Late one afternoon when the regular Court has long dismissed and the sun glared from its towering pedestal, the castle buzz that died down for lunch break arise once more. Autumn marks the transition from summer to winter and the arrival of nightfall becomes noticeably earlier. Officials would want their detailed work to finish before the daylight dies out and while children played with fallen, dry leaves, they penned down accounts and reports urgently and have them sent to respective addresses.

Taemin heaves out a sigh as his aching legs slowdown from a run to a walk. Two chaste maidens carrying a harvest basket each chuckles at him when he almost trips on himself. Minho put him up to numerous works that sent him to and fro the castle and the city. Now that he returned, his body ached and his stomach grumbled in upset. Hunger hung on him like shadow.

On his way back to Minho’s chamber, Taemin passes by the palace kitchen and a lovely smell flares to his nose. Like a mice picking up the trail of cheese, Taemin mindlessly tracks the source of the delicious aroma and found himself sneaking into the kitchen; a feat he occasionally delved in.

The young warlock eyed the freshly baked batch of baguettes cooling in a small basket on one of the wooden tables. The four cooks that bustle with their routine of cooking and cleaning don’t seem to notice Taemin slipping inside and reaches for two loaves of bread. The warmth that spread to his hands promised a very yummy treat. They rest in Taemin’s pockets.

Once he assess the coast is clear to sneak out from the window he climbed in from, he makes move to leave immediately. But a pigeon whose wings flap loudly as it descends to perch on the windowpane startles Taemin and he yelps out aloud, alarming one of the cook.

“Ye idiot! Had’cha been snoopin’ ‘round again?! Leave! Get! Begone! Or I’ll smack ye head with tis pan o’ mine!” Bellows the middle-aged man, flailing his utensil and Taemin is swift out of his margin before the hard metal is laid on him.

The young warlock busts out the kitchen door left ajar, smiling to his luck once he looks back as he ran to find no one catching up to him. He crosses the open corridor that leads to the castle’s front ground and with his head turned around; Taemin couldn’t see that he is heading straight to the mahogany door in front. He crashes head on, leaps back with a thump to the stone floor and his smile is replaced with a grim hiss of pain.

“Urgh.. what luck.” He groans, rubbing the dull pain on the back of his head. Taemin looks up and his eyes catch sight of two newly pasted posters that found abode on the middle of the thick, wooden door – A common inked notice widespread in the entire Kingdom as the current issue.

KINGDOM’S COURT NOTICE

By His Majesty, the Nairn King’s high decree;

The Castle is calling for all magicians and its kind,

To tread to the fore and step onward,

For thy service is due in dire need.

An audience is granted in the Court,

For those who claim they qualify and therein authorized.

Since Queen Althea’s suggestion took place a fortnight pass, the kingdom stirred like a soundly sleeping person roused from bed; slow, undecided and imprecise.

The royal family’s gradual enthusiasm and encouragement that surprised the citizens gave magic its footing again. The King had clearly tested that no matter of the ruin of a kingdom that was greatly prosperous in arcane arts and its wisdom, no sovereign ever declared magic banishment. This quote is noted and hearsays spread fast like fire guided by the howling wind.

Tomas’ notions weren’t wrong at all. There really are people who practice such arts lurking around the Kingdom. Those who hid faced the world, those who are interested; seek knowledge while those who aren’t inclined to join the unfolding of the Kingdom’s new trait simply watched over.

Taemin let out a sigh as he pushes himself up. This current issue is troubling him. The belief he once had and shared with Onew had been led to a fork in their road to revenge and both of them haven’t a clue how to continue. They had talked many times yet things remain undecided. Onew said that he needed a moment to think thoroughly and Taemin is left to reflect for himself. He only prays that his uncertainty passes quickly.

The cook’s distant holler came closer and Taemin, caught in panic, quickly moves again. He runs straight pass the main corridor and out another open corridor. His mind processes where this path leads him to until he bumps into another obstacle, a softer one, and leaps back to the stone floor.

“Taemin.” The obstacle exclaims. Distinctly recognizing the voice, Taemin looks up to find Minho and his Knights peering down at him.

