Then a hand touched my shoulder and reluctantly I rose to standing, wishing I could stay looking at the floor, I was suddenly so intimidated.
Ulbrecht had aged a bit in the years since I'd last seen him, but the battle-hardened warrior was still as handsome as I remembered.
Ulbrecht's brown eyes widened after a moment of him taking me in. "Prince Johannes Ott. I'd thought you and your sister were dead, or at least gone for good."
I swallowed. "We're safe, sir. Effie is running an inn and dating the Prince Regent of East Helvetica. I am sworn to Prince Regent Magnus, and with his blessing, I've come to swear myself to you. Thank you for installing a temporary ruler in West Danube who is capable. I am so grateful to see the land and people thriving."
"And why, if you're sworn to a Helvetican Regent, are you coming to swear yourself to me, Prince Ott?" he asked.
I cleared my throat, terrified my voice would crack from nerves. "Please, it's just Johann of West Danube and East Helvetica now. I've kept up with my martial training, and I wish to take you up on your offer from two years ago to let me fight for you and prove myself."
"To prove yourself," said Ulbrecht, stepping away from me and placing his hands on his hips. He appraised my partner, who merely bowed his head.
"You want your kingship back," the High King mused. "My regent Harold has no children who could succeed him, plus I tend to move him around to secure unstable areas for me."
I hesitated, but Ulbrecht nodded at me to speak, so I went ahead. "My desire is first and foremost to protect the prosperity of my homeland, even if that is fighting under you with no promise of reward. Seeing West Danube at peace and healthy is enough."
I hoped he could see the sincerity in my eyes.
Ulbrecht drew his sword and I sank to my knees.
Ceridor closed the distance between us and put a calming hand on my shoulder. Wren, Marit, and Corbi came down and put their hands on me, on my shoulders and back as I bowed. Igor stood at Ulbrecht's side, arms crossed and appraising me.
I kissed Ulbrecht's sword.
"We are in the hands of our gods, as Wren likes to say," said Ulbrecht. "May you fight well. Whatever fate awaits you, may it find you standing, sword in hand."
I committed to my path and swore my vow. "It will."
The End