Tears of a Dove

II: A Royal Gathering

Everyone was finishing up their food, which was prepared by Kazu and Miku. Arwel enjoyed the meal a lot; he hasn't eaten anything particularly large in a week, same with Kobe.

"So, have you all been living in Valé for a while now?" Arwel asked.

Kazu swallowed and wiped his mouth. "Of course. Never lived anywhere else my whole life. I've traveled the entire continent, but I've been King for twenty-six years. Tochinokori is the most peaceful country in Pentaus because of that."

"What a narcissist..." Arwel thought.

"What are you boys doing for the Solstice tomorrow?" Queen Yukina asked.

Kobe thought for a moment. "I don't know. I might loiter around the market."

"You could come here again," Miku began. "I could give you a sanction so you can come in whenever you want."

Kazu shot a look of intense anger at Miku, without saying anything. Miku slowly put down her fork while looking at him. Kazu hated how nice his daughter was all the time. He always warns her that the chance of danger increases every time she writes a sanction.

"I'll think about it," Arwel responded. "I don't have any plans in particular."

Everybody finished their last bite; Yukina and Kazu cleaned up the table and returned to their rooms. Arwel, Kobe, and Miku stayed in the dining hall.

"Oh no, it's getting late," Kobe said, jumping out of his seat. "I promised Sir Alexander that I would show up tonight for extra work. He's willing to pay me a lot of money." Kobe worked for Sir Alexander, which is where he got his money. They mainly did cleaning and building around the city.

Miku looked sad. "Oh... alright. Will I see you again?"

"Likely. I'll see you Arwel. Goodbye, Princess Miku." He bowed before exiting the room.

Miku quickly turned her head to Arwel, leaning over the table. "Will you stay a little longer?"

"Oh, uh... sure, of course!" Arwel stuttered.

"Oh, joy!" Miku exclaimed, and her face lit up with happiness.

"What a beautiful girl..." Arwel thought. He stared at Miku.

"When do you have to be home?"

Arwel froze and felt awkward. "Uh..."

"I'm so sorry!" Miku stood up and put her hands on Arwel's shoulders. "Was that a rude question?"

Arwel blushed. "No, not at all, it's just..."

Miku looked into his eyes. "Hmm?"

"I don't have a home."

She looked teary-eyed. "Oh... I'm..."

"Don't," Arwel stopped her. "Don't feel bad, I'm alright."

Miku took a deep breath. "Alright then. Surely there's something I can do to help."

"Oh, no, you don't have to--"

"I know!" she exclaimed. "I'll give you gold for a house. You and your friend can live there."

"Miku, you--"

The Princess put her finger on Arwel's lips. "Don't say another word. I'll do anything to help."

As much as Arwel wanted to say 'no,' the help he was receiving from Miku could change his life. He didn't want to pass on the opportunity. "Very well," he said.

"I will purchase a home for you after the Solstice tomorrow. Deal?"

"Y-yeah, that's great."

Miku smiled. "That's what I like to hear."