“Oh. Hi, Prince. How’s your day going?” Taemin asks sarcastically, getting back on his feet.

“Swell.” Minho answers with the same tone, folding his arms over his chest. “Now where were you and what were you doing?”

“Me?” Taemin can feel a seething anger welling up inside. “Why, let see. Where was I? A certain someone wanted me to go get heaps of materials from the smith at town, I had to shuttle the city and the castle thrice, then I was asked to send scrolls to the throne room, fetch letters and reports from the message quarters, then I was sent to meet clerks at town and dragged home a heavy, gunny bag from the apothecary. When I returned to the certain someone, I was told to polish his armours, handle his horses instead of asking the Castle Marshal, go back to town and have his pocket watch fixed, chop woods for his fireplace, clean his room, which I do so very oftenly, and then clean his Knights’ common room and you, Minho, the certain someone I was referring to, in case you are not aware of, asked me where was I and what was I doing? I missed my lunch because of you and I got shooed out the kitchen for taking two loaves of bread like I’m some stray cat and I blame you!!” Taemin snaps furiously, instilling shock within Minho and his Knights. Then he stands up, bolting off in a hurry.

Minho stares dumbly at Taemin’s retreating figure, rendered speechless at his outburst and claimed in stupor at how enraged the boy is. He had seen many expressions from Taemin but today, that’s the first time those fair cheeks reddened with pure madness. Exclamations that streamed out of Taemin’s mouth left him subsequently wondering where his conduct failed to come on par with the common treatment of a Master towards his manservant. Is he at a fault? Minho reeled home from his trance when his friends chimed in with laughter.

“Ain’t he a lively fellow?” Says one of them.

“A little naggy and noisy tho’.” Adds another one of black hair and tanned skin.

“He was definitely growling—” The tallest one jests and here, one of them interjects with a joking growl. “But boy, was he shaky – Had his ears flopped down and his tail between his legs!” He describes, followed by a chorus of chuckle.

“Hey now. Show some poise, boys.” Advises one Knight, a handsome smile etched on his lips. “It’s enough that you tease his looks.”

“Aw come on, his pretty face is his feature, he should flaunt it.” Exclaims another.

“Don’t you mean he should polish his, err, masculinity?” Pinpoints his friend, implanting another small round of laughter between the armoured young men. “So I guess Taemin earned himself some scolding, eh Minho?” He asks.

Laughter from the rest dies down. Noticing that the Prince is nothing but quiet and taut, one of them nudges him from the back. “Now what’s the matter with you?”

“Nothing’s matter. Mind your own manservant.” Minho replies firmly, then briskly strides away without highlighting a smile. The knights wonder what turned the Prince’s mood foul.

~o~

The young warlock found himself in the castle’s front ground thereafter. He didn’t felt it before but now regret is eating him slowly. He yelled at Minho. But the running cooled his head and now he realizes that that was wrong. No matter how he hated it, Minho is his Master and he had every right to ask Taemin to do this and that. It doesn’t bear much fairness but that’s how the world works so he hasn’t any place to complain. Taemin put his hands together.

“Lord, make my Prince one of your merciful children.” He prays and sighs at his luck. Deciding on his next chore, Taemin resolves to forget the whole episode and began to head back to Minho’s chamber. But his steps cease when a door suddenly opens up in front of him. An old man comes out and eyed him.

“Name yourself, child.” He says. Taemin blinks with perplexity. He recognizes the man as the physician and they are standing in front of his pharmacy, which, from a glimpse through the door, looks like it needs much sorting of stuff.

“I’m Taemin.” He answers.

“Supposedly, an apprentice of mine would arrive from Grimrow but he’s nowhere in sight. That useless cow.” The old man grumbles.

What would he make do with this information?, Taemin wonders until the old man hands him a basket and continued. “Taemin was it? I’ll need yarrow and brimstone herbs. If you can get hainswort in hands, that’ll be terrific but I doubt there are in the back forest.”

“What?” The young warlock questions, getting more puzzled by the second. Did he just get sent for an errand by a barely known someone?

