Cameron chewed at his lip, trying to think of an excuse. She was different from the usual representatives that got sent their way. She seemed to read a situation like a book, seeing through all the political bullshit that seem to tie down all noble proceedings. Eventually he gave in, settling for what was probably the truth.

“I mean… Why else? They didn’t want the family to get sanctioned.”

Her inquisitive gaze slowly morphed into a raised eyebrow of confusion as she scoffed, “Sanctioned?” She asked, almost as if she was unsure she heard him properly.

He nodded slowly, not quite clear on where the loss in translation was. “Yeah? You know… Earth steps in, strips the ruling family of power and takes them back to be tried by committee?”

Her eyebrow rose higher as she let him finish his train of thought, answering his question with one of her own. “And… you thought you were going to get sanctioned… for killing two men in a combatives trial?”

“Well, erm.. yes?”

Cameron saw the outburst unfold in slow motion. First Sybil’s mouth trembled slightly, her lips quivering up and down as if trying to force down a wide grin. Then she giggled, then chuckled. Eventually she had to set her drink down and clutch her stomach as a fit of laughter overtook her. He didn’t know whether to be embarrassed or appalled. Still, he kept quiet, letting her get it all out. Eventually, she stopped and stood up straight, catching her breath, and wiped a tear from her eye.

“Ah honey, I haven’t laughed like that in a long time.” She grabbed her drink and tilted it back, draining it of its contents before shaking her head. “There’s no court on earth that would grant a sanction for some backwater system like this, for something as benign as that.”

“Oh…” Cameron said, trying to wrap his head around the situation. “That’s a relief then. Did you say backwater?”

She waved him off as she poured herself another drink. “Relax, Lendrick is a big boy. If he can’t handle the blowback from a mess he made, he’s not cut out for politics.”

Cameron opened his mouth to speak, trying to shine a light on the details of the situation, but Sybil cut him off, holding up a hand to silence him, “There’s no need for an explanation. From what I understand, it was self defense.”

“Y-Yeah,” Cameron mumbled, his mind racing with fresh memories of death and destruction. “I suppose so.”

There was a long silence, with Cameron averting his gaze, staring at the fibers of the thick blanket that he was swaddled in. After a moment, there was a warm sensation on his shoulder, causing him to look up and see Sybil’s hand resting there, her smile dropping slightly, and eyes radiating sympathy before she spoke up in a soft, calming tone.

“Hey, don’t dwell on the past. It’s not your fault. They knew the risk of what they were doing. Don’t feel sympathy for those that wouldn’t share the sentiment if the roles were reversed. Okay?”

Cameron swallowed slowly, before giving a nod and forcing a smile. “Yeah, I understand. Thank you.”

“No problem,” She said, her smile returning to its previous mischievous grin. “I can’t be taking a crybaby as a date to the coronation ball now can I?”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Cameron blinked, then looked at her, then blinked again. “I’m sorry, you mind running that by me one more time? Did you say date?”

She giggled again, a sound Cameron was finding more pleasing to the ear with every iteration

“Well, it is tradition, after all. The newly appointed Seneschal needs a piece of high-ranking arm candy during the ball, or so the tradition states. Besides, I’m not really a fan of the thought of having the pick of the two kiss-assess old enough to be my father rubbing up on me all evening. So I suppose you’ll do.” She finished with a wink and a grin that made Cameron’s bandaged face blush.

“Well if you can find in your heart to grant me such a charity,” He said sarcastically, rolling his eyes, and as he look at her, he suddenly forgot all about his aching. “Then I suppose, I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

She nodded, reaching up to pat his face gently. “You definitely will, big guy. Be sure not to disappoint me, yeah?”

With that, she turned, making her way toward the door. Just as she crossed the threshold to leave, however, she stopped, poking her head back around the corner to look at him.

“Oh, by the way… I’m glad you’re okay. And don’t worry about Lendrick. I’m sure this will all blow over.”

***

Furious was an understatement to the emotions Lendrick was feeling as he marched down the hallway to his quarters. Everything had gone wrong. Not only had the Pellyn brat survived his little ‘Assessment’, but the kingdom of Amreith had lost two experienced pilots, a group that was becoming an increasingly rare minority. In all aspects his plan had failed.

The Prince was not going to like this.

“There you are!” Darwin’s grating voice stabbed into Lendrick’s eardrums like a rusty blade, causing him to clench his teeth in frustration.

He looked up, startled, speaking to his contemporary in a sharp whisper, “What do you want Darwin? Can you not see I’m deep in thought?”

“What took you so long?” He hissed as Lendrick walked past him dismissively. “I had to keep delaying the meeting because of you.”

“Because of me?” Lendrick shot back, balling his hand into a fist. “Someone had to brief that royal bitch Miranda as to what happened, and I refuse to let it be one of the other oafs out there. I needed to save what little face I had left after that idiotic display of Kurz and Merril.”

“My apologies Lendrick,” Darwin said solemnly. “I understand how saddened you must be by their loss.”

“I could care less about their loss!” Lendrick shot back, eyes burning with fury. “If the boy hadn’t killed them I’d have made sure their days were numbered after such an embarrassing display.” He quieted somewhat as he watched Darwin turn the lock, sealing them off from the outside world. The man looked sheepish, like he was unsure how to respond to Lendrick’s callous rhetoric. Eventually, the oaf managed to form a response.

“Well, what do we do now?” Darwin asked, exasperating Lendrick even further.

“What do you mean ‘what do we do?’” Lendrick asked, “Call the task force to order. The Prince’s require an explanation.”