Tam

Tam .

"Even if you aren't the prince I once served... I cannot fail to protect you with all I have."

Tam has been serving the kingdom of Soarway ever since they can remember themselves. It is a position they value and take pride in, which makes them a valuable asset in the palace. So, when the Prince of the kingdom was reluctant in finding a prospect bride, they were tasked to keep an eye on him and guide him towards an answer, fast. Fortunately, Tam had a strong fascination with the prince already, meaning they could predict how he would react in certain predicaments. It... also meant that the two could grow closer.

However, one fateful morning, the prince they once knew would suddenly change forever.

It started with a carefree attitude and a tendency to forget previous days. It continued with his lack of care in the royal duties, his use of casual vocabulary and his posture, ill-befitting of a man his caliber. Tam knew too much about him not to notice Prince Matthew had become a man they no longer recognised. He was cheeky and unruly, quite rowdy, rebellious... Even yet, he showed more kindness and warmth towards them than their old prince ever did... Something that most piqued their interest however, was how he seemed to hide a great pain behind that chipped scarf he started wearing around his neck. 

The confrontation wasn't pretty. They lashed out more than they should have, causing evident stress on the Prince. Eventually, they forced him to explain what all this was about. The answer... was something they failed to comprehend even in their last moments. It wasn't long until the royal family's ties broke loose: the king died of an "unknown illness" - presumed poison from his brother, who lusted over the throne. When Tam found out, they knew Matthew would be in immediate danger. They fled the palace, but it was already too late.

Ill-dressed men surrounded them, threatening the prince to return "home". No, it wasn't an assassination attempt. Matthew's uncle wanted a hostage, a royal in order to set an example to the common people of Soarway. With their sword drawn, Tam fought until their last breath to protect the prince they never stopped loving... and failed. Undignified, they fall in battle as the ear-piercing scream of the prince plays in their mind on repeat. They scramble for a response, a confession, an apology. But nothing will be heard of them, ever again.

Maybe in a different life...

Fun facts:

• Their favourite colour is blue.
• Their voice is fairly lacking in tone, it sounds emotionless and monotone.
• They never got to say "I love you" even when Matthew confessed himself.
• They fail to show their emotions due to etiquette.
• They are an apt swordfighter and fencer, as expected. 
• They were actually the prince's swordfighting teacher when they were both younger.
• They have a strong sense of pride for their kingdom. They also have a strong set of morals.
• They never questioned their king... even when he ordered them to guide the prince into finding a bride, which conflicted with their feelings.
• They can cook and specialise in traditional Norwegian cuisine.
• Their raised tufts of hair make them look as if they have a crown and I am so loving that, I didn't even notice at first.
• Their uniform was literally me going "How many scandinavian flags can I combine? Is there a limit? Can I keep going??". They compliment the prince's uniform.