Distant thunder

Kael shakes his head, chuckling as he looks around the room. “You’ve really made yourself at home, haven’t you?”

Evie, blushing slightly, smiles at him. “I’m not sure what you mean, master?”

There’s a playful glimmer in her eyes as she looks up at him. Their quarters in the palace are nearly a home in and of itself. Two large, well appointed bedrooms, with beds large enough for all four of them in each. A large bathroom, with an enchanted tub that will fill itself and regulate its temperature. A living room with two large, plush couches, and several bookshelves. The only thing lacking is a kitchen, though there is a way to signal for food to be delivered, should they wish it. There’s even several large, walk in closets, one serving as an armory for Kael and Ria’s weapons and armor. A solid door separates the quarters from the rest of the palace, making the place just as cozy as any home.

While other duties drew Kael away, Evie and Gabby have been unpacking and, it seems, decorating. Kael has no idea where the little elf found all the plants, paintings, and various other things, but there’s no question that the space is as homey as it could possibly be.

Shaking his head, he pulls Evie into a gentle embrace, softly kissing her. “It looks lovely. You and Gabby have done great.”

As if summoned by her name, Gabby emerges from one of the bedrooms, grinning and immediately joining the hug, her big arms encompassing both Kael and Evie. “Don’t leave me out of this, sir!”

Kael laughs, and kisses her as well. “I wouldn’t dare. You might sit on me.”

Gabby winks at him. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you, sir? All you need to do is ask!”

Rolling his eyes, Kael releases the two women. “I’ll keep that in mind. Though I imagine you’re in high demand.”

Evie nods, giggling. “She keeps me company while you’re so busy, master! After all, you and Miss Ria have a lot to do.”

Kael sighs. “Yeah. I’m honored by the position Lord Greyheart has given us, but it’s a lot of responsibility. I worry about making mistakes. And I worry about…a lot of things, honestly.”

Evie takes his hand, squeezing gently. “I know, master. But Lord…I mean, my father has faith in you. All of us do.”

Gabby nods. “He wouldn’t have picked you if you couldn’t handle it, sir.”

Kael smiles. “Thanks. I appreciate it, both of you. Sometimes I…”

He’s interrupted by a knock at the door. Kael is startled, but opens up to find a courier there. “Message for you, Lord Kael!”

Kael inwardly cringes at the title. He’s still not used to it. Stifling the emotion, he takes the letter from the courier, who hurries off to make other deliveries. Kael closes the door, looking at the letter. It’s sealed with wax, and the seal is one Kael doesn’t recognize. More curious now, he breaks the seal, scanning for a signature before even reading the letter. When he finds it, though, he stiffens, suddenly alert. He reads the name aloud, the tension in his voice obvious.