There's nothing for me to really do here. I make general chatter with others. People eye me. I can't just disappear. Focusing on William's dances is really all I do. I notice when my mother returns. Her anger is less, but she doesn't come up to me again. Can't even guess where she went.
It doesn't really matter. Once things settle down, I return to my rooms. The moment I close my door, Odin's letter is before me. Why? I literally just sent him a letter a few hours ago. Normally it takes a few days to get a return.
Sitting on the bed, I review what was sent. His words have me realize something: Mom told him. That's what she did when she left before. She spoke with Odin. A letter? Or did she teleport to his side? I shiver. I didn't think my mother would be doing such a thing. This would mean... A divorce... Odin's trapped tower... Are they breaking the law? Just being friends?
"Why can't they just get divorced?" It's growls more than words. My parents are a pain. I toss the letter aside and just stare at the ceiling. Why was I pushed to join the balls? What am I doing here? I'm useless as an addition.
I hide the letter among my things before leaving the room. I step into the outer rooms to find a knight. "Raida?" So glad she's here.
"Yes, Your Highness?" She's a top quality knight that I trust.
"Can I have a guard for a short walk outside? I juts want some fresh air." The tracer spell would go off though. I need a knight's watch.
Raida nods. "Sure. Give me a second to be ready."
I stand in the hall waiting for her. She looks like a proper knight when she steps up to me saluting. "Thanks. Did you enjoy the ball?"
"Yes. Very much. These missions are unlikely to have any issues."
I think of the Telligence letter. Warton is a safe place. It's close to the capital even. The rest of the balls may not be so calming. I would be happy to have an excuse not to dance though. "Are you happy as a knight?"
"What type of question is that? I'm not leaving after gaining a name just because I hate being a knight."
I smile. I know. "I'll happily congratulate on your marriage."
"It'll be important I start my house once given the chance. We are only young once. I'm already twenty seven."
"Made a name for yourself in these years."
"Yes." Raida is a strong knight. I knew she'd be safe to walk with. And all my tracer can do is put me next to William or in my rooms.
I step into the night air. It's been hours where we enjoyed the ball. Food, drink, and music readily available. I had several I could easily chat with. I may have made sure there was distance between me and any possible queen option, but I wasn't truly hiding. I was in sight the entire time. "Do you think I'll become a good king?"
"I may have had reservations beforehand, but I am pretty confident in you now."
It only took a few classes, a few interactions for her to believe in me. As is the case for everyone. "How did everyone feel upon seeing me without the looks curse?"
Raida doesn't answer me right away. I look over at her. She walks as a knight should. She's alert of everything. But nothing is drawing her. She doesn't have an answer? "We took bets what you actually looked like when it became known. But none of us thought you'd look so much like the king did at your age."
"Why?"
She sighs. "You look manly, but I wouldn't call you particularly handsome. With such a beautiful mother, how could you take so much after your father?"
Wow. I was just insulted. "Thanks... I think."
"I didn't mean to insult you." Raida hisses. "That was rude of me."
"Prefer the honestly, so thank you." I'm not particularly handsome, huh? "Think it's just cause I'm only fifteen?"
"That may be the case. Many teenagers are between looks yet. They become more handsome as they age into adult."
"Thanks. I guess only a teen would be interested in a teen."
"I apologize for thinking anything." Raida covers her face.
"Meaning?"
"You are right to complain about us looking upon you in a frame of beauty. That would be something cruel to any. To treat you as nothing more than-" She pauses focusing on a direction. Her hand goes for her hilt.
I look in the same direction, but see nothing. "To many I will be more of a crown than a person. I can hope to find others who see me as human first." I keep my hand on my hilt while walking forward. Raida may focus on the same direction as before, but she follows me as a guard should.
"You are more than just a human, Thomas. It is important for you to realize how much more you are."
"A fool's thought. I am on equal footing as the rest." I stop facing whoever it is. Or whatever it is. "Treat me as you would an equal." I watch the enemy. I have to assume that. It's something. Can't say what exactly. I wouldn't feel this if it was say two people fooling around in the dark.
I also wouldn't suggest two people fooling around in the dark. There are plenty of bedrooms to hide away in. The dark contains dangers we can't deny.
'Gift us with sight'. It's just a request. The magic should give us something.
The shadows from the bushes break offering light coming from who watches.
A... Goblin? Raida goes for a strike, but the goblin just disappears.
"We need to return inside. I must give knowledge of this."
"Goblin sorcerer?" I ask.
Raida makes sure I am safely inside before checking over me. "It has happened before. But why would a goblin be watching you? What do you offer them?"
Do they know I thought of possibility trying to treat them as citizens? But now I wonder if that's possible. They're not human. "No idea. Thank you for being my guard. I'll just head to bed."
"I would prefer a guard stays in your room as you rest." Raida calls to me.
I freeze realizing the implications. "Maybe I should stay at the castle between the balls."
"Even better. Please request that." Raida nods to me.
I am not used to missions. And clearly there is more going on than just my mother and the crazy ideas around my future queen. A goblin? Here? Warton shouldn't have monsters that close. They're the first knight family after all. If their estate isn't safe... Could any estate be?
William stands in my room when I get there. "Thomas?"
I collect my things. "I think it'll be for the best if I stay at the main castle during. Can you handle bringing us to Mom before the ball begins?"
"Of course. Wouldn't take much at all. I even suggested it before to those who told me the task. As long as you ask, I will oblige." William scans the room. "Got everything?" I nod. It doesn't take much for William to bring me to my wing I've grown up in.
"Thanks." I sit on my bed. The room may feel suffocating at times, but it also makes me feel safe. "I'll see you in the morning for breakfast. It may be with His Majesty."
"You can call him father before me. I really don't mind." William taps my door frame. "Enjoy your night." He is kind enough to close me in my room.