You were walking the halls of the castle, looking outside and taking in the new colors around. This castle seemed much more different from that in Madrathia. It was elegant and it was beautiful. Everyone, even the guards, were kind to you. You were sued to everyone keeping their heads down and passing each other in the hallway, but here everyone was friendly and talked with you like they had known you for years. You found yourself smiling more recently and you were glad that you escaped the prison of depression. 

   " My lady, Queen Elina and King Nikoli are in the meeting room discussing war plans with their general. They have requested that you join the meeting. " Sam said appearing behind you.

   " Why would they need me? "

   " They want to include you in the discussion because you know the castle backward and forwards. You could help us figure out where the entrances are and what points we could attack. There is also the discussion of where you need to be during the war. We will bring the war to Madrathia so we need to decide where you would like to be placed and where you would need to be placed. Please follow me. "

   " Thanks Sam. "

   " It's not trouble at all my lady. "

I walked beside Sam as he escorted me to the meeting room. I glanced at Sam and saw that his posture was perfectly straight and his hand was resting on the hilt of his sword. One thing I noticed about all of the guards was that they all had smiles and they were very friendly, but Sam was different. He was always serious about what he was doing, even when it was escorting someone somewhere. He would be in a zone that showed seriousness.

   " Sam, why are you so stiff and serious? All of the other guards seem to be more lax. "

   " I am this way because I don't want to put my guard down. I fear that if my guard is down then something will happen and I don't want to take that risk. "

   " I see, but don't you ever relax? Isn't there ever a moment where you've smiled or that you have released the tension in your shoulders? "

   " There was, but it was long ago. "

   " Can you tell me about it? "

   " I'm not sure you would want to hear it. It is a boring story. "

   " Tell me the story. I wouldn't have asked you to tell me about it if I didn't want to hear it. "

   " Right. Some five years ago I had gotten married to a beautiful woman. We were childhood friends and we grew up together. When I joined the castle's training regime I knew I wouldn't get to see her like I used to. Our time together dwindled and I had found a love for her at this point. One day when I was on a break I proposed to her and we were married within the week. "

   " Aww, that's really sweet. Your wife must be really happy. "

   " She was. "

   " 'was'? Don't tell me. . ."

   " Yes, she passed away two years ago. "

   " How? "

   " Disease. During the winter there was a deadly sickness that was going around and it had taken my wife. We never had any children so she was the only important person in my life. I worked hard to earn extra money to get her medicine but nothing helped and she died at the end of winter. "

   " I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up. "

   " Please, do not apologize to me, my lady. I have grieved and moved on. I loved my wife and I had my time to grieve. "

   " So, you took your guarding more seriously after that? "

   " Yes, because even though everyone comforted me, I found that King Nikoli would spend more time with me to make sure I was okay. King Nikoli was there for me and made sure I was eating and sleeping properly. I would confess how I was feeling and I would relieve my sadness on to him, and he took it with a kind smile and wise words. So, I promised myself that I would protect him because he is important to me. "

   " At least you had Nikoli. I'm glad to hear you had someone. "

   " Thank you, my lady. "

   " Do you ever miss her, your wife? "

   " I do sometimes. Having your lover die on you is an experience I wish I had never gone through. It was horrible, but it made me stronger. When I think back to my wife I always imagine her sweet smile whenever the sun was shining. She never liked it when it was dark because she was in love with the sun. When the sun was up so was she, when the sun was down, she was asleep in the bed. "

   " You haven't moved on, have you? "

   " I've been guarding the king after my grieving. I don't have time to go and find someone else. I would rather spend my time protecting my king. "

   " He doesn't give you time off? "

   " He does. He is a very kind and generous king. He's even given me the night off so I could go on the town to have, fun but I stayed in my room and got some extra sleep. It's not that I don't want to find someone else, I just don't think there's anyone with that same smile. "

   " Of course there's not. "

   " Huh? " Sam looked at you with confusion written on his features, but it was soon wiped away as you started to talk about your reasoning. 

