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\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\f0\fs22\lang9 Chapter 1\par
It was centuries ago when the alliance between lions and foxes began. The royal lineage of foxes had saved the strong and brave race of lions from famine. In turn, the lions pledged that their race would always serve and protect their saviors. Generations have passed since that fateful day and two kingdoms rose to power on the corner of the northern continent. Eloshire stood in the rolling hills where the lion knights were bred to be the strongest warriors in the world. Vulpis was nestled deep in the forested mountains and held the royal lineage of Foxes from the first days of the ancient alliance. It was between those kingdoms where a new alliance would form to truly unite their kingdoms. \par
\'85\par
Sir Percival III had recently been promoted to the highest title of \ldblquote Black Knight.\rdblquote  Like his father before him, he was a strong and skilled warrior. The pride of Eloshire. However, after years of discipline, training, and endless battles across the world he was shocked to be given such a mundane assignment. At the request of the King of Vulpis, he would be the new bodyguard for his son Prince Edmond. A bodyguard for a spoiled prince? Was this really the task the world's best knight was good for? Humble, but still frustrated he began his journey toward the neighboring kingdom. \par
It would be a simple 3 day journey to Vulpis. Percival had traveled there once or twice in his younger years, but this would be his first trip alone. Dressed in shimmering black armor with a long sword at his waist and steel shield on his back, The Black Knight was intimidating to say the least. Towering nearly 7 feet tall with a deep red mane, the lion was strong, stoic, and ready for any challenge.\par
Prince Edmond was very different. The fox prince was barely 4 feet tall. He was thin, small, and timid. Raised under strict guidelines, he spent his entire life confined within the castle walls. Cared for by his maids, servants, and guards left him with little privacy. Everything from meals to bathing was supervised. As a result any modesty was conditioned out of him from an early age. Not that he minded much. It was just how things were.\par
Sheltered from the outside world, his one respite was reading. Edmond was a great scholar and was well read in historical battle tactics, culture, languages, engineering, and biology. What he lacked physically, he made up for in knowledge and wisdom. However, as he moved into adulthood his desire for freedom grew. While the king would never grant him permission to leave unattended, it was decided after years of Edmond's pestering that a singular skilled knight should take the place of his numerous guards. Thus the call for the most skilled knight was announced. Only in the paws of a Black Knight should the prince be truly safe.\par
\'85\par
\ldblquote Sir Percival III of Eloshire at your service,\rdblquote  Percival took a knee in front of the King of Vulpis. After reaching the kingdom he was promptly escorted to an audience with the king. \par
\ldblquote Your reputation precedes you great knight. You have my thanks for your punctuality. You may rise.\rdblquote  \par
Percival stood as he heard the door of the throne room open behind him. \par
\ldblquote Sir knight, I would like you to meet my son, Prince Edmond.\rdblquote  \par
Percival turned around, then looked down to see the little fox staring back up at him curiously. Their size difference was somewhat comical. Percival towered over him, but Edmond didn't seem scared or intimidated. To Percival he seemed rather\'85cute. He wore a simple white and violet cloak around his shoulders. A green flowy robe which tightened at his wrists, waist, and ankles complemented his amber fur. Around his head was a thin gold circlet indicating his status.\par
\ldblquote It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Percival.\rdblquote  Edmond bowed slightly out of respect, but his tone was neutral.\par
\ldblquote Black Knight,\rdblquote  the king said, getting their attention. \ldblquote Your assignment begins now. Prince Edmond will help you acclimate to his routine. You are to accompany him wherever he goes including seemingly private areas. He must never leave your sight. Only after Prince Edmond falls asleep may you do so as well. You are dismissed.\rdblquote  \par
Percival bowed then followed Edmond from the throne room. Gilded doors closing behind them Edmond sighed and smiled looking up at Percival.\par
\ldblquote These formalities are so tiresome, don't you agree?\rquote\par
