Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Another day, another shift over. Hard to believe he'd only been doing this for three years already.

Braig closed the door to his bunk, leaning against it as he tiredly began removing the white gloves to his uniform, tossing them aside before he started working on the buttons of his deep blue jacket. He sat down on the bed and lazily began using one heel to try and drag the boot of the other foot off. When that didn't work he groaned and merely laid back, keeping his eyes closed as his legs ached.

"Braig! You back?"

The Captain of the Guard knocked on his door, where Braig then groaned back as his door opened.

There stood a tall, burly older woman, her dark blond hair pulled back into a ponytail as she popped a hand onto her hip. She chuckled at the younger man.

"That bad?" She asked with a smirk.

"No, just... tired."

"You young pups always being tired! You're just getting started boy!"

Braig groaned louder.

"Thanks, Lucinda."

Lucinda crossed her arms as Braig slowly sat up. She noted the bruises that were fresh on his gangly arms.

"You look like you had fun. You write any paperwork on any incidents today?"

Braig returned to releasing himself of his boots. "Yeah. I got notes."

"And?"

Braig looked up after kicking the first boot off.

"It was some 'old friends' of mine."

Lucinda bristled, her brow furrowed but out of concern.

"Wanna talk about it?"

Braig shrugged. "Nothin' to talk about. We bumped into each other, they saw my line of work, got in my face and I kept my cool about it. Is Aeleus on shift tonight?"

"Don't change the subject, Braig. What were they doing?"

"Nothing I could bust them for openly," Braig said, standing as he stepped into some slippers. "No harassment, no weapons. Nothing."

"You know them, Braig. There's always something going on."

"Yeah, but there's still laws, and I can't just jail 'em for what they're not doing. I know how it all works, and if I'd busted them on a hunch? We can't do that."

"... No, you're right. But if they hurt you-"

"I can take it. It's better than them doing it to someone else. Besides; I made my own point loud and clear," Braig said, showing off his bruised knuckles.

Lucinda nodded solemnly. "Well, I'm glad you're alright."

"I know how to handle those chumps. But so long as people are struggling in the outer perimeter, they'll take advantage of that. I'd like to talk to Ansem about it."

Lucinda nodded her head towards the hallway to beckon Braig outside of the room. He followed as he untucked his undershirt and they walked down the hall towards the kitchen.

"Whatever reports you wanna give to Ansem, you may want to consider doing so as soon as possible. Princess Oriana is coming back to the castle for a visit soon."

Braig scoffed in annoyance as they entered the kitchen and Lucinda rummaged through the fridge to pull out a large pot covered with rumpled aluminum foil. Her nose curled; the fridge was well past due a cleaning.

"What's Ansem waiting for?" Braig spat. "Haven't they already been engaged or whatever? Just marry the girl and stop with all these visits; they already cause too much ruckus in town."

"They're not engaged yet," Lucinda said, hefting the pot onto the stove; she removed the foil to look at how much stew was left over. Still half full. "There aren't any other royals, and Oriana is the eldest daughter of the queen. It's just... kind of a made match. But hopefully-" Lucinda stuck her lighter into the stove to ignite the flames- "they will get married and things can improve with two royals in Radiant Garden. Oriana already has quite the reputation on the other side."

Braig hummed as he pulled a ladle from one of the cupboards, handing it to Lucinda.

"Maybe we can get some more funding for a stove that works," Braig grinned. Lucinda's bellowing laugh echoed through the open window, where a cascade of crickets, rustling garden foliage and sparkling fountains livened the night air.

"You'd think! We DO technically live in the castle after all. But like I said: If you want it done, you'd better do it quick. If this ends up being the visit when he finally pops the question and then we have to deal with a royal wedding?"

Braig thought his eyes were going to roll out of his head. "I don't even WANT to think about the crowd control is gonna be like."

It was a headache, thinking about when Oriana would visit, and the crowds would be so excited. Ansem, already committed to his laboratory and pursuits of intelligence, was already a rarity to see in town, despite his kindness and gentle nature towards his people.

But with a looming royal wedding around the corner, each of Oriana's visits were becoming more and more of a hassle to contain the fervor of the excited masses. And, with the royals lost in their engagements and the royal guard distracted by keeping the peace, those running more unsavory operations were able to claim more victims.

Braig remembered all too well. He and his old group used to rely on Oriana's visits to squeeze a few more 'monetary opportunities' out of those who relied on the royal guard the most.

