The Seventh Moon

A Favor

I'm flying to you even though I don't know where it'll end… ~ Run To You, Kwon Jin Ah

xxxxxx

Alathil was surprised to see both Lord Benlor and Lady Enlari in the throne room where his father had summoned him and Elross. The brothers then couldn't help but look at each other because of that.

'I wonder what's going on...' Alathil thought as he continued approaching the spot where his father the King was.

He soon bowed as soon as he stopped in front of the king and also to the two mages.

"You called for me, Father?" he asked softly with a small smile. He was not sure why he was nervous all of a sudden when he saw the looks the lord and lady mages were giving each other. But he would have liked to know what was going on between them, even if it wasn't something important.

"Yes, I did, my son. And it's a good thing that you're also here, my little bird."

"Father!" Elross whined. "You know I'm a grown man already for you to still call me like that."

Alathil couldn't help smiling at that, though.

"Well, I just love calling you that way when we're not in front of others. And besides, the Master Mage and Lady Enlari already knew I'd call you like that most of the time." The king said while pointing towards the two mages.

Elross only rolled his eyes at this, but there was a slight blush on his cheeks. It was obvious that he felt embarrassed.

And Alathil could only think how cute this sight was.

That didn't go unnoticed to the two mages, however, so they chuckled lightly at the sight. Even though their faces showed that they weren't feeling much emotion about it, it was obvious that they enjoyed seeing the king's youngest son blushing. It was quite adorable.

With a sigh, Alathil faced his father once again. "Is there a reason for me to be here, Father?"

The king's expression turned serious and nodded. "Yeah, there is. In fact, it involves a new friend of yours."

"Who am I supposed to know by this term?" But at the same time, the woman that he and Elross were just talking about in the library before they were summoned came to mind.

His eyes widened before he could stop himself. 'Is he telling me — ?'

"Yes, the young woman named Risa." The king told him before turning back to face the three. "From what Lady Enlari has mentioned, you saved her from those arrogant knights who tried to harass her. Is that right?"

"Yes, I did. It's not something I'd turn a blind eye on, after all." There was nothing wrong if he told the truth this time to his father. Not to mention, the mages already beat him to it.

But what was the reason for them to bring that topic up, by the way? Was it just to talk to his father? Or more importantly, were they trying to get an explanation or something else from Alathil?

"I see," was all the king said to this. His gaze fell onto one of the two mages now. "Lady Enlari, please explain to Alathil your real business here today."

'Real business?' The thought made Alathil frown and face the said lady mage. "Is there something wrong, my lady?" he asked with an anxious tone.

She merely gave him a small smiled before saying, "Nothing to worry, young prince. I assure you. But let's say that... we need your assistance."

Alathil frowned but paid attention to the lady mage as it seemed that the matter was serious. She was still looking at him and there was also something in the air around her that was making him uneasy.