Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Young master.”

Scorpius blinked up at Renald, the senior butler. He had on his usual stoic expression, his brows pinched slightly in almost permanent disdain at the world around him. He motioned to the young man beside him. 

“This is the child that will be taking care of you for the time being while your attendant is recovering.”

Scorpius stared at the butler again, before directing his gaze at the one in question, who gave him a low bow. 

“It’s a pleasure to serve you, young master.”

Scorpius stared at the man blankly. He looked around Rebecca’s age, no older than his twenties. He was tall and well groomed, with dark, slicked back hair and a relatively fair complexion, a slight dapple of freckles across his face. A gloved hand was placed over his chest, pressing against his uniform, one that all the footmen wore. Aside from the obvious difference being that  it was tailored for a grown man, it lacked the small intricacies of Altair’s attendant uniform, including the ribbon and broach he usually wore around his collar. Really, it seemed the only thing that was added to the attire was the white gloves, as well as a chain of a pocket watch that peeked out from the suit pocket. He was handsome, as all the footmen tended to be, a subdued, mature charm to him despite being younger of age. Yet still Scorpius couldn't help but think he looked like a cheap, grownup  imitation of what was supposed to be his attendant. 

 “How is Altair doing?” Scorpius asked, and the two were quiet. 

“I hear he’s recovering well,” Renald responded simply. 

“And when will he be coming back?”

“It’s estimated that he’ll need two weeks to return, though that will depend on his recovery. I ask that you please be patient, young master. In the meantime, this child here will serve you well.”

Well, he supposed that was the best answer he had received thus far. Every time he tried to bring up anything from last night, this father had shut him down, urging him not to concern himself with it now. He was even barred from visiting Altair, because of this blasted injury of his, confined to his bedroom and heavily supervised walks in the garden. As much as he wanted to protest, he couldn’t say anything as the estate and especially his father restlessly tired themselves dealing with his mistakes.

Scorpius did not say anything, but slowly forced himself to acknowledge the attendant, giving him a thin, polite smile.

“Sorry, I didn’t catch your name,” he said. 

Because Altair would have wanted him to be a dignified young lord, he told himself, just like how Madam Lysenthia taught him to be… one that learned from his mistakes. So he kept a small smile on his face, well mannered and gracious, even as the hands behind him trembled. He smiled, nodded, and replied, to where Renald deemed everything satisfactory and left his room. It wasn’t until later when the attendant had gone back to work that he realized that he did not, in fact, learn his name at all. 

Thankfully, as days went by it seemed it wasn’t needed afterall, as the attendant acted out mostly on his own accord, carrying out his duties and routines as if  following a strict instruction provided to him. Just as Altair would, but in almost mechanical imitation, droning through his tasks rigidly and precisely, yet without the means to adapt or truly care, really. But  Scorpius did not expect that of him, nor did he ask him much of anything, 

It was just… quiet, even with Rebecca there. He never thought that the quiet that he wanted so badly just over a year ago would make this bustling estate feel so empty.

As much as he tried to keep himself grounded, Rebecca seemed to be trying to cheer him up, especially as days passed and as she realized that she was largely unsuccessful. Still, it was obvious that she was shaken up as well, as she also seemed strangely distant, especially when he mentioned Altair. He had hoped that at least she of all people would have helped him go see him despite it all, but every attempt at bringing it up resulted in her quickly changing the topic or giving him a short, easy answer. 

As frustrated as he was with everyone and everything, he couldn’t blame anyone. Not when it was him that created this mess to begin with. At least that's what he tried to reason, despite all the ugly inner thoughts festering within himself saying otherwise. As much as he tried to stomp the thoughts down, they seemed to crawl back up just like vermin when he found himself easing even just for a moment.

So instead he took to his father’s orders and buried himself in his books. This time, it was a welcomed distraction. With his ankle injured, his teachers were all directed to his room instead of the study. They’ve grown stricter and harsher, and the workload increased considerably for each subject, as if each of them simultaneously thought that working from his room had somehow made it easier or faster to do. He didn’t complain, however. He couldn’t. He couldn’t make a mistake like that again. He had to be able to make the right decisions, to protect everyone and be who was supposed to. He needed to be like his father.

“Young master,” Rebecca urged him. “Please, I’m sure feeling some fresh air would do you good, you’ve been working for so long.”

Though it has been days, Scorpius has yet to get used to Rebecca addressing him formally. It didn’t suit her at all. He was sure it was because of the new attendant being present with them, but he couldn’t help but fear the slightest possibility that one day she would become someone just like the others— that he would go back to being alone again. 

“Young master?”

Scorpius blinked and smiled weakly at her. 

“…Sure. Let’s go.”

As much as he wanted to, he stopped asking her about whether they could see Altair, as it always soured her mood. The attendant meanwhile helped him put on a thin jacket. He was careful and diligent, as he was with the rest of his work. And though he had some minor errors here and there, he was very capable as expected of someone referred by Renald. But even so, it wasn't like he had that inexplicable, silent sense of reliability, or tactfulness that needed no instruction.  His touch didn't have that warmth or unexplainable degree of softness. One that Scorpius had previously noticed, but didn’t think twice of. 

Shortly after, the three of them made their way outside. The two were patient with him, even as his steps were shortened as he put his weight on his good ankle. Thankfully the injury wasn’t too severe and he could mostly walk fine apart from some painful pressure.  It was almost embarrassing how people made such a big fuss for him when it was the others that…

He blinked, then squeezed his eyes shut.

Normally when it was the three of them they would head towards the gardens and to the open grass field beside it. It was where they played often, as they were both ample space in the field and plentiful shade and places to rest in the garden when Scorpius wanted to lounge instead. But today, he headed down the garden path aimlessly, until it took him down a path adjacent to the back buildings, where he sat down at a bench underneath a vined terrace to rest his feet.

He closed his eyes, feeling the air breeze through the leaves of the terrace and the sunlight tickle his skin. He breathed in deeply and let out a sigh. Rebecca was right that it would be pleasant. He couldn’t enjoy himself for long, but… surely if it was just for a little while it would be alright. 

 As he sat closing his eyes for a moment, a couple of voices began echoing before a door clicked open. A group of men’s voices could be heard, talking amongst themselves sternly. Scorpius opened his eyes in a bit of displeasure at the interruption of the peaceful quiet, but he supposed he was the one that chose a poor location. They must have been taking a break from their work. 

“It’s amazing they were able to catch them so fast,” he heard one man say. 

“Of course they did. Do you really think they'd let them get away after messing with the Linheaths?"

“Thankfully. I'm happy at least some of the guys were able to be caught before they got anyone else," another said, clicking his tongue, “those absolute scums.”

