Kaid walked with a sense of dread, a dark shadow hanging over him like a shroud. The dark halls looked even darker than he remembered, the clouds outside almost dark as the night and not allowing even a glimpse of sunlight to come through. His steps felt conflicted, his right foot walking with the purpose of completing a mission, like a pathway towards fate, while the left felt withdrawn, reluctant to stride forward.

Jessamine sat on her dark black throne, but not the way Kaid would imagine her to sit. She sat perpendicular to the function, legs tucked in, her body balled up together in a state of misery. It gave off the feeling that everything had gone awry, not just Jessamine but the very status of her kingdom that her throne represented.

When Kaid blinked, he was now standing beside her, mid-conversation but the words were jumbled. Despite the unfamiliarity of the words, that same heavy weight grew with each apparent sentence like a stone being added to his grave. Kaid did his best to resist the feeling, to relax and let his guard down. And maybe he shouldn't have.

Jessamine stood in front of him, her blue eyes welling with the waves of tears. And then it all stained red. He couldn't move, couldn't look around. All he felt was a piercing burn in his abdomen and that weight finally being lifted from his shoulders. When he finally felt able to look down, Jessamine pulled the curved dagger from his stomach.

It wasn't her normal blade attached to her hip, but a curved claw-like ornate weapon. The visible part of the handle not covered in his own blood was an emerald varnish with gold laces wrapped between the ridges. He didn't know why his mind was so focused on the detail of a blade rather than the conversation covered in fog before him. Nothing about this felt right.

"I need you to wake up now," Jessamine's soft yet determined words spoke, as if commanding the neurons in his brain to activate.

And he did wake up, panting heavily as if the adrenaline and fear in his heart was real. His brain had thought it to be real, so his body believed no different. His eyes shot open, only to see Kassandra standing over him, her hand resting gently on his shoulder.

The ceiling of the library was beautiful, dark groin vaults with the small chandeliers hanging down. He supposed it was the first time he looked upwards in this library, rather than downwards into a book. Kassandra backed off slightly upon seeing him awake but still had that worried expression on her eyes. Kaid had gotten to know her a bit more, along with Christine as they would have breakfast almost every morning together before attending their duties.

He had to find friendship somehow, as it had been over a month and a half without really ever seeing Jessamine. He saw her from time to time, and even rarely was able to share words with her. They were always short, but Jessamine did seem keen to speak with him more, but her actions proved otherwise. Kassandra excused she was busy, which maybe she was. Kaid did have to wonder though if Payne had spoken to her too about keeping distance. Either way, the fact they hadn't even gotten a meaningful hour to themselves was starting to make him a bit bitter.

"You alright? You seemed to be having a pretty vicious nightmare," Kassandra asked, glancing at him one more time before seeing all the books strewn over the tables.

"I...yeah, it happens," Kaid sighed, sitting up and seeing the mess around him. It wasn't the first time he had fallen asleep in this library and it probably wouldn't be the last. It wasn't like his new room wasn't comfortable, in fact the bed was the best thing he had ever slept on. He supposed he would just start reading and couldn't stop until his body forced itself to sleep.

"About Caladin?" Kassandra assumed, knowing very well about just how tormenting that place was. Kaid never went into detail about it but knowing she was Jessamine's assistant, no doubt Jess shared some details about the prison.

Kaid nodded despite the lie. He did have nightmares about that wretched place but normally the brain fog would set in within seconds and he'd forget every single detail. This felt like the first dream in a long time he could still remember everything his eyes had fixated on, the knife included.

When he sat up, he noticed the morning light peering in from the windows, already knowing dawn was pretty much arriving. Shit. He'd be late to training. Of course, he could skip out on today, already being late. But that would just give everyone another excuse to berate him or dislike him.

Settling into Vitross wasn't as easy as he'd thought it might be. It didn't help with the distance between him and Jessamine either.

Kassandra seemed to notice the slight panic in her friend's eyes, "Why don't you just relax today? It doesn't look like you got a lot of sleep. You can stay here and read or...go into town, walk the shoreline. I know things haven't been going that great with training but pushing yourself might make things worse. I can speak with Empress Jess-"

"There's no need to involve her," Kaid interrupted before realizing maybe his tone wasn't the most pleasant so he adjusted it, "you might be right though. It might do me some good to get some fresh air. I'm assuming you won't be able to join me?"

