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 Léonite 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.