“Well, are you expecting a pitiable elderly like me to trot into the forest and bend all around, looking for herbs? That cannot do, am I right?”

“That’s true, but—“ Taemin protests but is cut while he’s at it.

“Think of it as a favour. This old man needs to tidy his pharmacy and hasn’t an apprentice to depend on. I’m counting on you, eh?” The physician says before retreating into his place and shut the door in Taemin’s face.

“What in the name of five hells—“The door opens again, startling Taemin and the old man stuck his head out.

“And get a couple of gingers too, eh?” He reminds, then shuts the door.

If not surprised, Taemin was bewildered. But then again, the physician was right. His bones and body don’t seem to be a lively folk anymore. Maybe years of poring over books about herbs tire him so often that it became his self. Still, it was quite a shocker and while Taemin stood in disbelief, he eyed the light basket resting in his hands. Will it be wise to continue and dismiss this event?

When his heart finally calmed, Taemin opt to adhere to his fate. Maybe if he returns to Minho’s side now, his head will be on a chopping block and God’s trying to tether his destiny to a better pathway.

“Oh well.” Taemin utters and makes his way to the back forest, his steps nimble and carefree.

There are post guards at the entrance of the back forest. They act as guardians for the townspeople that may need a lookout when they enter the forestry to gather supplies and while some requested the security service, others tend to avoid the accompaniment. Mainly, it’s because they don’t want to be accompanied by strangers when they’re in a deep forest but most of the times, these guardians are plain useless since the forest has never posed real dangers to the kingdom.

Taemin scarcely cares if they want to him in, but when the appointed guardsman slid an arm around his shoulder slickly, he quickly dismissed the man and put him under a sleeping spell. Some people are extremely disgusting when they try so hard not to be. It’s a wonder to him, really.

It didn’t take that long a time for Taemin to gather the herbs needed. As the old man expected, there really aren’t any hainswort in sight tho it is always in stock at the market. He subsequently ponders if he should walk to town to get some in hands but then he is reminded about the fact that he hasn’t enough shillings to spend. It really isn’t his business tho and he knows he shouldn’t delve so diligently or he will end up as the physician’s errand boy.

Taemin heads further north into the forest and cool wind seems to follow him everywhere. Amidst the voices of the woods, arise a high-pitched cry of a bird that sounds sorely frantic. The young warlock looks for the source and found a young kinglet that fell off its nest nearby.

Taemin shushed the fur ball that still doesn’t know how to flap its wings and held it up, back into its safe dwelling, tucked amongst tree branches. Hence, he gets down and notices that the forest seems to have grown unnervingly quiet, like the time is framed. When the wind abates altogether, it immediately lured his attention.

Whatever it is out there, it doesn’t offer a friendly atmosphere and for a brief moment, Taemin wishes the guardsman is still around. But then the bushes rustle, the trees quiver in their places, the leaves play their own song and a blast of wind whooshes past Taemin. He closes his eyes in defiance and when he looks up again, a round, furry animal half his size stood before him.

Least to say, it isn’t frightening. Curious and dazed, the young warlock stares back at the black, bold eyes upon him. He suddenly feels like his insides are freezing and in an instant, his mind is raked with flashes of old days – of the scenes of war, some he had seen in his nightmares and some unfamiliar and the scenes of pleasant times, of laughter and jovial. The basket falls off his hands and Taemin stood unmoving, taken aback by the bizarre sensation and drinking it down, if not, forcefully.

“Wha— who— was that—“ The young warlock attempts to ask once he stirred back. He gulps down to calm himself and asks again, this time, correctly. “What are you?”

The animal only blinks, showing no sign of understanding towards Taemin but then it slowly opens his mouth to answer and the lad hung on the words to come. “Child, you are—“

It spoke! Wailed Taemin to himself.

But no sooner than it was able to utter anything, an arrow struck near its feet, alarming both the animal and Taemin. It scurries away hastily and is gone in an instant. Altho still somewhat exhilarated by their peculiar encounter, Taemin’s heart plummets. What was it trying to say?

