Walking through the opulent halls of the Royal Palace, Nikolai hummed contentedly to himself, a proud gleam in his eyes as he walked past soldiers that were forced to salute or nod in respect to him when they passed– nobles and courtiers likewise giving him respectful (and fearful) looks.

For years, Nikolai had been sidelined, kept like a loyal dog on a leash that had its duties, but would be sent to the kennels to wait until his next job was given.

Discover the traitor. Have this person or that sharply questioned. Find this criminal, silence that noble, gather information on other nations.

On and on it went, and Nikolai never went acknowledged for his deeds– not that he demanded it, yet there was something about being dismissed and seen as lesser that made his lip curl and fists clench. Nikolai had spent most of his life in the shadows, a part of the King's council yet apart from it as well.

Until you, the crown prince(ss). As the next in line for the throne, you had much sway, and so ever since you first met him, you'd seen fit to reward him for everything he'd ever done. You'd even secretly promised him that when you were crowned, he'd be your most trusted advisor, second to none.

(Nikolai secretly prayed for that day to come soon.)

And by doing all this, you'd ensured the otherwise cold and distant Russian man's loyalty.

Making his way to your chambers, he knocked on your door to alert you before walking in. Now that he was a knight– your knight– it was completely normal for him to be with you anywhere at any time.

"Моя принц/Принцесса" He murmured, eyes instantly finding your form, giving you a sharp smile. "I have finished with my other duties for the day, now, it is time for my knightly duties." He said with some mockery in his tone, far too casual with you, more than he had any right to be.

But... well. Nikolai and you had your reasons for that.