Chapter Text
The sun over Daemos was unforgiving, but Noi didn’t mind. He stood at the towering obsidian gates of the palace, his new armor feeling a little too heavy and his nerves feeling a little too frayed. This was it—his first day as a knight to Prince Asch.
He was busy trying to remember if he was supposed to lead with his left foot or his right when a shadow fell over him.
"You must be Noi," a calm, measured voice said.
Noi jumped, nearly tripping over his own greaves. Standing before him was Rhys, looking as composed and polished as a marble statue. He didn't look like he was about to yell, which was already a huge win in Noi’s book.
"I—yes! I mean, reporting for duty, sir!" Noi squeaked, snapping into a salute that was slightly crooked. "I'm here to serve Prince Asch. Is he... is he angry today? More than usual?"
Rhys offered a small, knowing smirk. "The Prince is always 'the Prince,' Noi. But don't worry. Follow me, and try not to stare at the tapestries; the hallway to the royal wing is a bit of a maze."
As they began to walk through the echoing corridors, Noi scrambled to keep up with Rhys’s long strides. The palace was intimidatingly grand, filled with sharp angles and flickering soul-fire.
"Stay close," Rhys advised, glancing back as Noi stopped to poke a decorative suit of armor. "Asch doesn't like to be kept waiting, and if you get lost in the West Wing, we might not find you until next Tuesday."
"Next Tuesday?" Noi gulped, his orange eyes wide. "Right. No poking. Just walking. Thank you, Mr. Rhys!"
"Just 'Rhys' is fine," he replied, turning a corner toward the heavy, gold-trimmed doors of the Prince's quarters. "Welcome to the inner circle, Noi. Try to keep your head on your shoulders—literally."
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The massive double doors to the Prince’s Wing creaked open, revealing a chamber that smelled faintly of smoke and expensive incense. Asch was already there, pacing like a caged lynx, while two other figures lounged near the balcony.
Noi took one step inside and immediately felt like a rabbit in a den of wolves.
"Ah, you've brought the new recruit," Leif drawled, leaning against a stone pillar and sharpening a dagger with a terrifyingly casual flick of his wrist. His grin was sharp, all teeth and mischief. "He looks... soft. Does he break easily?"
Noi let out a small, high-pitched noise that sounded suspiciously like a teapot whistle.
"Now, now, Leif. Don't frighten the boy before he’s even sworn his oath," Rhys said smoothly, stepping forward with an easy grace. He placed a steadying hand on Noi’s shaking shoulder. "Noi, these are your fellow knights. You’ve met the charmingly bloodthirsty Leif, and that over there is Pierce."
In the corner, a mountain of a man stood as still as the castle walls. Pierce didn't speak; he just gave a single, slow nod, his gaze heavy and unreadable.
"P-P-Pierce. Right. Hello! Big! You're very big!" Noi stammered, his knees knocking together under his greaves.
"Rhys!" Asch barked, coming to a halt in the center of the room. His eyes glowed with an intense, flickering heat. "Is this him? The one who’s supposed to bolster my guard?"
Rhys inclined his head respectfully. "He is, My Prince. He’s eager, capable, and," he glanced down at the trembling Noi with a faint, encouraging smile, "exceptionally loyal. I’ve already briefed him on the layout of the wing."
"He looks like he’s about to faint," Asch grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I'm not fainting! I'm... vibrating with excitement!" Noi squeaked, trying to stand tall despite his soul practically trying to leave his body.
Rhys gave Noi’s shoulder a firm, reassuring squeeze. "He’ll do well, Asch. I’ll ensure he finds his footing. Leif, put the sickle away. Pierce, show him where the armory is. We have work to do."