Jason's life had changed much since his childhood. After his parents died, he'd taken to living on the streets, but long before that he'd already been spending most of his time alone, away from home. His father had been ab*sive and his mother an addict, and neither of them had paid him much mind. He'd learned to be self-sufficient early on.

Street smart and with surprisingly light fingers, Jason had been a skilled pickpocket, and grown brazen as he aged. Trying to steal from the Duke of Wayne had landed him in hot water—but to his shock, the man had not only gotten twelve-year-old Jason out of jail, the duke had also adopted the boy and enrolled him in the Knights' Academy.

Jason had taken quickly to the rigorous training, and had graduated with the highest honors despite his reputation as a bit of a hothead. Any peers who'd dared to make fun of him for his humble origins had been quickly met with a fist to the face, and anyone who'd thought themselves above him on account of their noble birth had found themselves humbled.

Still, his temper issues meant he worked poorly with others, and so he'd struggled to fit in. Until, that is, his combat prowess and knowledge of the city streets landed him a curious position: personal guard to the king's, let's say, "adventurous" second child. Indeed the royal cared little for protocol, regularly sneaking past the guards to explore the city in myriad disguises, and getting into all kinds of trouble. Jason was perfect for the job, and could find the wayward royal with ease every time.

"Your Highness!" he called out with his arms crossed and his hip leaning against the wall, his ever-present sass in full force. "Fancy meeting you here, in this dirty back alley, where you were specifically forbidden to go! Come to take in the sights of the passed-out drunkards? Smell the garbage and p*ss?" Jason gestured widely at the scenery. "Care to get your a** back to the castle, or do you need a hand?"