“Are you alright, Sir?” Greeted someone swiftly and Taemin turns around to catch the sight of a very familiar man with a bow in his leather-gloved hands. “Taemin!” he exclaims.

“Kai! What are you doing here?” Taemin asks. Kai jumps off the giant tree root he stood on and jogs to Taemin’s side.

“I’m on patrol. The sentry found one of the guardsmen down a few feet from here.”

“Ah..” The young warlock narrows his eyes and looks away, concealing the truth to himself.

“Was that a wolf before you earlier? Or was it a mountain tiger? They come down some unfortunate times.” Kai explains, walking past Taemin to inspect where the furry animal stood.

“Uhh.. I’m not quite sure myself.” Taemin answers truthfully. Kai turns around to see the boy’s confused expression, his forefinger chewed between his pink, dry lips. He then eyed the basket on the ground, its harvest spilled.

“Herbs? Whatever do you need them for?” Kai enquires. Taemin follows his gaze and exclaims an ‘oh’ as if he suddenly remembered the task he forgot and overlooked. He bends down to gather the crops.

“I was, um, running an errand for the physician, Mr—“ His hands stop and he casts an odd glance to Kai. “What’s his name?”

Kai thought Taemin is joking with him and he chuckles at him, regarding at the shorter boy that exhibits an adorable, child-like prospect in the gleam of his eyes. He guesses Minho and Taemin probably had a fight, otherwise the boy would be running tasks in the castle. The young Prince bends down to help him.

“You don’t answer a question with another, Taemin.” He says. “The only physician that is competent enough to hire a stranger to get his supplies is Haym. Were you passing by in front of his pharmacy?”

“Yes and it was the oddest experience.” Taemin replies, almost enthusiastically to prove his argument. Kai only smiles back faintly.

“I’ve been in your shoes. Haym has been court physician for many years, he performs outstandingly in the field of medicine and herbal treatment, he’s seen many winters and cradled many of those who were hurt both in peace and war times in Nairn Kingdom and there’s a terrible count of folks who died in his arms. He nearly doesn’t care as much as other standard physicians do.”

Taemin looks at Kai with newfound regard. “Are you close with him?”

“I wouldn’t say close. The man’s a fast-paced worker and you rarely find him not making concoctions to attend the needs of other. He respects me as the Prince of Nairn but no more.”

Taemin stops asking and springs up with the basket clutched in his left arm. Kai straightens up beside him. He subsequently wonders if Haym’s regards towards Minho is similar since the man is the Crown Prince. He also, altho subtly, wonders if he can gain an accomplice through this brand-new information. However, reminded bitterly at the physician’s long years of devoted vocation for Nairn Kingdom, Taemin figured he is way out of league.

“Do you require an ?” Taemin hears Kai offers.

“Thanks. But I’ve got what I needed.” He smiles back politely. “Now run along. I’m being an awful hindrance to your patrol.”

Kai chuckles. “Hardly. You’re a civilian. You deserve no less attention from me as do the rest of the Kingdom.” He replies, feeling a funny twinge deep down in his gut. He really is a terrible liar and he betrays himself when he does it. The young warlock laughs lightly.

“Do know, Kai, that I am not feeble. I can fight for myself if I have to. Just look at what hap—“ Taemin clasps his lips shut before anymore unwise words tumble out, jolting with surprise at himself. Why would he heedlessly confess what he did to the guardsman to Kai, who is on the lookout for the prime suspect? Kai tilts his head in curiousity.

“What’s wrong?” He asks.

“Um, Nothing, that is.” Taemin quickly covers up, his eyes catching the sight of Kai’s bow. “It must be great to know how to wield a weapon. It should beat having to lull people to sleep insistently.” He adds, before realizing the nonsense he spouted.

“Pardon?” Kai didn’t quite catch him.

“I mean, actually having something to hold in your grasp when you attempt to mar your foe must give you a sense of fulfillment.” The lad continued, scarcely conscious of the words he put to use in fluster. His face goes ashen white when realization hits and he freezes.

“What are you talking about?” Kai begins to break into an impish grin.

