The Hidden Protection

Mira's Pov

I knew something was wrong the moment I woke up. A man was standing outside my bedroom door. He was dressed in the dark-blue uniform of the Blue Ivory palace guards, his silver sword strapped firmly to his waist.

He looked at me. I looked at him. Then I looked down the corridor. “Why are you standing there?”

“I have been assigned to protect you.”

I frowned. “By whom?”

The guard straightened. “Prince Perry.”

Of course. I folded my arms. “I don't need a guard.”

“That isn't my decision.”

I sighed. “Wherever I go?”

“Yes.”

“Even when I eat?”

“Yes.”

“When I walk?”

“Yes.”

“When I sleep?”

His expression remained completely serious. “I will remain outside your door.”

I stared at him. “This is ridiculous.”

The guard said nothing. I turned around and marched toward the staircase. I had barely taken three steps when I heard footsteps behind me. I spun around. “You're following me already?”

“I was ordered to.”

“Prince Perry is impossible.”

The guard's lips twitched. I narrowed my eyes. “Did you just smile?”

“No.”

“You did.”

“I didn't.”

I shook my head.“Everyone in this palace is strange.” I continued walking. The guard followed. By the time I reached the dining hall, my patience was already gone. 

Prince Perry was sitting at the head of the table. He looked up when I entered. His eyes moved briefly to the guard behind me. Then back to me. “Sit.”

I stopped. “Remove him.”

“No.”

My mouth fell open. “You didn't even ask what I was going to say.”

“I knew what you were going to say.”

I glared at him. “You cannot just assign someone to follow me everywhere.”

“I can.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so.”

“That isn't an explanation.”

“It doesn't need to be.”

I clenched my fists. “You're controlling.”

His expression didn't change. “You're alive.”

I blinked. “What?”

“That's the important part.”

He picked up his glass while I stared at him. There was something strange about the way he said it. Not like a command. Like a warning. “You're hiding something from me,” I said.

Perry's eyes met mine. “Yes.” I wasn't expecting him to admit it.

I narrowed my eyes. “What?”

“I won't tell you.”

I groaned. “Prince Perry!” He calmly continued eating. I sat down across from him, still irritated. “You know, you're incredibly frustrating.”

“I know.”

“And arrogant.”

“I know.”

“And controlling.”

“I know.”

I stared at him. “Do you ever say anything besides ‘I know’?”

He looked at me. “Yes.”

“What?”

“No.”

I nearly choked. Was that supposed to be a joke? Just then, I saw the faintest change in his expression. Not quite a smile. But something close. I pointed at him. “You almost smiled.”

“I didn't.”

“You did.”

“No.”

“You're lying.”

“Eat.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yes, Prince Perry.”

The corner of his mouth moved again. I wasn't sure if I imagined it.

___

For the next few days, the guard followed me everywhere. And Prince Perry remained impossible. If I went to the garden, the guard followed. If I went to the library, the guard followed. If I went to the kitchen, the guard followed.

One afternoon, I finally lost my patience. I turned toward the guard. “Do you breathe without asking Prince Perry first?”

The guard tried not to laugh. Before he could answer, a familiar voice came from behind me. “No.”

I turned. Prince Perry stood there. 

I sighed. “Were you listening?”

“Yes.”

“How long?”

“Long enough.”

I frowned. “You enjoy irritating me.”

“No.”

“You do.”

“No.”

“You're doing it right now.”

He stared at me. “You're irritated easily.”

My eyes widened. “Are you blaming me?”

“Yes.”

I placed my hands on my hips. “You're unbelievable.”

He walked toward me. “Stay close to the guard.”

“I can protect myself.”

“I know.”

“Then why—”

He stopped directly in front of me. His height forced me to tilt my head upward. “Because someone wants you dead.” My anger faded. He continued in a low voice. “And I won't allow it.” Something in my chest tightened but before I could respond, he turned away. “Come.”

I followed reluctantly. We reached the library. I walked toward a shelf, reaching for a heavy book. At the same moment, Perry reached for it. Our hands touched. Everything changed. A violent pressure exploded inside my head.

Perry froze.

His fingers remained against mine. His eyes widened. Then he suddenly stumbled backward.

“Prince Perry?”

He didn't answer. His breathing became heavy. His eyes had gone completely distant.

“Prince Perry!”

He grabbed the edge of the table. And then I saw it. A woman. She was running through a dark forest. Blood covered her white dress. Someone was chasing her. She turned. Her face was terrified. A shadow appeared behind her. A blade flashed. The woman screamed. Then she fell. Dead.

Perry gasped and released my hand. The vision vanished. He stared at me. I stared back. His face had gone pale.

“What happened?” He said nothing. “Prince Perry?” His eyes moved to my hand. Then back to my face. “Did you see what I saw?” 

His jaw tightened. “I don't know.”

“You're lying.”

His expression hardened. “I said I don't know.”

But I knew he has seen the exact same thing I saw. Because there was fear in his eyes. Maybe fear of what the vision meant. 

I stood, also confused.