Dragonkin 2: My Persistent Mate

Part 4 Loggerheads

Taking a huge breath to calm myself, I knock the door to Karalian's study. Entering his domain with a bit of trepidation, my eyes seek him out unerringly. His presence calls out to me, even though he is partially hidden by the mounds of papers littering his desk.

Hunched over his dark mahogany desk reading a document, his tousled platinum hair which is tied back with a leather tie appears to have fingers run through it repeatedly. Part of his fringe has come loose from its confines and frames his angular face. Dark brows furrow in contemplation as he picks up a sheet of paper and scrutinize it closely before referencing it to the document he was reading previously. Deep-set icy blue eyes spaced evenly apart beneath trim eyebrows rapidly scan the words on the papers. His well-shaped lips thinned in thought as his slender fingers reaches up to loosen his tie absently. Standing suddenly, he strides to the dark wood shelves occupying most of the room and lifts a folder, flipping its contents quickly to locate his material.

When it seems he has forgotten about my presence, I cough daintily. His concentration broken, his head snaps up and sharp eyes pierce into mine. Remembering my purpose in his study, he motions for me to sit while he walks to his seat behind his desk.

Treating me professionally as if nothing happened earlier this morning, Karalian briefs me on his expectations, "You were a diplomat stationed in other dragon courts, what are your impressions on them? Do we need to be on guard with any of them?" Pausing for a second, he continues, "As my advisor, I require you to analyse our court's business plans and financial statements, compare them to the other courts' then advise me if further investments, marketing, and potential funding opportunities are needed. You'll have to produce financial reports for me quarterly. And if necessary, keep an eye out for any political developments and advise me accordingly".

Taking a moment to frame my answers, I reply matter-of-factly, "The other courts are stable and focused on internal developments, there's no worry of any economic or social threats from them. What we'll need to do for the foreseeable future is to strengthen our ties with them and push for more trade agreements to increase our exports. It may be good to set up an exchange program with them to send our groomed talents over to gain exposure". Placing my proposal on his desk, "This folder contains information regarding my proposed plans. Please look through and let me know if there are areas which need to be fine-tuned".

Looking at him directly in the eye, "As far as my job is concerned, Charon has briefed me on my responsibilities and job scope. I'm familiar with advising my superiors on matters regarding politics and finance. Like you, I have been trained for my role in the court since young. If you have a specific assignment for me, please give the order and I'll do my best to comply".

"Good to hear that," he comments. Glancing at his watch, he hands me a sheath of papers and says, "We have run out of time. Here's my schedule for today, you can look through it on the way. Let's head to my next appointment," as he straightens his tie, pulls on his jacket and leads the way out of the door.

Walking with ground-eating strides, I hurry to match his pace while examining his schedule. My eyes nearly popped when I notice his packed schedule. As a trainee advisor, I also serve as Karalian's aide and it's my job to assist him administratively, organise his schedule, planning social events and managing his personal matters. His schedule is crazy! I must have a strict talk with his secretary. Does he think Karalian is a god? Where are the timings for his meals and rest?

Infuriated by the inhumane punishing schedule, I blurt out, "Your secretary is atrocious! I'll arrange for a short rest and meal time for you in between the meetings with the Brentfords Industry and Katalakis Corporation. I'll inform these companies about the time change shortly," while we are walking towards our car.

Halting his steps, Karalian turns his placid face to me, and calmly informs, "There's no need to do that, he did it under my orders despite his protests. We need to make full use of my time. I can easily grab a sandwich and eat it in the car while we're en-route to the next meeting". Resuming his walk, he explains, "I can also rest in the car while you brief me on the next meeting".

"But this is insane! You'll fall sick if you follow this kind of schedule!" I protest vehemently, glaring at him. Ignoring my outburst, Karalian coolly opens the door for me and closes it when I enter the car, before making his way to the other side and get into the car.

Before I can resume my rant, he puts up a hand and pulls out a folder to peruse.

Fine! If you are desperate to work yourself to the bone, who am I to stop you! I fume, angry at his brushing aside my concerns as if they are unfounded. Throwing up my hands, I wash myself off of him.

For the rest of the day, I followed him to innumerable appointments, supplementing him with the necessary information and documents where required. I swear the man is not made of flesh and blood. His inexhaustible energy doesn't seem to be flagging despite after endless rounds of interminable meetings. He may be able to subsist on air. During multiple business lunches and dinners, he didn't touch any of the food, so focussed was he on discussing the matters at hand. And he didn't complain about being hungry at all. It is until I checked my watch that I realized he hadn't taken a single bite of food since breakfast when we ate together before our sparring session. I'm really worried he'll suddenly collapse on the street.

Dashing into a convenience store, I grab a sandwich and an energy drink, hurriedly paid for it before darting back into the car. Dumping the contents onto his lap, I order him to eat. He eyes the contents dubiously and set them aside, then continued with reading his documents.

Upset, I angrily shove the food into his chest and insist, "Eat, before I bash your stubborn head with my purse," poising my purse to get ready to hit him with it. He's like a mad scientist, forgetting about food and rest once he gets going with his fixations. Come to think of it, he didn't rest during the car rides too. He is either perusing his pile of documents or discussing the issues with me. He didn't even have time to catch some much needed shut-eye.

Fixing me with a gimlet eye, he narrows his eyes.

But I'm unwilling to back down. It's my responsibility to ensure the well-being of my charge. It'll be a stain on my career if the Crown Prince gets sick on my watch simply because he's pig-headed to skip meals and rest for the sake of attending meetings. How he thinks he'll be able to function well without proper food and rest is beyond me. I glare at him, my lips crimp in disapproval and my teeth gritted. My face sets in a mulish expression.

Perceiving I'm not giving in, he sighs and throws in the towel. Reluctantly closing his folder, he picks up the sandwich, unwraps its packaging and sniffs it cautiously before taking a healthy chunk out of it.

Rolling my eyes at him, I scathingly comment, "Don't worry; poisoning you isn't in my job description. Ensuring you are well-fed and healthy is," thoroughly miffed that he is actually suspecting me of doing him harm.

Watching him wolf down the sandwich and washing it down with the drink, I am secretly pleased. His making short work of the food indicates he's hungry but he is too engrossed in his work to acknowledge he is neglecting his stomach. Just you wait, you stubborn mule, I'll make sure you get fed and rest at regular times so that you'll be disgustingly be in the pink of health and be able to work at optimal condition.

At the end of the car ride, Karalian graciously thanks me before retreating to his study.

Tired beyond measure, I murmur my goodnights and trudge my way wearily back to my room. As I am about to retire for the night, I see the light still brightly lit in Karalian's study.

Is he a living being? Does he ever sleep or rest? Glancing at the clock, it's already nearing 2 am and he's still mowing through the thick stacks of documents which must have piled high on his desk. Despite his hectic schedule, he seems to be coping well. Although in the long run, his health will suffer. In any case, it's too late for me to go barging into his room and order him to bed like a child.

Yawning widely, I made a mental note. I'll have to speak with his secretary and do a workaround of his schedule without his knowing it.

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