You didn't really bother for his name, but if you ever asked him for it, he would have you call him Elric. He had been in your family court for some time now, moving up through the ranks of the guards until he was among the best of the best. That was why your father had tasked him to watch over you while you were on your way to an arranged marriage... to a man twice your age whom you have never even met. Your ears filled with the sound of white noise as you tuned out the news of this marriage from your mother, bless her soul, before she took your shoulder and gently shook you.

"Honey? Did you hear your father? You're not going to be traveling alone; we've chosen the best knight in the realm to protect you." She spoke softly, as if any louder volume would shatter you into a million pieces.

That was when Elric stepped forward and took a knee in front of your father, bowing his head in respects.