Green embers

chapters 11 - 13

Chapter 11

I can't believe what guts that kid had coming up to the king like that. It was bizarre and downright brave of him. I don't mean to exaggerate but no one can address the king so easily. Most of his majesty’s responses are either the silent treatment or complete and utter disregard and indifference. Those who tried to push it, well, let's just say they weren't so fortunate. I asked his majesty when we walked on why did he agree. It can't possibly be because of Reif's politeness, that I am sure of. His majesty's response was unusual and very out of place.

"I agreed because I wanted to." he answered me.

I still didn't understand so I waited for him to continue. He wasn't going to until he saw the confusion written all over my face

"The boy reminds me of someone I knew a long time ago." he said evenly."Someone I could never refuse. The sincerity in those eyes was overwhelming even to me. Does that surprise you, Conrad?"

I shook my head.

"I understand your majesty."

And I truly did understand. I know who he’s talking about and now that I think of it, I believe he's right. Reif reminded his majesty and I of the one person, his majesty idolized dearly, someone who walked among us not too long ago...

After I’ve ended my errands with the king, night fell. I went up to the hill and found that Erwind and Cielo were already there. I asked them to come with me the next day to escort the prince and Reif throughout the day. They both agreed but they were utterly shocked when I told them how Reif got the king to agree to his request.

"I didn't think those kids would get along. Better than I expected indeed," Erwind noted before he sighed. ''I guess I'm out of the bet, though.''

"Hey, does that mean I've lost too?" Cielo said in shock.

"Yes!" Erwind and I said together.

''That's it!'' I said. ''You both owe me. They've been friends for how long now? More than three weeks, right? I'm the winner so pay up.''

Cielo snorted whereas Erwind took out his money in defeat. I waited for Cielo to pay up too but he just looked away at the view below.

"You always do this, you know." Erwind said irritably. "Every time you lose a bet you refuse to pay up."

"That’s because he's always broke," I muttered audibly.

"Hey!" Cielo nudged me at my rib. I pushed him back with my shoulder.

"Speaking of bets," he said after he sat back against the tree. "I bet we're going to run into Erwind's new girlfriend tomorrow."

"Shut your mouth, will you?!" Erwind protested.

This time Erwind pushed him. Cielo was sitting between us so I pushed him back playfully as he fell to my side. However, what Cielo said was surprising.

"You have a new girlfriend, Erwind?" I asked skeptically.

The latter stopped bothering the former and simply looked away.

"I will have you know that she's very shy." Erwind said. "She just happened to run into us when Cielo here,'' he eyed him darkly, ''was running an errand with me."

Cielo backed away animatedly from Erwind’s glare.

"Well, tell me about her," I said.

"Not this time Conrad." Cielo said as he put his arms behind his head. "He wasn't planning on telling me to begin with if it wasn't for that day. I was sworn to secrecy and I doubt he will tell you anything about her."