\ldblquote I\'85suppose.\rdblquote  Percival was shocked to hear a prince speak so casually. \par
\ldblquote My father believes I should be more proper, but I don't find much use in it. We are equals as far as I'm concerned.\rdblquote  Edmond looked up to him with a tired smile. \ldblquote Evening meal begins at sunset, we have a few hours until then. Please accompany me to the gardens.\rdblquote\par
Percival nodded and followed behind him. The castle was extremely opulent. Marble floors, white granite columns, gilded accents\'85everything shimmered showcasing the kingdom's wealth. In every hall and chamber were guards posted on each entrance and exit. Some were lions while most were other foxes. Edmond led him to the rear of the castle which opened into a large courtyard. Rows of shaped hedges circled a central fountain. Fruit trees surrounded everything on the high walled edges. It was a calm and peaceful bit of green among the white and gold of the castle's interior. \par
Edmond sat on a stone bench staring at the fountain somewhat mindlessly. Percival stood at a distance leaving him to his own devices. Keeping a watchful eye on him as the sun slowly faded to a deep orange. Percival wondered just what was on the prince's mind. He seemed to carry an air of sadness about him as he stared at the flowing water. Just\'85introspectively contemplating. Eventually he stood up and guided Percival to the dining hall with the fading daylight on their backs.\par
\'85\par
Percival sat beside Edmond at the head dining table. A grand feast had been prepared in Percival's honor featuring rare delicacies and exotic meats. He remained quiet and stoic, primarily observing the customs and routines of those around him. The king spoke of the long and valued history of the order of knights as protectors and guardians of the royal lineage. It was primarily a self indulgent means to remind Percival of his place. Edmond ate in relative silence. Mostly ignoring the king's rambling. After 4 courses of various foods and a delicate series of cakes for dessert, the tables were cleared and the king offered a final order dismissing the hall. Despite the formalities Percival was shocked to see all of the castle's residents ate together. Everyone from the lowest servant to the king shared one dining hall. It gave Percival a great deal of respect for the king and his kingdom. \par
Once the king departed the remaining guests were permitted to as well. Edmond rose and led Percival back towards his chambers. \par
\ldblquote Your room is there,\rdblquote  Edmond pointed to a doorway to the side leading to a simple bedroom. It was within the prince's chambers so that he remained close at all times. Stepping to the side, Percival inspected it briefly. As he turned back to Edmond however, the knight's eyes shot open wider in surprise. The prince was beginning to disrobe in front of him. \par
\ldblquote Your highness, perhaps it would be best if I give you some privacy.\rdblquote  Percival blushed, glancing away.\par
\ldblquote Don't concern yourself sir knight. I have been around servants my entire life, I wouldn't expect you to avert your eyes and risk a derelict of duty.\rdblquote  \par
\ldblquote Oh\'85o\'85of course your highness.\rdblquote  Percival turned back as Edmond slowly stripped off his garments. Piece by piece they were folded neatly and placed in a pile. Percival blushed seeing the nude form of the royal fox before him. He was slender with deep orange fur. A long white patch ran from his upper chest to his groin. Between his legs hung a pair of plump balls beneath a tight sheath. Percival couldn't help but admire the prince's perfect body. His sheltered life made his fur appear softer than any mammal he'd ever seen. \par
\ldblquote Are you not modest about your\'85um\'85?\rdblquote  \par
\ldblquote I find my natural state more comfortable in my chambers,\rdblquote  Edmond explained. \ldblquote Does it bother your Sir Percival?\rdblquote  \par
\ldblquote N\'85not at all your highness.\rdblquote  Percival stuttered trying not to stare.\par
\ldblquote Please, enough with the formalities. You may simply call me Edmond.\rdblquote  \par
\ldblquote As you wish your\'85er\'85Edmond.\rdblquote  Percival was finding it hard to keep his composure speaking with the naked fox. He could feel a tightness in his cod piece and a warmth on his brow. \par
Edmond gathered his clothes and walked to a basket by the door discarding them. He looked up at Percival and smiled.\par
\ldblquote I'm going to take a bath. You should join me.\rdblquote\par
