I woke up anxious but I was determined not to show it. I knew I’d have to go back to war. I took a deep breath and got on with it. I stepped out of our tent and saw Alex sitting by a fire eating breakfast. I went to make my way over when a hand stopped me. I looked to the side, expecting a normal sized person but instead I got that six-foot-five soldier again.
“Going back to war are we?” He asked.

What is his problem? Why pick on me?

“Yes Sire.”
“Why? Something as nobel war is no place for a sniveling maggot like you.” He sneered. I’ll admit his words hurt, but I wasn’t about the let him know that.
“Because I have to keep my master safe.” I replied.
“What happens if he can’t keep you safe?”

What that a threat?

“Then I will gladly die knowing that at least he is.” I replied, narrowing my eyes and fixing myself into a steady stance. My answer caused him to scoff, as if he found it amusing.
“You’d die for him? Really? He wouldn’t die for you.” He replied.
“I don’t want him to.” I replied truthfully, “His life is worth more than mine. He has a kingdom to live for, I have my prince and if it takes my life to see that he rises to power, then so be it.” I said before turning and going the other direction. While walking off I spotted Alex staring at me with an unreadable expression. I was pretty pissed that someone would question my loyalty but in all fairness, he had no idea how much I truly loved the Prince. He consumed every fiber of me, I drowned every time I looked at him. He was a bird while I was just his feather. He had many who loved him and if I were to fall, it wouldn’t affect him at all. But me, I would plummet to the ground alone and broken. Someone may pick me up, but without my bird, I’d never be the same again.

---

I had just witnessed Jack’s dispute with Sir Gonthad, or Sir Goliath as the other knights call him, and was now watching him stalk away. I caught up to him and luckily I did because he was about to trip over a stone in the path. I rushed up and caught him by putting my arm around his body to stop him from falling to the ground.
“Thanks.” He whispered, looking up at me with those big brown eyes.
“You’re welcome. What happened with you and Sir Gonthad?” I asked, setting him upright again but not releasing him.
“Sir Gonthad?” He asked, not moving away from my touch so I figured he didn’t mind it.
“Goliath over there.” I jutted my head towards the knight who he’d just had the altercation with.
“Oh him. He was questioning my loyalty to the Prince and I got angry.” He mumbled.
“Yeah I could see that.” I smirked thinking about how attractive he was while angry. He blushed and looked down at his feet.
“Come on, keep your head up.” I smiled, tucking a finger beneath his chin and guiding his head up. It was right after I started leaning in when-
“BALTHAZAR!” Alex’s voice screamed and by the sound of rage in his voice, I knew I was in trouble.

Notes

Title Cred: Little Bird by Ed Sheeran

uh oh