Cinderfall

Sable

He was having a hard time pacing himself as he went through the palace corridors, a soft silent padding just behind him. He couldn't run. He wanted to run. He had nearly forgotten about the training session today, busy as he had been. Always too busy. His inner voice mocked as he tried to balance his gate. It had to be fast enough for him to get from the eastern tower to the gardens on the far end of the west wing, but yet slow enough so that none of the passing servants or courtiers would feel alarmed. If they thought it was something important they would either sound alarms themselves, or find someone to spy on him. As he wanted neither he could not run.

Even as his inner conscience was digging into him, Sable could not help but feel annoyed. He wasn't making an excuse about being busy, he was busy. Even now he was just leaving the grand seneschal after coordinating how to accommodate yet another aspect of the east wing for the coming queen and her entourage. She would be here in two days after some initial delay in leaving. Her brother had wanted to stay in the country without her, not seeing why he had to go on a simple dignitary mission.

The complete moron seemed to forget that he had any ties to Emberbright at all. It is not a simple dignitary mission when the countries are united by marriage. Did he not see that Emberbright had been the country's shield the last few years, keeping it safe even now by allowing all of their noblemen a safe haven for the winter? Did he understand at all that his country had become effectively a vassal state of Emberbright's, and wouldn't have even a remaining shred of independence if not for his mother?

Sable shook his head. It wasn't important, not now. He was nearing the meeting location and now could feel slightly at ease. Another minute or so and he'd be at the entrance of the gardens.

He saw Ashford before the Ashford saw him. He was leaning on the brick of the entrance gate, a cloth wrapped bundle at his side. Ashford was looking up, watching a small black bird sitting on the entrance wall with some interest. He looked peaceful like this, comfortable despite the dusty clothes and the shadowed tired eyes. 

Well of course he's tired. His conscience mocked him. It's half a day's ride from his duchy to here. Sable brushed the thought aside. As much as Sable disliked it, He knew it was better for the man to be tired now, rather than be forced to the border later.

A couple more steps and Ashford's head perked up. The young duke immediately straightened his posture.

 He looked at Sable momentarily, but his eyes very quickly fixed on the cat following Sable. It was a little odd. Since meeting the little cat Inyx, Sable hadn't had the heart to chase her away. She hadn't caused more than a few strange looks from the staff and was extremely well-behaved. It just seemed that the little feline wished to be by Sable.

The fact that Ashford glared at the little thing confused Sable immensely. Was he allergic to cats? Sable could not remember if he was. Certainly Ashford had loved animals as a child, but maybe not so much now?

Before he could ask, it looked as if Ashford had remembered the prince was there and came to attention immediately. The odd expression on his face had faded back into a polite façade.

" My apologies, your Highness." Ashford bent his head politely, giving no explanation for his previous expression.

"Your apologies for what?" Sable replied, taking a few steps closer to meet him. "I believe I am the one who is late, not you. And I am the one who forced you away from your duties."

Ashford kept his head bent, "It is the greatest honor to be of service to the crown prince."

It was good that Ashford's head was bent because Sable could already feel his own persona crumbling with irritation. Was he somehow meeker than before? No, just more aware of Sable's status. Even acknowledging that, he was too subservient. Ashford was a duke. He had land and had thousands of people under his domain. People that were loyal to him, no matter if the king may call him replaceable. The king called everyone replaceable, that did not mean in the slightest that the king would ever want to do that.