My First Order For You

   The week before my departure for Gruteth Academy was chaotic.

   The first day I was in the castle, the king decided to take an impromptu trip to one of the royal family’s estates. Luella didn’t even have to mention my existence since the king left in such a hurry.

   More and more attention was drawn to me as people in the castle learned about me. I found myself being watched by nobles walking through every hallway.

   I was given permission to stay in Harald’s room since his roommates weren’t able to return on time because of a setback they came across during their survey. I found out that despite being in his mid twenties, Harald was the Knight Captain of the Third Order of Knights.

   Sammy was a wonderful teacher, helping me learn more about history, economics and politics, all topics that would likely be brought up at the academy. My reading and writing got better as I studied Luella’s old books as well as the ones in the library.

   Throughout the week, Sammy and I grew closer than I would’ve expected. He was a kind human, but was bold and stubborn, arguing and fighting for his opinion when it mattered.

   “You look like a father and son,” Luella commented one day while watching Sammy and I talk about one of the kingdom’s economic crisis many years ago.

   The night before my departure finally arrived, and Luella held a small feast including Sally, Harald, Edgar and Sammy. It was in one of the gardens, and only a handful of servants and maids knew about it.

   “I’m going to miss having a roommate,” Harald said, rubbing my head.

   “Your two actual roommates will be back tomorrow,” Edgar said, twisting his champagne glass.

   “But Rico was more quiet and fun,” Harald said. “He cleans up after his mess, too. This morning I caught him sweeping up his fur in the bathroom.”

   “That’s just common courtesy,” Edgar sighed. “You knights have no idea what normal hygiene is.”

   “What are you talking about?” Harald said. “I bathe every day!”

   Edgar rolled his eyes and Luella chuckled. Sammy walked over to me and bent down, embracing me in a hug.

   “Feel free to write whenever you need to,” he said. “I’ll be sending you letters to help me with my research on half-beasts, so please answer them when you get a chance.” Before I had a chance to say something, Sammy raised his glass. “Let’s toast to Rico’s next journey in life. May he succeed in his studies at the prestigious Gruteth Knight Academy.”

   I glanced around at the others who were raising their glasses and pointing them at me. I just smiled and raised my own.

   “Cheers,” I said.

   “Cheers!” they all called out.

   The night wore on, but everyone decided to leave fairly early in the evening. Edgar had a meeting in the morning while Harald was leaving with Sally to the castle in the north to check some documents found in the archives there. Sammy struck inspiration while petting my tail, hurrying away while wishing me luck at the academy.

   Then it was just me and Luella walking through the gardens.

   “Are you excited about tomorrow?” she asked.

   I stopped walking, staring at the starry sky.

   “I’d be lying if I said no, but also if I said yes,” I responded. “This is the first time I’ll be away from people I know and people who don’t see me differently. Humans aren’t going to target me because I’m still young and small.” I shook my tail back and forth for a moment. “Humans are going to target me because I’m a half-wolf. I can’t hide that. I might end up having more enemies than friends.”

   I thought of the familiar faces of people in my hometown. People I’d never be able to see again. I then thought of all the kind faces of everyone who attended the gathering tonight. No matter what, they’d be on my side, even Edgar.

   “I believe in you,” Luella said, staring at the moon. “I believe you’ll do great things. I believe you’ll go beyond a regular Knight.” She turned to look at me. “Rico, I order you to graduate from the Gruteth Knight Academy at the top of your class and continue your studies to become a Royal Knight to serve me when I become Queen.”

   My eyes widened as she spoke. Me? Graduate in five years at the top of my class? And become a Royal Knight?

   What Luella was asking for was nearly impossible. I had every doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t be able to accomplish a single one of her orders.

   Despite everything racing through my mind, I untied my sword, placing it in between myself and Luella’s feet. I knelt down on one knee, bowing my head.

   “I, Rico, survivor of the Moonwalkers, will obey this order to the best of my ability,” I said, staring at the ground. “I will devote the rest of my life to Her Royal Highness.”

   Luella chuckled, making me look up. “I never expected you to get down on one knee as if this were a Royal Knight ceremony. Did Sammy tell you how to do this?” When I nodded, Luella’s chuckles turned into boisterous laughs. “Sammy probably told you this to make fun of you. Rico,” she said, bending down and grabbing my arms. She pulled me back to my feet before picking up my sword and handing it to me. “You only do that when you’re being appointed as a Royal Knight. In the throne room. In front of people.”

   “What?” I asked, completely flabbergasted.

   “A simple, ‘Yes, Your Highness,’ or ‘As you wish, Your Highness,’ would have been acceptable,” Luella said, wiping tears from her eyes. “But doing something like this without knowing, it’s exactly like you.”

   I didn’t quite understand what was going on, so I just nodded my head, a big smile on my face, as we continued our walk through the garden.