“I don’t know. Do you?” Taemin gives up. Kai laughs at him in turn. Why, he wonders, that this lad can be so charming so naturally? He can assure that there’s no one else like Taemin that crossed his path before. The Prince pinches Taemin’s slight cheek in amiable frustration.

“You’re very endearing.” He says with a genuine smile, but soon realizes that he sounded too loving and quickly withdraws his hand from Taemin’s soft cheek. His earlier merriment now defaced with inept awkwardness.

Taemin, very slightly surprised, only smiled back at him, doubting Kai understood his earlier blabber. The Prince clears his throat.

“So, I take it you’re interested in archery?” He enquires.

“Me?”

“Well, if I heard correctly, I think you mentioned about me getting a sense of fulfillment with the weapon I wield. I only assume the clearest notion I could make.” Kai explains. Doubting his own ability to reply faultlessly, Taemin decides to just adhere.

“Why, yes.” He replies. Kai’s smile broadens and he felt his heart leap with excitement.

“Wouldn’t you consider learning archery then?” Kai offers to Taemin’s surprise.

“Me? Learning archery?”

“It’s a good exercise, really. I’m sure it will do you good. At the very least, it’s a practical skill you can use when you decide to trot your way to Minho in the middle of a battlefield like you did before.” Kai teases.

“Urgh. You’re just like your brother, bringing up that subject whenever convenient.” Taemin sulks, walking away from Kai, who then follows right behind. “But yes, once considered, learning archery does seem tempting.”

“You’ll have my word, it is the real deal. Take it from me who tumble all over heels for it, you are going to be fond of it over a fleeting time.” Kai encourages and somewhat about his convincing tone and the air of confidence he emits made way to Taemin’s heart. His interest is now swelling. “Besides, I think your built is made for it. You wouldn’t want anything too heavy to handle, aye?” Kai adds, chuckling. Taemin gasps.

“Are you saying I’m weak?” He retorts, smacking the Prince’s back in a playful manner and Kai laughs it off as they walk out the forest. When they reach the castle gate, both of them made move to part ways. Taemin waves at Kai as he gets back to his work thereafter.

Hence he returns to Haym and spot another visitor at the pharmacy; a soldier pronouncing that the court needed the physician’s presence. He leaves from then on. Taemin puts the basket of herbs on a wooden counter and the older man glances to him.

“Ah you’re back. Many thanks.” He smiles weakly.

“What’s with the call?” Taemin inquires.

“Tedious business, I assume. All of which concerning the magician employment matters.” Haym replies gruffly as he starts sorting the leaves out the basket fastly. It’s true, Taemin thought to himself, he is a fast-paced worker.

Haym dusts off his hands down his cloth when he finishes then walks towards the door, ready to head to see his matriach. “Are you coming, Taemin?”

The young warlock has no obligation to follow but figured he wouldn’t mind slacking off Minho for a little more while. He grins, nods and follows right after Haym.

~o~

“Anyone who stops by our village would ask if they could see him. He’s like a beacon of hope to those in ill and misfortunes.” Says a peasant, fidgeting nervously under the grief attention of the King, the Queen and the Court’s relatively small count of assembly. “He never denies his services upon anyone and discriminates no one that crosses his path. The healer is a kindhearted fellow, your majesties.”

“Then, what is it that troubles you about this healer?” Asks King Changmin.

Taemin crosses his arms over his chest as he listens, standing beside the rest of the Court which had inadvertently put him right next to Minho. Taemin honestly forgot that Court’s business included him. The Prince didn’t look an inkling mad, tho when his eyes befell on Taemin, he looked like he found what he was searching for. Both scarcely knew how to greet each other, only glimpsed away in comfort silence. In truth, each one assumes that they’d been too hard on the other.

The King and Queen sat upon their throne and Taemin can see that even Kai, Onew and a few outlying officers are present. Haym stood beside King Changmin with his hands joined behind him as he listens to the story as well.

The peasant looks down once before continuing. “We are not troubled with him at all, Your Majesties. We need him. The elderly depend on him. It’s just that when he learnt the news about the castle is employing magicians, he halted his services.”

