MANSION OF DUKE ALARIC VAELMONT
He's mansions was grand, its stone walls rising like carved cliffs, tall windows glinting in the afternoon sun. Rich tapestries lined the halls, and the scent of burning incense drifted faintly from the high hearths. Duke Alaric Vaelmont settled onto a low, embroidered settee, legs crossed, while his steward Geoffrey stood dutifully beside him.
"Everything has been done as requested. Do you require aught else, Your Grace?" Geoffrey asked.
Alaric was about to decline when a thought struck him, and he turned to Geoffrey. "That reminds me. Geoffrey, I require your assistance on something I neglected to ask while at the palace. You have good relations with the royal guards, do you not?"
Geoffrey inclined his head. "Indeed, Your Grace."
"I encountered a knight yesterday, assigned to Princess Elara. I do not recognize him. There is something… peculiar about his manner and attire. I want everything known about him."
"Yes, Your Grace," Geoffrey said, bowing deeply.
"You may go," Alaric dismissed him. Geoffrey exited the room, and Alaric's gaze lingered on the flickering fire.
♤♤♤♤
INFIRMARYBack at the house of healing, Elara caught sight of Kael and froze, unsure if she had imagined his presence. His gaze seemed elsewhere, yet he had clearly heard her.
"Did I hear wrongly… or am I hallucinating?" she murmured, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"You are not, Your Highness. They are fortunate to have a princess such as yourself. Few rulers see with the heart of their people rather than from the gilded throne," Kael said softly. Elara's smile widened, genuine and warm. Kael's chest tightened; it was the first time he had seen her smile so sincerely.
"Well, I am glad you are somewhat sensible, Ser Draven," she replied, teasing. He chuckled lightly, and she followed suit.
Elara returned to her duties among the injured, Kael's eyes following her every movement. He had expected arrogance, irresponsibility, or worse, yet she moved with focus, kindness, and quiet authority. He was impressed.
Hours passed, the sun dipping toward the horizon. Elara informed the healing masters that she was departing, and she left alongside Kael. They wandered through the bustling market district, children darting between stalls, merchants calling out wares, and townsfolk weaving through the crowd in lively chaos.
"This is one of my favorite places," Elara said, eyes bright. "Always lively, always joyous." She approached a small vendor and purchased honeycakes, a sweet treat popular among townsfolk.
"I'll take two of these, please," she instructed. The vendor wrapped each individually and handed one to Kael, who accepted it with surprise.
"Thank you, Your Highness," he said, bowing slightly.
"It would feel awkward buying one for you alone," she admitted, laughing lightly. "Maera and I always get these when we come out. I don't know why I am telling you this," she added, trailing off.
Kael walked beside her, smiling. Ahead, a small crowd had gathered. A woman shouted furiously at a man, likely her husband.
"You are wicked and heartless! A scoundrel most foul!" the woman cursed, her voice carrying over the square.
Elara, mid-twenties, approached a woman in her forties. "What has occurred?" she asked gently.
"He stole his wife's hard-earned coins to squander at the house of pleasure, forsaking their sickly daughter's care. A disgrace, an utter lack of honor," the woman spat. She tugged at his tunic, glaring fiercely.
Elara stepped forward, but Kael's hand stopped her.
"Do not intervene. Your presence could draw unwanted attention; it risks your identity," he warned.
"I cannot let this stand," she whispered, eyes flashing. "I cannot allow such injustice."
"Such acts are, regrettably, common among men. Observe: does anyone come to stop him?" Kael asked.
Elara surveyed the crowd. None dared move.
"That is why I cannot remain idle. I am a woman as well," she declared, voice steady.
The man raised his hand to strike. Kael stepped forward, halting him. The crowd gasped.
"Who dares?" the man slurred, reeking of mead and brandy.
Without hesitation, Kael struck. The man crumpled, blood trickling from his split lip. The woman gasped, stunned into silence.
"Go to the house of healing nearby," Kael instructed. "They will ask no questions and charge you nothing. They shall care for your daughter, and you need fear him no more."
"Thank you," she said, tears glinting on her cheeks. The crowd murmured praises, clapping lightly before dispersing, returning to their daily business.
Elara turned to Kael. "Thank you, Ser Kael," she murmured, a mischievous glint in her eyes. He returned her smile. They exchanged a glance, both aware of a shared, unspoken thought.
Later, the man awoke, soaked from wine and mead, tied to a rope around a tree in the Forbidden Forest. Darkness pressed in from all sides as he screamed, fear-stricken, into the night.