Crossing Paths

5

A week having passed, Chaol has recovered mostly and is able to walk. The first thing on his agenda was to apologize to Dorian.

"Dorian, I have to talk to you." He knocked on the door for the second time. Dorian finally strode over to the door and opened it.

It's not that Dorian didn't want his brother back, but it was because Maven is with him. The Prince of Adarlan knew of his brother's resentment toward his friend.

"Chaol." Dorian greeted with his hands behind his back.

"Dorian, I have come to-" He froze mid-sentence and without looking behind him, Dorian could already tell Chaol met Maven's eyes.

Not wanting to cause unnecessary trouble, Dorian spoke."Maven, perhaps you could go wait for me in the Royal Library? There is still a book I'd think you'd be fond of."

Maven walked past them without a glance and Dorian, without thinking, surged forward,"Sweetheart, are you alright?" He asked, concerned.

"Fine, love." Was Maven's short reply before heading toward the library.

Dorian stared after him even after he'd turned the corner and was no longer visible.

Chaol cleared his throat."Dorian?"

The Prince looked down and smiled, remembering he wasn't alone. He turned with great grace and faced his friend.

"Yes?"

"Dorian, do not act like that."

They've known each other longer than a decade. They are friends. So it was never a surprise when Chaol spoke to him like that. He often forgot who he was speaking to, and yet Dorian never cared because Chaol was Chaol.

"Why have you come, Chaol?"

"I am Captain of the Guard, I have every right to be here. But on more specific terms, I've come to apologize."

"You come to apologize, but yet you still have the nerve to not want Maven here?" Dorian asked close to irritated.

"He has no reason to be in your rooms."

"I am the prince, I shall have whoever I like in here."

Chaol closed his eyes."Dorian, I still think it inappropriate of his being-"

"Inappropriate? Chaol, I assure you I will be fine. I train with you, don't I? Am I not as prepared as I'll ever be? I can handle myself if the time comes."

"Maven will not lay his hands on me when I do not want it." Dorian continued, averting his gaze slightly as Chaol clearly knew the double meaning to that statement.

"Dorian, have you-" Chaol couldn't finish.

"You are my friend, and if you must know, we have not. We aren't that stupid. I am well aware we do not have that kind of privacy." Dorian informed when he met Chaol's gaze again.

"If you wish, I can have my men leave this corridor a little more open once in a while. Know, I will always be near though. I cannot have you without any protection."