"We'll do the best we can," Lucinda cut through Braig's heavier memories. The stew was beginning to fill the kitchen with an enticing aroma, one that reminded Braig it was time to rest. He didn't have to rely on underhanded schemes to earn some money to survive. He was alive now, and safe. He added to the meal by toasting some thickly sliced bread and coating it with a garlic spread. He and Lucinda sat at the table, enjoying the sweet, cool spring breeze whispering through the window.

Lucinda dunked her bread into the broth of the stew. "Aeleus thinks he's found another candidate for the guard. Some guy named Dilan."

"Sign him up," Braig said immediately. "Sign him up, get him trained, get him out there."

Lucinda chuckled, "We can't just-"

"He's late for work already, come on, get him in here."

"I don't even know his skill set yet. Aeleus said he's strong, but that's all I know."

"At least we still have Yoan for a while, right?" Braig asked, looking up as he took another bite of stew. Lucinda, for once, had a shred of hopelessness in her face. Old Yoan had been serving alongside Lucinda for nearly two decades. He was a trove of information, of patience, and camaraderie.

He was also slowing down. A lot.

"Yoan is looking at retiring, and soon. Probably next year."

The news wasn't unexpected, but it was still a punch. Braig set his spoon down and ran his hands across his face, up through his black hair.

"So we're already understaffed AND we might not even be getting a replacement in before Yoan leaves. How are we supposed to-"

"I know, Braig. It's not great. But what else can we do? The job is open to anyone who will take it, but this is it. It's just us."

Braig was used to that. 'Just us'.

There was always 'Just us'.

He sighed, looking up at Lucinda. "Sorry; didn't mean to go off on you."

"No, no. I get it," Lucinda huffed, clunking her spoon into her now empty bowl. "It's not great. Especially when Ansem himself isn't intervening that there aren't enough people to protect him AND the city. But we can't force anyone to join. It's been relatively peaceful since Ansem's father's time-"

"Unless you live on the perimeter."

Lucinda seconded that statement silently with a gesture of her hand.

"I know you want to protect that area, Braig. But there aren't many of us to go around. I worry if you keep trying to intervene, something will happen where we can't help you," Lucinda said.

Braig stared back at her, mouth agape as he prepared to take a bite of stew. "So, what I'm just supposed to ignore them?"

"That's not it, Braig."

"I can't just-"

"You've paid your dues."

"I don't care about the dues, I care about the rats running around, picking up kids and forcing them into that kind of life, makin' them think that's all they have! Kids who don't know any better because no one bothered to give a lick about 'em!"

Lucinda was looking at one of those kids now. She closed her eyes before standing and picking up her bowl.

"You're right. It's not fair. But, please. I need you to think rationally."

Still pouting, Braig looked away, but he didn't argue. He heard Lucinda put her bowl away in the sink.

"Get some rest," Lucinda concluded. "We'll discuss it more in the morning. I need to talk to Yoan and Aeleus about a few things too. Alright?"

"... Yeah. Alright," Braig said, feeling his shoulder slouch as it felt as though he was deflating in defeat.

The bruising in his knuckles was suddenly much more painful.

Braig did his best to not spend the rest of his evening frustrated. There was still a sour pit in his stomach as he thought about his old crew getting up close and personal to him for the first time in three years and seeing him in his uniform. He could still hear the laughs and jeers as he ignored them, knowing it was pointless to say or do anything until they began exchanging punches, and he made sure they knew he wasn't there to be the helpless kid looking for scraps anymore. But it haunted him to know that they would never see him as anything but a traitor. The hardest part was knowing he could understand why they felt that way, and there was nothing he could do to improve the circumstances.

For now at least; perhaps he could squeeze in an audience with Ansem before Oriana arrived; when it mattered, Ansem was good about making something happen.

Still, for now the past and the pain with it was over. Braig washed the dishes, put the stew away and returned to his bunk, opening the window next to his bed to allow some needed airflow. He looked out towards his view of the kingdom, leaning on the windowpane to see that most of the town lights were out for the night. The streetlights lined the roads and boroughs, and he wondered were Yoan and Aeleus were patrolling tonight.

It was going to be another day tomorrow.

And there would be another after that.

And no matter what happened, he would still be wearing that uniform. For better or for worse.

Chapter Text

Lucinda's boisterous laughter was often a good indicator of the mood in the barracks.

However, it was also loud.

