how much your archery skills have improved.” Roes suggested. The princess teases the bodyguard, who nods, accepting that challenge. Soon, they walked to Pran, the travelers’ rest.

Pran was bustling with merchants selling and trading wares. A few adventurers were buying supplies or getting a room for the night. Roes and Miracle would also be staying here overnight as well. Walking into the inn, they talked to the innkeeper, getting a room and dropping off their things. The door was locked, and they headed out to check the market before going hunting.

“I didn’t think that we would ever get away from the market. There were so many different people and clans. They had so many worries about how my father is running the country.” the princess sighed with a frown. She knew her father wasn’t the kindest of people, especially to those who are not human. Roes should relay a message to her brother about this issue so that this problem doesn’t continue.

The bodyguard could sense that something was wrong and asked if she was okay. “I’m alright. I was just thinking about what to do with what we were told today. This prejudice and hate doesn’t need to continue. The people of Oledale deserve to live freely with one another. Without hate or judgement for simply being who they are.” said Roes. Miracle nods in agreement saying that the princess still has the great makings of a leader. “You think so? I’m not much for all the frills and acting like a proper queen.” Roes chuckles. She loops her arm with her bodyguards pulling them closer and they walk hip and hip.

Miracle remarks that it’s a shame because they would make a beautiful and kind queen. “You’re always such a kind person, Miracle. Thank you,” mumbled the princess, embarrassed. After a successful hunting trip, they bring back red deer and jackrabbits, sharing the extra meat with the people of Pran. They have a grand meal with the people there, enjoying their company and sharing stories. They tell Roes and her bodyguard of places to visit and see.

“Phew… I think I may have eaten too much.” the princess whines, letting out a long sigh. Miracle chuckles, telling her that it wasn’t wrong to enjoy tasty food and wine because it was always better with company. “Hm, that’s true.” Roes hums. They both walk to the bathhouse together for a bath and soak before bed. “I’m going to miss Pran. We will have to stop in on our way back,” said the princess.

The bodyguard nods in agreement as they both take turns washing up and join in on a soak together. “So, what season would you like to have our wedding?” Roes teases. Miracle blinks in surprise, saying that they would like to have a fall wedding. “A fall wedding… that would be lovely. It’s just around that time when you and I met.” Roes smiles. The bodyguard nods, saying it may not be the same exact day, but the season was ideal for a wedding.

“Very well then. I suppose you will be taking my surname as well since you don’t have one of your own?” the princess nods. Miracle responded that they would love to take her last name. Even if they did remember their old name, they still appreciate the name they were given by her and the last name that goes with it. “That makes me happy to hear you say that. Well, we better get out of here before we turn into prunes. Plus, I’m pretty exhausted.” Roes tears up, letting out a small exhale. The bodyguard agrees, and the two of them head to their room after drying off and getting dressed in their sleepwear.

Both of them snuggle together in the king-sized bed of the room. The princess’s hand is in Miracle’s, their fingers intertwining. It doesn’t take long for Roes to fall asleep. The bodyguard watches over her before they too fall asleep.