“Why is it upsetting to him?” Althea asks kindly.

“We do not know and that is agitating us at great lengths, Your Majesty.” The man replies. “But many believed that he uses some kind of magic for his healing skills are very… different. He recites foreign words like a chant at times.”

Taemin’s curiosity piqued. The mention of a language so quaint to a commoner yet noteworthy might really carry a significant meaning unknowing to the ordinary lot. Indeed, the young warlock wonders if this state of affairs were planned all along. Might the castle news of employment be a signal for his accomplice and now they are giving away their dwellings so he can find them? Wouldn’t Onew know about it at all?

“I really think, as humble and lowly as I am, Your Majesties,” Carry on the peasant, “That the healer has the designs for your hire.”

“But then he won’t stay in your village since his services will be demanded here.” Replies the Queen. “Won’t that be a bother to your ill people?”

“As long as he still provides for those in need, the venue has no importance. Your Majesties, this is the deal of life and death the healer has in his grasp.”

“You refer to him as the healer all this time. Don’t we all ought to know this lad’s name?” Asks the King.

Anxiety swims in the man’s eyes. It must be exhaustingly intimidating for him to suddenly get surrounded by these high-ranking officials. “He is called Howl, Your Majesty.” The peasant replies. Haym’s mouth gape a little but he regains his composure right after.

King Changmin ponders to himself and as much as his interest is grinding at the back of his mind, he has to make a decision. Should he trust or should he not resign his conviction to this citizen?

“Haym, what do you think?” He turns to his oldest friend. The man seems to be rationally reflecting upon something, his eyes focused in thinking. He took a little time before answering.

“There’s a lot of healing techniques one can practice and perform. There are many mediums proven to be effective in delivering treatments to the ill and many that have emerged over time that were never applicable in the past. Tis the growth of medicinal care. Herbal pouches and potions, healing stones, temperature therapy, comfort food, nourishing pint, scentful concoctions.. There are countless others I haven’t utter and to point that this particular healer forger magic is uncanny.” He explains calmly. For a second, the peasant man looks displeased for he must have felt humiliated because of Haym’s declaration but the physician isn’t quite finished. “However..” He continues, sighing a little.

“Yes?” Prompts the King.

“I’ve never heard of healing with chants or recites. If someone out there could impress one good man with his skills, there should be no problem in proving it to this old man.”

“You’re implying that we should send sentry for inspection?” Althea asks.

“It need not be a big company. A couple of the knights and have me sent together, if it’s not any hassle, Your majesties.” Haym requests. It might be Taemin’s mind working too deep into it but Haym seems a lot more probing than the rest of the Court towards this Howl. What could be the reason?

Althea grins to his husband lovingly. “It may be out of me to say this but dear, this really has captured my attention.” She says.

“It is not out of you, Thea.” The King smiles back. He reckons that once the castle delved into the magician employment matters, there shouldn’t be any question in dipping into its sea of affairs. He’s not one to roll back his verdict and therefore, his thoughts conclude.

“Very well. Since I assume that our Queen would persuade me otherwise if I do not adhere to her rare favors, and also that I think it should be worthwhile for even Haym is intrigued with this fellow, I will gladly assist you.” King Changmin decrees, looking back to the peasant’s grateful eyes.

“Oh thank you, kind Lord. God blesses Your Majesty.” The man says before he is led out by the sentry.

“Your Majesty, may I request to accompany Sir Haym on this inspection?” Kai comes up.

“My, you’re eager.” Althea quips.

“Why, might I ask?” Changmin adds.

“A swelling interest.” Kai smiles. “That, and I also heard that the man’s village is very near Ebycir. I thought Taemin could attend the convoy and visit his hometown.”

The young warlock is surprised to hear his name voiced in the Court. What’s more, it came out a Nairn Prince’s lips. Kai really is a good friend. Always on the lookout for him and he admits, it is quite embarrassing as if he is fawned greatly.

