Knight of Kandor

Kara- Hangover

Winn and I sat across from each other, both of us resting our heads on the table. Thankfully my lessons were with him this morning and Winn was much worse off.

"Never again will I go drinking with guards."

"Yes, you will." I roll my head to look at him. He rests his chin on his hands.

"How so?"

"Three words. Sir. James. Olsen."

"I... I don't know what you are talking about."

"Winn relax, I know you too well for you to deny it." he groans and puts his forehead back to the table.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Only to me my friend. You know my secrets and I know yours." Winn laughs then groans.

"Ow, okay back to not talking." I am so glad I have time before I have to appear put together because my hangover throbs in my temples. 

I cannot bring myself to meet Lena's eyes as she exits her room. True to my word, I do not forget what happened with Lena the night before. Everything is hazy except her face. That was clear and sharp and burned into my mind's eye.

"Where is Lady Jessica?" I ask, determinedly keeping my eyes forward. 

"She asked for a day to venture into the city. I believe Donovan asked her to accompany him. That surprises me and I glance at her before quickly looking away.

"Today is his day off," I confirm for her. 

"And how was your day off?"

"Very well, You have a new personal guard."

"Whom may that be?

"John Jones, my former squire."

"He seems like a nice man. Would you trust him with your life?"

"Yes, but more importantly, I trust him with yours."

"What else did you do?" She seemingly ignores my statement, searching for something. 

"I took Comet riding for most the day outside of the city. Then Sir James invited me to... a tavern." I feel my face flush.

"So you still remember last night," she stated.

I swallow hard and nod. I feel her eyes searching my burning face. We are outside the door that leads to the throne room where Lena holds court. With nowhere else to go, I am forced to face her and meet her eyes. The green seems to pierce into me.

"Kal, why do you refuse to let yourself feel what I know you must?" I bite my tongue, trying to answer her without lying.

"My lady, I have... I have secrets that I have carried my entire life. Secrets that may cause either you or the queen to pass judgment on my life." Concern colors her features.

"Should I be worried?"

"My secrets are only a danger to me, my lady. You must know that I will give my life to protect you and you will never need to question my loyalty." Lena stares into my eyes for a long moment. 

"Okay." she relents at last. Lena turns and opens the door. I take a steadying breath and follow her in.