Book Two: The Larkspur's Longing ~ A tale of deep obsession and devotion

Chapter Eighteen: Breakfast

"Your Highness, good morning," Arden greeted with a bow, his arm crossing his chest in the manner of the palace staff rather than a guard. Callidus wasn't certain when Arden had transitioned between the two, but it pleased him.

"Rise." Callidus commanded, as he continued down the hallway.

Arden quickly stepped into line as he gave his usual report to the future King.

"...and the Marquess of Trist has filed a formal concern about his seating arrangements at your Coronation Banquet. He is hesitant to sit at the same table as the Marquess of Grea due to a previous conflict involving a land dispute."

"Send all seating complaints to Marchioness Arwine," Callidus instructed, "In fact, bring all minor matters about the banquet to either the Marchioness or Countess Fenella. I should not be bothered with petty concerns about where these old lords are ordered to place their asses."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Lady Hale was lingering by the study, her normally stern expression amplified by the deep worried crease of her brow. As Callidus and Arden approached, her eyes widened, and she dipped into a respectful bow.

"...good morning Your Highness," she said stiffly. "Sir Arden."

"Rise, Lady Hale," he greeted, his eyes already narrowed in suspicion. "Could I be of assistance to you? This is far from the Banquet Hall."

Lady Hale straightened, her gaze meeting his with a polite professionalism that almost masked the underlying tension, "Prince Jasper sent me to see if you would like to join him for breakfast this morning."

Callidus quirked a brow, "Is he occupied? He normally comes and finds me himself."

A fleeting expression of discomfort crossed Lady Hale's face, before she smiled tightly, "He was worried you might be getting sick of him asking, so he sent me in his stead."

Callidus's suspicion only deepened at her response. It was unlike Jasper to be concerned about etiquette, especially when it came to their interactions. There was something more beneath the surface, and Lady Hale's discomfort didn't go unnoticed.

"Jasper is aware by now that I don't enjoy breakfast."

"Yes, Your Highness, but Jazz is nothing if not persistent."

Callidus tilted his head, studying Lady Hale intently. "Suppose I didn't come to my study at this hour. Would you have missed breakfast, Lady Hale?"

Lady Hale maintained her tight smile, "I'm accustomed to being stuck with his errands, Your Highness."

"Are you also accustomed to cleaning up after his messes?" Callidus asked casually, his attention shifting to his study.

Lady Hale made an admirable attempt at hiding her tension, but he felt her breath quicken.

She knew.

She knew Foster was missing and was searching for him.

Lady Hale cleared her throat, her gaze darting briefly toward the study door, "Are you headed straight to work then, Your Highness? Shall I convey your rejection to Prince Jasper?"

"You shall answer my question," Callidus said, his voice a subtle warning.

Lady Hale's composure wavered for a split second, her eyes widening before she quickly regained her professionalism. "Prince Jasper is a grown man. He cleans up after himself."

"As do I," Callidus replied calmly, "And you'll find that I am remarkably thorough. For example, there's not a speck of dust allowed in my study."

Lady Hale's gaze flickered, her attempt to maintain her composed demeanor becoming more challenging. Arden stood at Callidus's side, his mouth curved into a confused frown at the mounting tension.