Althea has noticed since before but now it seems more apparent. Her youngest has blossomed into such a thoughtful gentleman. She adores this side of him so much. It makes her so enthused. It’s getting suspicious tho, what with Jongin doting on Taemin at the right opportune. She held in her squeal and her King regards at her curiously.

“Do you wish to join the convoy, Taemin?” Changmin asks. The Court’s attention befell the young warlock’s shoulders.

“Err..” Taemin is stumped. He contemplates if he should agree. It’s sudden and unimaginable mere seconds ago. However, he really is attracted to the thought of visiting this Howl.

“It’s a sound idea, Your Majesty. But, um..” Taemin speaks, then glances to Minho right beside him. Catching the quick sign, Kai felt the more need to persuade Taemin. Before he gets the chance, Minho participate the conversation.

“I can lead the convoy.” The Crown Prince volunteers. “That way Taemin can join and provide for me like always, the same time I aide him safely to his hometown.”

Taemin could swear he saw Minho grinned. An imminent thought presses on the back of his mind, wanting to punch the blasted Crown Prince at the current spot. He knows better than to listen to himself right away.

“The trip is long. Surely you have other commitments to cope with?” Kai deters.

“I absolutely do. And two of them require arduous excursions to the Valhill Province, where Ebycir lies in its heart. Why not I take this chance and finish the mission concurrently?” Minho replies without breaking eye contact with his brother.

Kai confesses to himself that he do feel a pang of loss. He had looked forward to his own suggestion yet now he’s not in the picture. But his brother makes sense and he believes in Minho. “I forfeit my petition then.” Kai says involuntarily.

Deep down, Althea knew it could get this exciting; both her sons fighting a place to Taemin. How often do they display this spectacle? She won her own bet, knowing that Minho has a higher likelihood as the candidate; given Taemin’s positions are his personal bearer and manservant.

“Keke..” She twitters ecstatically.

“Whatever are you cheery for, Thea? I notice you’ve been in high spirits.” King Changmin whispers to her with a wistful smile. “Do share it with me.”

His Queen lays her hand over his gently. “In confidence. I will soon, dear.” She smiles back synically. She guessed it alright, her husband is not that attentive to this field like her. She doubts even Taemin has the slightest idea.

~o~

The Court’s decision has always been revered to be the best and absolute. There is no getting out of this. Taemin wonders in grief, what will be awaiting him in the future days and nights with Minho on an excursion trip.

Taemin’s problem is still mounting up. He still hasn’t reached a conclusion to the finale of Namyrur’s curse now that Nairn seems to soften its regard concerning magic vigor. He wants to refer to Onew but the man seems on the edge these past few days, probably because he’s been tailing Tomas and that historian had more than enough ties to unearth a few of Namyrur’s truth and it’s almost alarmingly disturbing.

Taemin sighs and looks down to the bundle of things he has packed for himself and for the Prince lying on the table in Minho’s chamber. One of the greatcoats of Minho’s had a loose string on one end of its button and he’d probably go nuts at Taemin over that.

“Hell.. Do I really care?” Taemin chuckles darkly. He collects all the stuff and heads downstairs. As he trots down the staircase to the front of the castle, he found Haym attending to his horse and another Knight by his side, saddling up his own mount. The Knight appears familiar but Taemin can’t quite identify who the man is.

“That’s Sir Ernold.” Came a voice from behind. Minho walks to Taemin’s side and the sun gleams down on his picturesque side profile so blindly that Taemin almost didn’t recognize the Prince. He scoots away a little to gather himself and glances away as he clears his throat. Realizing this, Minho moves nearer.

“He will be riding with us.” The Prince adds. Not sure how to respond, Taemin ponders for a few seconds. He moves away slightly.

“Okay.” He says. It’s awkward. Both of them can’t seem to shake the feeling loose because it’s hanging heavily around them. Since they broke off fighting today, eventhough it’s by day and candle-light occasion, they hadn’t shared a good amount of time together. Minho deems there are a lot of words in due and Taemin suppose they are ought to reconcile. Yet they are both hesitating to take the lead. Today seems to be an off day for either of them. They stood in tongue-tied silence, awaiting the shyness to lift.

