A swarm of birds fluttered past the window, disorganized and loud. A signal that heralded the dawn. Chirps and whistles echoed through the cold air and the glass house in the garden split the light into showers of rainbow rays.

Nico shuffled through the halls, his head bowed to avoid making eye contact with anyone. He retraced his path to jay's room from the previous day, his steps getting increasingly hurried as he got closer.

Nico used the key Neaudiel gave him as a show of good will and opened the door. He put the tray down before he rushed to Jay, grasping the boy by the shoulders.

“Get us out of this nightmare!” Jay reeled back and pushed Nico away. “I can take you out of the forest far from the nightmare creature.” Nico continued.

Jay gave a grim sigh and said, “I can’t. After I enter a nightmare, I can only conquer it to escape.” Nico went bug eyed and slumped down.

“What happened? What did Neaudiel tell you yesterday?” Nico watched Jay’s panicked reaction, feeling comforted by the genuine concern emanating from the small boy. It had been a very long time since someone cared for him.

“You will help me kill King Soloflame and put Solace on the throne,” Neaudiel proclaimed. Nico actually laughed.

“And why would I help you kill the king? I’m a slave, remember?” ‘I’m also not part of this world.’ Nico turned to leave and stopped when the old man grabbed his shoulder.

“What? Are you going to tell me I have honor or something?” Neaudiel did no answer and simply pulled Nico along. ‘Crap.’ Nico completely ragdolled and couldn’t move. Neaudiel dragged Nico down the halls without saying a word.

Finally they came to a different part of the palace. “You have a pure mind, very different from many others,” he whispered.

‘And?’ Nico numbly thought. Neaudiel pulled a candle from the halfway and brought it up to a door. The man whispered to the flame and Nico felt an unnatural presence permeate the air.

“The king has retreated to his garden. Now is the time to seize the throne.” A gravelly voice came from the other side of the door.

“We have yet to consolidate our power. Patience. Once the silver coins are minted we will control the economy and topple the Quinxine House.” Another, feminine voice calmed the fiery attitude. Nico was completely lost. Houses? Coins? He was ignorant in such subjects, but the overall idea was clear. The nobles were planning a take over.

“But they will use their position to get the boy and legitimize their take over.”

“They will not get to use the boy. The prince will tragically die on his twelfth birthday, and the Lambloda House shall expose the treachery of the three highest houses.” Neaudiel pulled away slowly, making sure not to make any noise. He blew out the candle and let go of Nico.

Nico shot up and landed on his feet in a battle stance to face the old man.

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“Soloflame is witness to many such conversations, yet he does nothing,” he said quietly.

“Why? His son and his throne are being attacked,” Nico asked.

“All the nobles have are aspirations. A Saint does not need to worry about the plans of ants.” ‘He wants to kill a Saint?!’ Nico stared at the man like he was a mad man. Neaudiel was serious.

“And Solace? You could take him far away from this mess. Leave Soloflame to deal with his kingdom.”

“You may not have a sense of duty or honor. I do.” Neaudiel put the unlit candle back in the holder. “I need someone’s help to relight this kingdom’s flame.” The man checked his armor and strode off, leaving Nico alone.

Guards came by and yelled at him, dragging the lost slave back to the barracks for the night.

Nico faced Jay. “Why don’t you say the kingdom’s name?” The boy frowned and Nico saw the gears in his head working.

“Neaudiel showed you the king’s transformation,” he answered. “Saying the name of the kingdom by a flame creates a conduit for the king to watch and listen from. Rumor says that he can even affect the area on the other side.”

Nico drew in a shaky breath, catching Jay’s eyes. The sleeper was calm. “How did the nightmare end before?”

“I don’t know. There was a storm and lightning. Winds strong enough to topple this golden palace plunged the city into the rising waves. A voice cried out claiming that the King was to blame and to let the prince go.” Jay went quiet.

Nico got up, not pressing the issue. Jay’s aspect had potential. Of course power came with rules. He needed to conquer nightmares to use them. ‘There's no telling how many horrors he’s lived through.’

“Stop looking at me like that,” Jay snapped. "I'm not a child

Nico’s mouth curved. “Oh, but you are.”

“I’m seventeen, not including the years I’ve lived here. If anything you’re the child.”

“What is the difference of a year? I’m a child, you are a child.”

“It’s all the difference I need. I am much more mature than you.” Jay stuck his nose up and laughed. “I’m acting like my younger brother. That isn’t a good sign. You guys would get along nicely. He’s 15.”

“So a year suddenly is not a lot?”

“Exponential.” Jay said.

“I don’t know what that means.” Jay went silent. Nico felt a prick in his mind and looked out the window. “Do you miss him? You're brother?”

“All the time. I promised I would return, but I can’t help but worry about what happens if I don’t.”

“That was a stupid promise.” Nico cringed at his own statement. Didn’t he make such a promise he couldn’t keep?

“Maybe it was,” Jay murmured. “What about you, do you miss your family?”

“Not really. I know Rio can take care of himself and everybody else is dead,” Nico said matter of factly.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s been that way for six years.” Nico waved his apology off before getting up. Jay gave Nico a doubtful look but aid nothing about his sudden departure. He moved down the halls with hurried steps, his concentration split. Nico walked without a destination until he couldn’t go any further and passed through wooden double doors.

The chamber was spacious with grand walls and high ceilings. Rows of shelves stood at attention holding priceless amounts of knowledge. Nico had made sure no one was around and turned to face the doors. Moments later, someone walked in.