The Stranger Beneath the Crumbling Crown

Chapter 13: Capital Adventures

I scurried towards the usual meeting spot for myself and Felix. Today would be the first day I would properly take him into the capital. That disgusting maid had finally taken the week off, and for us that meant Felix would be given disgusting food but would be left alone.

Felix had gotten quite good at lock-picking to be able to find his own ingredients so there was no need for me to get lost in the forest and I couldn't risk being seen with him either... so it was better that we didn't meet there. I had to hope Felix was better at directions than I was. Ah... but that was besides the point. Besides having to meet with Felix and continue to garner any sort of pity and support I could... I also had to meet with my pair of legs.

Our letters had been our main way of communication with a couple meetings outside after the Crows had lessened their watch on me. I rolled my shoulders continuing towards the gates. Getting days off was hard enough... but getting a day off on short notice was even more difficult. Regulus was a tight-knit kinda guy when it came to me going out... he had a sorta possessive nature to him. Kinda like all of my clients.

"Al!" I felt a body crash against mine, hearing the stumbling of feet as I turned around.

"Liddell," I mumbled smiling back at him, I grabbed his waist before he could properly fall down, pulling him up so he could balance himself.

"You're... quite the clumsy type," I smiled endearingly, letting go of the boy. I took a step back.

"So? Is there something you called me for Liddell?" I asked tilting my head.

"Or perhaps you just wanted to see my beautiful face," I joked letting out a laugh. He blushed in response, as I continued to laugh.

"No... I... just wanted to apologise for Kallistos's behaviour," he mumbled. I tilted my head.

"Why are you apologising? It's no big deal... Kallistos is always like that," I rethought to our previous encounter. I had already stopped by Liddell's room awhile back... but after that we hadn't seen each other again till recently. I had met up with Kallistos as per usual and Liddell was there, he looked worried, tired, and somewhat anxious with Kallistos. It confused me, but once he laid eyes on me a smile returned to his face. It was a little odd... to be honest their relationship with one another seemed to becoming quite... worrisome. They both were suffering quite a lot so I tried my best to help them mend it... but even though I had, tried it ended up with Kallistos storming out after taking the letter I was sent to give him and Liddell trying to reassure me Kallistos was trying his best.

"To be honest... I should be the one apologising. I tried to butt into your relationship," I lowered my head as I spoke. The boy waved his hands.

"No, no it's fine. Don't worry about it," he stuttered over his words, his blush deepening as the red began to cover all over his face.

"No... Liddell... if there's anything I can do to repay you—," he quickly stopped me, waving his hands even more as he stared down at the ground trying to hide his blush. "—Really it's fine!" He shouted. I jumped a little bit, not expecting a shout from Liddell. He was usually so quiet after all.

"I... I see," I mumbled stuttering slightly. I smiled back at him, as he lifted his head. His eyes widened.

"I! I! I'm really sorry... I didn't mean to raise my voice," he piped up in a squeaky voice.

"It's no worries, I was just surprised," I replied. I lowered my head once again.

"If... there's isn't anything else you need from me... I must be on my way," I begun stepping forward before I peeked behind my shoulder.

"Oh... and I'll stop by for some tea soon, alright? Does two weeks from now work?" I asked, his face instantly brightened.

"Of course. I'll be waiting, Alistair."