"No, sadly, and neither is Christine. Both of us are busy preparing for the birthday celebration," Kassandra shook her head, "otherwise if I had the time then I would. The city is much more enjoyable with decent company."

Kassandra knew though, if she wasn't having a busy day, that meant Jessamine wouldn't be either. And Jessamine would be more inclined to join him instead. Kassandra had to admit that she was surprised how things were changing with Kaid's arrival. She knew they had been distant lately, much to Jessamine's own disapproval. But Kassandra had never known someone to be on the Empress's mind practically daily. Knowing Kaid shared breakfast with her and the other staff, Jessamine often asked for updates on how he was doing or what books he was reading. Kassandra found it odd, to say the least, but wouldn't dare question it.

Jessamine really should just ask him herself, but Kassandra felt this was much more complicated than she perceived it.

"You can still join us for breakfast though," she tried to cheer him up, "I can go get your order ready. The typical scrambled eggs over toast?"

"Yes, that is fine. Thank you, Kassandra," Kaid sighed, knowing that she was only doing her best in the messy situation. He waited for her to leave before beginning to mark the tabs of his various books spread out before closing them. He was all over the place in his reading: various history books of the empires, journalistic studies into Oblivion, or an opinion piece written hundreds of years ago regarding the removal of monarchy. Kaid knew his mind was all over the place, and these books were a mere representation of the maze in his mind.

With the nightmare still lingering in his thoughts, he wouldn't be able to even focus on training effectively. He could still feel the imaginary pain of being stabbed, as it was becoming some sort of reminder. Perhaps it was just his residual bitterness that seemed to conjure the nightmare in his mind. Dreams didn't have to make sense. They were merely the brain creating scenarios to prepare a possibility of truth in the future. Or an unconscious lock on things he didn't quite understand, that once unraveled would begin to make some sense.

Only thing was, he didn't have the key.

Kiev was irritated by the way his hair got in the way of his eyes. A haircut was no good, lest he wanted to look like his father. The morning breeze in Vitross didn't help much at all, despite the slightly warmer day in keeping him less irritated. He watched the two men in front of him duel, focusing on the smaller details as the two soldiers were well matched. Their parries were more like mirrored strikes, making this fight look more like a rehearsed dance rather than a fight. When his soldiers fought so well they couldn't even disarm each other, that was when he knew he succeeded as a leader.

And then the fight stopped abruptly, the two men both pausing and standing at parade rest causing Kiev to scowl at what could've been the interruption.

He immediately relaxed the scowl when he turned and noticed Lady Jessamine there, arms at her side. She wore a red long dress that clung to her skin but not tight enough to wrinkle or overly-highlight the features of her bodice. Jessamine was one to make the simplest of dresses look so...well, not so simple. Kiev thought for a moment she looked rather nice, for having not seen her since the incident with Petr and Barnett.

"Kiev, can I have a word?" she asked politely, surprising the lieutenant. His heart raced for a moment, wondering if this was a hint at his future. Eden had long prepared his son to become a Guardian, which meant studying the techniques of former Guardians, being on Payne's good side, and training until his sweat turned into blood. Everyone knew Jessamine did not want a Guardian, for her own personal reasons. But, maybe his father had begun to set things into motion.

Kiev nodded and they walked away from the courtyard and barracks, more towards the wall of the city before she stopped. Her gaze was soft, for once. Usually she had the faintest frown or frustrated expression on her face. She never looked truly happy. It was then that he began to see why almost half his men were ardently in love with her. Her presence alone was enough for some of his weak minded soldiers, but now he could see when her fair face reflected the small rays of sunlight that she had a radiance to her darkness.

"I want a full report on Kaid's training," she finally spoke, seeing the disappointment in Kiev's eyes. Fuck. He should've known this would be about something else, about Kaid of all things and people. Kiev did not dislike Kaid, but did see him rather inconvenient when it came to training. He was fluctuating the system, and while Kiev knew the system was imperfect, things could really spiral into problems. Kaid was too much to deal with at the moment.

