The Catalyst

Chapter 4: Suspicions

The next day passes by pretty slowly. Kyros has nothing to do, since it wouldn't be a good idea to try and find the letter again, especially since the Prince seems to be pretty busy, running here and there, in and out of his chambers, packing and getting ready to set off tomorrow. There's no way he could sneak in again without getting noticed, especially in broad daylight.

Solaris must really need a guide to the mountain if he is willing to give him a second chance, which makes Kyros realize that he might have some sort of leverage.

He restlessly wanders the halls, staring at the paintings that lined them. Many of them are portraits of past and present members of Cyra royalty, others are sceneries of the kingdom, and some are moments from famous tales and fables.

He stops at a particular one, telling a tale of a brave golden hero and a wicked winged monster. Each brush stroke has personality, and the powerful atmosphere is portrayed perfectly. The perspective is daunting, making it seem like the viewer is standing right behind the hero, looking up at the thing with red eyes. It's a beautiful painting.

But it doesn't make Kyros want to burn it any less.

He moves on and manages to find his way to one of the many kitchens in the palace. This one only has a single cook, preparing bread and pastries. The cook spots Kyros as he is trying to quietly step away, not wanting to bother the cook, but they call out to him, gesturing him to come in.

Kyros does so hesitantly, and awkwardly stands there as the cook reaches into a basket and hands him a small loaf of freshly baked rosemary bread. "Feel free to take anything you want from the kitchen."

"Oh... Are you sure?"

They nod, "I've noticed that you avoid the dining hall, I can't bear to see a guest go without eating. Not that you're going hungry of course, since I've seen you stealing food from the kitchens a few times already."

"Ah..." Kyros sheepishly looks away.

"You don't have to steal, just ask."

"...Ok. Thank you." Kyros nods in gratitude.

The cook smiles, picks up as many baskets as they can, and leaves to take them to the dining hall. Kyros stays behind and leans on the counter, staring at the bread for a minute before taking a bite. It's warm and fluffy, and the flavor of the rosemary and all the other ingredients blend together perfectly. He closes his eyes and savors it for a moment.

The blissful silence is interrupted by laughter floating down the hall, and a few seconds later, a sharp voice coming from the kitchen doorway.

"I know Hawks have a habit of stealing, but you do know that we have a dining hall for a reason right?" Ari crosses her arms.

"...Not that hungry."

"You're not forced to eat an entire meal. You can just go in and get bread."

"Didn't want to be around people."

"Why? Is there someone you don't want to be seen by? Someone who might recognize you?"

Kyros sighs and doesn't reply, annoyed by the interrogation.

"Aha! So I'm right, aren't I?!"

"Ari!!! Leave him alone!!" Solaris appears. "He's just eating bread for goodness sake."

"I can't help it! You can't tell me he's not suspicious, lurking around the palace these past few days, stealing from the kitchens, apparently making the Duke trip and fall on top of the avocados that were gifted to him!."

Kyros raises his eyebrow in confusion at the last statement. How convenient that he fell right on top of them, huh?

Solaris holds back a snort, amused at the thought of a scene like that.