   " She was special and unique to you. So, it's obvious you won't find someone like her again. She was someone special and meaningful to you to the point you remember every detail about her, so you won't find someone like her ever again. But what you can see are certain aspects in people that remind you of her. She made you feel a certain way. And sometimes that's what you need to look for or you can look for a different type of lady, or man, but I'm guessing you like girls since you married a woman. " You said with a smile.

   " You would be right. I would prefer loving a woman over a man. Men are not really my type, but my friend Michael is looking for a lover, maybe you could give him some advice to find a male lover. You do give good advice. "

   " Lead me to him and I will. "

Sam could feel a small smile attempt to make its way to his lips but he kept it back as he guided you to a set of doors. He opened one of them and gestured for you to enter the room first. You thanked him and entered the room. Sam entered the room after you and shut the doors. He stood by the doors while you walked to a table that held a map on top of it. Elina and Nikoli were looking down at the map, while the older gentleman you guessed was their war general.

   " Alright, Y/n, we have some things we need to discuss with you. If you wouldn't mind, could you help us plan out our route to get to the castle and take down King Quinn? "

   " Of course, just tell me what you need. "

   " We're going to tell you our plan and point in the direction we wish to go. If there are any dead ends, places for possible traps/ambushes, or better roads let us know. "

   " I'll do my best. "

   " Thank you. "

The war general started to explain the plan to you and you paid attention to every word he said. After discussing the plan he pointed down at the map and guided his finger around Madrathia. You would give your input about where there were dead ends or routes that were faster. There was no arguing or disagreements, only talking. When you didn't like something you would tell the general and he would take your words into consideration and you would talk about why you didn't like a certain route and a conclusion would be made. There were no heated arguments or yelling. It was all calm inside of the room. Then the final discussion of where you would be was next on the line. 

   " Is there anywhere you want to be? " Elina asked.

   " Honestly, I could relax here at the castle in Prosan, but he's after me. So, he could send people here to get me. "

   " But if he spots you on the battle field or gets word that you will be going he won't send anyone to come here. "

   " Exactly, so it would be best if I go. I know my way around the town and in the palace, so you can put me where ever you would like me. I'll help in anyway I can. "

   " Well, during this time Elina will stay here in Prosan and she is going to be heavily guarded. I must say I haven't decided where I would want to be either. I want to be on the battlefield-"

   " But your people need you here. " Elina said interrupting Nikoli.

   " Yes, so if you wish you can have a small army with you split from the general. You can try and get his staff out of the castle or you may find the rebellion base camp to check on your fiance. You may do whatever you wish but understand that I am letting Sam come with you the entire way. King Quinn will be after you and he knows where you are going to go and that is to your fiance. "

   " But if we kill him-"

   " Then we win the war, but he's going to be on the lookout for you. So, while the general takes the castle under siege, you will have to kill King Quinn. That is why I'm having Sam come with your group instead of the generals. Because you will have three people and one of them is our best soldier. My right hand actually so I know he can protect you if it comes to that. I know Sam will do what he can to make sure you are safe. "

   " But he's your knight. You're important as well NIkoli. What if he sends someone here to-"

   " I accept the quest, your highness. " Sam said bowing on one knee and interrupting your sentence. 

You turned around to face Sam and he had his right hand placed in a fist below his left shoulder and his head was bowed. His other hand remained on his hilt, but he bowed his head to you and the others.

   " I will protect her, even if it costs my life. Not only as a friend to the king and queen of Prosan, but as my friend. "

Sam looked up at you and showed you a smile. It warmed your heart a little to see him smile genuinely at you. In Madrathia people kept their heads down and never showed an expression out of fear, and when you became the fiance of the king they never looked up at you or showed their old selves. Even Sarah didn't show you a genuine smile out of fear and shyness. So, seeing Sam smile at you at that moment, made you feel light on your feet and return the smile.

   " Okay then. We know what we need to do. We just have to make sure Quinn sees me. "