Kings Game

Chapter 64 - A Small Cache

(1)

"You're distracted today," Prince Vassilian said, a soft smirk on his face.

"Sorry," Roran said, "A friend of mine was injured a couple days ago. I'm worried about her." Roran flushed, feeling embarrassed at having been caught spacing out.

"The Living Storm you mean?"

Roran nodded. "How did you know?"

"People have been talking about it. Nobody expected her to fight in such a small bout, let alone get absolutely humiliated by two fresh titles. I don't think people are going to hold it against her though, not after finding out that she lost her hand."

Roran winced. "Yeah, that's been tough on her. She never fully recovered from it."

"She did lose a hand," Vassilian said, his expression wry.

"I meant emotionally. Before we went to Uhlara, nothing could stop her. No matter how badly she was injured, she always kept smiling and pushing through, ready to face the next challenge head on. Ever since we rescued her from Usov's Keep, she's been melancholy and...well, fragile."

The Prince shrugged. "I don't know what to say. I hope your friend recovers."

"Me too," Roran said softly. He was painfully worried about Kell, but he had a job to do. This was one of the few times his presence at the Prince's side was mandatory.

"How do I look?" asked the Prince.

Vassilian wore his usual bands of gold along with a thin silver band around his head. Lengths of loose white fabric had been wrapped around his waist, ending above his knees, and he wore a sheer shawl across his shoulders and wrapped down his arms. He glistened slightly, covered in a thin layer of oil that highlighted the lean edges of his muscles. Light makeup outlined his eyes and brightened the color on his cheeks. He grinned, his lips full and pouty.

"You look great," Roran said. "Like a prince."

"I would certainly hope so. Here, I had them make something for you."

He handed Roran a bundle of elegant fabric. Despite how delicate the material was, it felt heavy in Roran's hands.

"Oh, you didn't need to."

The Prince laughed, his voice musical. "Think of it less as a gift and more as a uniform."

Roran unfurled the fabric and found a loose robe similar to Pelkha's. While Roran's had less gemstones than Pelkha's, his was covered in fine scrollwork of silver and gold, closely matching the Prince's outfit.

"Am I allowed to wear this?" Roran asked.

"You're part of King Tasos's Court and my personal bodyguard, you're almost expected to wear it. If you get any more entwined with us, you'll end up like poor Pelkha and be compelled to wear it all the time."

Roran let out a huff. The gaudy robes had never matched Pelkha's personality. Knowing she didn't have a choice in the matter made him feel sorry for her, if only a little.

Wrapping the robe around himself, Roran adjusted his gear underneath and straightened up.

"How's that?"

The Prince's eyes twinkled. "Now you look like you belong at my side."

"Shall we then?"

The Prince nodded and, to Roran's surprise, took him by the arm. "Lead the way, Sir Champion."

Feeling self conscious, Roran adjusted his robes and led the way out of the Prince's chambers, heading for the elevator. As they descended towards the city, Roran felt Sarah's presence return. She coalesced into existence beside him and gently grabbed his other arm, leaning against him. Sandwiched between his partner and the Prince, Roran began to feel flushed and overheated.