“Stop.” Kade added what looked like dried beetles to the herbs he was grinding.
Killian shivered. Disgusted.
“Why?” Killian asked. “I’m not bothering you. Just pretend I’m not here. I’ll be quiet. I promise.”
Kade frowned. “I can’t focus with you watching me.”
Killian grinned. “Do I distract you?”
The grinding stone hit the table with a dull thud, abandoned as Kade turned around. “What do you want, Killi?”
Killian raised his hands.Alright.“I thought today was your day off.”
“It is.”
“Why are you here?” Killian gestured around the lesson room. It was still early, barely midmorning, but it was clear that Kade had been there for hours.
Kade shrugged. “You’re working today. Where else would I be?”
That delighted Killian. It shouldn’t, the idea that Kade would base his schedule around Killian’s should be sad and depressing. Didn’t Kade have friends? Instead, it warmed him immeasurably. Selfishly, he wanted to hoard all of Kade’s time and attention.
“Well, you’re in luck,” Killian said, propping his arm on Kade’s shoulder. He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I have an errand to run in the city and you’re coming with me.”
Kade’s eyes bugged. “Today?”
Killian nodded.
“Now?”
Killian nodded again.
Kade’s smile looked like it would split his face. He grabbed Killian’s wrist and started tugging him towards the door, his project completely forgotten. “Let’s go then. Come on.”
“No.” Killian pulled them to a stop. “Go change first. I’m not being seen with you in that.”
“You’re such a snob,” Kade laughed. Then, he turned and ran out of the room to do as Killian said.
When they’d made it outside the palace gates, and were walking the short road from the palace to the city limits, it finally occurred to Kade to ask, “What exactly is this errand you need to run?”
“It’s nothing exciting. I just need to pick up some of the king’s favorite tea cakes. The vendors are only in the city occasionally and they just arrived for the festival.”
Kade kicked a rock. “So you’re the king’s errand boy now?” His voice was teasing, but it held a bitter edge to it.
It was a slippery slope, one they had slid down many times since Kade had arrived. Kade’s distaste for Fyar was as strong—if not stronger—than ever. It made it hard for them sometimes, considering how big a part Fyar played in Killian’s day-to-day life.
Killian refused to avoid the subject, Fyar was his friend and his confidant and his king, and he wouldn’t pretend otherwise. He could only hope Kade would warm to Fyar someday, even if it took centuries.They had time.
“I am whatever the king asks me to be.”
Kade scowled, his mood tanking.
Killian threw an arm around Kade’s shoulders and pulled him close. “Lighten up! Today is for fun!”
The streets of Ingara were bustling with life, merchants from every corner of Netyere and beyond had traveled hundreds of miles to be there. To cash in on the opportunity of a lifetime. One month and thousands new customers. Who could resist?
A week in, the festivities were in full swing, drinks flowed endlessly, music drifted through the air, and elves danced in the square.
Wagons and carts and tents packed every spare inch of the city limits, each filled to the brim with bright colors and exotic goods, trinkets and treats from lands far away. Vendors shouted and waved, inviting curious customers into their stalls.