"Grand Guard Eden will-"

"I have already spoken to your father numerous times and am met with bullshit answers. He does not care about results, but I know you do. I want an answer from the man who's been witnessing his training, listening to what the other guards say, or what you know to be true. I don't want bullshit, I want the truth, in your own words," she commanded.

Kiev sighed, knowing his father's lack of detail got him into this mess. Unless this was deliberate. Kiev knew by now Jessamine could pinpoint dishonesty before it even escaped his lips. Maybe this was his father's way of trying to establish trust and understanding. After all, Kiev hardly saw her ever since the coronation. Beforehand they would speak every so often, given they were around the same age and considered prodigies of their own kind.

"Kaid is strong, mentally and physically. He is more disciplined than the other guards, has no problem taking orders, and never complains about anything," Kiev stated, trying to sum up a lot of the things that Kaid did that stood out. He was much better than all the guards in that aspect. Kaid never complained, never once looked exasperated or done with authority. Kiev figured that was an extension of Caladin's influence.

Jessamine said nothing, still staring at him to carry on with his report.

"But...his swordsmanship is poor. I had him training with the younger recruits learning it, and he did improve. His footwork is getting better, but he is very timid about using a blade. There are a lot of issues given his age and his reputation amongst the younger guards. The feelings are still the same with his new battalion. He can run, climb, swim, fight with his hands, but give him a sword and he's acting like he's holding back. Some men believe he isn't taking it seriously. He has a hard time getting along with them on multiple occasions. "

"What of his reputation?" Jessamine asked, finding that to be the more important. Of course she knew he would excel in most things. Kaid's mentality was the strongest she's ever really seen. He never gave up easily, which was why this was becoming an issue. The others wanted him to give up so they wouldn't have to deal with him. But she knew he couldn't excel at everything, he wasn't that perfect.

Kiev gave her a bit of a bewildered look like she should know the answer, "He's foreign to them; he's not from here. He's from Caladin of all places since a very young age. Those details were the very first impression of him, and I cannot control what the other guards think of him. They believe him to be a criminal, a very powerful one at that given he survived there that long."

"Has he shown his Oblivion during training?" She prodded, knowing it was fine for Guards to use or showcase it in appropriate means. The general public, not so much given the circumstances. But things were different in higher born positions and families.

"No. He hasn't given any indication of even possessing it," Kiev explained, "had we not known he was from Caladin, we wouldn't suspect anything of it."

Jessamine didn't find that untypical of Kaid, knowing he had hid it for years and was very disciplined in using it inconspicuously. She knew the problems didn't necessarily reside in Kaid or his abilities, but rather the perception towards him. Eden could care less if Kaid failed and succumbed to the social pressures. Jessamine had known this to be a bad idea, but knowing Kaid insisted on it to learn was different. Jessamine knew all too well how hindering a learning environment could be when surrounded by people who viewed her as too stupid to learn.

"Have you showcased what you do like about him? His mental strength or...anything of valor?"

Kiev scoffed for a moment before remembering who stood before him, "With all due respect, Empress, these men come here from all over the empire. With different personalities, world views, and disciplines. They come in young, we shape them into a unit. We instill proper discipline and create uniformity. Our Guards pride themselves in swordsmanship and camaraderie. I cannot and will not tell my Guards how to feel about an individual, nor can I give special treatment to one."

"That is not what I am asking of you."

"But it is, Empress."

"I am asking you to establish a little bit of empathy, not give preferential treatment."

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

Oh that is so hypocritical and ironic of you, Jessamine, was what Kiev thought.

"What would you have me do? Create a heroic training scenario and pray he does it better than anyone else? People earn their worth here. I can do my very best to keep my men in line when in uniform. When they drink and gossip on their own time, that is outside my control. Kaid doesn't go out to drink with them, I don't know what he does when training is over," Kiev explained.

"Have you gotten a chance to get to know him? Any other recruit, you would reach out to to know their likes, dislikes, how they best learn. If he is struggling with fighting with blades, then maybe set aside training with him alone on it. You're the best man I know at swordsmanship, if not you, then find someone else of decent repertoire to assist on the side. All I ask is that you try," she exhaled sharply at the end. Jessamine didn't want to make things worse with any sign of nepotism or advanced treatment.

