Summoned

Breakfast is as pleasant as Kael imagined, with the three of them sharing food and conversation as if they’d been together for years. Ria seems to delight in making Evie blush, and Evie seems to enjoy the attention. When they’re not obviously flirting with each other, of them make a point of doing so with Kael. There’s something about Ria’s presence that brings out a bit more boldness from Evie, though she still blushes when she pushes a bit too far.

They’re just about finished when there’s a knock on the door. Kael sighs, shaking his head. “Who could that possibly be. I swear, I’ve had more people at my door in the past month than in years.”

All three of them stand, but Kael is the first to the door. He opens it to find a courier, who bows to him. “Champion Kael, good morning, and I apologize for the interruption. I am sent by our Lord Greyheart, who requests your presence as soon as possible.”

Kael feels a hand on his shoulder as Ria comes up beside him, and the courier bows to her as well. “Champion Ria, it is good to see you here. My summons is for you as well.”

Kael nods. “I don’t suppose you know what’s happening?”

The courier shakes his head. “No, champion. I was simply tasked with delivering the message to you both, and I was told that you were both here. That is all.”

Kael and Ria share a glance. Ria shrugs, and nods to the courier. “Well, we will be there as soon as possible.”

The courier bows once again before hurrying off. Kael closes the door, and sighs again. “We had better get going, then.”

Ria nods. “Best not keep Lord Greyheart waiting. Interesting that he knew I’d be here though.”

Kael shrugs. “Not like it was a secret. And not like it needed to be.”

Evie speaks up. “I’ll clean up while you’re gone, master. Miss…I mean…Ria, will you be returning here afterwards?”

Ria grins at Evie. “Good catch, Evie. Probably not, I’m guessing that Lord Greyheart has plans for us, which means that I’ll have to go home and get ready.”

Kael nods. “We wouldn’t be summoned for something frivolous. I imagine it has something to do with Karlia.”

Evie looks worried, and Kael smiles reassuringly. “We’ll find out soon enough. Whatever’s happening, we’ll be fine.”

Ria grins. “Yeah, I’ll watch out for the big guy, here. And he’ll watch out for me. No worries.”

Evie smiles, seemingly reassured. “I trust you, master. And you, Ria. Be safe.”

She goes on her tiptoes to kiss Kael, and after a moment of hesitation, surprises him by doing the same with Ria. Blushing, she hurries off to the kitchen afterwards. Kael watches her go, listening to Ria chuckle beside him.

“She’s so cute. And I told you you underestimated me.”

Kael rolls his eyes. “Yeah. It seems like she’s pretty happy about this whole situation. And so am I.”

Ria smiles at Kael, her eyes sparkling. “Good answer, big guy. Now, let’s get going, this is probably important.”