Heartless

Muzzle

Charis was undoubtedly caught, the man who had been eavesdropping on their conversation ran like a fire was lit under him towards the two guards sent after Charis, courtesy of Cyrus...

Though he didn't immediately begin to spill his guts about the conspiracy the two Azurites were concocting... instead he demanded an audience with Prince Kasnier; knowing he was in town. 

A certain reputation preceded Kasnier, he was seen as more benevolent than his father. It was not in his duties to hear out audiences, but because of that benevolence, he never turned away anyone who wanted to speak to him.

He especially wouldn't turn away someone who came to him about the woman who had made his stone-faced- and hearted, friend nervous. Cyrus' meeting with this... Charis had invoked more emotion in the man than he had ever seen in their 10 years of friendship. 

"I was on my way back home, from town square... it's been so hard, trying to provide for my family." The man began speaking, and Kasnier stared at him.

Kasnier had a strict moral code, one that didn't abide by what his father wanted from him. He never questioned it, never strayed away from it. 

If someone needed help he would offer a helping hand.

But, that didn't mean that there were times when he doubted it. Now being one of those times.

The man continued speaking of his troubles, how every day was a struggle for him. Kasnier couldn't tell the validity of these statements from true or false at this given moment. To be completely honest, he only so readily agreed because the guards had informed him that the man had some information on a certain sandy-haired Azurite. 

So he let the man continue, obvious that the only mention of his financial status was that he would want some compensation for the information. 

"Though it's been hard for me here, I am a loyal Jaciynth. Through and through." The man said and Kasnier perked up, feeling like the man was now going to talk about Charis. "This woman and her accomplice are partnered with a man they said has a bounty on his head. While discussing battle plans that she had seen."

Kasnier sat up straight, a slight chill going down his spine as he recalled how carelessly he had the scrolls containing battle information so carelessly sprawled across the room.

"Do you have a name for the man?" Kasnier finally spoke, removing his fist from his cheek.

The man pondered, pretending to recall. "I can't be too sure, they were whispering."

Kasnier narrowed his eyes and sat back in his seat. "I see, thank you for your help." He dismissed the man, and he began to panic. Somewhat expecting some compensation for ratting Charis out.

"Wait!" The man called out, guards now entering the room. Along with the man who had spotted Charis.

Cyrus bowed his head towards Kasnier, walking towards the Prince as the guards raised an eyebrow at the both of them- wondering what course of action to take.

"Oh, did you remember the name?"

The man looked annoyed, but eventually opened his mouth to speak. "Yes, I just recalled."

Cyrus, who still had his back turned to the man quickly turned to face him after hearing the name fall out of his mouth.

"She spoke about a man named Ares."