Ouroboros: A The Ascendance Series Fanfiction

Part Three

Carrill's POV

Breakfast was lavish, with sausage and gravy, soft rolls, and an assortment of fruit. It was only the first course, and I had already piled my plate full of bread and berries. I plucked a large grape from its stem, tossed it into the air, and closed my mouth on it. A perfect throw. The juicy tang burst in my mouth, and I closed my eyes in delight- The last time I had had grapes was when we had sacked that noble's carriage a few months back.

I noticed two new faces at the table- A dark-haired woman sitting to Jaron's right, and a young boy to his left. As I watched, Jaron joked with the boy about- Overcooked meat? The woman reprimanded them both, and I realized who this must be.

Only Queen Imogen could talk to Jaron and not get insulted by him- or joked at, at the very least.

The grand doors opened, and I turned around. Only one of my wolves were not at the table this morning.

Kadin sat down stiffly in the fine cushioned chair. I started filling his plate- plenty of sausage and gravy for him. Jaron leaned against the table, his plate empty except for the sausage that had been served to him.

"And who might this be?" Kadin was already stuffing his face, so I answered for him.

"Just my genius little brother. Don't ask him questions when he's like this, it's just a recipe for food getting spewed across the table." Kadin nodded, with a grin. He looked like a chipmunk, if chipmunks would ever eat sausage.

The boy at Jaron's left tried to steal Jaron's plate, and the king playfully whacked his hand.

"This is Fink, my little brother. He needs to learn a few table manners." I laughed.

"Him and Kadin both. At least your brother doesn't bring rats in-"

"He used to!" Fink crossed his arms and pouted. I raised my eyebrows with a hint of a smile. I couldn't wait to get the story behind how Jaron and Fink met; it seemed like another one of his impossible tales.

But after all, didn't I have a few of my own?

The second course came out. I groaned, leaning back in the chair.

"No way can I fit anything else in my stomach." Roden frowned, and I secretly wished to throw my knife at his face. However, it probably wouldn't be acceptable at the breakfast table.

"A host does not want to think that he is forcing half his meal down your throat." Jaron went rigid, turning to face his captain.

"Who did you just quote?" I got the impression that he already knew. I took the opportunity to push back my chair and stand up. They were facing off, so I silently strode towards the nearest open window.

I am not the best climber, but these castles were just asking for it. I quickly made my way to the ground.

The gardens were beautiful. I sniffed a trailing honeysuckle plant, reveling in the sweet scent. It took me back, when I had not nearly as many problems...

I couldn't afford to dwell in the past. Too many memories, all of them bad.

At least I had the future to occupy me.