And Braig was tired. He lay in his bed, tangled in his thin blankets as the first rays of dawn began peeking through his window. There was disgustingly delightful birdsong flittering through the air that managed to keep his attention long enough for his tether to sleep to dissolve, and he was stuck in the land of the living.
With a resigned groan, Braig came to life and sat up in bed, smoothing back his black hair with his fingers.

"Fine; fine," he mumbled to himself, slipping out of bed, ducking down the hall for a quick shower, and then returning to his bunk to step into a fresh uniform (his tall pile of uniforms told him laundry day was soon) before he slicked back his hair and pulled his boots on.

Lucinda's laugh was joined by Yoan's, which had the affectations of a rusty door combined with the wheeze of a locomotive. Braig stepped into the common room to find them and Aeleus sipping on coffee.

"Braig!" Yoan greeted. He was a man of Lucinda's age, mid forties with heavily graying chestnut hair. He had a round face with a similar build; he was known for being a stout warrior with a strong stalwart sense of justice and a streak of patience taller than the castle they resided in. His smile was topped with a moustache, which made him look older than he was, but he refused to shave it. "Morning! It's been a few days, huh?"

"Yeah," Braig smiled. "Fun shift last night?"

"If by fun you mean quiet then yeah. Nice and boring. Heard yours yesterday was a little hairy."

Braig plopped down onto the worn sofa. "Nothing I can't handle."

Yoan nodded sagely. "It's always good to know what you can and can't handle. It'll save you a lot of headache. Unfortunately, in this line of work, sometimes you can't think about that. It's about what's best for the people, for the king, for Radiant Garden. But as you keep going, you get stronger in different ways, and while being in those positions is hard, it keeps sharpening you, so just keep doing your best."

Aeleus looked at Braig over the rim of his mug, a silent blame for getting Yoan started on one of his monologues.

"When I was first starting here as a guard-"

Lucinda cleared her throat as she looked at the team, interrupting Yoan before he could get the ball rolling on a story she, and the others, had heard many times.

"Braig, I'll be preparing some paperwork to go directly to Ansem if there's anything you'd like for me to draft as special priority-"

A knock at the door caught them all off guard. Lucinda's instincts took over and she quickly stood to answer it; a knock this early in the morning wasn't just someone passing by with weekly information from inside the castle.

Lucinda opened the door and behind it was a tired-looking butler, looking rather out of place in the barracks.

"Captain Lucinda, you and your team have been called to His Highness' office. He expects you there by nine o clock, sharp."

That was less than two hours away. The news was sudden; it was rare that Ansem sent so quickly for his guards. Braig slowly stood up as Aeleus set his coffee mug down and immediately headed towards his bunk. Although he and Yoan looked like they could fall asleep any minute, they did as was commanded and went to prepare for the meeting.

"We'll be there, thank you," Lucinda informed the butler, and upon closing the door she turned to Braig, nodding.

"I guess you'll get your chance sooner than we thought."

Braig couldn't complain. He quickly went about filling his belly with a meager breakfast, seeing as his shift would start as soon as the meeting was over. He made a point to scramble for a piece of paper and a pen while haphazardly tossing some frozen sausage patties into the toaster oven and quickly wolfing down a pre-cooked hard boiled egg. He scribbled down what thoughts he could coherently make in the race to be presentable on time while getting something to eat.
Before he could even finish his nuked sausage patties, Lucinda was striding out of her bunk; her hair was slicked back and pulled into a perfect bun, her uniform was perfect and pressed, buttons gleamed, boots shined, and before she put on her gloves, she pulled out a package of cigarettes, opened a window in the common room, and lit a cigarette.

"I hate these sudden meetings," she grumbled, smoke billowing from her nostrils. "You know this is stuff he's known about but he's put it off for weeks."

Braig stood at the doorway of the kitchen, polishing off the last of his breakfast as Yoan walked in, securing the heart-shaped emblem at the front of his uniform collar.

"Cut him some slack. It's his first year."

Lucinda turned to stare incredulously at Yoan. "Slack? He was the prince far before he was king!

Yoan leaned on the wall near Braig, putting his hands in his pockets. "I'm sure Saulos ensured his son was more than prepared."

Lucinda took another drag of her cigarette. "Given the circumstances, I'm not so sure he did. He couldn't even get out of bed those last few months."