“Yeah, it’s just…” the man sighed. “Those poor kids. I wish—”

“H-Hey!” the man tapped the other’s shoulder aggressively, before he turned around to see Scorpius staring at them, standing a bit away with his weight on his better leg. 

“I’m so sorry young master, we must have disturbed you,” the man in a black apron said, curving his back to a bow. The other two men followed suit.

Scorpius blinked at them, approaching him. “No, please. Continue.”

The three men looked unsurely at each other, the one at the back clenching a newspaper in his hands.

Scorpius stared down at it, before motioning for it. The man’s eyes shot up, then flickered at the other men, then the attendant, unsure.

“Please. I’d like to know—no, need to know. Please.”

 The man looked up at him before bowing again, handing the roll of newspapers to him with two hands. On the front, in bold letters, read that day’s headline.

‘Linhearth storms warehouse, capturing 8 Traders. 79 civilians found and freed.’

So they were able to find them after all. Father and his soldiers were able to storm the warehouse by the port and capture those monsters. His thumb brushed against the later part of the headline. Thank goodness. Thank goodness they were saved— unlike her.

He flipped the page over. 

‘But why only now? Leira was always infested with illegal slave traders,’ another column read. ‘Why must we wait until Linhearth decides it is time, when the issue threatens their door, their flesh and blood?’

“Sc– young master–” Rebecca started, but Scorpius held up his hand, quieting her. 

“How much was this?” Scorpius asked them.  “May I take this?”

“Oh, please don’t worry about it,” the man replied sheepishly. “I was um, done reading it.”

Scorpius narrowed his eyes at him.

“Al–” he paused, pinching his nose with a sigh and waving for the attendant. “Give this man a brass piece for the trouble.” 

“Ah, um… It was only a Dell, young master,” the man murmured quietly. 

Ignoring him, he smiled at them. “Apologies for interrupting your break gentlemen, have a good day.” 

He pivoted his steps, heading back to his room whilst the attendant hurried to follow his command. He gripped the edges of the newspaper, the inside of his mouth tasting sour.

‘1 warehouse, 8 Traders gone, but of how many? How many people have we lost to the factories of the West? How many will we lose in the future? Linhearth won’t bring an end to this. Until its very roots are burned to the ground, there won’t be an end to this rotten scheme.’

“I heard that you were able to catch the slave traders, Father.”

His father looked up from his plate, before looking back down, cutting the meat on his plate into a smaller slice.

“Yes, they shall not terrorize our people any longer, and they will most definitely not lay a hand on you,” he said. 

“But aren’t there more than just them that are operating in Leira? They would continue to operate regardless if one had fallen.”

“Perhaps, but it would most definitely help serve as a lesson for them to not act so boldly.”

Then would it not force them to just act cunningly? Force them further in the cracks of our city? Of our country?

Scorpius bit his lip. 

“And any news of the girl..?”

His father’s frown deepened, and he wiped his mouth. “I already told you to not concern yourself with those matters. The knights will take care of it. Focus on your recovery, and on your studies.”

“But—”

“Additionally, I’ve decided it’d be best for you to have a personal guard with you for your safety. The ones before I’ve had them dealt with, but it’d do good to keep a dedicated guard you can rely on rather than having so many of them in rotation. They will be your shadow from here on out, so I expect you to pick wisely.”

Ah, Scorpius could only think numbly. So like Orion. 

He briefly imagined the thought; of having a new person being part of his regular circle— someone like Orion’s guard, or his own in the past. He was already tired of the uncaring, aloof guards that had regularly followed him out already, nevermind being around all day— and the thought of having a overbearing, over-glorified nanny sounded equally unappealing, frankly.

But he forced himself to smile weakly. “Of course father. I won’t disappoint you.”

It’d be for the best, he thought, yet he found himself sinking into his chair, his hand laying limp on the table. He stared down at his food, absolutely tasteless as it has been for days now.

He wondered how she was doing. Was she at peace now? She deserved a dignified resting place, even if she couldn’t in life. He really, really, hoped she had.

“... the news has also reached the palace.” he heard his father say when his attention returned. “Their Majesties were very concerned, as was His Highness. They've sent word that Prince Orion will be visiting us, so do be courteous to him when he arrives and ease his worries.”

Orion? Why would he be concerned about me? 

He thought absently, but he simply nodded in silence. 

Scorpius stared down at the pen in his hand, his eyes scanning the lines of what he wrote before he realized halfway down the page he had not read a single word. His eyes made their way back to the top of the page again, reading the words but his mind lacked any means to comprehend or process what he had written. 

He let out a small sigh, and after squeezing his eyes he found his way back to the top of the page. 

“Is something the matter, Young Lord Scorpius?"

Scorpius jumped a bit in surprise, snapping his head toward his teacher, Madame Lysenthia. Unlike his other teachers, she had in fact reduced the workload put upon him, urging him to take it easy after all that had happened. Funnily enough, he had secretly hoped that their class hours would be longer if it meant that he didn’t have to see his other teachers. 

Well, it was not that he was complaining about the work. Definitely not. He had nothing against it, and in fact, it was very much needed, but… of all the classes he took, there was no other teacher besides Madame Lysethia that put him at such ease.

“Scorpius?”

Ah, his mind had wandered again. 

“Apologies, Countess,” he responded, dipping his head shyly.

“Sweet thing, I did not ask for your apology,” she said gently. “We could end it early today if you need.”

Scorpius looked at her frantically. “No, no. I’m perfectly fine, Madame. I was just distracted for a moment, that's all. I— I can still work just fine. It won’t happen again.”

Madame Lysenthia stared at him for a moment, before closing her book. 

“Tell me, what’s on your mind?”

“It’s nothing, Madame, I apologize,” Scorpius murmured. 

“Nothing?” she echoed, raising a brow in an exaggerated fashion. “Nothing at all? I didn’t think any student of mine would have a brain made of air.”

Scorpius giggled as she wiggled her brows more inquisitively. 

“Ahem, I mean, of course not,” Scorpius responded in an equally exaggerated tone, bursting out into more giggles. He then eased a bit, responding sincerely. “By nothing, I meant it was nothing serious, Madame. You need not to worry.”

“Perhaps,” she hummed. “But considering you’re rarely absentminded in our lessons, I figured you must be in heavy thought.”

Scorpius was quiet, searching her expression. I mean, it wasn’t like she didn’t know what had happened. If not for the news which had already reached the capital, she would have heard directly from the estate to accommodate his injuries. No, she wanted to know what he was thinking. What he thought. 

