To Be An Heir

Departure [4]

Andromeda smiles at his reflection in the mirror. Margret is finishing up with his outfit, a practical yet refined affair. His clothes accentuate his broad shoulders and flat chest.

Andromeda's eyes slip away from himself to look at Rupert in the mirror's reflection.

How am I going to deal with him..?

Taking a step back, Margret gives Andromeda a quick once over. She fusses over a few buttons and such before finally deciding he's ready.

"Now that you're dressed, you're to meet with His Grace, My Lord."

"Yes, of course."

Andromeda leads the way out of his chambers. Margret and Rupert fall in step behind him. Ruperts boots produce a loud clanging sound as they walk.

Their walk to Duke Ashfey's study is short.

On arrival, Margret approaches the door as usual. She knocks. Her voice carries through the thick oak.

"I have brought Lord Andromeda, Your Grace."

There's a brief pause. The sound of shuffling papers.

"You're dismissed. Enter, Andromeda."

Andromeda pushes open the heavy oaken doors without issue.

Andromeda steps forward, followed closely by Rupert. Duke Ashfey glances up from his desk to look at Rupert. An amused smirk plays upon the duke's lips.

"I see your new guard found his way to you."

The mention of Rupert catches Andromeda off guard. He glances over his shoulder at the knight.

"Yes, he did. I suppose that means today is the day?"

Duke Ashfey affirms Andromeda's words with a curt nod. The rugged man puts away a few papers in a drawer, using a little bronze key to lock the drawer shut. Andromeda watches this with an impassive expression. Duke Ashfey finally turns his full attention to his guests.

"You there, close the door for us."

Rupert takes a second to realize he's being addressed. Once he does, he quickly turns to grab the door. The heavy doors close with a distinct clicking sound.

"Take a seat, son."

Andromeda obliges. He sits down with his legs spread wide; No man should be crossing his legs, after all. That would be questionable.

Duke Ashfey clears his throat.

"Today is the day you finally attend the academy. How do you feel?"

Truthfully Andromeda feels terribly anxious about the whole affair, but that isn't what his father wants to hear. Andromeda buries his underlying thoughts. He concocts an appropriate response.

Andromeda speaks with palpable enthusiasm, clenching his fist in the air.

"I'm eager to show them what the next Duke Ashfey is capable of!"

"That's my boy!" Duke Ashfey exclaims.

Andromeda grins self assuredly as his father nearly stands up from his chair in enthusiasm. He relaxes back into his seat as their enthusiasm simmers down.

Duke Ashfey reaches up to stroke his beard. The big man takes on a thoughtful expression. His next words are spoken carefully.

"So, Andromeda... Which classes will you attend?"

This question is easy. Andromeda replies without missing a beat.

"Of course I'll be doing swordsmanship... maybe I'll see if they have a course on drinking!"