I woke up to the sound of birds singing outside my bedroom window. I rubbed my eyes and sat up slow, taking note of the empty spot beside me. I looked to the clock and squinted; it was nearly half past nine, a few minutes before a random servant would come and nudge me into wakefulness if I was still fast asleep.
I was dressed by the time Ingrid arrived with my breakfast. "Where's Klaus?" I asked.
"Klaus? Um, training I suppose."
I took my tea standing up, anxious to start the day already. There was warm bread with whipped butter and cut-up fresh fruit on a glass plate, but I wasn't too hungry.
"Training? For what? And what does he eat for breakfast? Do you know?"
"He trains with Sven, so I don't know. Usually he eats with the other servants," she answered. "What's this about, if I may ask? You've never taken an interest in what we do with him before."
I shrugged. "Just wondering," I said simply.
~~~
I was busy the rest of the day, counting down the hours and minutes until I could see Klaus again. Apparently, the nine kingdoms were to meet at a secret location next month for the annual briefing where we'd discuss territory, trade and similar subjects regarding us as a nation. Planning for this trip was what took up the remainder of my day, along with checking up on my bed-ridden father. Supposedly, royal blood ran through my veins making me the most eligible for the position after him, but I had my doubts. The Armel family hadn't had a vision in over a hundred years, and while Loretta wore the crown based on a belief she was chosen by the Christian God, I was descended from a line of so-called prophets.
It felt like days before night came; finally, it was a few minutes to 11 and I was eager to see him. I didn't know how long a LΓ©onite heat lasted, but I figured it had to be more than a twenty-four hour span. I told myself I wouldn't take advantage of that and chalked my excitement up to a less physical ambition. Specifically, that I desired companionship, and if Klaus was indeed awake when he came on my leg, that
had
to signify that he found me at least somewhat attractive... right?
My thoughts were interrupted with the sound of a doorknob turning and a door creaking open. In stepped Klaus, looking as timid as ever in grey silk pajamas that matched his hair and tail.
Our eyes met, and his ears twitched. "Hello," he said.
"Feeling any better?" I asked.
He shook his head no. "A little bit, but not by much." With careful steps, he approached me. "I... have a confession to make."
"Oh?" I said, as though I hadn't the slightest clue. My heart rate quickened as I waited for him to tell the truth.
"I broke Sven's arm."
"You
what
?"
"Ingrid advocated for me, saying I was sick, but Sven still wanted me to train. So, he had me think I had the day off but in reality, he plotted a sneak attack. I- It was an accident. I didn't feel good and I just- just!" He threw his hands up in an exasperated gesture.
"Sven would do that to me when I was younger. He has positive intentions, but he's... eccentric, I guess. And I can't really blame you for defending yourself. I'm just surprised because you're so.... "
"Short."
"I was going to say petite."
"The semantics don't really matter."
I raised an eyebrow, impressed both that a slave knew the definition of "semantics" and that he was criticizing me. "What
does
matter is that you somehow took out the head of military training."
His eyes suddenly looked fearful. "I'm really sorry! If it makes any difference, I apologized and he said it was fine. I promise it won't happen again!"
I felt a twinge of guilt. "It's not like there aren't people to substitute him," I said.
"Okay." He took a breath, like he was steadying himself. "Okay," he repeated, a little louder.
I cleared my throat. "I have a confession to make, as well." I beckoned him to come sit.
Klaus looked nervous again. "What is it?"
"Last night, you were having a certain dream and I... didn't wake you."
He looked relieved. "Like a nightmare?"
I felt incredibly awkward. "Not exactly... Remember how you haven't felt good lately?"
Klaus connected the dots rather quickly. He bit his bottom lip, his expression pleading. He gave me a small nod.
"Do you know
why
you haven't felt good lately?"
"Do, do you?"
"After last night, it's sort of obvious."
"I'm sorry for not telling you," he exclaimed. "I was in denial about it. I didn't even tell Philip and again, I'm sorry. I'm not usually such a troublemaker. You can ask my former owners and they'll all vouch for me. I-"
I held up a finger and he quieted. "I'm not going to punish you," I said. "I understand it's not the easiest thing to confess."
Klaus placed his hands on his lap- he typically crouched, but this time he had perfect posture, as though he wanted to look the part of a well-behaved and proper slave.
"How long does your ailment typically last?"
"Less than a week," he answered. "But it goes by faster if I have someone to, you know..."