Her gaze held steady, waiting for his response with nothing but patience and warmth— it reminded him of Altair’s. His eyes flickered and he ducked his head down, refusing to tear up again. 

But, she was right. There was something he had to know. 

“Madame, why do the people here have to fear the Traders, when it has been banned in the East?” he asked. “And why is Leira still the largest exporter of illegal slaves, despite being under the protection of Linhearth?”

She looked taken aback by the question, her eyes widening. Before she hummed, tapping her lip with her pen.

“You ask a difficult question.” she admitted. “A question that many people would like answered and working to solve, even some of my colleagues at the Royal Academy."

She stood up, and grabbed the chalk to draw a graph. 

“Some of the scholars argue, it is because of the size of the cities we live in,” she said, drawing a line through that got increasingly steeper. “The bigger the city and population, the bigger the resources, infrastructure, and chance for innovation, but also its problems, including crime.” 

“And Leria is one of the largest cities in the East,” Scorpius finished. 

“That’s right,” she nodded. "But there are other factors too. Why was Leira able to grow so large?”

“It’s proximity to a teleportation gate?” Scorpius asked. That’s why his father was able to still work closely to the capital, and why Orion is able to visit them on such quick notice, after all. 

“But why was the gate built to begin with?”

“It’s prominence in trade and its geographical— oh…” he realized. “The ports.”

Lysenthia nodded. 

“Leira was a centralized location for trade and all sorts of goods, including illicit trade as well. For the West, the higher cost of importing slaves across the ocean only makes the illicit trade through the East much more appealing. Further, since the war with Reian, much of the country’s focus has been on rebuilding, regaining stability, and recovering the loss of resources and gold. It’s the same for Linhearth and Leira at the moment, is it not?”

From what his father had told him, that seemed to be the case. He only remembered the war in passing, as he was four when it had ended. But to this day, his father was managing the various infrastructure projects around the territory after the destruction of bridges, and roads, and reestablishing trades. He was sure there were plenty more as well.

“For Leria especially, those slave traders often take advantage of the many informal settlements formed around the gate,” she continued. “Sadly, the poor and the uneducated make easy victims for them since no one has the means to search for them.”

Scorpius gritted his teeth.

“It is not your fault that evil exists,” she continued. “But as you are a noble, you bear the responsibility of quelling such evils and promoting prosperity in its stead. It will not be easy, nor will it ever be a task that is finished. You will make mistakes, and any progress will be hard earned. But what we can do is learn, understand and with the resources we are given, govern to the best of our abilities.”

“You can always say it's the best of our ability,” Scorpius scowled in frustration. “But when is it enough?”

Madame Lysethia let out a soft sigh, and gently placed a hand on his. “I’m afraid politics is never simple, my dear. Think of my work as an ambassador. There are many moving parts you need to know before any sort of connection can be established or negotiation can begin,” she explained. She looked at him sternly. “We can’t have it all. So it’s important to understand what it is that is truly valuable. What is worth trading away and what for.”

Scorpius’s frown deepened. 

Then what? Were those people just left to fend for themselves? Because people did not think they were worth defending? Over what? What could possibly be worth more than a life?

“But of course, nothing will be valued the same way it’ll always be, and definitely not by the same person or country,” she said. “To do so, we must come to understand ourselves, the parties around us, and what we each represent.”

She gave his hand a small squeeze, giving him a small, bittersweet smile. “Change is inevitable, but guidable. If we understand what we want, then we can prioritize it to the fullest. Thankfully, you have plenty of time to get to know yourself, and when you inherit Linhearth, you have the power to choose what you will represent.”

Scorpius nodded quietly, but in his mind he couldn't help but doubt her. Did he really have such leisure, to sit and wait? In fact, did he really have what was needed to deserve such a responsibility to begin with?

Scorpius stared wordlessly at the estate’s large doors. Even as Edward the head butler announced that Orion would be arriving soon, his mind was blank, waiting. It was only once Rebecca nudged him back to attention that he realized that the doors had opened to welcome the royal prince.

As the royal carriage and the knights escorting him pulled to a stop, the servants of Linhearth who had made a path directly to the door, bowed their heads in greeting.

Scorpius watched as a footman opened the carriage door, and a blur of gold charged at him. 

“Scorpius!”

Scorpius snapped back into attention as soon as he realized that it was him that Orion had stopped in front of, rather than his father. 

“I heard what happened from Mother,” he said, grabbing his hands. “I’m so sorry— how horrible that must have been for you.”

Scorpius’s eyes twitched. 

Regardless of this over friendly act of his, never in his life did he think he’d hear Orion say words like ‘I’m so sorry’ directed to him. His father was also surprised at Orion’s display of concern, but he seemed to quickly shift back into understanding. 

Scorpius fought the urge to snatch his hand away from him, but instead he stepped back into a practiced bow. 

“Scorpius Val Linhearth greets Edellion’s young dragon,” he said in practiced monotony. “What brings Your Highness to the Linhearth estate?”

Orion eyes flickered behind him, as if searching for something. It seemed he was still unable to find whatever he sought, as his gaze looked more frantic.

“I— I was worried about my dear cousin, of course. I’m so glad you seem alright.”

Scorpius fought the desperate urge to sigh, instead putting the pressure on his jaws as he clenched once and then released. 

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. You're always so thoughtful," he stated with a thin smile. “Please, come inside.”

His father looked quite pleased by the exchange, quickly ushering the prince inside the estate. He even directed him to stay with Scorpius, encouraging him to humor the prince with “good company”. 

Scorpius watched blankly as Orion gave his father a loving goodbye as he exited Scorpius’s own bedroom. He hadn’t remembered the last time his father had seen him to his bedroom, not until that day when he had woken up to him sitting by his bedside. 

He stifled a bitter chuckle. 

Oh, how pleased he would have been that day if not for the circumstances. At least now he knew the answer to a question he had long asked in his life: whether his father would show up if he was at his deathbed. Even if it wasn’t the face of concern he had always fantasized in head, it was something right? 

“Your attendant.” 

Scorpius’s hands twitched. Orion turned to face him, staring at him intently. 

“I don’t see him.”

Scorpius blinked, and an incredulous scoff escaped him. 

“… Hah!”

Scorpius crossed his arms over his chest and held the other’s gaze. “Rebbeca and …” Scorpius went quiet, his gaze darkening. “You two— no, everyone— leave us. I want to speak to His Royal Highness.”

The red-haired bodyguard beside Orion opened his mouth to protest, but Orion put his hand up, dismissing him with a quick flick of his wrist, his eyes still firmly trained onto Scorpius’s. With a bow, the three of them left the room. When the door clicked closed, Orion turned to him with a scowl on his face.

