Ancient Pasts - Tbate

Rage

Cathan Leywin Pov

The Tenth Anniversary event ended without any further commotion besides the one that we caused, and the guards escorted all of us back downstairs. 

Upon reaching the storage room behind the stage, Vincent handed Arthur a package wrapped in a black cloth. The items that the King purchased were being hauled to the carriage by some of the workers. 

"Thank you." Arthur accepted it graciously. 

"For everything you and your family have done for us, this is hardly enough," Vincent replied. "Arthur, we have some swords in the back if you want to take a look while you're here. They might not be anything special, but I'm sure you'll be able to find a solid sword to last you until your body finishes growing. "

"Oh! Are you planning on taking lessons with the sword?" The King inquired, putting a hand on his son's shoulder. "My boy has just started learning as well. Maybe you two can spar one day. "

"Swords are merely a hobby for me, Your Majesty. I would never hope to amount to the same level as your son," Arthur replied, turning back to redeem Vincent's offer. 

"Your Majesty, Prince Curtis would only become infected with bad habits if he began sparring with mere commoners," Sebastian's hissy voice rang. 

As I turned back to retort, my father and the Twin Horns came into view. 

"Ah, you guys are here! How did you enjoy the Auction?" my father exclaimed, picking up Ellie after showing his respects to the King and Queen. 

My father pulled Vincent aside as he and the Twin Horns began debriefing about the event. 

"Your Majesty. If I may have a word with you," I heard Sebastian say as he leaned closer to the King's ear. 

After a few moments, King Glayder shot his royal guard an irritated glance, but let out a sigh. As the two walked towards me, it was obvious what they had just discussed by the way Sebastian wasn't even looking at me, but instead, at my bond. 

However, instead of talking to me, the King called upon my father. 

The King smiled at him, but his eyes remained stern. "I never did catch your name. You must be this young boy's father, correct?" He affirmed rather than asked. 

"My name is Reynolds Leywin and yes, that is the case. What might be the matter, Your Majesty?" my father replied, lowering himself slightly. 

"Sebastian, here, has been a royal guard for a while now and has helped our family an uncountable amount of times."

His voice stayed relaxed he spoke to my father, but the condescension in his tone was still apparent. "For the exemplary services he has provided me, and therefore the country, I do feel the need to reward him at times. You see; he has taken a fancy to your son's bond. I know it's not easy to sever a contract and I'm sure the boy has grown close to his little pet, but I would be more than willing to hire a mage to take care of the contract and compensate you and your family for the troubles."

"Y-Your Majesty," my father stuttered, caught by surprise by the severe request. Taking a glance at me, he turned back to the King. "I must apologize, Your Majesty. Neither I nor my wife had anything to do with my son's bond. He had acquired it himself, so I cannot speak on my son's behalf on matters of his bond. "

"Hmm," the King turned his attention to my direction, regarding me loftily, and I suddenly realized that I was returning his gaze. He realized, then, that for the entirety of their conversation, I had been staring icily at him and his guard.