Shadows on the Palace Grounds

Posted on 2025, Thu Sep 18th, @ 9:54am by Major Alexander Stroud & Civilian Queen Kaitaama XII

689 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Episode 1: Shadows Over Krios - USS Vigilance
Location: Krios Prime – Palace Grounds and Adjacent Gardens
Timeline: Two days after Major Stroud’s assignment begins
Tags: Krios Prime, Princess Kaitaama, Major Stroud, USS Vigilance, Marine Detachment, Personal Security, Slow-Burn Romance, Subtle Attraction, Patrol, Diplomacy, Beta Quadrant, 2402

The palace gardens glimmered under Krios Prime’s late morning sun, the carefully sculpted flora casting long, intricate shadows across the walkways. Princess Kaitaama Lothar moved with quiet precision, her gait graceful yet purposeful, as she inspected ceremonial arrangements for the upcoming diplomatic events.

Major Alexander Stroud followed closely, his senses attuned to every sound, every movement, every subtle change in the environment. The hum of distant vehicles, the murmur of palace staff, even the soft rustle of leaves — nothing escaped his attention. His posture remained impeccable, each step measured, yet beneath the rigid exterior, a subtle tension tugged at him.

“Princess,” he said, keeping his voice low and controlled, “the east wing perimeter sensors indicate minor fluctuations. Nothing critical, but I recommend a brief sweep before the public arrivals.”

She nodded, glancing at him with a thoughtful expression. “Agreed. Let’s proceed together.”

As they moved toward the east wing, Stroud’s gaze occasionally flickered to her, noting the way sunlight caught her hair, the slight narrowing of her eyes when she studied the pathways. A strange warmth threaded through his chest, a sensation he immediately dismissed as fatigue. Focus, he reminded himself. Discipline first. Security first.

Halfway along the garden path, a sudden commotion caught his attention. A maintenance drone had veered off course, spinning dangerously near one of the ornamental fountains. Stroud moved first, intercepting the device before it could reach the Princess. His hand brushed her shoulder lightly — just enough to steady her — and for a heartbeat, their eyes met.

For the briefest moment, something unspoken passed between them. Stroud felt the pull again — the subtle recognition, the magnetism — but he held himself firmly. “Are you unharmed, Princess?” he asked, voice steady, though his pulse betrayed him.

“Yes,” she replied softly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Thank you.”

They resumed their sweep, navigating the gardens with quiet efficiency. Every corner, every corridor, every vantage point was cataloged in Stroud’s mind, yet he could not ignore the way her presence seemed to alter the air around him. Each laugh, each graceful gesture, each quiet word resonated with something deep inside him — a connection he could neither explain nor indulge.

The Princess glanced at him as they rounded a curved walkway. “You move with purpose, Major. It is… reassuring,” she said, her tone light but sincere.

Stroud’s jaw tightened slightly. Professionalism, he reminded himself silently. “That is my duty, Princess. Ensuring your safety is my responsibility. Nothing more.”

Still, the pull persisted. He noted her subtle reactions — a fleeting hesitation, a quickening of her breath as he adjusted the path to avoid a loose tile, the way her eyes lingered on his face ever so briefly. Each interaction was a spark, a silent acknowledgment neither would openly admit, yet impossible to ignore.

By the time they completed the patrol, the palace staff had begun assembling for the first diplomatic ceremonies of the day. Stroud provided a detailed briefing on the perimeter and security contingencies, every word precise, every recommendation clear. The Princess listened attentively, her expression focused, yet Stroud sensed a shadow of amusement — or perhaps curiosity — behind her eyes.

As she turned to leave, she paused, glancing at him. “Major, I trust you will maintain this vigilance throughout the day?”

“Without fail, Princess,” he replied, voice unwavering, though inside a quiet storm churned.

She inclined her head, the faintest trace of a smile touching her lips, then moved toward the awaiting entourage. Stroud watched her go, taking in every detail — the sway of her movements, the rhythm of her steps, the unspoken energy she carried.

Alone now in the quiet aftermath of the patrol, he exhaled slowly. Discipline first. Focus first. Everything else comes later. Yet even as he recited the mantra, he could not deny the subtle pull of her presence lingering in his mind, a slow-burning tension he would have to navigate carefully in the days to come.

The palace grounds remained serene, but for Major Stroud, the mission had taken on a new complexity — a delicate balance of duty, attraction, and the unspoken connection that neither could yet name.

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