“So? Where is he then? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him leave your side, at least every time I was here.”

Scorpius only stared back, considering him. 

Why was he looking for Altair? For to come all this way? 

“Well??”

“So much for that big show of yours,” Scorpius scoffed, letting out an exacerbated smirk. “You’re not gonna keep pretending you’re here for your dear cousin?”

“Well, you seem perfectly fine by the sounds of it,” Orion snapped back. “So tell me, where is Altair?! What exactly happened? Is he alright?”

“…And why do the matters of my attendant matter to you?” he bit out.

“I—” Orion pressed his lips, ducking his head down. The hands that were grabbing him were trembling. “Just— just please tell me he’s alright.”

Scorpius was silent again, watching the boy before him. There was none of his usual disdain or fake pleasantries. Instead, he just stood there, anxious, pleading for any answers. Scorpius had never seen him look so… pathetic before.

He opened and closed his mouth, hesitating. 

“.... He got hurt.”

Orion’s face snapped back up.

“Where?! How?!” the other cried.

He began shaking him, causing them to rock back and forth and making Scorpius wince a bit at the added pressure to his ankle. 

“How?” Orion pressed, his eyes wild. 

Scorpius bit his lip. 

“He was… he was trying to protect us,” he replied. He let out a trembling breath, before shaking his head. “No– it was me. He protected me.”

“From the slave traders?”

Scorpius nodded. “He was able to fight them off, but he got hurt. Badly, I heard. He’s recovering in the infirmary right now.”

Orion sucked in a deep breath and let him go, turning around to pace around the room.  “Altair… this is just like him to pull something like this,” he lamented. “Just what was he thinking?!” 

He whipped around and jabbed a finger into Scorpius’s chest, his eyes blown wide in fury. 

“What on earth were you thinking?” he snarled. “Slave traders? What were you doing to get involved with slave traders?! I don’t know what the hell you were doing or thinking, but he’s your responsibility! Your person to care and protect!”

Scorpius snatched his hand off his chest, and he stepped forward, leaning directly into his face and squeezing down on his wrist.

“And what about you? Who are you to talk like that?” he growled. “...Like you would do any better?”

Like you know anything about Altair?

“Hah!” Orion let out, and the next moment Orion had him by the collar, gripping and pushing to where the fabric tightened painfully around his neck. “Believe me, if Altair was under my care, I wouldn’t ever let this happen to him,” he hissed under his breath.

Scorpius narrowed his eyes. 

Normally he would be reveling at the fact that the normally angel-like Orion was acting so aggressively. What would everyone think of him, seeing him like this? Acting just like Scorpius would? He always knew Orion was no better than him.

But right now, he could not stop this itching feeling that he was missing something very big. Why was he so concerned for Altair? How did he know him personally to begin with?

“You have no idea, do you?” Orion continued with a blank stare, and yet, he could feel him seething behind the coldness of his gaze, his voice continuing to climb. “Altair hates violence. He hates fighting. But he has a terrible habit of jumping in to save others at the cost of himself— even to scumbags like you! But, I bet you don’t even know that— or worse, you don’t care.”

Scorpius felt his mind go white.

“No,” he said automatically.

“No? Well let me guess,” Orion continued, his voice continuing to raise. “You did something stupid, and he had to jump in and save you—!”

“What do you know!” Scorpius snarled, finally grabbing the other by the collar himself. He squeezed tighter, causing the other’s cravat to dishevel. “What do you know about Altair?”

“Apparently, more than you!”

Scorpius’s body went rigid, his heart pounding in his chest.

“You’re lying,” he said. But was he? He couldn’t refute him completely. He only barely got to start knowing Altair personally that day. 

Orion stared at him, expression completely blank. “How could I be? I’m his best friend.”

Scorpus stood, eyes blown wide open. Everything seemed to stop, even the sound of his heart and his breathing that was so loud before. 

That can’t be right. There was no way that would be possible.

He had to be lying. There was no way for them to have met, nevermind extensively enough— more so that he would with Scorpius— that they become friends to begin with…. right?

Scorpius’s eyes wavered. Orion snatched his wrist out of his grip, glaring at him. He saw Orion’s lips move, hounding something about Altair, but he could barely hear him. Becoming increasingly impatient, Orion began pacing the room. 

“— You’re really not going to tell me where he is? You—”

“I… I don’t know.”

Orion stopped pacing, his gaze snapping back to Scorpius’s. His brow was upturned, trembling at the strain. 

“You don’t know? What do you mean you don’t know?! Don’t tell me that after he went out of his way to save you that you didn’t even bother to visit—” 

“I DON’T KNOW!” 

Orion flinched. 

Now, it was Scorpius’s hand around Orion’s collar. 

“You think you’re the only one worried for him? No one is letting me see him, not even Rebecca! No one told me anything, just that I should just stay in my room and just stop caring about everything.” There was a knot forming at his throat, and he desperately tried to swallow it down, to no avail. He felt his voice choking up. “But how could I?”

He took in a shaky breath, and released his grip on Orion with a small shove, glaring at him. 

“If you’re that concerned for him, why don’t you just go visit him yourself? You said so yourself that he’s your ‘best friend.’”

Orion silently dusted and fixed himself up, muttering underneath his breath. 

“...Are you an idiot? I don’t even know where to start looking for him.” he said with a low, disgruntled huff. “Besides, it would look suspicious if I went by myself,”

They both fell silent.

“Let’s go find him,” Orion said eventually.

Scorpius blinked. He… he hadn’t thought of that. 

“But I just said I’m not allowed to,” he replied, a bit incredulously.

“And? Are you just going to sit here doing nothing? Use me. They can’t deny me, and it won't be strange to see him if you were with me.”

Hah, and he is the supposed entitled, rowdy and rebellious one.

Though Scorpius was still very much doubtful of his alleged friendship with Altair, he had to admit that Orion was his only option to see him without getting into major trouble. And what if he was Altair’s friend after all? And he was just denying his attendant the few chances to see his friend? He didn't want to trouble Altair any more than he already has. 

Scorpius gave Orion a hesitant nod, and Orion perked up with relief and excitement.

“Then it's settled. Show me to the infirmary.”

“I'm not your damn servant,” Scorpius muttered, “Besides, the servants are still right out this door, I bet. That bodyguard of yours isn’t going to leave you either.”

Orion looked thoughtful, before heading towards the door. “Just follow my lead.”

With an apprehensive brow peaked, Scorpius followed him to the door. As Orion opened it up slightly, Scorpius was able to see Rebecca, the bodyguard, and the attendant perked up from the other side and bow.

Orion stopped them, lifting a hand. 

