The Gilded Hour

Kitay's Lie

Words. Kitay was smart, ever hour he would write and translate different texts to different languages, he would solve equations that seemed impossible, and play beautiful notes on a flute to get the attention of wealthy men walking past the crowded streets of the city.

But words, words were simple. When Kitay saw words he felt as if the world lay in his hands, like puppets the world seemed to dance for him, and he was in control.

The way they felt on his tongue, like every syllable had its own rhythm, its own story. But even sometimes, it seemed words would betray him too.

Like when he'd be in an argument and the words would get stuck in his throat, or he'd misspell a word or forget it, the way his ink smeared on his quill ruining the sheet.

Sometimes, when he lie in his cot unable to sleep he would mumble words under his breath, wondering where stage in 'stagecoach' came from, he found himself unable to sleep until he figured it out. Coach, to lead and stage due to it travels in segments or 'stages'.

He was lost to the grasps of thought when a knock sounded at the door, without waiting for an answer the horrid beast who had disturbed him from concentration walked into the room, A plumped man with red hair lined with grey streaks, his face was sunken in and wrinkled with age, he smiled revealing crooked teeth. "Mr. Wilson," Kitay started giving the old man a slight nod. "Mr. Chang you are requested downstairs." Mr. Wilsons vibrant blue eyes sparkled as he continued down the hall, closing the door behind him.

Kitay's heart sank.

He felt a pounding in his chest, like a jackrabbit let loose to run, he was suddenly reminded of the dark costaphobic space, the feeling of startled bodies besides him. He shook away the thought, he couldn't dwell on the past. He fixed his face, narrowing his gaze raising his shields. He felt like a sinking ship, still he turned his oars. He had to move on.
Kitay made himself presentable, grabbing for a few sheets of papers that lay half finished on his desk he headed out into the hall and down the wooden stairs.
I'll be fine. I'll be fine. He repeated to himself as he made his way down the spiraling staircase. When he reached the bottom he was met by a broad shouldered man, whom's face was withering with age, he looked to be in his fourties'. His auburn hair had faint grey streaks, and his eyes.. saints his eyes. Kitay shuddered, his were a dark hazel, which seemed to have blue specs.. they were intimidating yet so intriguing.

Kitay shuddered. Those eyes were the eyes of a killer, someone who would ruin his life without a second thought, Kitay was just a bug to him, he'd be thrown away within seconds.
But Kitay had something he didn't have, words.
That was the only reason why Kitay was still alive.

Kitay smiled, it seemed unflattering on his face, like an object that wasn't supposed to be there.
Kitay had hanged around Juno long enough to learn how to fake smile, Juno had an excellent poker face as well, which Kitay also somewhat caught on to. The man fell for it.
"Ah Kitay! Have you brought us any news?" He smiled, although it seemed practiced and forced.
"Well I think I have an idea on where one of their safe houses are." The man raised a ginger brow, "And?"

"Er.. well it's down main street it has two exits and is located near the harbor, and-" he wast cut off. That was only one of Kitays little white lies. "Kitay don't you realize that you give the same excuses each time? It's like you almost don't want them to be caught..?" Kitay flinched slightly, trying to hide his unease. "No sir! I just need more time!" He attempted to find the right words, they seemed childish in his throat.
"You gave that excuse last time, eh?" Kitay stayed quiet, not daring to say any other word. Silently, he knew that if he made another wrong move he would be hung, or worse.. he decided the floor seemed very interesting.
"You are dismissed Kitay." Kitay nodded hurriedly, he raced back up the stairs and shoved the now crumpled papers in a drawer, grabbing his small satch, which he threw around his neck he raced out the door, alerting one of the servants that he would be in the city visiting family.