Braig took in the conversation, looking down at his plate. He had some sympathy for the young king; perhaps it was a byproduct of Ansem's kindness. He, along with the late King Saulos, agreed to let Braig off the streets and join the guard upon Lucinda's discovery of the stray thing after his attempt to break into the barracks when he was eighteen. Braig looked up, always familiar with this far more stern and cynical side of Lucinda; it was the way he first met her. But as she released the last puff of smoke into the air and squashed what was left of the cigarette into one of her very full ash trays, her visage softened. "I know it's not his fault," she murmured. "It's just... these circumstances kind of suck." As she began pulling on her gloves, she noted Aeleus entering the room, appearing as though he could pass out at any moment, but he remained ever-stoic as always. "You good, Ael? Think you can manage a meeting?"

There was no way Aeleus could hide his drooping eyes, but he still smiled. "I always do."

Braig quickly disposed of his plate, grabbed the note he'd been planning on giving to Ansem, and rushed to join the others. Yoan heartily patted Aeleus' back, promising they would get some good sleep later before he stepped forward to walk alongside Lucinda.

Stepping into Yoan's spot. Braig handed Aeleus his list. "What do you think? Anything we need to add?"

Aeleus grumbled softly, not much into reading something with so little sleep, but he obliged and read Braig's scribbles. "Is this sausage grease?"

"Just read it, okay?"

Aeleus chuckled, but read the list under his breath. "more recruits, incentives, guards localized to specific areas, funding... You're going to ask the king to just give money to the perimeter?"

"NO," Braig said. "You're reading it wrong, stupid," he snapped, snatching the list back. "Funding for rebuilding along the perimeter. Over the years the kingdom has shifted more towards the castle; and since there's only so many of us we have the protect the king AND the kingdom. That leaves a lot of people around the perimeter who can't move their businesses. Or their homes, which leaves their families vulnerable."

"Hmm. Or those without families?" Aeleus asked, peeking down at Braig.

Braig swallowed. "Yeah."

As they walked into the castle and approached the main hall, the rich smells of incense, clean linens, perfumes, rich food and flowers began mixing in the opulence of their surroundings.

There was a wrenching in Braig's gut as he walked through a veritable paradise. Memories of peeling drywall, crumbling ceilings and damp floors were ever present in his mind as he soldiered through the perfect home. He stood tall with his troupe, who were greeted kindly by butlers and maids. Despite their smiles, there was a sinking feeling in Braig's heart that their eyes could see right through him, down to his core. He didn't belong there.

Aeleus leaned over and whispered. "Do you think they have to smile like that all day?"

"Oh you'd be fired so fast," Braig snickered.

Lucinda's piercing look from the front quickly settled her pups in line. They straightened up before they even realized it, and they walked in complete silence unless they were greeted by castle staff.

After what felt like an eternity, around Nine o clock sharp, they arrived at the doorway to Ansem's office. Another guard, special to Ansem, and to the late King Saulos, that never joined the team, nodded at them. He had joined the guard just ten years shy of Lucinda and Yoan, but where Lucinda and Yoan weren't the kind to guard one spot all day, trusty Ruegger was the perfect man for the job. Lucinda smiled, and Ruegger beamed seeing his former comrades.

"You're all looking well. Wait... is that all of you?"

"All four of us," Lucinda answered, brightly and dripping with sarcasm. Ruegger blinked.

"There... there used to be a least fifteen. What happened?"

Yoan snorted. "This is what happens when you've got mass retirement but no one applying for the job. You've met Braig and Aeleus, right?"

Ruegger nodded. "Once or twice. Man... I guess I've been in here too long."

"You're doing your job," Yoan said. "We wish we still had you on the team. You saved our rears plenty of times. But that's why Ansem needs you."

Ruegger smiled sadly before he reached to open the door. "Don't make me too nostalgic, I have a long day ahead of me."

Lucinda winked at him. "We'll make you cry on our way out."

The door to Ansem's office opened, and they were led into a large, circular room. Despite the opulence of the castle, the office was helter skelter and messy. There were papers scattered about the desk, books piled on the floor next to their cases; some even left open mid-read. Boxes of miscellaneous goods were stacked lopsidedly by the door.

On the wall behind the King's desk was a large painting, not of the current king, but of his father. King Saulos' strong and gentle-eyed presence remained on vigil, protecting his son in spirit.

His son, King Ansem, a budding scientist already far more brilliant than many, smiled as he looked up from his desk. His bright amber eyes were haloed by dark circles which mirrored that of Yoan and Aeleus in exhaustion, and his usually well-coifed blond hair was mildly askew.

