Inanov's eyebrow quirked up. "You two know each other?"
"No," I answered the same time Lorian had said, "Yes."
I was confident that I did not know this man.
"Ah, well in truth, introductions were never made from my side. I have seen your magnificent performances. Your outfits could have used a lot of tailoring, so impractical, always getting torn up. It’s good I'm here now to finally meet you and to be able to make clothes worthy of a specimen like you." Lorian was a spectator from my previous performances?
I gave a slight bow of my head, completely out of habit when meeting spectators. "I am glad you enjoyed the performances." I made no comment to the clothes he seemed to insult however, coming from a man that was wearing glittery leather pants.
A growl came from the prince. "My clothes, Lorian. NOW," he commanded.
"Impatient as ever," Lorian mumbled and with a snap of his finger, he made wooden cases appear in the blink of an eye in front of the prince. I jerked in surprise.
"Those are yours, gold, white, and red. As always." Lorian rolled his eyes and I fought the urge to smile. I looked to Inanov, whose stare was indifferent, as if he was used to this. His eyes caught my questioning ones.
"Lorian here, tailors and designs clothes for the royals," Inanov explained.
"And now for you. As the prince's royal bodyguard." Lorian smirked.
"You're early, Lorian. I only sent word for clothes yesterday," the prince said, suspicion lacing his voice as he slipped on a white tunic with gold embroidered designs that fitted his frame with lethal precision. It looked striking, especially onhim.
"I was in the area." A short distracted answer came as more cases of clothes appeared. "Those are yours. Apologies for the colour, it was as per customary Apollon instructions from Mr. Grumpy over here." I frowned while Lorian opened the box, taking out a magnificent gold and black armour.
My mouth dried as I stared.
"Now, now, boys, our arena warrior needs to change, some privacy please." It was disorientating to see this man usher them out.
"We need to leave now, let it be fast," the prince warned.
"Alwaysso grumpy." Lorian tsked as he laid out what I was to wear.
"Will you also be leaving?" I asked expectantly.
He pouted. "If you wish."
"I do," I firmly stated, annoyed and yet slightly amused from his antics. "Will it fit?" I asked just before he stepped out.
"Of course it will," he answered softly. "You will look magnificent, like a queen." I stiffened.
He left the tent and I looked at the gear, finding it odd he knew my size. It felt all the more unsettling as I zipped up the tight black compress inners that fit perfectly. I donned the golden lined armour, which was light and yet hard to penetrate.
Lorian was good indeed...
I realized I preferred the black and gold more than the normal Apollon colours. The prince did not have entirely bad taste after all.
Stepping out of the tent, I made my way to Inanov. "Where is Lorian?" I asked, his company was much more enjoyable than the rest I had experienced so far and it would be rude not to thank him.
"Gone." Disappointment filled me lightly while Inanov turned to face me, his eyes widening.
"What?" I asked but he just stared.
"Mor? Is that you? You look fearsome! As if you're out to battle! It’s kinda turning me on." Red flirtatiously announced. I almost scowl at him for dragging the attention of others to me.
"The prince is waiting for you in the carriage." Inanov finds his voice, motioning toward the assembled gilded carriage.
"Stay out of trouble," I warned Red.
And be safe.I narrowed my eyes at him.
