Venti Anemo Blade became an elite guard when he was 16. Sixteen! He was born into a noble family, The Blades, the richest and most influential family after the royals. He entered the guards at the age of ten and within a year became a royal guard, for the next five years he was a royal guard pushing up the ranks. He was strong, nimble, smart, and had a ton of skill. Heck, if it weren’t for the five-year rule he would have become an elite guard much much earlier. He was the best of the best which exemplifies why he is the captain of the elite royal bodyguards with twenty ponies beneath him who mathematically by the way can endure on a nation...and win.
Anemo understood his duty, shield the queen at all cost, whatever it takes. So imagine his look of bafflement when the Queen out of the blue asked him for a favor in her throne room one night.
Anemo silently yawned as he looked down at the debate. Royal Guards. Foals in golden armor. Moving his eyes towards the Queen, he smirked. Queen Haven sat on her throne, flanked by her two daughters, Princess Zipp and Princess Pipp. She paid no attention to the two squabbling royal guards, simply nodding her head like she cared what they saying.
What were they arguing about? It was obvious. It was about who will be in charge of Princess Pipp's security detail to Maritime bay to for dinner at a friend's house. You probably wondering what about Princess Zipp. Was she going? Yes, she was, it's just that... she is not what you call 'Ponies beloved princess.'
Anemo sighed. You could not blame them. Princess Pipp was the more popular one. She was more interactive with her ponies and her songs are everywhere. Princess Zipp on the other hoof was kinda anti-social, preferring to be alone. She was more of a mystery to the ponies of Zephyr Heights, which is why they prefer Princess of pop more. Not that it bothered him. The princesses were identical in his eyes.
"Anemo Blade." He immediately glided down from his perch upon the Queens call, scaring the two royal guards (Wimps) as he landed in front of them, bowing to his majesty.
"Yes, your highness."
"Would you please accompany these two gentle colts out?"
Anemo nodded as he turned towards the two captains. They did not need to be told twice. He was known throughout the Pegasus kingdom. The Blade of Queen Haven.
Queen Haven sighed as she got off her throne. "That was tiring. Pipp and Zipp I will meet both of you at the dinner table, just let me speak with Anemo."
Why does the queen have to be so informal?
"Okay Mom," Pipp said as she gave a wink to Anemo. Wow, outright flirting. He blushed though, could not help himself.
Zipp was already gone, which gave the Queen Haven a worried look.
Eventually, Queen Haven and Anemo were alone in the throne room.
Anemo spoke first. "Is there something amiss my Queen ?"
Queen Haven smiled weakly as she massaged her temple."As a case of fact yes, a very significant problem."
"May I be capable to aid you ?"
"Yes, which is why I wanted to talk to you confidentially." Anemo nodded his head as she resumed. "As you know my daughters are going for a dinner party hosted by one of their friends." Anemo shook.
"What I am worried about is security."
"I am sure Princess Pipp will have several royal guards willing to volunteer."
Queen Haven gave him a deadpanned look. "I meant princess Zipp."
Ahhh easy solution for that.
"Then assign more guards to her then."
"She does not desire any guards."
What !?
"And to make matters worse she is planning to leave early since she likes to hike to Maritime bay so she can look at the fauna and flora."
Talk about being a nature freak...
"I will notify the guards at once."
"Nay! Wait, you cannot !"
Anemo gave her a confused look."How come, your Highness? This is a matter of national security of the utmost importance!"
"Pipe down on your patriotism Anemo," said Queen Haven rolling her eyes.
"How about you assigned a squad to follow her then," suggested Anemo. "They will keep their distance but just close enough to protect her."
"Yes! That is a perfect idea !"
Anemo smiled inwardly. Anemo blade, the master at advising.
"You should leave now, to load your gear. You going to have to be prepared, my Daughter is quite the flier, I am confident she would be elated that you are accompanying her."
Anemo's brain came to a messy stop. That was not what I said. "Wha-"
Queen Haven raised her hoof. "That is a directive Anemo."
"But my Queen, my duty is to shield you and only you. The elite guard was created solely for you. You can't-"
"- and you have to obey your queen's authority," interjected Queen Haven with finality in her tone. "I am not a joke Venti, I understand your feelings regarding my eldest Daughter."
Venti was taken aback. How did her highness find out? Venti looked away. "Then you know why I cannot do it. I-I-"
"I entrust my daughter's life in your competent hooves," said the Queen, dismissing his plea." Recognize Anemo, my trust of somepony is hardly any pony earns."
Queen maintained her gaze on her most dependent guard as he stepped away, a small smile creating on her face. He is going to be a great son-in-law. But the primary question is, with whom?