Loyalty

The day started like any other, with Nani running late for yet another high-profile event. His bodyguard, Sky, was already waiting in the hall, looking as calm and casual as ever.

Sky’s sharp eyes were trained on Nani as he came down the stairs, his eyes narrowing in playful criticism. “Nice of you to join us, Your Highness. I was starting to think you were planning to skip today.”

Nani shot him a sharp look, rolling his eyes. “I wasn’t planning on it, but considering the headache I have from last night’s party, it’s tempting.”

Sky gave him a knowing smile. “Ah, the perks of being a royal. Fancy parties, endless small talk, and no sleep. It’s the dream, really.”

“If only I could swap it for a few hours of peace,” Nani muttered, buttoning up his suit jacket.

“Ah, but peace is overrated.” Sky wiggled his fingers like he was casting a spell. “Where’s the fun in sitting around when you can be... you know, *doing* something? Like saving your prince from danger.”

Nani raised an eyebrow. “That again?”

“I live for the thrill of keeping you safe.” Sky winked, then turned toward the front door. “Alright, Your Highness. Car’s waiting. And let’s keep the running late to a minimum today. My nerves can’t handle the tension.”

---

The sleek black SUV slid through the city streets as Nani sat back, trying to ignore the ever-present chatter of his bodyguard. Sky, as usual, seemed to be enjoying his job more than he probably should.

“So, what’s the plan for today?” Sky asked, spinning in the passenger seat and giving Nani a playful grin.

“Nothing exciting,” Nani replied, though the hint of sarcasm in his voice made it clear he didn’t believe it.

“Yeah, right. You can’t fool me,” Sky chuckled. “Something tells me today’s gonna be a bit more... *interesting* than you think.”

Before Nani could respond, the vehicle suddenly jerked, followed by the unmistakable sound of tires screeching. Sky’s smile vanished instantly, and in a heartbeat, his entire demeanor shifted.

Without a word, Sky whipped his hand to the side, unholstering his gun in one smooth motion, his body instinctively positioning itself between Nani and the car’s window.

“Get down,” Sky ordered in a low, commanding voice.

Nani didn’t have time to argue. In an instant, Sky had pulled him out of his seat, pushing him to the floor of the car, and shielding him with his own body.

“What’s happening?” Nani demanded, his voice tight with anxiety.

“Ambush,” Sky muttered, eyes scanning the area as his fingers danced over his gun’s trigger. He peered through the slightly cracked window, and his eyes narrowed in concentration. “We’ve got a few cars tailing us. They’re setting up for something.”

Nani could feel the tension in Sky’s body as his muscles coiled in anticipation. It wasn’t just the bodyguard’s size that made him formidable—it was the way he operated in combat. The way he was always several steps ahead.

“Are you telling me we’re being *attacked*?” Nani whispered, his heart racing.

Sky didn’t look at him as he pressed a button on his earpiece. “Backup’s on the way,” he murmured to himself before speaking into the mic. “Team One, take positions. Team Two, we need air support.”

Sky’s calm was unsettling, like he was in total control of the situation. Despite the danger, Nani felt a strange sense of security with Sky by his side.

A loud noise from outside the car snapped Nani out of his thoughts. There was a gunshot, then another, and Sky was already moving with fluid precision. He leaned over Nani, pulling the door open just enough to slide out with lightning speed.

“Stay down!” Sky yelled, as Nani stayed huddled, watching from the shadows.

In a blur, Sky moved like a shadow. He was everywhere—dodging bullets, firing back with pinpoint accuracy, and subduing attackers with swift, calculated movements. His combat skills were nothing short of impressive. He wasn’t just a bodyguard; he was a force to be reckoned with.

Nani’s heart pounded as he watched Sky expertly neutralize threats, his gun never missing a target. Sky was a blur of motion—strong, quick, and deadly. It was like watching an action movie, except it was real.

Nani had never seen Sky in action before. Sure, he had heard the rumors, but seeing it firsthand was a completely different experience. Sky’s focus was unparalleled. He wasn’t just a bodyguard; he was a protector in the truest sense of the word.

One of the attackers lunged toward Sky with a knife, but Sky’s reflexes were lightning-fast. He disarmed the assailant with a sharp twist of his wrist, flipping the man onto the ground in a fluid motion.

“Not today,” Sky muttered under his breath, then motioned for Nani to stay down.

With a final sweep, Sky’s team arrived, forcing the attackers into retreat. Sky didn’t even break a sweat, his face impassive as the danger passed.

Nani slowly sat up, his heart still racing. He was alive, thanks to Sky. There was no mistaking it now—this was why Sky had been chosen to protect him. Sky was the real deal.

“You okay?” Sky asked, his voice steady, though a glint of concern flickered in his eyes.

Nani nodded, still processing the sheer intensity of what had just happened. “I... I didn’t know you were this good.”

Sky grinned, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. “I don’t like to brag, Your Highness, but when it comes to keeping you safe, I’m top-notch.”

“You’re… impressive,” Nani admitted, his voice still shaky.

Sky’s grin widened. “Aw, shucks. You’re making me blush.”

But Nani could tell Sky wasn’t just being modest. He had seen the depth of Sky’s loyalty and commitment in those moments. Sky had put his own life on the line without a second thought, just to protect him.

As the car continued to its destination, the silence between them was comfortable for the first time that day.

“I guess I’m starting to see why you’re the one guarding me,” Nani said quietly, glancing up at Sky. “You’re… really good at this.”

Sky chuckled softly. “Well, I like to think I’m good at a lot of things, but protecting you? That’s my favorite job.”

Nani couldn’t help the faint smile that tugged at his lips. There was something undeniably comforting about Sky’s confidence, his unwavering focus. He was a bodyguard, yes, but he was so much more than that. He was loyal, strong, and—despite his teasing and humor—he was incredibly intelligent.

Nani had always believed he was untouchable, shielded by his royal title and the vast resources at his disposal. But today, he had seen the truth. It wasn’t the title that protected him—it was the men and women like Sky who chose to stand beside him, no matter the cost.

As the car drove toward the event, Nani felt a strange warmth spread through him. Maybe this whole bodyguard thing wasn’t so bad after all.

“You know,” Nani said, looking at Sky with a newfound respect, “I may not admit it often, but I’m glad you’re here.”

Sky gave him a cheeky grin. “You mean you actually need me?”

Nani rolled his eyes. “Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

Sky laughed, his eyes sparkling. “I’ll take it. Just remember, I’m always here, ready to protect you—no matter what.”

And for the first time, Nani believed it.