Clarus ran, Astrum held close to his chest. He ran but he didn't want to. He wanted to stand by Regis side. That's his duty, to sacrifice himself for the king.
But he can't go against his king's orders. The young prince does need protecting, especially now but they don't have someone chosen for the child. That's another thing, Astrum isn't his charge. He should be protecting Regis.
Clarus stops his steps, a kingsglaive and crownsguard faught. He does a double take going back. Finding an empty hallway took longer than he thought. He doesn't even know what he should do. Should he leave? But to where? He's easy to follow.
"Dad!" Clarus looks up to see his daughter waving at him, she calmly walks up to him. Has she not seen what is going on? Why is she here? She should be at school.
"Iris, what are you doing here?" he asks, head twisting around to survey their surroundings.
"I came since school was let out early. With nothing else left to do I came here. Why are you running?" she asks, looking at her father skeptically. What is he doing? Clarus looks at his daughter, maybe she can do it. She knows the basics of hand to hand combat. She's also not known, so many won't recognize her. Plus, who'd think the prince would be in the charge of a teenage girl. Not only would the prince be safe but so would his daughter. It's risky but might be the best option.
"Come with me." he says grabbing her arm, pulling her backwards. Now he has a plan.
"What, wait, dad! You're pulling me backwards, it's hard to walk- run like this." she calls as her father walks fast, sprinting down the hallways. Going down to the sublevel, the parking area. Going where the royal cars are. "Dad what's going on?" she asks, now scared. Her father has never been this serious before, not while she's been around.
"Pick a car." he tells her handing a napping Astrum to her.
"What?" she asks staring at him, she has no clue what is happening.
"Hurry and pick a car!" he shouts opening a hidden compartment. Iris freezes looking at her father wide eyed. He pauses. Both heads turning up to the ceiling. The ground shaking extremely. Iris felt it in her bones. Clarus moves faster. Iris moves to pick a car.
"This one." Iris says pointing to the smallest and least to draw attention. It wasn't fancy like the others.
"Do you have those brass knuckles I gave you?" he asks walking up to her, black bag in one hand car seat in the other.
"Always." she answers hesitantly. She doesn't like where this is going. He opens the back door to the car.
"Good. I'm trusting Astrum with you. Right now you are his shield. Protect him." her father says more serious than she's ever seen him before. He places the car seat, making sure it's secure. Letting the bag fall to the floor of the car.
"B-but I'm not trained. I'm only fifteen. What can I do?" she asks looking down at Astrum. Clarus turns around, taking the prince from her arms.
"You'll be surprised. And you are better at fighting with your fist than your brother is, don't worry." he says but she can't believe it. She's not made for this. Her brother has been training for this since he was born. Clarus turns quickly handing the keys over to her. "Put those brass knuckles on, don't take them off ever. Drive away from the Citadel. Stay in the city or not, it's best I don't know. Once it's safe to come back I'll text you the secret code. You remember it right?" he looks at her nodding. One last check to see the prince is safe, making sure he hasn't forgotten anything. "Here's my badge just in case." He hands over his black leather case. Iris takes it slowly. He closes the door to the car. He moves to give his daughter a hug. "I believe in you." he whispers, smiling when she hugs him back. "Now go! Hurry! No one would stop the car with Royal plates on it. If they do don't trust them." he pushes her to the door.
Clarus watches as she puts the keys in. She starts the car and backs out the parking. Quickly she drives to the exit. She looks at her father in the rearview window as she drives away. Her nose tingle as her vision got blurry with tears. Slowly they fell down her cheek. Why did it feel like a goodbye? Like she will never see her father again?
Clarus makes his way back, running through the slowly being destroyed Citadel. He makes his way back to the dining room to see half the wall is just gone. The kingsglaive that were with Glauca now lay on the floor in a puddle of their own blood. Clarus turns to run down the hallway, following the obvious signs of a fight. He summons his broadsword, running towards where he can hear a fight happening. He comes up from behind the general. Bringing down his sword as hard as he can. The sword making a large clanking sound as it makes contact with the back of Glauca head. So the generals armour is more thick than he thought, sturdier than he initial thought too.
Glauca turns his attention to the shield. Regis, on the floor holding his side, staring at the shield. Why is he here? Why is he fighting? Clarus moves to block the generals attacks. Nyx, Libertus, Cor and Regis take the opportunity to get their bearings again. Cor looks to the king, he looks as bad as the others. He turns away from the king in time to see Clarus being thrown towards him. They land in a heap on the floor. Quickly getting up as Nyx and Libertus fight with Regis as support. Cor and Clarus hurry and stand up, standing by the king.
"Where is Astrum?" Regis asks Clarus, slightly angry.
"He's safe, don't worry." Clarus answers, the kings slight anger towards him doesn't bother him. They are childhood friends, standing side by side since they can remember. He knows the man is worried about his grandson.
"Okay." Regis says, he trusts his friend. He can see now that those who stood beside him are the ones he should trust.
"You're going to have to try harder than that!" Glauca shouts taunting them.