“Please, would you leave us? We’re still in the midst of our very private conversation and Scorpius here is quite shy you see—”

Scorpius interjected him, giving them a tense smile as he shoved him out of the doorway.  “Didn’t you hear his royal highness? He told you all to leave, didn’t he? In fact, you, why don’t you go give Ren here a nice tour of the estate? And in the meantime, Rebecca, could you get us some tea for our conversation?”

The three looked at each other hesitantly, but the attendant eventually bowed and looked back at Ren, urging him forward.

Ren frowned. “I don’t—”

“That’s a great idea,” Orion smiled, and Ren looked at him in confusion. “It’ll be helpful for me if you knew the layout of the estate as well, Ren.”

Despite his clear displeasure, Ren bowed, and followed after the attendant. 

“Rebecca?” He turned to her, who still looked apprehensive to move. He let out a soft sigh. “We won’t fight, I promise,” he assured. 

They were supposedly collaborating after all.

Finally, with a slow nod and a bow, she began to make her way down towards the kitchens, eventually leaving the two alone.

“What the fuck was that?” Scorpius hissed when they were finally gone from earshot. 

“Such vulgar language— not even a thank you?” Orion fired back.

“Thank you my ass, I’m the one who— ugh nevermind. Let’s go.”

He then briefly paused, going back into the room.

“What are you—”

“Writing a note for Rebecca,” he replied, quickly scribbling on a piece of paper. “The attendant will come back eventually, but it won’t take long to prepare tea. She can buy us time, and plus, I don’t want to worry her.”

Sliding the note under the flower arrangements, he finally left his room, Orion following suit and closing the door behind him. As they sped-walked down the opposite hallway in which they left, Scorpius did his best to push forward, trying to walk without a limp.

“Do you want them to catch us? Why do you insist on walking so slow?” Orion said, narrowing his eyes. 

“I don’t see you– ack” Scorpius winced and he hissed as his ankle twinged more, halting his steps. 

Orion stopped to stare at him. Something in his face shifted as he saw Scorpius’s leg, and Scorpius felt his face flush. Clicking his tongue, he walked forward again, ignoring the twinge every time his ankle moved to support himself. 

As soon as he was about to pass Orion, however, he saw him grab his arm, before swinging it over his shoulder and taking a step forward.

“What the— get off.”

“Do you want to see Altair or not?” Orion fired back, pressing forward. 

Scorpius grumbled, walking forward in time with him. “This doesn’t help.”

Orion let out a huff and let go of him. 

“Then what would you like me to do, Princess? Carry you on my back, lift you up in my arms?”

Scorpius looked at him in disgust. “Do not ever say that ever again.”

After navigating the various halls of the estate, dodging the various servants that came around, they eventually were able to exit the estate through a side door, quickly passing through a side alley and finally arriving at the infirmary. 

“Um,” Scorpius cleared his throat. 

The woman attending the infirmary front stared down him, before quickly bowing down. 

“Young master! And um, Your Highness?! This humble servant greets Edellion’s young dragon and star.”

“You may lift your head,” Orion stated. “Please don’t mind us, we’re only here to visit my cousin’s attendant. I heard he was injured in that terrible incident.”

“Y-yes, of course. It’s right down that hall, the last door to the left. Do– do you require an escort?”

“No need,” Scorpius said, lifting a hand.

“Of course.”

The two made their way down the hall, finding the last door as the woman instructed. 

Finally, finally! 

“Altair!” 

“Altair!”

The two boys ran to the older boy sitting on the single bed, waiting expectantly for them with a gentle smile. The Scorpius clamored to his bedside, rushing to embrace him, only to get bumped by Orion, who had similarly gone for Altair’s arms.  The two, both realizing the other’s intent, glared menacingly at each other whilst their hands both grasped at Altair’s. 

As soon as Scorpius opened his mouth to berate the other, he was interrupted by the sounds of laughter. 

“What a delightful surprise— I definitely did not expect the two of you to arrive together. Hello, young master, hello, Your Highness.”

They both snapped their heads back to Altair, who gave them another well-natured chuckle.

A surprise?

Scorpius lips trembled, completely failing at hiding his awkward smile. In all of his time together, he couldn’t remember a single time where he had surprised Altair. 

“You… You don’t look very surprised.” Scorpius murmured. 

“Well, it wasn’t like I couldn’t hear through the door, now can I?” Altair said with a softness in his eyes that he couldn’t describe. The older boy reached forward to caress his hair. “You’ll have to imagine my delight when I heard your voice, as loud and brash as I remember.”

“Are… you alright?” Scorpius whispered. 

“I’m doing just fine, as you can see,” Altair replied. “My back is still recovering but I’ll be back in no time.”

Scorpius couldn’t help but lean into his hand, his knees crumbling beneath him as he drooped down to the bed and into his lap, powerless beneath his touch. He wanted to cry. For days, this is what was missing. 

“I’m sorry, Altair. You got hurt because of me. And, I didn't mean what I said then, I was just, I was just—“

“I know, I know.” Altair shushed him, rubbing circles on his back. It was then Scorpius couldn't hold it in anymore, not that he knew he was holding back anything in the first place, and he just began to ramble; squeezing his eyes shut and holding onto the warmth of Altair touch.. 

“I was so scared.”

“I know, you were so brave.”

“They tried to kill me— they said they would throw me into the river.”

“Yes, but rest  assured— They will pay for those words, and no one would dare to do such a thing again.”

He said it with such firmness that Scorpius really believed it.

“Thank you for saving me.”

Altair’s hand grazed his cheek only for a moment. But the moment held such gentleness, such reverence, as if he was afraid to touch him.  “… thank you for coming back to me, safe and sound.”

When the other’s hand dropped, Scorpius looked up at him in offense, a pout unknowingly forming at his lips. Altair only gave him an amused smile again, knowing all too well what he was doing. But to his dismay, Altair still turned his attention away from him. Scorpius followed his gaze in annoyance, only to discover a very conflicted looking Orion, who looked like he had swallowed a whole chestnut with its outer shell and all. 

“Hello, Your Highness,” Altair spoke, words honey as he smiled at the prince with gentlemanly grace. He gave him a bow. “It's an honor for this lowly servant to greet the kingdom’s young dragon. What brings you here at this time?”

Orion didn't do much of anything, nor did he say anything at all, but his eyes— the ever so poised Orion’s eyes— they flickered like a blaring warning bell. Scorpius’s sneer dropped from his face, and he stared at the boy who looked so small, so distant from the bed where he and Altair sat.  And yet, Orion let out a shuddering breath before he looked back up at Altair, his eyes pained.

“… I came to see you, Altair.”

