Victory at Sea

"Addam. A word, if you please."

The King of Torna was in no way obligated to beg his bastard son's patience for an impromptu conference, and of course Zettar chafed at the very thought (it was never he who received such deference, as the High Prince), but the gently matter-of-fact nature of the request set the other party members at ease as they quietly trickled out of the room.

The Ardainian emperor and his Blades proceeded first, giving Lora and her Blades the cue to exit as well, and seeing that everyone else was leaving, Mythra scurried out too.

But the Blade standing at Addam's back, not seated as the Aegis had been, lingered. It seemed he was no stranger to acting a fly on the wall...

Khanoro cast one weighty look at the senators and guards alike, then a single grave eye to Zettar.

At last, the king, the prince, and the Flesh Eater were left alone in the silent hall. Thus spoke the throne.

"You do not travel alone, Addam."

Addam replied with slightly bowed head. "My companions have won your approval, my lord, but I acknowledge that it was not my duty to assemble this large a party."

"With dignity is power distributed," said Khanoro. "I do not refer to Lady Lora and Emperor Hugo."

"O-of course, Mythra," Addam faltered, but he could sense a shift in Minoth's stance, behind him, and knew that the game, such as it was, had already been ended. It was plainly obvious that Minoth would not have been permitted to remain were his presence not pertinent.

The king observed the unlikely pair before him, knowing each to be in his own way young and inexperienced, though hardened by particular years.

"Minoth's awakener has not been present this day. Yet, I see his bonded Driver before me."

"If I may, my lord-"

"Begging your pardon, Your Majesty, but you're no magician."

Well. If Minoth so wished to speak.

But against all odds, the king smiled. Addam had not seen his father smile in several years. Not for lack of good humour; rather, it was never appropriate. This occasion, then...

"Monarchs are in the habit of recognizing trustworthy individuals and the respect that goes between them, whether or not they themselves are aware of it. You, Minoth, are a wary individual." No objection came from the floor. "And yet, in all the times I have observed you, though at distance, you have never been as relatively well at ease than you stand in this very moment."

"Can I sit, then?" Minoth hazarded another joke.

"No. I have no further business with you. But I trust you will mark my judgement well."

And so they did. And so they did.