The Prince's chamber was veiled in shadows, brightened only by the steady glow of a single candelabra. Silken drapes hung heavy over the tall windows, muting the noise of the castle beyond.
Prince Kaelith stood near the hearth, his back straight, arms folded as the firelight flickered across the cold sharpness of his features.
He had not spoken a word since dismissing Hale. But his mind wasn't still.
A stranger with eyes that held no fear. And yet. Something familiar.
Kaelith's fingers tapped lightly against his sleeve, the only sound in the chamber aside from the low crackle of flame. It had been years since anyone stood so boldly in the King's presence and captivated him.
A knock came at the door.
"Enter," Kaelith said.
It was Sir Elion. Your Highness. The Great Feast is ready. The villagers have gathered in the eastern courtyard.
Kaelith gave a slight nod, pulling his cloak from the ivory hook near the door. As he turned, his eyes momentarily drifted to the far window where the moonlight cut through a part in the curtain.
Let's see what kind of celebration the King has summoned for these strangers, he said coolly, brushing past Elion.
The courtyard blazed with life.
Torches burned high in their sconces. Musicians filled the air with string and drum, and long banquet tables brimmed with roasted game, honeyed fruits, and spiced wine. Villagers, nobles, and knights all gathered under the shadow of Zarethrone's stone angles.
Hale stood near the edge, uncertain. He had been given fine but plain robes to replace his travel-worn clothes, and he now looked every bit the part of someone chosen by the King.
But he could still feel the eyes. The whispers.
"That's the one the stranger."
"Did you hear what happened in the Grand Hall?"
"He was chosen. By the King."
Across the courtyard, Prince Kaelith entered, and a hush seemed to fall for the briefest moment. The crowd parted like tides before him. He moved with regal precision, his gazes scanning, then pausing right on Hale.
Their eyes met.
A flicker.
Just for a heartbeat.
Then Kaelith turned away, ascending the steps beside the King's seat. But Hale felt it. That look it wasn't just curiosity. It was recognition.
From the stage, the King raised his goblet.
To new strength, to brave arrivals, and the future of Zarethrone. he declared.
The crowd roared their cheer. But among them, Hale stood still. A stranger no more…
And somewhere behind that crown, the Prince watched him.
When Hale's eyes finally lifted and met the prince's, it was like the clash of steel on steel unexpected and arresting.
The prince stood.
The crowd hushed.
Kaelith moved through the hall, ignoring whispers trailing behind his boots. Every step toward Hale felt like a thread tightening between them.
"You're not eating," Kaelith said, stopping before him.
Hale bowed slightly. I'm not used to such a feast, Your Highness.
Then you should get used to it. You're part of Zarethrone now.
There was silence thick and curious.
Prince Kaelith speaks, voice low. What you did… It was unexpected.
And yet still not enough to earn your trust, Hale replied, bold but respectful.
Kaelith's eyes narrowed slightly. Trust is earned over time. Loyalty is proven through fire.
Then I'll stay in the fire, Hale said. If that's where you are.
It was not flirtation. It was not a challenge. But something passed between them an unspoken understanding neither fully captured yet.
Kaelith turned his head slightly, motioning for the guards to resume their music. The hall stirred back to life.
"Walk with me," he said to Hale.
They stepped out onto the palace balcony. Below, the torches of the city shimmered like stars fallen to earth.
I asked earlier if you had family. You mentioned your father, Kaelith said.
Yes. He's a blacksmith. Strong hands, quiet soul, Hale answered, leaning on the stone rail.
A blacksmith's son, now under royal roof. That's quite a change.
I didn't come for comfort, Hale said, glancing at the prince. I came to serve. And maybe... to find what else fate has planned.
Kaelith studied him, his calm, his strength, his defiance wrapped in obedience.
You speak of fate as if it owes you something.
No. Only as if I'm willing to answer when it calls.
A gust of wind moved Kaelith's cloak, catching Hale's hair. The moment stretched silent, close, heavy.
The prince stepped back as if catching himself.
"You'll begin your duties tomorrow," Kaelith said. "At dawn."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Kaelith turned to leave but paused.
"Hale."
"Yes?"
"There are many swords in this court. Few have both edge and purpose. Be careful where you aim yours."
I'll follow the one who wields his wisely, Hale answered without hesitation.
Kaelith said nothing.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
The knock was firm but respectful just before sunrise. The corridor outside Prince Kaelith's chambers was still cloaked in half-darkness, the flickering torchlight painting golden arcs across the stone.
Inside, silence.
Then the low scrape of footsteps.
The massive doors creaked open, revealing Kaelith, already dressed in a dark crimson robe fastened by a single clasp shaped like a serpent's fang. His hair silver-shot and damp from bathing clung to the side of his face. He didn't look surprised to see Hale standing there.
"You're early," Kaelith said, voice rough with sleep yet sharp as ever.
You said dawn, Hale replied evenly, meeting his gaze.
The prince stepped aside. Then come in.
Hale entered the chamber without indecision. It was grand but minimal. No lavish clutter, only necessities armor stands, maps stretched across oak tables, a sword resting against a marble pillar. The scent of burning sage lingered faintly in the air.
You'll begin by observing. Then you'll act when told, Kaelith said, walking toward the table. I have no use for servants who move faster than their orders.
I wasn't raised to wait on men, Hale said quietly.
Kaelith turned, brow arching. No? Then why are you here?
"To serve," Hale replied, eyes unwavering.
The prince watched him for a moment too long for comfort, too direct for indifference.
You speak like a soldier, not a servant.
Maybe I was both. Or maybe I'm still deciding.
Kaelith's mouth curled, just faintly.
"You're bold in the morning."
And you're watching me more than a prince should.
The tension snapped like a drawn bow.
Kaelith stepped closer. Watch yourself, Hale. This palace is full of ears sharper than swords. A single misplaced word can become a noose.
Then perhaps you should stop looking at me like you're the one pulling it.
Silence fell thick and intimate.
Kaelith turned abruptly, breaking the current.
There's council at midmorning. You'll shadow me there. Speak to no one unless I command it.
"Yes, Your Highness."
"And keep pace," Kaelith added without looking back. The palace devours those who lag behind.
Hale gave a nod, falling in line just a step behind the prince as they moved through the royal corridor.
He didn't speak again.
The air between them had already spoken enough.