In the weeks leading up to your reassignment, you felt a shift in how you saw the world. The banal mundanities that you used to will away were suddenly tearful and precious moments you were disinclined to part with.

You found yourself leaving early for your morning walk from the barracks to the front gates. You set a deliberate pace, savored the scent of the flowers, the sounds of the fountains and familiar give of the earth beneath your feet. With great care you made sure to appreciate just how well you knew the route. Which combination of the winding palace halls and oft trodden garden paths would take you where you needed to go.

Despite not being royal yourself, the palace was your home. The child of two servants, and raised alongside Prince Albus, the quiet tranquility of the palace had always been the solace you returned to. Yet in its very comforts the seeds of discontent were sewn. You yearned for adventure, for interest and variety. The world had so much to offer beyond the humble province of Andreas that you called home, and you needed it like a flame needs air. That raging fire of curiosity only burned brighter when you joined the royal guard, and even brighter still after your first campaign. The sense of wonder you felt was all consuming. Utterly entranced by the beauty of the world around you, it only cemented what you’d always desired. You needed to leave.

You applied for reassignment with unilateral support from the palace inhabitants, and much to your excitement, you were approved. You were being sent south, to join the ranks of Brayton’s guard. Brayton being a hot spot for international trade and a bustling port city full of life. Needless to say, you were excited. For years, you had lamented being trapped in the palace, how there was nothing around for miles, and you longed to see more of the world, meet new people, actually live your life. But now, when faced with the reality of leaving you felt a profound sadness. Something aching and empty.

Your connection to the prince did not make things easier. Being both your best friend and closest confidant since you were kids, the knowledge that you would no longer see Albus every day weighed heavy on your conscience.

After your midday patrol, which marked the end of your shift, you made your way to the gardens. You strolled down the tree lined walkways until the trickling sounds of the grand fountains met your ears. There you found Albus, sitting on by the water’s edge. He seemed relaxed as he gazed down at his own rippled reflection, which was dappled with scattered sunlight and lily pads. But knowing Albus for as long as you had, you could see how melancholy permeated his expression. Undoubtedly the thought of your departure weighed just as heavily on him as it did on you.

As always, the soft clinks of your armor gave away your approach, causing Albus to look up, as a wistful smile graced his delicate features.

“There you are. I was beginning to think you’d left early.”

It was meant to be a joke, but Albus couldn’t quite muster a laugh.