Between the Veil and Crown

Kylin 48

Kylin was allowed one night of rest before he was sought out by Rei.

"I would have allowed you another day after what happened," Rei told him, "but my presence was request by the Crown Prince himself, and it is not an opportunity I will pass up. I want you to accompany me for use your ears and knowledge. Vivienne will have her hands tied up here."

Kylin told him he would be ready shortly and Rei left. Kylin gathered his things, said a quick goodbye to Amelia with a promise he'd be back when he had the chance, and went to meet Rei and whoever else Rei recruited at the stables.

To his surprise, it was just Rei. Rei had Vicious, as well as his own horse, ready to go. He handed Kylin Vicious's reins and began to mount.

"Aren't there any others?" Kylin asked.

"I think we can manage, just the two of us," Rei said nonchalantly.

Kylin mounted, having a sinking feeling that Rei's selecting him had little to do with his hearing and knowledge.

Rei did not tell Kylin of his real intentions right away. The first part of their journey was silent, save the necessary communication.

So long he waited that Kylin began to forget his suspicions, allowing himself to start believing that Rei had nothing to say to him.

When Rei spoke to him, he startled, causing Vicious to happily sidestep off the path.

"I take it that your interest in joining Shaelren to visit the seal had little to do with sweeping the area and more to do with personal matters," Rei said.

Kylin was too busy fighting with Vicious to get her back on the path to answer right away. Not that he was particularly eager to answer, anyways. When Vicious was back on the path and reluctantly listening to his commands again, he found no other excuse to not say anything. "You would be right."

"And what did you find?"

"Nothing." He said it too quickly. He winced, knowing that Rei would see right through that answer. Giving a low sigh, he corrected, "I did not find it beneficial."

"So what did you find?" Rei pressed.

"Well . . . Apatiana."

"Ahh. Nosy as always?"

Kylin was silent. Just speaking her name out loud reminded him of all that she had said about him, without knowing it was him. Even after reminding himself that Rei had taken him in after the incident, Apatiana's biting words came back to him- I would have. He wanted to tell Rei about this, if only because it bothered him, but at the same time, it was insignificant and useless.

Rei glanced back at him, eyebrow raised.

It was encouragement enough. "She remembered . . . that day," Kylin began hesitantly. "She didn't know me, but. . . wanted it to be known that I shouldn't have been allowed into the Rangers."

"That fits."

Kylin looked at him in surprise.

Before he could form any opinion of Rei's answer, the captain added, "She did not want me to be second in command. I was 'too sharp' with her, so she didn't like me. Claimed the Rangers would rue the day I became captain. For as long as I can remember, she's always had issues with who's been nominated for positions of authority. Her opinion is asked out of formality at this point, but it's hardly taken seriously."