But she was not going to watch her friend suffer, especially when he did everything he was asked of in this courtyard.

"I will try, that's all I can do," Kiev finally gave in. If he was to do this, it certainly wasn't for Kaid. He had nothing against the man, but Kiev wasn't going to rock this boat even more by going above and beyond in this manner. Things would've been fine if Kaid wasn't thrown into this mess.

He also knew that ever since Kaid showed up, Jessamine wasn't quite exactly the same. And now she came here to vouch for him, a complete stranger. It was uncharacteristic of her, to say the least.

"And that's all I ask, thank you Kiev," Jessamine nodded, glad they could at least compromise, "don't let me keep you from your duties. You're dismissed."

She watched as her old friend walked back to the courtyard, knowing that all of the events surrounding Kaid were based on fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of a man imprisoned for thirty years, fear of an Empress who now decided to walk amongst her subjects, and the fear of jealousy.

Vitross men worked their entire lives to get a glimpse of recognition from their Empress, and some foreigner took it all away within nearly two weeks inside the most dangerous place in the realm. That meant they did have something to be wary and possibly envious over.

Good, thought Jessamine, if more people were like him, maybe this place wouldn't be such a cesspool.

Kaid walked the streets doing his best to ignore the stares. Wearing the kaftan only seemed to make him stick out like a bruise on these citizen's fair white skin. But, some changed their minds as Kaid was polite enough to smile or greet people from time to time. He didn't know exactly what he was looking for but just tried to let his mind wander with his feet. If he got lost, a guard could probably assist him, as long as they weren't anything like Petr.

Kaid was a bit worried about running into Petr on these streets but from what he overheard from Barnett was that he wasn't taking the firing well and was staying inside most of the time, getting drunk on any bottle he could find. He hoped Jessamine was right, that he would eventually take this moment and build a new cornerstone. Training was also difficult because of the rumor spread that Kaid was the reason why the jokester Petr wasn't around anymore.

A few people seemed to be walking by or sitting on corners of the streets, reading what appeared to be the latest newspaper. Kaid had heard of newspapers in books, ways for the public to get awareness of certain situations or assist in any community needs. It sounded like a great idea, and Kaid was quick to pay a quick coin to a boy on the side for the paper. He didn't exactly expect the front page line to be so surprising:

Empress Jessamine's economic disaster, and the spoiled brat takes a vacation.

Wow. Kaid couldn't believe the horrible language used further on to describe their leader. For one, the entire article was bullshit. It seemed the cover of a 'vacation' in the North was now turning into a reason for this media to berate Jessamine. It went further into the details of Duke Grotto, who preferred to sit on his fat ass rather than fix the merchant issues in the Southern Sea from pirates. Lungor pirates, that is.

Kaid almost wanted to barge into that print shop and ask the writer where their sources came from, because most of this was not true. Jessamine had been locked up, in Caladin of all places. Yet they painted her to be some spoiled, rich woman who didn't know how to run a kingdom. She was trying to prevent a war, a war in which they would blame on her if it started. She was damned if she did something and damned if she didn't.

Kaid handed the boy the paper back, not in the mood to read the rest but didn't ask for his coin back. The media's colorful language towards their ruler left a bitter taste in his mouth, more bitter than how he felt about their distance. If he was going to learn from this city, that paper wasn't going to cut it. It fed on fear and highly intense emotions, and maybe not all of Vitross citizens felt that way about her. Kaid certainly didn't feel that way about her.

Kaid grabbed a few fresh apples from the market, knowing if he got a bit hungry it would keep him satisfied. He didn't know how long he planned on being out here, just until his mind cleared and relaxed. That could be an hour or maybe the entire day. The salty sea air was already doing a decent job of trying to relax his mind, despite the newspaper article.

He walked further than the markets towards the sea. While he had been here numerous times, he was gently warned to avoid the Lower District if possible, for safety reasons of course. But seeing as a large population of the city resided there, he wanted to take a look. The polished marble streets slowly changed to dark gray stone, a cheaper and rather anti-aesthetic alternative. There were less people in the streets at this hour, no markets to really be seen, and nobody sitting on the side taking the time to read the papers.

