Brief visit home

When they arrive at home, Evie is finally out of bed, sitting on the couch, though she’s even more pale than usual. Still, she smiles as Kael and Gabby walk in.

“Welcome home, master! A successful trip?”

Kael nods. “More or less, yes.”

Gabby says nothing, hurrying off to her room with her clothes. Kael notices a faint blush to her cheeks as she goes, but doesn’t say anything about it. Evie doesn’t seem to notice, instead standing and walking over to give him a hug.

“I’m sorry I overdid it, master. Thank you for taking care of me this morning.”

Kael chuckles, stroking Evie’s soft green hair. “No need to apologize. I’m glad you had fun with Gabby.”

Evie looks up at him. “I like her, master! She’s so…different. I hope she likes staying here.”

Kael nods, thinking of the incident in the changing room. “I like her too, Evie. I hope she’s comfortable here, and I’m glad you two are getting along. I worried she might be a bit much for you.”

Evie smiles, shaking her head. “Oh, not at all, master! She’s fun!”

Kael chuckles again. “Maybe a little too fun. Take it easy on the wine next time?”

Evie blushes, giggling. “Yes, master. I may have gotten a little bit overexcited. It was fun, though!”

Kael laughs, and leans down to kiss her. “Good. Now, I hate to run, but I should probably go see Lord Greyheart before he has to send a messenger.”

Evie nods. “Of course, master. I’ll stay here with Gabby.”

Kael grins. “Maybe avoid the wine this time?”

Evie laughs. “Good idea, master. We’ll just talk.”

Kael kisses her again. “Sounds like a plan. I’ll be home soon, promise.”

With that, they separate, and Evie begins to busy herself with cleaning up the house. Kael watches her for a moment before heading back out the door. Though life at home is good, things are about to get more complicated. He steels himself for the conversation he’s planning to have with Lord Greyheart.

Ever since the battle, the situation with the so-called ‘lesser’ races has been eating at Kael. If he’s truly honest with himself, it’s been bothering him for far longer than that, but seeing them used as fodder was the last straw in his mind. Something needed to change. For the first time, Kael was going to have to confront his lord over something he felt was wrong. And that scared him more than any battle. But it needed to be done.

The palace had never loomed as large as it did right now. And Kael had never felt this intimidated before. Taking a deep breath, he shoves aside his doubts and fears, and heads in.