Unsevered Ties

38. Playing Chase

Chapter 38: Playing Chase

It was one thing to have the full attention of two pairs of eyes, it was another to have the intensity from a whole room. He stood there with a courteous look plastered on his face but Naki felt quite ready for all the stares of amazement to end. It was hard to remember that to him, it had been a year and the changes were slow but steady, giving him the time get used to them. To the people who had seen him mere months ago, this new form of his was like magic.

Naki didn't know the acceptable time frame to stand still while people gawked at you but it seemed like he had modeled for them long enough. He gave the customary dip of his head now that he held equal status there was no reason for him to do the dramatic bows. "King Alfonz, Queen Emery, Prince Valas, Royal Mate Sylas, a pleasure to make your acquaintances again." Well Sylas could be thrown into a metal box and dropped into the bottom of the ocean... but no one had to know how he actually felt.

Sylas silently stood and bowed at the waist as he had too but his expression and silence spoke volumes. It only made Naki amused though since it seemed he was still stuck in his "employment". Valas gave him a head nod of acknowledgment and Naki was sure the man greeted any social figure the same. Queen Emery dipped her head and smiled at him and then there was King Alfonz...

The man approached with all his mass and energy that demanded attention and came to place his large hands on his shoulders, speaking everyone's mind. "My Gods boy! Look at you, you were all of five feet when we first met you, now you look like you've grown up indeed. You are a walking life lesson," the King said with great humor. "If someone has patience, what they want might get better with time."

Naki chuckled, it was a jab at his mates and it was a jab at them for starting all of this while he was still so young. "I think the Gods are more impatient than us Your Highness."

Alfonz bellowed out his laughter and Naki found that he instantly liked the man, he seemed unabashed about being his full persona and that was a great person indeed.

"Call me Alfonz youngster, we are all, mostly, equal here. We hear that Highness and Majesty crap all day, this Council lets us be free from all of that!"

Naki smiled, giving an affirmative nod. "That's going to take some getting use to, I'm so use to addressing anyone your age as sir or Mr. or something of that nature. Though I have to say I did grow a little, I don't think I can ever get your height!"

Alfonz grinned, "boy my dad was a beast of a man and my mother was quite tall herself, it was destined for me to be big. It's not all that great, I'm always hungry, I can never fit in a good chair and don't get me started on doorways. Plus, when I hunt, I'm only good for the big dramatic finish! It takes some stamina to run with all this mass!"

"If I may your Highness I don't think it'd take much but one collision course with you and any animal would be down for the count."

Naki and Alfonz turned to the source of the words, catching Tahalla's deep bow. "A pleasure to be in the presence of such a revered King. The stories of your battle prowess were my bedtime stories."

Naki couldn't help but snort at Tahalla. A week with just her and everything she proclaimed still amazed him. "King... uh Alfonz, this is Tahalla, an ambassador from the Cloud Pack who would like to help us with winter preparations this Council. She brings amazing plants from their lands. She will be staying for awhile as the Mountain's guest."

Alfonz nodded in awe, "A Cloud ambassador! I see you wear the sash and blade of one of the famed bridge warriors too! The honor is all mine!" He nicked his nose with his thumb, "a Cloud warrior who enjoys the tales of my old conquest, I must say I feel a bit like a peacock, I'd love to hear your opinion on a few tactical matters. I will never get this chance again!" He extended his hand.