“Let’s go to town,” said Truth, avoiding the situation.

“Why, Nightfall?” asked Tiger.

“B-b-because…” Truth stammered. Think of something. QUICK! Failure is not an option. “Because there are some other things we should do first. Like, eat. Eating is good for bonding and agreement. Why do you think that political leaders discuss topics over dinner?”

Tiger just raised an eye ridge at Truth, suspicious. “I always thought it was just because of hunger.” They were silent for a bit, the early morn’ market crowd chatting in the background. They did not seem to notice the shouts of fury in the distance. Even if they did, they would not give it much mind. Still, the air was holding its breath. As if it was watching them.

“Just… come with me,” Truth said. “And perhaps after we eat we can go to that shop you mentioned. What is it called?”

“It is called,” Griffit Goods. They have a nice selection of candy and the shopkeep is very nice. I’ve only been there one other time.”

They went down a street and almost bumped into a grey dragon. “Hey,” she said. “Sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going. Can I help you?”

Truth thought. But Tiger beat him and spoke first. “I don’t think so. But I was wondering where Griffit Goods was.”

The dragon gave them directions and they parted ways.

They made their way through the incoming crowd, down a few streets, left left, right, sharp left. Tiger and Truth walked to a restaurant for breakfast. It “overlooked” parts of the city, despite having very few windows. The builder should have thought of that. Everyone liked window seats and those who didn’t get them were somewhat insulated. The construction worker was dead now so he couldn’t apologize. Truth had to keep Tiger distracted so he told him all these things. If he didn’t distract Tiger, his assignment would just be marked as a failure.

Truth could not fail. If he did, Tiger might die. The Sovereign wanted Tiger to stay alive. Sure, the Sovereign may be ruthless, but he would spare those who he could use to gain land. Yes, it was not out of mercy. Mercy was a rare thing in the Providence Fjord. But perhaps the Sovereign would be merciful.

They did not sit near a window, for no window seats were available. The waiter showed them to their banquette and they slid in on opposite sides. The crimson upholstery dipping under their weight. It was comfy. Especially after being in prison. And the food must be better than the slop at the prison that upsets his stomach every time he takes a bite.

He wondered why had all the misfortune had befallen him. Was I too much of a jerk? I don’t think I was… although I could be wrong… but then again–

The waiter gave them their menus and stomped over to a bar to berate some drunken dude. It was a sad sight to see drunkards anywhere, really. But it was nice for the sensible poor pickpockets. A drunk dragon was easy to slip a purse away from.

“What’s going on?” said Tiger.

“With what? The park?” Truth rescinded, an eye ridge raised

“Yes. The park” said Tiger, inquisitive.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“I just thought we should eat first,” replied Truth. “Never skip breakfast. That is what Mom told me.”

“Your mom was against breakfast, though. She thought it to be the work of the devil or something of the like. Besides, a sudden change of plans is never a good thing. Especially an hour after you wake up.”

Perhaps Tiger was trying to toy with him for fun. Or perhaps he was legitimately suspicious of him. Maybe he knew Truth was impersonating Nightfall. But that was not the case at hand. Neither should it ever be.

“What are your orders?” said the waiter, flatly, with no emotion. Like a sentient brick

Truth stared at the menu looking to see if there was mac n’ cheese. They had none, so he had to settle for another dish. He jumped when Tiger practically screamed that he wanted pancakes.

“Sheesh, can you not yell? Please?” asked Truth.

“But who will kill people’s ears other than me?”

“A baby? I don’t know.”

“Do you need a moment?” asked the waiter.

“No,” said Truth.”But I would like eggs and sausage.” It was his favorite before the incident; before the game was played and the first piece moved.

“I’ll be back with your orders soon,” said the waiter.

Tiger sat there looking sad. It rubbed Truth the wrong way.

“What’s wrong?” said Truth.

“You yelled at me. And you never yell at me.”

Truth did not know what to say. There was not any training for this. So it was very confusing and riddled with unplanned happenings. “Sorry,” Truth said softly. “I just—”

Tiger raised his eye ridges doubtfully.

Truth felt a pang of guilt. He had yelled at other dragons before. But Tiger was younger and more sensitive. Truth could only imagine what this might do to their “relationship.” He had mentally punched himself for doing so and being kinda unkind. And besides, Tiger was too wholesome to be yelled at.

“Sorry,” Truth said again. “I—”

Tiger burst out laughing. Laughing and laughing. His laughter made Truth happy. Which was surprising. He tried to smash it with a sledgehammer. He could not let emotions break his flow and goals to fulfill his assignment. If he fulfilled enough of them, he could get a pardon. At least, something to a similar effect and not have to… do unsavory things.

“What's going on, squirt?” asked Truth. “I’m getting ever more confused every time I talk with you, Tiger.” He had seen Tiger around one other time in the castle. He didn’t pay him much attention but had noted his energy. He seemed to never run out. He heard dragons say that about the prince. Now he knew why.

“Nightfall, that IS my goal, you know. To get you confused.”

Truth let out a hmph, giving the prince a chiding but somewhat happy look.

The waiter came by with their orders. The eggs smelled like heaven. And the sausage was not anything less. Tiger looked a slight bit disappointed when he saw his pancakes. Perhaps he’d thought they’d come out different. “Anything else?” the waiter asked.

Truth and Tiger shook their heads. As Truth shook his, he saw golden scales the color of honey. And bright green eyes looking his way. What? Who is this?

Truth used two claws to scratch his forehead in the shape of a checkmark. The reddish-yellow dragon looked at him funny… and… laughed? She was laughing. And everyone looked at her like she was a maniac. The dragon moved toward him, avoiding the glances from the early birds at the diner. Her face was a little red. But Tiger was still there, consumed in consuming his breakfast.

The yellow dragon looked to be in a higher class than most. Not part of the market rabble. Speaking of which, there were distant, angry shouts. That was fairly normal in the market. Someone had been caught stealing, or someone got a bad deal. Blood was rarely drawn. It was not something to worry about.

He looked again to see the dragon standing in front of him. He wanted her to sit with them. It was his first real potential dragon for a friend. But he was also scared of that.

“May I sit with you?” she asked.