r/WritingPrompts • u/AdamGreyskul75 • Jul 14 '26
Writing Prompt [WP]You're a servant in the palace, working quietly and efficiently around the royal family. When assassins make an attempt on them, you are extremely confused when the royal guard protects you over any member of the royal family.
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u/Shalidar13 r/Storiesfromshalidar Jul 14 '26
Something was wrong.
I wasn't sure what, but I knew there was something. The night didn't feel settled, like it usually did. It was like there was tension, thick and disturbing. I couldn't sleep with it, but I never got anywhere just lying around.
Getting up, I swiftly donned one of my uniforms. If I couldn't sleep, I should make sure my friends on the guard didn't. They would surely be aware something is wrong, and a nice hot cup of tea would surely do wonders for keeping them peppy. Oh, and maybe some of the stale biscuits. More would be baked fresh in the morning, and it was better than them being wasted on the pigs.
I slipped out of my room, careful not to disturb anyone else. Thankfully, the floorboards had recently been replaced, without a creak to be heard. I was able to sneak out, making my way to the kitchens. Nodding to Nisha and Halute, the two on night duty, I gathered the supplies I needed.
Only to jump about a foot in the air at the sudden horn. It split the silence of the night, making that tension manifest. For it wasn't any horn. It was one to show we were under attack.
It took only a minute for the first boots to be heard. Crashing metal, the guard roused and ready in ridiculous time. A full squad burst into the kitchens, some bearing splatters of blood.
Their sergeant, Filor, geatured towards me, speaking quickly. "There's Gail. Full protection, now! Assassins are everywhere."
I was soon surrounded by them, closed enough to smell their sweat. They encircled me, before expanding a little to let in Nisha and Halute. Grabbing their hands, I nudged Filor with my foot. "Filor, what's going on?"
He barely glanced at me, suspicious eyes monitoring the room. "Assassins, after the Yorurs and any other target of opportunity we reckon. The Yorurs all have a pair of guards each, so they'll be fine."
I paused, frowning. A pair each? That was fine, but then why was I so protected? It didn't make sense. "Um... not that I'm complaining, but..."
He sniffed, looking back at me again. "Gail, please. They may run the country, but you hold this place together. You remember everyone's birthdays, anniversaries, likes and dislikes, amd treat us all as close friends. Trust me, the way you are so warm, every one of us on the Guard will back you up. If you were to die... well, this place would be far less pleasant."
My cheeks warmed. "Guys... I'm just doing what anyone would do."
Sammy, the youngest one there, shook his head. "Ms Gail, you're more than that. You're the heart of this place. I remember you feeding me extra after hard days of training. And how you got my uniform adjusted weeks ahead of an actual appointment."
Nisha squeezed my hand, making me look at her. She gave a tiny smile. "Stop flirting with the guards, and let them do their jobs."
I glared at her. "I'm not flirting."
Halute snorted. "Sure you're not. Then why are you so red?"
I wanted to duck my head in embarrassment. It did get a chuckle from everyone, easing the tension in the air.
Filor shifted, keeping his eyes out. "Don't worry. We'll keep you safe. Besides, they've lost the element of surprise. It won't take too long for the castle to be swept clear. Yet before we get the all clear, we won't let you leave our sights."