Traces of the past

28. A time like old times

Petrov POV

-We're running short on food, your majesty! I said trying to make myself loud enough to get his attention.

The count's attention was drawn to a newly acquired book, with thinner covers than what the books were usually made of, but with an amusing content.

Since the so-called Armando tragedy, things in the castle were going smoother than before, now that we also had guards, I, personally felt safer. They were people taught to accomplish well their duties and the count kept them close to his heart, as efficiency was what he validaded the most in servants.

I understood that from the first day of coming here; his rigurosity could only be broken if you'd have done a good job. 

-You majesty...I said again, this time louder.

-Yes, Petrov, I know you're here, but news can wait...He turned a page cautionsly. Look, this is so amusing...

Like I give a damn about his book! This was stepping on my patience, that sometimes had a limit too. 

I was short and old now, my yongster years, when I could wield the sword skillfully, were no longer around the corner, even if the force was still with me. My knees started hurting from standing too much and too patient in front of the count, trying to make him hear me.

-That day I saw her true beauty, her eyes were green like mine, I liked her the first second...

-Your majesty...

-In the middle of the my life's desert she appeared like a fountain to give me water, but then I realized it was just an illusion... The count kept saying.

He took his head out of the book to look at me and smiled playfully.

-I love you...

That moment I started questioning my life choices. Maybe I should have let the news for another time.

-You are my son!

-Excuse me? Your majesty what are you talking about?

The lord's eye slit up in both amusement, raised his hands and dropped the manuscript on the table beside him.

-It was his mom...Laughter broke out from his throat. Then another one to continue the amusement.

I then realised he was quoting from the book, the book that he found lost in the armor room.

-Such a good book, is been so long since I had this much fun from just written words..

As if I cared about his books or whatever, the imminent problem of running out of supplies in the middle of the winter and the plague seemed to me a more of an important topic to talk about.

-I don't even know who the author is, such a pity! The writers should take notes from such a talent.

Now he raised the book in the air, waving it and blabering about it's literary value.

I had other matters to attend that day, I had to check on the guards acquired skills, I had to check on everyone to see if they're on their duty, I had to carry out his unexpected orders at any hour and he was keeping me here with a tears-worthy love story.

-You majesty, we are running out of food! The servants will soon starve, the guards need food to cover your ass and we don't have food! Do you understand the gravity of this matter, your majesty?

My patience finally ran out. Speaking out, my gestures also broke all the rules of calmness. I could not say the count was surprised or angry. In his mind the love story was still playing.