“ Your majesty. “ a man knelt before him, his singular blue eye closing as he bowed his head.

“ You may rise. “ Aldrick nodded politely. The king had a secret loathing for the worship of him, or rather his title, and was always displeased by such things. These sorts of gestures should only be shown to someone truly worthy of them.

“ What is your need, speak now and I will do whatever I might be able to assist in your endeavors. “

“ Your majesty, it is not a wonder how you do not recognize me, for I have changed much, and you have never seen my face. I am Siran, Siran Von Reval of The Desert Jewel. “ The man- Siran, raised his head, soft cornflower blue eye opening once more. Aldrick sat up straighter within his throne, having had sent a grand many letters to their now fallen ally.

“ Siran- What a pleasant surprise! “ his smile softened, treading carefully as he knew that the other must be in immeasurable pain.

“ I am happy to be the one delivering such a surprise then, though I still apologize for intruding. “ He nods once more, his expression shifting to one of seriousness. "I come bearing news of great importance from the remnants of The Desert Jewel.”

“ Of what bit of news do I owe for bringing you here? “ The king raised a brow, advisor entering from the side. Almax stood by the throne, golden hair done up in a neat half bun with his orange eyes glaring at the person with only one.

“ Speak, for the king has told you so. “ Almax added, earning an eye roll from Aldrick.

“ I have came to announce that my own people have left my side. “ Siran’s eyes stayed high, remaining on the king, and yet.. he looked almost like a man who had just lost what little was left of his family, which he had. “ Our attempts at staging an uprising against Marici for independence has failed “

“ Oh my- I apologize deeply my friend, please do not fear reparation for seeking help, for there is none. You are welcome here. Always. “ At this, Siran’s eyes softened, a smile tugging at his lips as he replied.

“ Thank you your majesty. “ .

“ Do not worry my friend, it is my pleasure. You may stay in one of the guest chambers until you can be formally employed within the castle. Is there any role or rank you wish to start off as? “ Aldrick asked, leaving Siran to think for a moment. The man didn’t have to question himself hard, after all, his friend was the last person he truly knew left.

“ Might I inquire if I might become part of your personal guard? “

“ You- “ Almax started, but Aldrick cut him off rather quickly, as if he hadn’t even spoken

“ Why of course! Please see yourself to your chambers now- lunch will be served soon. “ Aldrick golden gaze followed Siran as he bowed and left, leaving the advisor and king alone. Almax pinched the bridge of his nose.. damn king has not an ounce of caution to his name- why, if he was set out on the battlefield, he would be one to try and befriend the enemy! How did it come to him being the father- I mean advisor or this sort of person.

“ Oh don’t be so down Almax! He’s a good man, so there is nothing to worry about! I fully trust him with this rank- after all, I won’t be the only king he will have protected! “ Aldrick fruitlessly assured Almax, who just scoffed in response.

“ The desert jewel king is dead. “

“ Only after he left his position as a guard! He stayed alive as long as he was under Siran’s protection! “ The king defended, not seeing any harm still.

“ Your majesty. Respectfully, only a fool would believe his job ended once the contract expired. After all, was his husband not the same man he was hired to protect? It is a man’s responsibility to do what he can to protect his family, and if he fails, we must take that into account- “

“ Oh don’t be so hard on him! His husband was also a man! Why judge one for failing when all he did was let the other succeed! It’s unfair I say- “

“ Unfair it may be, but your safety is of upmost- “

“ Oh hush, I’m not all that important, so don’t even start. “

“ but your heir- “

“ Son. “

“ Yes yes- Yet Prince Alexander is still but a child, who would rule the kingdom if not you? “ Almax pointed out.

“ Many wars would be waged in an attempt to claim the land we call ours- thousands would die- and many more would be left without food or homes because of it “ Almax began to sound a little strained as he attempted to explain just how important Aldrick actually was to the nation, yet the man had none of it.

“ Easy solution, the throne would go to you first my trusted advisor, you understand these sorts of things far better than I. “

“ Your majesty no- That is a terrible idea- “

“ How so-? “ Aldrick seemed genuinely confused as to what a possible problem would be to this plan.

“ Your majesty- I am not of royal descent, and that being as such means I am ineligible to take the throne if you were to pass. “

“ What-?! “ Aldrick froze, golden eyes widening as he spoke, “ Why does bloodline matter- Alexander isn’t of my descent and yet he is still my heir- “.

“ That may be so. Yet by law he is still your son, so he is first in line for the throne by custom. “

“ Well that’s stupid. “

“ Your majesty-!! “ Almax all yelled indignantly, before calming himself. “ your majesty, apologies for the raising of my voice- but you mustn’t say as such so- so blatently! What if someone were to hear-?! “

“ Then let them. I stand by my belief. “ Aldrick huffed, leaving Almax to worry about what that meant.

“ Your majesty, you really should be more cautious when spreading your beliefs. “ Almax reprimanded gently, letting Aldrick roll his eyes without a word about it.

“ Oh you worry too much. “ The king waved a dismissive hand, thoughts wandering back to his new guard. His heart has long since belonged to the previously married man, even if his own wife would get in the way of them being together.. He’ll figure it out when the time comes, for now, he must make it thought the rest of the day.