Altair’s smile dropped slightly. The older boy then stared at Orion for a bit, and any longer Scorpius would have dismissed Orion for a complete lunatic who had stooped so low as to scheme such a poor attempt to steal away his attendant. Oh how he wished he could— but then he saw how Altair's expression softened, and Scorpius had the crushing realization that he was telling the truth.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Altair said, his head bowed low just like ever, but his voice held a distinct note of sincerity and warmth— the kind that he would hear from him.  

The prince opened and closed his mouth, before he let out a pleading whisper.

“Orion.”

Scorpius saw Altair’s eyes widen.

“It’s my name. Why… why won't you call me by my name?”

Altair stared back at him wordlessly. To his surprise, Altair turned to look at him, caressing his hair absently. That only made Orion more riled up, taking a step forward to motion at Scorpius.

“Is it because of him?” Orion accused, his eyes getting more desperate. And yet, he did not dare to further approach the bed. “I told him, Altair. I told him we were friends, so you don't need to hide it anymore—“ he waved his arms frantically “But don't worry,  I told him not to mess with you— it will be okay! so please—“

“Your Highness,” Altair said, and Orion snapped his mouth shut. “Just because you are the kingdom’s star, and I your subject, does not mean we can no longer exist as companions.” 

He gave him a smile, the gentle kind that once was and should only be reserved to him. 

“It will be alright, your highness. So please, don't have such a sad face— there's nothing to worry about.”

Orion’s eyes grew teary, and he leaped into Altair's arms. Altair did not push him away.

Scorpius stared at the two. But, he did not protest, nor did he grow angry with it. Instead, he asked a simple question. 

“Altair, does that mean we are friends?”

Orion froze and he looked up at Altair. But what met him wasn't Altair's gaze, no. He was looking at Scorpius, gazing upon him with the most gentle of smiles, with ethereal warmth and adoration.

“Of course. It'd be my pleasure.”

Scorpius didn't need to see Orion’s crestfallen expression. No, he held Altair's gaze and smiled, pure satisfaction gracing all of his being.

Orion could do nothing but watch in utter devastation, swallowing the lump in his throat as he saw Altair have no choice but to go along with Scorpius's whims.  It wasn't like he could reject him, and… There was no way that Altair genuinely would want to be friends with someone like Scorpius.. right?

But even as he was in Altair's arms, it was Scorpius he was looking at. But the way Altair would smile at Scorpius, he could not confidently say whether that was his professionalism or his genuine smile. After all, he had changed so much from back when they could laugh together freely. He still had that odd sense of subduedness, almost restrained sharpness in his thin smiles, yet there were times where those smiles would just melt into such softness that surely it could not be the result of mere professionalism, less he was a brilliant and cunning actor, or… if he truly cared for him.

Orion blinked. 

Ah. He didn’t change— not completely. He was just a fool to think that Altair's kindness would make an exception for Scorpius.

Then at that realization, his mouth curved to a bittersweet smile.

As much as it tormented him to see him do so at his own expense, to see his kindness directed to Scorpius of all people, he could not help but to also feel a small guilty sense of relief. Of course it was Altair who would do such a thing, to open his heart to such an insufferable, undeserving person.

But was he really? A voice whispered from the back of his mind. After all, his concern for the attendant seemed.. genuine. So much so that the sight made his stomach churn. 

Just as he thought that, Scorpius also began worming himself back beside Altair, squeezing beneath the older boy's arm and inserting himself between them. Orion glared at him, wriggled himself underneath Altair's other arm as well, pressing his elbow into Scorpius' shoulder to push him away.

“What are you, a newborn babe?” Scorpius scoffed at him. “Haven't you had enough time?”

Orion's face flushed and he jerked away from them, his mouth stuttering, waving a shaky finger at them.

“I— Wha— and what does that make you?”

“‘Im not the one refusing to share.”

As Orion stuttered in place, he felt Altair's hand on his. He snapped his head back, only to see that he had also grabbed Scorpius's.

“How lucky of me to have two very good friends,” Altair's voice interjected. And to both Scorpius and his absolute horror, Altair brought their two hands together, joining into form a very friendly handhold. He gave them both a smile, not of his usual warmth but one of ice. “Two very good friends who get along so well together, yes?” 

Orion sat with his mouth agape, and turning to Scorpius he also looked like he had his soul had escaped his body.

He couldn't help it. Despite all that had happened today, at the sight of  his ridiculous expression he could not help but let out a snort of laughter. Never had someone rendered Scorpius so utterly defeated, rendered so completely resigned. Perhaps the beast was not so untamable after all.

Fine, he can play this game, if that's what Altair wanted. He knew it all too well, after all.

If Altair found joy in helping miserable old Scorpius, whether or not he deserved it, he’ll help him do so. Besides, Altair was Scorpius’s attendant, and it wasn’t as if Orion stopping him would change anything. And more than anything, he could finally protect him— not from distance or avoidance, but beside him.

“Of course. We get along very well,” Orion said, squeezing down on Scorpius's hand just a little hard for comfort. Scorpius snapped his head back at him to give the most fiery silent glare. Orion simply beamed back at him, glancing back at Altair. Scorpius followed his gaze to see him gazed at them expectantly.

Scorpius's lips trembled, before he gave him a smile of his own between gritted teeth. 

“Yes, so well.”

Altair gave them a warm smile, and while it was no longer the beaming grin it used to be, nor was it just for him anymore, it was absolutely radiant to him now, who was just content he was able to feel its warmth once again— that Altair no longer pushed him away.  

And to protect that warmth, he’ll do what he must.

Scorpius chattered giddily as Rebecca tucked him into the bed, snuggling in the warmth of the blankets which had been heated previously. 

“We were dodging the servants left and right, and even though stupid Orion was being so loud in the hall, we were able to make it to the infirmary. And boom! There was Altair, waiting for us! And do you know what he said? He said we surprised him. Isn’t that crazy? And Orion being Altair’s friend too— but it’s alright because now I’m friends with Altair too.”

Scorpius giggled, pulling his blankets to his chin and kicking his feet. Rebecca oddly didn’t say anything though, and he quieted enough to peek at Rebecca sitting beside him. Her eyes looked absent again, her lips ever so slightly pursed and her brows tense. 

“Rebecca?”

“H–Hm?” She blinked, turning back towards him with an apologetic smile. “Oh, sorry Scorpius, I um, sorry I was zoning out.”

 Scorpius fiddled with his sheets. 

“Sorry, Rebecca, are you mad that I went with Altair  without you knowing?”

“No! Nono, not at all, I’m not mad at you,” she said with a sheepish grin, but the edges of her mouth and the crease beside her eyes remained tight.