Percival stammered. \ldblquote I\'85I beg your pardon your highn\'85Edmond, but are my duties bound by such a request?\rdblquote\par
\ldblquote As you have taken the place of my servants I prefer to have someone to wash my back, but I won't force you.\rdblquote\par
\ldblquote As you wish.\rdblquote  Percival was shocked. He hadn't expected the prince to be so open. As the Black Knight he had faced many challenges, however it was a small fox who had shaken him to the core. For the first time since he was a cub, an inkling of fear crept into his mind. He was a warrior not a servant, but he was still bound by duty none the less. \par
The bath was sealed behind a wooden door at the far end of Edmond's chambers. Upon opening the door a rush of steam bellowed out. Within the floor was a large basin made up of blue, green, and violet tiles. The bath was constantly fed by a natural hot spring which flowed in and out which swirled in the bathing basin. A basket sat on its edge containing towels and soap. Edmond wasted little time and stepped into the warm water. Turning around he waited for Percival.\par
\ldblquote My apologies, but could you avert your eyes,\rdblquote  Percival asked. While he was bound by duty, Percival wasn't about to strip in front of the prince. Edmond might not have a shred of modesty, but Percival was raised to remain combat ready at all times. Even when vulnerable. Edmond nodded and turned around leaving his knight to remove his armor. \par
Piece by piece Percival removed his shining armor and stacked it neatly in the corner. He had not had every piece off since leaving his home kingdom and despite his reservations being nude in front of the prince, the steam felt good on his fur. With the last piece removed, Percival stepped into the water and sat down. Sensing his presence Edmond turned back around and smiled. \par
\ldblquote Wow, you look so strong?\rdblquote  Edmond gasped seeing Percival's muscular arms. \par
Percival finally let himself smile from the complement. \ldblquote As the Black Knight I must be.\rdblquote  Leaning back and letting himself relax, the warm waters began easing his tension. While still maintaining an eye on Edmond, he found himself loosening up. \par
\ldblquote Forgive my noticing, but you seem very different from other princes I have met, Edmond.\rdblquote\par
\ldblquote Am I?\rdblquote\par
\ldblquote You speak more like a commoner and are compassionate to your servants. You are not boastful or pompous\'85and I am surprised you have no betrothed princess.\rdblquote\par
Edmond's face suddenly shifted from playful curiosity to a defensive glare. \ldblquote Perhaps I don't want everything I'm supposed to. My father's views about many things I disagree with.\rdblquote\par
\ldblquote My apologies. I will speak of it no more.\rdblquote\par
Edmond shook his head, \ldblquote No, no. You are my guardian knight. You should not feel any discomfort nor shame in my presence. You may speak your mind if you so desire.\rdblquote  Edmond sighed, \ldblquote And I too should feel safe to speak to you as well.\rdblquote  \par
Percival nodded and reached for the soap. \ldblquote Your back, Edmond?\rdblquote  He asked, breaking the awkward tension.\par
\ldblquote Thank you,\rdblquote  Edmond smiled once more, and turned around. \par
Percival lathered his paws then rubbed the soap into Edmond's back. He gently messaged him, making sure to get every inch of the prince clean. To his surprise Edmond offered to return the favor as well. However nontraditional, Percival allowed the prince to clean him. His tension and stress seemingly melted into the water. As Edmond cleaned his new guardian knight, he noticed the scars on his back. It was clear he had been through much in his life. Letting Percival rinse himself off, Edmond thanked him for his understanding despite seeing how flustered a shared bath made him. Exiting the water, Edmond dried himself then turned leaving Percival the privacy he desired redress. \par
\'85\par
Edmond remained bare the remainder of the night as he prepared for bed. Percival watched as he spent some time writing and reading. With a final expression of gratitude, Edmond crawled into bed dismissing Percival to rest as well. Laying in bed the Black Knight's mind circled around all that had happened. Prince Edmond of Vulpis was a kind, but unusual soul. He wondered why such a sheltered royal would need a personal knight, let alone the best one. Then was that bath. Exposing himself to the Prince on his first day felt\'85strange. Edmond was so casual about it too. His racing thoughts grew to frustration as he slowly fell asleep.\par
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