Out of the palace

It’s been a while since Kael last walked openly through the streets, and with everything going on, he had forgotten his status, and more than that, his popularity. Though he’s hardly mobbed, he’s caught off guard by the number of people who come up to him to greet him, or simply to watch him pass. Under the scrutiny of so many eyes, Evie shrinks back a bit, holding tightly to Kael’s arm. Despite that, theres still a smile on her face, even if it’s edged with nervousness.

Petra is a different matter altogether. As soon as people start to gather, it’s as if she shifts into a different mode, becoming the ultimate sentinel. There’s a definite intensity in her eyes, and Kael can see the tendering of her jaw as she looks around. Though she draws less obvious attention, Kael can hear people discussing her as they pass.

“Who’s the strange woman with Lord Kael and Princess Evie?”

“No idea. Maybe a new champion?”

“Yeah, looks like she’s guarding them.”

“Makes sense, a nonhuman champion. I wonder where he found her.”

Kael ignores the comments, though he’s sure Petra hears them as well. She doesn’t seem bothered, too intent on her vigilance. Kael has to admit, he’s impressed. Petra is a natural, as if there’s a protective instinct to her. Perfect for a Lord’s Champion.

In spite of the delays caused by the people, it doesn’t take too long to arrive at the old house. Kael leads the way inside, and immediately is struck by how different it feels here, now that most everything is gone. Before, it felt warm, comfortable, like a home should. Now, it’s simply an empty shell. Hopefully Petra will breathe life into the place once again.

Turning to her, he smiles. “Here we are. Obviously, you’ll need to get some furniture and stuff, but otherwise it’s all set.”

Petra is looking around. The sense of being a guardian is gone, and her eyes are wide. “This all…for Petra?”

Evie nods. “Of course! This is where master lived even before I…arrived. It seems fitting to give it to our new champion!”

Kael chuckles. “Better than sitting empty, and better than you sleeping on the streets. There’s a little furniture left, the things that we didn’t need to bring. A couple beds, the wardrobes, that sort of thing.”

Evie giggles. “You get to sleep in our old bed!”

Petra blinks in surprise. “Petra honored! King and queen generous to Petra. Petra not know how to thank…”

Kael waves a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll let you get settled in.”

He hands her the keys. “Come to the palace tomorrow morning, and Orin will give you a rundown of what’s expected of you.”

He thinks for a moment, then hands her a small pouch. “Here’s a bit of money as well, so you can get some food. If you need anything, just find Orin, or myself. We’ll be happy to help. And welcome aboard, Petra.”

Petra is smiling, her fluffy tail swaying back and forth. “Petra is so grateful. Petra will see king tomorrow.”

With that, Kael and Evie make their exit. Through the window, they catch a glimpse of Petra, and Kael is surprised to see her bouncing around the living room, clearly laughing and singing. Not wanting to be caught snooping, he quickly moves away, though Evie is giggling beside him.