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The Princess’ Alpha, Gravestone

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Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Strange Days Begin With Stranger Company

*Princess Belasarius*

I first met Gravestone when he saved my father from drowning. And that is when the troubles began.

I first learned of my father’s near death experience while I was nappi-uh I mean, engrossed in a book on ancient trade agreements. Really, very compelling stuff. Anyway, I was roused from my research by my handmaiden, Allesandra. “Princess!” she shouted, having to shake me by the shoulders to get my attention, “It’s your father, he’s in the infirmary, he nearly drowned!”

Immediately, I leapt into action, storming down the hall to the infirmary to check on my father, King Dorian.

Inside, I find the castle Chirugeons gathered around the silk bed, in which laid my father, wrapped in two layers of blankets to help with the shivering, as the waters of Wat can be fierce even in mid-fall. The blankets added a fair bit of bulk to the otherwise lanky old king, which I’m sure a part of him was thankful for.

Next to him, sat a tall stranger, barely wrapped in the remaining spare blanket they had on hand, and given a cup of hot coco to make up for it. He didn’t pay me much mind, but - well, I can’t say the same in reverse.

I had never seen a man like this before, all height and muscle and stoicism. So engrossed was I in studying this man who had saved my father - searching for ulterior motives in those soulful liquid blue eyes of, you understand, pure strategy nothing more - that Allesandra once more had to nudge me to bring my attention to my father. “Oh, m-my apologies. Are you unhurt, father?” I asked.

“Yes, thanks to this gentleman,” replied King Dorian. “Imagine it, me, who had walked that path my entire life, tripping and falling into the lake. It defies logic. I must be older than I thought.” he turned to the man and nodded in his direction. “Thank you, once more, mister…?”

“Gravestone,” was his response. His voice was like a chain being dragged against concrete. Something in it made my knees tremble. A hint of danger, yet a hint of gentility that made my bones turn to water.

“Mister Gravestone,” said my father. “I am King Dorian, ruler of Wat.” he gestured at me with his hand. “This is my daughter, Princess Belasarius.”

I was roused from my renewed fixation on him by my father giving me my cue. I turned and bowed to Gravestone. “Thank you for saving my father, sir,” I said as politely as I could.

Gravestone stared back at me for a moment before nodding his head. My father turned back to Gravestone. “Obviously, you expect some sort of boon.”

“That’s not why I saved you, old-timer,” he replied, the chirugeons immediately stiffening at the disrespectful tone. “That said, I wouldn’t say no if you had any work around here that needed doin. I got a strong back, know my way around a fight, and can speak four languages.”

“I suggest you watch yourself, mercenary,” I said. “Honestly, what sort of tone is that to take? “Oldtimer”, indeed!”

“Actually, my daughter has been in need of a bodyguard.”

“Exactly, father! Now the-eh, come again?” My head whipped around to find my father with a fox-like grin on his haggard old face. If I didn’t know better in regard to my father’s stance on putting himself in danger, I would think he planned this whole affair.

“I expect this to be a well-paying gig,” said Gravestone, taking to the idea rather quickly as he gestured toward me. “Especially if this is her default attitude.”

“Certainly,” said my father. “Rest assured you will be well taken care of, and will naturally be given free room and board in the castle as well.”

“Do I not get a say in this?!” I asked. “I would like to have some say in who I am trusting my life to! Besides, he merely saved you from drowning, which, while I am grateful, does not in any way prove his capabilities as a fighter.”

“Belasarius-” my father started before Gravestone interrupted.

“No. She’s right. Let me prove it to you. Ya got some burly bastards I can wrestle for you?”

“We do indeed! Allesandra, be a dear and fetch the burliest, fatherless men in the castle!”

“That ain’t what I meant by-oh nevermind.” He and I exchanged looks. “Guess we’ll be working together from now on, Princess.” The way he said it, it was not an acknowledgment of rank. It was a nickname. The kind he would give a pub-pal at the pub while doing pub things. Shut up, I know what a pub is, you’re the one who doesn’t know what a pub is! I gave my most dignified huff and walk out.

First impressions are very important, and I was unimpressed. This would not take long to change.

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