A collection of small moments shared between a princess and her guardian Cyno.
Chapter 1 : A New Duty
✧ 642 words ✧
The Mahamatra stood silently before the towering palace doors, their surface covered in intricate golden engravings that shimmered beneath the desert sun. Warm wind carried grains of sand through the vast courtyard while guards remained motionless along the sandstone walls. Layers of light ivory fabrics draped over his frame, protecting him from the sun without restricting his movements. A scarf adorned with subtle golden patterns was wrapped loosely around his shoulders, it could easily be pulled over his mouth and nose when desert storms struck. As he approached, one of the royal guards stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Come in, the King awaits you."
He straightened his posture, adjusting the grip on his polearm as the guard stepped aside. He walked silently, boots clicking against marble. When he reached the grand throne room, a faint scent of incense filled the air. The Sultan stood beside an arched window overlooking Sumeru’s dunes.
“General Cyno." he said without turning around. "I trust your journey was pleasant?"
Of course, King Al-Aziz knew the dunes were unforgiving. However, he also knew that Cyno was used to raiding Eremite camps and walking through violent sandstorms.
Cyno inclined his head slightly in respect. "The desert has its challenges, but I am no stranger to them." he answered flatly.
The Sultan turned his gaze to him. "That is precisely why I summoned you. No matter how impressive the task, you remain humble once it is done. Most guards would be far too proud of themselves."
"I am only doing my duty." Cyno remained still, waiting for the king to continue.
"You already know why you're here. Lately, my daughter has grown increasingly defiant of my orders. She follows her own whims without a second thought and constantly seeks trouble. I need someone capable of keeping her under control." he sighed.
"Then I will do my best to earn her cooperation, Your Majesty." Cyno bowed once: sharp, precise and respectful...
"Perhaps it would be easier if I introduced her to you myself." The king gestured to one of the guards, silently ordering him to fetch the princess. The guard bowed deeply and left without another word.
Truth be told, Cyno had not been particularly pleased when he received the letter from King Al-Aziz. Guarding a princess was hardly the sort of assignment he was accustomed to. His days were usually spent hunting down lawbreakers across Sumeru, tracking rogue Eremites through the desert, or investigating scholars who believed themselves clever enough to bend the Akademiya's rules without consequence.
Compared to that, guarding a member of royalty felt almost… uneventful.
Under normal circumstances, he might have declined the request altogether. Yet there was one reason he had accepted without much resistance.
Tighnari. The forest watcher had been the first to encourage him to take a break from his endless workload. According to him, Cyno spent far too much time chasing criminals and not nearly enough time interacting with ordinary people.
"It could be good for you," Tighnari had said. At the time, Cyno had doubted it.
Silence settled over the radiant room until the doors slid open with a soft, echoing click, sunlight spilling through the gold-laced curtains, catching on dust motes that danced like tiny fireflies.
There she was.
Princess of Tulaytullah, dressed in flowing azure silks, her hair crowned with delicate golden chains and emeralds.
She moved gracefully across marble floors, not rushing… not hesitating either.
Cyno didn't shift. Posture straight, expression unreadable beneath calm focus, he finally decided to bow formally when she approached.
"It is an honor, Your Highness."
She took a small step closer, her voice lowering into a soft murmur. "My father tends to be overly cautious. Anyway, I hope you will find your stay here comfortable." A brief silence followed her words, broken only when Cyno lowered his gaze in acknowledgment.