"Good morning. I... sorry-" Ansem quickly scooped up a stack of papers and set them over to the side, where several immediately slipped over onto the floor. "Thank you for coming here on such short notice- Ah, thank you."

Yoan had stepped forward to gather Ansem's documents and set them back on the desk.

Lucinda approached Ansem. "Your highness, how can we serve you?"

Ansem sat up straight, although his shoulders quickly slumped. He looked at them, mouth dry and bobbing for words.

"I wanted to inform you that Princess Oriana will indeed be visiting us soon."

Braig groaned internally.

Lucinda nodded. "We will begin preparations for her safety. When will you need us?"

Ansem's politely folded hands tightened. Braig immediately knew something was up.

The young king tried to swallow, but his mouth was too dry.

"Tonight."

Lucinda almost toppled to the floor; she had to fight to keep from slamming her hands on the desk, and she reeled in her own tongue.

"TONI-... to- tonight, your highness?!" She fought to maintain her composure. Braig and Aeleus managed to swap a very quick glance of shock before returning to attention.
They noted Yoan's hands folded behind him, clenching in frustration. Despite defending Ansem earlier, this news was visibly testing his usually boundless patience.

"Yes," Ansem answered, fighting a quiver in his voice. "B-But! I've asked her to arrive late tonight, so that it will cut down on the crowds and make for a safer trip to the castle!"
Ansem looked at the troupe hopefully, but their wide-eyed glances and forced neutral faces proved they were less than pleased with this 'solution'.

Regardless, this was still happening. Ansem cleared his throat.

"Princess Oriana will arrive tonight, it will just be her. Her mother and sisters will not be joining her. We will retrieve her at the gates, and come straight to the castle. She is projected to be there by midnight. Should the escort go quickly, we will be back at the castle within the hour."

Braig closed his eyes; there goes any hope of sleep.

Lucinda looked behind her. "Will you need all of us?"

Ansem nodded. "Ruegger will be joining us."

Braig couldn't wait any longer. "Your highness may I interject?"

Lucinda bristled; she turned to look at Braig, not with Anger but with bated concern.

Ansem blinked, then he nodded. "Ah yes; Braig was it? You look like you're doing well. How are the barracks treating you?"

Braig stepped forward. "More than well. I'm cared for, housed, fed; more than I could have asked for three years ago. I'm still very thankful for the mercy that you and your father, and Lucinda and Yoan showed me. I would like to bring to your attention that, unfortunately, this is all of us. This is the entire guard."

Ansem blinked. "Yes...?"

Braig did his best to keep from old habits prickling at his tongue; words and anger so very eager to spill out were visibly contained. "Just three years ago there were more. More to maintain the safety of both you and the town. Enough guards to share night and day shifts. Enough guards to spread out and protect everyone and not risk leaving the vicinity of the castle."

Although Braig could never remember many guards standing sentinel in his part of the town. Especially not when you needed them most.

Ansem listened, his amber eyes softened as Braig spoke.

"I guess what I'm getting at," Braig said slowly, trying to calmly make his point. "Is that we could really... REALLY use some help, your highness. Uh, please."

Braig took a peek over at Lucinda, who's loosened expression relieved him as she nodded.

"I understand," Ansem said. "I'm sorry for your plight, and I promise, I will see to it that this is remedied. A guard that is stretched too thin or unrested cannot guard."

Braig felt the release of tightened muscles in his chest that he didn't know he had, and he exhaled easily.

"However, my schedule will remain. I want Princess Oriana protected at all costs."

Lucinda, Yoan, Braig and Aeleus stepped to attention in understanding.

"That being said, I shall release you to your duties," Ansem concluded. "Please, be at the castle entrance by Ten o clock."

With a final salute, the troupe turned and left Ansem's office, where they bid farewell to Ruegger, who they would see later that night.

As they split, Yoan and Aeleus returned to the barracks to sleep and Lucinda and Braig stepped out of the castle gates, they looked to each other and sighed.

Lucinda ruffled Braig's hair. "You had me worried there, brat."

Braig laughed. "Oh trust me, I was seconds away from it being much worse."

"But you did it. And I think you might have saved our hides. I was too busy worrying about getting Princess Oriana to the castle; the crowds starting tomorrow... I'm glad you were able to get the message to him before he was too occupied to even think about us."

"I guess we're even then?" Braig grinned as they descended the stairwell into town. Lucinda snorted.

"I still have that scar you gave me the day we met. We're not quite there yet, kiddo."