“He’s such a sap. I don’t know what I would do without him. Probably be living on the streets again.”
I shook my head. “Oss, you are essentially the king of the City of Magic. I’m sure they have lodgings for you below if you asked. Not to mention you have experience as a Key Keeper. You will be fine no matter what your relationship status is with Thorne. You got yourself off the streets even before you met him.”
Oss wrinkled his nose. “But I don’t know how to be king. And who’s going to recognize my authority? Hmm. Not those pillocks in charge of Keys.”
“Show them the bands on your wrists.”
“Just because the City of Magic claimed me as their ruler, doesn’t mean that the leaders here will acknowledge that claim.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but he made a good point. “I remember reading articles of city incorporation in the library. They stated that the Key King is the one in charge of the City of Magic. Didn’t they say anything to you when you were down there?”
Oss took a few sips of his tea before responding.
“They said I was claimed as their king.” He appeared to be searching his memory. “Do you think it’s a paid position?”
I really wanted to smack Oss on the back of his head. “I doubt they’re going to expect you to rule for nothing. You’ll have to contact their treasurer if you want compensation. What did you do when you went down there to visit last week?”
“I talked to Buster and he told me there weren’t any current issues. They’ve been taking good care of the place for centuries. They don’t really need a king to boss them around. I think it’s more of a ceremonial position.”
“Maybe, but they wouldn’t have marked you if they didn’t want you for something even if it is only to be a figurehead. You could work as their liaison with Keys.” I bit my lips to hold back laughter.
“You want me to fill a political position? You do remember how I usually settle issues, right?”
I nodded. “It would really cut down on the grandstanding.”
Oss gave a shout of laughter. “That’s true. Thorne will be pleased. He always says I’m underutilized as a Key Keeper.”
“You are.” I held up my hand to stop his argument. “You might not be educated like a fancy lord, but you have common sense, and you care for people. How many street kids have you protected over the years? You might hide behind your blades and snarky attitude, but you cared for those kids better than any government and from what you told me, the City of Magic doesn’t even have the same issues we have up here. It will probably be a very easy life.”
“Fuck.” Oss set down his cup and pouted. “But I don’t want to be king.”
“Tough.”
We all had to do things we didn’t like, even if it involved fancy clothes and idiots with too much power.