“Now, now children, don’t make me come in between the both of you.” Dictates a woman. Taemin and Minho turn around to find the Queen approaching dignifiedly, her spirits cheery but her tone serious.

“What are you talking about, Mother?” Minho feigns.

“Don’t make me go around it. I’m very attentive, you see.” Althea grins. “Come now. Make peace! Let’s bury the hatchet! We forgive and forget! Kiss and make up already!” She implores, instilling shock in the pair in front of her.

“W-We’re not exactly—“ Taemin tries to explain but Althea cuts him.

“I told you, you cannot go that way. I’m a mother, for God’s sake. I see these things.” The Queen says, gazing in Minho’s puzzled eyes. She let out a small sigh before continuing.

“Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and sees a fulfilling future with that fact in mind. I know you guys had a fight. Again. It’s time to patch things up. Again.” Althea advises with a casual smile.

Taemin was surprised. She spoke with wisdom that seemed beyond her. But as they both are stumped to find that the Queen seems to understand their situation and is willing to put things to rights, Taemin stays quiet. How, he wonders, that he had garnered Althea’s attention.

“Why the sudden preaching, Mother? We’re fine. Taemin and me, that is.” Minho says, putting one arm around the lad’s shoulder. Warmth spread from the Prince’s touch. “I’d get rid of him if not.” He says jokingly.

“I’d run away if otherwise.” Taemin jests further.

“Nope. I wouldn’t let you.” Minho denies.

“Hoho, we’ll have to see about that.” Taemin replies, bitting back with a smirk.

“Oh, I’d show you right here.” Minho replies smugly. Seeing this, Althea chuckles.

“There you are. All falling together as they are supposed to.”

Realizing this, Taemin and Minho look at her in amazement. She got them talking and now they’re fine together. Before they could say anything tho, a Knight came interrupting and Minho has to retreat from their discussion.

Taemin stares at the taller man’s back, his gaze noticeably softer and relief in his eyes. He really cannot bring himself to hate the man from the depths of his guts and liver. Minho drives him annoyed and angered at times, but really, Minho is just being playful.

“Taemin.” Calls out Althea, catching the boy out of his trance.

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“It’s tiring when we’re bitter, right?” She suggests. Taemin wonders why she felt the need to say this to him but if a trained general knows every ways in warfare, he would know in great depths how it is to be bitter and exactly how tiring it is. He’s known all his life that he is to carry on Namyrur’s vow on Nairn and he never stops mulling over the undertakings to be done.

“Sometimes it’s unavoidable.” Taemin replies, smiling softly at her. Althea, beaming so motherly at him, takes his left hand.

“True, it’s one of the ways of life. But that’s not all to life.” She says as she hands over a tied silk handkerchief enfolding a fistful of something inside. Taemin peers at it with curiosity.

“It’s some nuts I got from a friend. Eat a fistful and it’ll fill your stomach.” The Queen lilted merrily.

“Your Majesty..” Taemin utters, feeling touched by her teeming kindness. He’s weak with these subtle gestures. The Queen treats him so nicely. He didn’t have a heart to refuse and his heart ached with hurt and gratefulness.

“T-Thank you.” He says, flushing as he faced down, unable to bring his head up. Althea chuckles to herself.

“Now hurry along to your Prince! Look, Minho’s calling for you.” She points out and Taemin sees Minho gesturing him to come along.

“Thank you very much, Your Majesty.” He says hastily and trots to Minho’s side. Minho, catching sight of the bundle in Taemin’s fist, wonders what it is but decides not to ask. The young lad is grinning so happily at him that he considers it’s enough for him to know that Taemin is content. Minho pats the young warlock’s head.

“We have a lot to sort. I’ll help you.” He offers and it is so out of his character that Taemin gasps at him. Taemin feels the Prince’s forehead.

“Not a fever, I hope.” He entreats. Fuelled with embarrassment, Minho steps away.

“I take that back. Best of luck to you.” He says and Taemin laughs.

“Sulking doesn’t suit your donkey face.”

“What did you say?!” Minho yells and ran after his mischievous manservant who laughs at him still.