Something Immortal

43: Avarice Part Three

Kali sat next to Som's bed watching the other sleep until the two moons in the sky had taken their turns. Even when the physician came in and several nursemaids assisted in sucking the toxic out of Som's body, Kali remained in his position never leaving Som's face. In fact, this was the same scene that Saanvi saw when she entered the room to examine her friend's condition. She let out a loud exhalation but the prince remained unbothered.

"Your Imperial Highness," she spoke, "I know our food is not to your liking, but I implore you to eat or it will upset Som even greater if he found out that you're neglecting your health."

At the mention of the name, Kali's countenance faltered a bit and he gave her a sideways glance. "I'm not hungry."

"I know you're worried about him but you did the right thing in asking for assistance rather than letting the venom stay in his bloodstream for far too long. Besides, Som isn't a weak creature; he'll live."

"Are you trying to placate me or simply patronizing me? I know you and your kind do not trust me or my kind. We will leave this place as soon as he opened his eyes and his body is strong enough to travel."

Saanvi moved closer after a deep sigh. "You failed, didn't you? It's alright. It's fine to admit that sometimes we make mistakes because we're too confident in our strengths. I was the same too, you know."

Kali's vision hardened. "I'm nothing like you."

"Of course. Because you're the Dragon Prince and we're nothing but mere wild birds trying to refine our culture to fit this world that prejudiced us. But many centuries ago, your kind was like us too. You're nothing but beasts flying in the sky wreaking havoc and destroying properties simply because you can. It's difficult, isn't it? When you're simply too powerful to admit that your blunders can result in someone else getting hurt."

The veins in Kali's neck were throbbing in his neck to his forehead and his hands automatically balled into fists. "It won't happen again," his voice was no more than a whisper as he said this.

"Som will not hold you accountable, you do not need to be so guilty."

"And how can you say that?"

"Because that's the kind of person he is," she quickly countered. "We may not always understand his ways and I admit that sometimes, he could guess correctly what's going to happen next. It's amusing that when we first met, instead of judging me or the strigoi brothers, he chose to understand us. He accepted what we offered and instead of constantly impugning, he'd rather seek a solution."

"You speak highly of him."

"I do. I may not always show it but I respect him. I lost my faith in this world but the way he enjoys navigating in this world makes me want to appreciate it more. He's like a child exploring the wonders for the first time, yet sometimes, I think he knows more than he is letting us on. I often wondered if he was a god."

"Do you believe in reincarnation?" Kali asked after a moment of pause.

Saanvi looked at him, puzzlingly. "I believe everything is possible in this world."

The corner of Kali's lips curved briefly. "I believed it too. I believe Som was a god with the power to redo everything in exchange for his life."

"Forgive me, but I don't seem to comprehend what you're trying to imply."

"Never mind that," Kali relaxed a bit after the statement. "I'm still trying to figure him out anyway. Whether he is a god or not, my loyalty will not waver."

Saanvi smirked. "Then, it's the same for me and those strigoi brothers too."

"Thank you," Kali said finally looking at her. "I'm glad you are his friend."