“... Are you sure?”

Her expression softened, and she shuffled herself closer to him, adjusting his blanket to cozy him up more before tenderly brushing his hair to the side. 

“Of course not, Scorpius. How could I, when you did what you thought was right? You should be proud of yourself. I know it wasn’t easy to go against your father.”

“Really? I mean yeah, I didn’t really get in trouble for it because of Orion, but–”

“Of course. You were worried about Altair right? I was just worried about you, too, that’s all.”

“But I left a note for you—”

Rebecca cleared her throat loudly. 

“Sorry…”

She chuckled, and leaned to rest her head besides his, rubbing his back reassuringly. 

“You have a good heart, Scorpius. You shouldn't hesitate to follow it.”

Scorpius sank into his blankets, his fingers fidgeting still. “I don’t know, Rebecca. I just… I don’t know.”

“Of course you don’t.”

Scorpius turned to her questioningly.

“Well, you’re just a little kid, Scorp,” she chuckled. “Of course you don’t. But your sincerity is there, isn’t it? You’ll be just fine. “

“But—”

“Don’t worry so much. And your studies too, you’re working way too hard. Kids should be out complaining about work, demanding sweets and toys, making ridiculous games and staying out past sunset, and refusing to sleep for more bedtime stories.”

“Is that what your siblings are up to?” Scorpius chuckled. “What games are they playing?”

“Oh I have no idea anymore,” Rebecca laughed. “Hunt the Demon, Dragon’s Hoard, they get more and more creative.”

“Hunt the Demon?” Scorpius echoed. “Is this like that ‘snowball fight’ you were talking about? Your siblings seem to like honorable battles. Do they dream of becoming a knight or soldier?”

Rebecca burst out laughing harder. “Oh, them? Oh, I can’t imagine, they’re the furthest from the soldier type. Hunt the Demon is a more strategic game, since you have to find who contracted with a demon and ‘execute’ them.”

“Oh, brave strategists then.”

“I suppose,” Rebecca snickered. 

“And what about bedtime stories? Is that another game?”

Rebecca blinked at him. “You don’t know what bedtime stories are?”

Scorpius also paused, but she looked genuinely surprised. He slowly shook his head. 

“It’s just stories you tell before we go to sleep,” she explained. “It’s common for children to ease them to sleep and also teach them things. It’s nice because common folks don’t often get books to read, and time before sleep is a nice time to get together when everyone’s stopped working and the day is done.”

“That sounds lovely,” Scorpius smiled drowsily. “Falling asleep, surrounded by those you love and listening to their voice…”

“...Do you want a bedtime story?”

“You’re able to?”

“Well, I am usually the one doing the telling. Well, not anymore since I live on the estate now.”

“Oh…”

“Don’t worry, I still visit them.”

He felt his eyes slowly become heavier. He’ll just rest them for a bit, he supposed. 

“...Could you tell me a story?” he said quietly.

She let out a chuckle. “Sure.”

“What would you do if you could do anything in the world?”

“What? That’s not– ha…”

“If you didn’t have to worry about money at all,” Scorpius clarified. 

Rebecca was quiet for a bit, and for a moment he thought that maybe she was going to abandon the proposal. But after a long pause, she responded in a quiet voice. 

“Hm, assuming that I already sent my brother to the academy?” She indulged.

“Mm.”

“And my other siblings too?”

Scorpius snorted. “Yes, everything was sorted and you were left to do whatever you wanted.”

“Hm, I’m not sure, I never thought about that.”

Scorpius frowned, his eyes still closed. 

“Don’t lie.”

“Fine,” Rebecca’s voice echoed back. “Hm… I think I’d open a school.”

“Isn’t that more work?”

“Well, you said I didn’t have to worry about money. So, I’d use all my supposedly excess money to build a school house and teach the kids back home. I’ll buy books, and they can learn music and poetry, like the merchant kids do.” Scorpius could hear her voice get more and more excited. “There’d be a garden they could help out in, and oh, the kids can play on a swing at the side of the school. Maybe Samuel would be grown by then and he’d come back home to teach with me, or if not, he and everyone else could send their kids for me to teach.” She laughed. “Now wouldn’t that be crazy. Of course, for that I’d have to…” 

“Go to an academy,” Scorpius finished, opening his eyes. He turned to her. “You want to study. You want to teach.”

Rebecca was looking up at the ceiling in silence, a faraway, dreamy look in her eyes. She let out a small wisp of breath that sounded akin to both a sigh and a laugh. “In the story, yes.”

“...What a beautiful story,” Scorpius murmured. Rebecca was silent. 

“What about you? What would you do?”

Scorpius was quiet. There were many things he wanted to do. He wanted to please his father. He wanted to protect his people. He wanted to make sure no one got hurt by his mistakes again. He wanted them to please the people of Leira. He wanted them to love–

… There were many things he wished he could do. But how?

“...I don’t know,” he replied eventually. “I just want to make everyone happy.”

“Oh, Scorpius. You can’t make everyone happy.”

“I know…” he yawned. “But… I wish I could try.”

“Remember what I said? Do what you think is right, Scorp.”

Scorpius was quiet. 

“Thank you, Rebecca,” he mumbled out. “I’m… really happy you’re here. I’m really happy Altair found… you…”

“... Good night Scorpius.”

“So then, Val, were you able to choose a personal guard?” his father asked from the seat at the head of the table. 

Scorpius slowly shook his head. “I wanted to consider my options carefully, so not yet, Father.”

“It is an important decision, so it is wise to do so. Don’t take too long, however.”

“I will keep that in mind, but um…” Scorpius took a deep breath. “I have a question for you, father.”

His father raised a brow in acknowledgement, but his eyes did not leave his plate. 

“I… I need to know, Father. What became of ‘her’.”

The chatter of metal on porcelain sounded out, and his father raised his head to gaze at him with a stern scowl.

“This again Val? I’ve already told you, it’s not something you need to worry about. It’s been all taken care of. You don’t need to worry about this anymore.”

“Father, I don’t ask the same question expecting the same answer,” he replied, his heart pounding in his chest. He curled his fists, steeling himself to face his father’s rage. “I… I need to know.”

His father did not move, only staring at him intensely with a gaze that threatened to bore holes through his skull.

“Val,” he said, his voice deadly calm.

But Scorpius didn’t give himself the leisure to be afraid.

“Father,” he urged, and the words began flowing out of his mouth. “You’ve told me that it was due to my mishap that she passed. If it's really my fault as you say, I of all people should know what happened to her.”

His father was silent still, staring right at him, wordlessly. And yet, Scorpius returned his gaze, even despite the trembling of his hands and the pounding of his heart.

