The Dance of the Keepers

Chapter 27 Pity for a Prince

The next several days were difficult for me. I found myself trudging through in a fog of sorts and the only time I came alive was during combat practice. It gave me an outlet to channel my emotions into and made me even more dangerous than normal. Kyle began teaching me new techniques, never questioning where my burning motivation was coming from.

Jasper had checked in on me each morning following my break down. Though he was fairly useless when it came to emotional problems, his attentiveness meant a lot to me.

Glass had not seemed bothered by my revelations but had demanded I spend some time figuring out my emotions before we went back to our evening sparring. She couldn't seem to understand there was "no figuring them out", I just had to push them back inside their bottle and continue to live.

I hadn't seen Vienna since that evening, but neither was I actively seeking her out. I'd finally decided to step next door and speak with her on Thursday afternoon, when I ran into a bit of a surprise.

"Can I help you?"
I questioned the wiry nobleman carrying a bouquet of pink roses, wandering through our hallway.

I recognized him unhappily as the fellow Vienna had spent so much time with the at the Summer Gala.

"Yes actually, I'm looking for Vienna, you're a friend of hers right? Do you know where she might be?"

I was tempted to tell him she was out and send him on his way, but she opened up her apartment door before I could get a word out.

"Legato! How lovely to see you!"
She exclaimed, a bright smile lighting up her face.

He bowed chivalrously and presented the flowers to her.

"For you, though they pale in comparison to your beauty."

I rolled my eyes at the cliche line but Vienna blushed and gingerly took the roses, bringing them up to her nose.

"How sweet of you, I've never had someone bring me flowers before. Won't you come in?"

I had every intention of playing chaperone if music boy said yes. No way was I letting her spend time alone with this relative stranger she was so enamored with, to heck with what Kairos might say.

"Actually, I was rather hoping you might come on an outing with me this afternoon. I thought we might explore the shops in Los Eres and take a walk down on the beach."

Well, that was undoubtedly worse. Vienna looked like a kid being offered candy for the first time.

"Really? Will they let me go?"

"I have it all arranged, you merely need say the word and we'll be off."

I scowled darkly. The nobles could pay to have a competitor attend a social gathering at their behest. He must have paid to spend personal time with her instead, which I hadn't even known was a possibility.

"Oh my, well, yes! That sounds positively delightful! If you don't mind I'd like to change first though."

"Take all the time you need."
He responded graciously.

"I'll only be a moment."
She assured him, before disappearing back into her apartment.

I eyed the fellow, wondering if I could murder him and dispose of the body before Vienna returned.

"So, you've taken an interest in my friend."
I stated, sauntering closer to him and leaning against the wall casually.

He gave me a nervous smile and nodded.

"She's a lovely person, I so enjoyed her company at the gala."

"She is a wonderful person. Sweet, kind, naive."