The Princess' Choice

Double edged sword

Dave returned to the Prince's office after he escorted Berke to the room assigned for her for the time being. He knocked on the door and when the Prince answered, Dave entered and took a seat in front of his Highness.

- What do you think about her, Dave? - Emmett this time was a lot friendlier. They grew up together with the youngest son of Marques Douglas. Dave grinned and shook his head.

- She has craft in her that's true.

- She is so young... What could've my sister saw in her to want her as her maid immediately? - Emmett asked and Dave leaned on his knees.

- The Princess is really wise despite her age.

- Yet, this woman is dangerous.

- It depends...

- On what? Would you let her near to Clementine? - Emmett asked with a serious expression. He knew that Clementine was Dave's everything. They were dating since the war ended and he was planning on marrying the young lady. Clementine was the daughter of Marques Cibola and childhood friend of both him and Dave. His friend nodded without hesitation.

- Honestly? Yes. Listen Emmett, this woman is a double edged sword. You are a swordsman master, use her well! - Emmett buried his face into his palms. Berke has been through a lot and he understood Dave's point. Her skills and the fact that she has nobody makes her the perfect choice to serve the Princess. But, due to the same fact, that she has nobody in the world and she used to work as a mercenary, spy and fought during the war... Made her dangerous. Dave stood up and pat his friend's shoulder.

- You don't have to decide right away Emmett. The only thing that I ask is to really think about what you want to do. To be honest, I remember her Emmett. - the Prince lifted his face from his hands and looked into his friend's eyes.

- What do you mean? - Dave sighed and scratched the back of his neck.

- Four years ago when you hired the Flock of Shadows mercenary guild I saw her between them, but didn't pay much attention since we were in the beginning of a war. Later on I've noticed her sneak in and out of our territory.

- Why didn't you tell me back than? - Dave smiled.

- I told you! - Emmett hit his forehead with his hand.

- Right! Now I remember...

Emmett and Dave's flashback of the war:

- We told you to ask for audience! His Highness is occupied right now! - the guards shouted in front of the tent. Emmett was worried about the weather and the rumors that there were traitors between the Lords who joined him the previous week.

- I'M HIS HIGHNESS' FRIEND AND RIGHT HAND! LET ME IN DAMN IT! - Emmett heard Dave's desperate voice. He stood up from his desk and opened the tent door.

- What is it Sir Dave? - Without answering first Dave pushed himself through between the shoulders of the guards.

- Emmett... I just heard the rumors.

- Which one? That the enemy gathered another hundred soldiers? That due to the heavy raining we cannot get munitions? Or that the Lords are trying to betray me? - Emmett's eyes were full of desperation. He was only seventeen and despite his strength and capabilities, this was war.

- The last one, the rest of them are not news.- Emmett laughed bitterly.

- Is this why you came? I don't have time to chat Dave.

-Partly. I came because I have an idea.

- I'm all ears. - Dave's expression became surprised and Emmett asked annoyed.

- WHAT?! - Dave grinned.

- This is the first time you are actually interested in my idea.

- Because they are mostly horrible, but yes Dave, this is how desperate I am right now!- Dave pat his friend's shoulder and smiled.

- There is a spy who works for the Flock of Shadows guild. I suppose it wasn't your order, so what if we pay for the information the spy gathers? - Emmet smirked.

- This is actually a good idea! - from that day they received information from the guild and thanks to that the war quickly took a lucky turn. On the last night before the victorious defeat of the enemy, the Prince heard someone arguing with his guards for audience, but when he asked what happened the guards told him it wasn't important. On the battlefield the empire's knights fought for their home just like Emmett. It was raining heavily and due to the loud noise of the thunders it was even more difficult to communicate with his knights. A huge lightning stroke into the forest behind Emmett illuminating the battlefield. He saw that finally they had the upper hand. Covered in blood and sweat Emmett fought for his empire and life. His horse suddenly collapsed due to an arrow sticking out of its side and the Prince fell into the mud. He tried to get up as soon as possible, but the terrified horse kicked him in his head. His vision became blurry for a moment and he heard Dave's frightened voice.

- YOUR HIGHNESS! - Emmett turned around lifting his sword despite the fact that he barely saw anything. The man behind him stumbled back and fall on his back. Emmett crawled closer and saw that it was Baron Rosario, one of those nobles who were suspected of treachery. A small knife was sticking out of his forehead and the Baron's empty eyes stared into the black sky. Emmett regained his vision and rushed to help Dave who was surrounded by the knights of the enemy. What Emmett saw was something incredible, if he didn't see with his own eyes, he wouldn't believe it. A small figure sneaked behind the knights who were attacking Dave. He quickly cut the ligaments behind their knees and disappeared in the chaos. Soon after that the victorious trumpets sounded and the Empire won the war. Only after that Emmett noticed that Dave's shoulder was bandaged.

- We won your Highness! - Dave shouted and all the other knights cheered as well. Emmett shouted with them in relief and when the wounded were gathered, and the dead buried they headed home. Dave was by Emmett's side when he paid the guild leader Jerome and they disappeared behind the horizon.

******************

- Now that we recalled such a nice memory... What happened to your shoulder by the way? - Emmett asked and Dave laughed.

- Well, I don't know how but I got shot by an arrow. Suddenly a small mercenary rushed to my side. He wore a mask and cut quickly the end of the arrow.

- Clench your teeth! - he said. His voice sounded really young but strong. I did as he commanded and he pulled out the arrowhead. My shoulder started to bleed, he pulled his mask off to stop the bleeding and bandage the wound. I saw his face for a split second but I will never forget those eyes. He was Berke, Emmett. Although she had her hair tainted black just as she told us, but I've never seen another pair of eyes so clearly green as hers.

- Don't talk about her this way in front of Clementine, I wish to see you grow old! - Emmett joked.

- Yeah, my Darling Clementine is quiet a jealous type, but she has nothing to be afraid of. Back to the topic, Emmett, Berke saved both of our asses on the battlefield. I'm not saying that you must hire her, but even if you won't, I ask you as you as your friend and I ask your Highness as his knight and loyal subject, to let our savior go.

- I'll think about it. Thank you for telling me all this and reminding me of the details. I must join my family for dinner. I'll see you tomorrow Dave.

- Yes your Highness!