They’d paid Killian no mind as they buzzed with excitement, tripping over their words in greeting the king, marveling at the palace and estate. Kissing ass.
Many of the lords and ladies had only traveled to the capital once before, for Fyar’s coronation, accompanied by their parents. With the new king, the new generation had stepped forward, taking their parent’s titles and responsibilities. Theywere eager to please and easier for Fyar to keep docile.
They clapped and cheered excitedly as Fyar’s welcoming words came to an end and he invited them to dig in. Live music drifted through the hall, flutes and harps played a delicate and cheerful melody.
After making the rounds, checking in with the guards at each entrance, Killian took his place at Fyar’s side, a few steps behind the king’s chair. He blended into the background, eyes and ears pricked and alert. Twin swords heavy on his back.
“This is going to be a long night,” Fyar said lowly, not turning to look at Killian. “I wouldn’t blame you if you sneak off to chug some whiskey. While you’re there, bring me back a bottle, I don’t think this wine will be enough.”
Fighting an amused smile, Killian disappeared into the crowd to do as instructed.
Along the way, Killian caught sight of the healer’s apprentices, seated off in the corner. Included, but not spoiled. Porthos was noticeably absent, his place was at the front, alongside his brother. A prince for the night.
Kade and the others had replaced their awful uniforms with formal robes of a deep navy blue. Killian guessed even Hokda thought the green was too much for polite society.
A smile on his face and flushed from the drink, Kade turned and caught Killian staring, as if he too had been seeking Killian out in the crowd. Kade’s smile softened and he bowed his head in greeting.
Killian returned it, comforted by that small interaction. Maybe they would be fine. He’d done a lot of thinking after his conversation with Fyar at the training grounds. They were just prolonging the inevitable at this point, drawing out the torture.
Killian didn’t want them to change, but they already were.
It was best to just get it over with.
He would speak to Kade after the festivities ended.
Kade’s cheeks were warm and his body buzzed. The wine getting to him.
The food mostly finished, the tables had begun to break their strict seating, more and more elves swapping seats or venturing onto the dance floor, all of them with a full glass in hand.
Kade had never experienced anything like this before. It wasn’t the same atmosphere as when he would get a drink in Sila’s tavern, the patrons usually wanting quiet and calm after a long day’s work. But here, in front of him, were some of the craziest elves he’d ever seen. There were lords in the corners chugging down bottles of wine, betting on who would drop first. Ladies sitting in circles dissecting the lives of peers who sat only a table away. Pairs found dark corners to flirt and touch a bit more than appropriate for public spaces. And yet, no one batted an eye, like this was normal for them.
Through it all, Fyar stayed seated at the head of the room, lounging comfortably. One leg propped up on the armrest chair, tall white boots on display, his long white hair like a prop over his shoulder. His face barely moved as he looked out at the sea of his people, watching, absorbing. His lips would move every now and then, like he were talking to someone though there was no one around him but his shadow.
A step behind Fyar, stood Killi in his ceremonial uniform. Fitted black fabric that tapered to his body, showing the curves of his muscles when he moved, gold thread embroidered patterns at the cuffs of his sleeves and the collar of his shirt.Carved golden buttons and ties adorned the jacket he wore.
Killi’s lips moved minimally when he answered Fyar.
Kade swallowed another gulp of his wine. It was hard to look at Killi sometimes, he was so handsome. So strong. His beauty as sharp and polished as the swords he wore.
Unfortunately, Kade wasn’t the only one who noticed.
“Captain del Torau looks so good tonight. I wish he’d wear that uniform more often,” said Rayea reverently. “If he would just look at me, I think I’d die on the spot.”
Galet giggled. “They look like a painting when they’re together.”
“The king and his ever devoted guard. Oh, I’d read that story.”
Kade’s lip curled.
“It’s not just a story.” Galet leaned closer to her friend, smirking, her hand coming up to cover her mouth like that did anything to dampen her volume. “I heard that before Killian ever got a place in the Guard he was serving the king…in bed.”
Rayea gasped.
Galet nodded, eager to share her gossip. “It’s apparently how he garnered the king’s favor, being from common birth and all. He was apparently so alluring that the king brought him into the palace anyway.”
“Is that how he got his position?”
“It must be,” said Galet. “The king would want him close always. What better way than to make himCaptainof the King’s Guard?”