Eventually, a loud and heavy sigh escaped from his father.

“... A knight investigated the bodies at the scene to help find the perpetrators,” he said. “As you probably know, the girl was killed by one of the four slave traders who had gone hunting for her. Of the three, including the one that killed her, was slain by your attendant.”

Scorpius sucked in a breath. It was what he expected, but… he couldn't help but remember what Orion had said yesterday.

“After the investigation was concluded, her remains were sent to a nearby Morgue in downtown Leira,” his father continued. “Typically, if a body is not claimed or identified, they bury them in mass graves at the end of the month.”

Scorpius bolted up from his seat. “Then—”

His father raised a hand, and he shut his mouth, sitting back down. 

“I’ve instructed Edward to arrange procedures so that her family can bury her without cost, or prepare a gravesite for her in case she is not claimed.”

“But father, she… she told me that she has no family or home to return to,” he said, voice breaking slightly. “No one will claim her.”

“I see,” his father said softly. "... I’m sorry Val, but that’s how the world is at times. She’s out of your hands now. Let the poor girl rest.”

Scorpius gritted his teeth. 

“No.”

“... No?”

“I promised her,” he bit out. “I promised that I'll help her and let her stay in Linhearth as long as she needs.” He ducked his head. “I couldn't save her in the end, but even then, I cannot abandon her and my promise to her.”

He looked up at his father.

“Please, father,” he pleaded, rising up from his chair. “Please, bury her where the other servants of Linhearth rest. I will pay for every cost needed. You know how uncaring people are to an untended, unmarked gravestone.”

His father’s brows furrowed, and his hands came up to rub at his temple. 

“You have always told me to uphold the duties of a noble!” Scorpius cried. “To protect those weaker, to maintain our responsibilities and our integrity! Allow me to keep my promise father. …Please."

His father sat deep in thought. After several minutes, he motioned for the head butler.

“Edward,” he said, and the head butler bowed beside him. “Keep tabs on her, and if no one claims her until the end, have it so that she will be buried at the estate.”

The entirety of Scorpius’s face lit up.

“And should I have the arrangements done under the young master’s books?” Edward asked. 

“No need,” the Duke stated. “It’s all under the estate’s regardless.”

“Understood. I will have it arranged immediately.”

As Edwards turned to leave, Scorpius was beaming with joy and relief. When he caught the gaze of his father however, he was able to press it down back to a modest grin, before bowing to him sincerely.

“Thank you, father,” he said. “Thank you so much.”

He seemed surprised by the gesture, and avoided his gaze. “Now that that has been settled, is there anything else you wish to ask of me?” he asked, clearing his throat loudly. 

Scorpius opened his mouth to reply no, but paused. After some contemplation, he opened his mouth once more. 

“Then, may I make another request?”

Sergius, the Duke of Linhearth, sat at his desk in the midst of the night, working late as usual in his office. The past week and a half have already been eventful with the manhunts through Leira and the rest of the aftermath of that day, but today had surely been a surprise for him. 

It was not that Val had requested something from him, but rather it was what he requested from him. At first he thought Val would ask him to see ‘her’, recklessly involve himself in the investigation, or worse, participate in the hunt for the slave hunter. But no, he pleaded for her resting place of all things, and secondly, to sponsor the education of children in Leira. 

Obviously, it was a long way from a fleshed out plan to address the elicit slave trade, but to think that Val himself came up with something to help the people of Leira in of itself was truly a pleasant surprise. 

Yes, there was a long way to go, especially with his impulsive brashness and naivety, but he was finally developing a sense of accountability and responsibility— a foundation where he could grow to be a great leader to his people. Now he just needed to ensure that Val was prepared. 

He let out a sigh, glancing at the letters that Val’s tutors have written to him. 

‘My lord, it is imperative in these unsteady times, that you provide strict discipline and structure to ensure the young master can emerge from this ordeal stronger and well adjusted.’

He sighed again, rubbing forehead and then the small scar lined across the crown of his brow line. 

Right, he needed to be strong for him. As much as he wished he could let him remain in childish idealism, what he needed was sure skill and experience. He could not suffer the same mistakes he had, especially not when all of Linhearth will come to depend on him. 

He turned to the letters again, his fingers hovering over a particular report.

‘My lord, The young master has understandably yet to regain his spirits from the incident.  I will continue my best to provide him with material and teachings as you’ve instructed, but I implore you to please allow him space and leisure to process the ordeal.

Sincerely, 

Countess Daffney Lysenthia.’

He needed to be strong… right? Sergius let out a sigh,  his lips thinned to the line. At least it seemed like Val and His Highness were getting along more now. With a strong connection with the royal family and the capital, surely he would be better favored and prepared for the political waves that would surely come.

As he turned away from the letters to continue on with his work, an old, leather bound book caught his eye. Upon inspecting it, he realized it was the Black Dog’s training manual. Right, he had requested it from Renald to hopefully incorporate the martial training that Raiul’s son had undergone. Without that child’s interference, his boy would have surely died that day. 

A wave of rage consumed him and he nearly crushed the book in his hands. To think that not only did those traders believe they could get away with touching the heir of Linhearth, but to think there was nothing but negligence left and right on the guards' part that they could have seen it through— he wanted to go remove them personally, again and thrice over.

He took a deep breath, opening the manual. 

Truly, it was a relief that his Black Dog Altair was there, with the full means to protect him no less. Seeing the results of the investigation, he was quick, efficient, and thorough with his work, as expected of being trained by Antonio. He did think that the style required by assassins and espionage units like those that Antonio trained would fit nicely with the Black Dogs. On top of being effective as discreet but genuine personal guards, the additional skills like information gathering and stealth would be useful for serving a family like Linhearth. 

Really it had mostly been a matter of specialization, whether such additional training would fit into the likely already packed training regimes for the Black Dogs. But that young Altair had well proved that it was possible. Not only possible, but to reach new heights entirely, judging by how Renald deemed him one of his best students. Using Raiul’s son as an example, perhaps he could use this time to adjust the likely long outdated regimen. 

Just as he thought that however, his fingers stilled over the page he was reading. He breath held, he read the page again, then again. He turned the page, and again frantically, flipping through the pages of the manual as his heart began beating in his ears. 

Please. 

He rose out of his seat, stumbling slightly as he reached for the servant's bell, ringing it with a single aggressive tug. 

Please, let this be a mistake.

As his mind went white, shortly after a knock was heard at his door before it opened with a click.

“My lord, you’ve called for me?” Edward asked. His expression hardened after seeing Sergius’s paled face, looking visibly shaken.

“Get Renald here. Now.”