No. Most people were at work, whether out at sea, working in the water purification plant, or whatever skills they possessed to keep this city alive. It was a completely different part of the city here.

When he got closer to the coast, close enough that the sound of the waves crashing against the high sea walls were audible, it seemed the homes and streets appeared worse. There also weren't that many guards, which surprised him as there were plenty in the Upper District and city perimeter. Kaid walked along, keeping his head on a swivel before noticing a small boy following him.

When he turned around, the boy leaped to hide behind the opening of an alleyway, as if trying to remain inconspicuous. The thought of it made Kaid smile slightly, as if he was playing a game. Kaid waited patiently, seeing the boy peek again against the curve of the wall before noticing Kaid still staring at him. The sheepish boy cowered more, causing Kaid to step closer.

"It's alright. Are you hungry?" he asked, rummaging through his small satchel to pull out one of the many apples. The boy's eyes lit up at the sight, being pulled towards the red apple that shined amongst the black decor around them. When the boy stepped out, Kaid's smile faltered slowly. His ribs were visible, his clothes too big, and his feet black like charcoal from walking amongst this coarse and rough stone.

The boy reached out, his arm shaking slightly before he quickly swiped the apple and took a few steps back, immediately biting into it. He devoured the entire thing in seconds, going all the way to the core. Kaid was almost afraid he'd eat that too but the boy was smart enough to know it would make him sick. The boy glanced at Kaid's bag, then his attire.

"Do you want more? I have plenty," Kaid offered and the boy shook his head.

"No, but my friends..." he spoke, his voice soft and still a bit high pitched for his age. Kaid understood what he meant, that his friends would want something to eat too and Kaid was more than happy to share.

"Please, I can give them some," Kaid explained, letting the boy lead the way. His entire demeanor changed, the boy no longer skittish but almost a bit excited that his friends would get something to eat. He pulled Kaid away from the main streets, down various alleyways filled with shit or trash that just hadn't been picked up in weeks. The smell was certainly awful but Kaid wasn't one to get nauseous from smell alone. The boy took a sharp turn and Kaid followed...

But not before he immediately felt the dark hairs on his arm stand up, that whisper of time reaching out.

Kaid grasped it without question, seeing the young man behind the wall, a long shiv in his hand. Right. His act of generosity now meant he was going to get robbed. Wonderful. It wasn't the first time Kaid had been jumped before in order to be stabbed or hurt. They never learned, of course. But Kaid had to be mindful these were children, not a prison gang.

Kaid immediately was able to anticipate the actions, given he knew it would happen. He lurched away from the wall, his arm grabbing the young man's wrist and thrusting it harshly against the brick. The shiv fell immediately, Kaid stepping on it as his eye's met with his assailant seeing his eyes wide with fear and shock.

"Now, that wasn't very nice was it?" Kaid spoke, feeling him tense up. He figured he wanted to show them he meant more harm. More hungry bodies appeared, the boy from earlier looking almost ashamed that the robbery wasn't very successful. Kaid let his wrist go, the leader of the group of bandits stepping back. Kaid had to show he wasn't going to hurt them, despite the attempt.

"I...sorry, sir. The blade is dull, didn't mean any harm," he stammered.

"Other than my pockets, I assume," Kaid spoke, glancing down slightly at the rusted shiv. Oh that actually might have hurt more than a sharp blade, given the rough dexterity and dullness mixed with small sharp jags in the makeshift knife. Kaid didn't exactly know if he would've stabbed or not. Regardless, he figured there was some resolution to the scenario.

"Are you all orphans?" Kaid asked, feeling his heart ache with sympathy. The fact that many children looked like this, in the streets of a grand city...it didn't sit right with Kaid.

"Yes sir. Lots of bastards here, that's for sure," he answered, taking the moment to wipe the anxious sweat off his forehead, smudging the dirt all across his face.

"Meaning...?" he asked, a bit unfamiliar with the term in this context.

"Parents ain't want us anymore, or we don't know our parents. Maybe some whore who got fucked and left us on the streets. Some parents have died and other families didn't want them. These seas are dangerous, it takes and hardly gives back," the boy explained.

"So there's nobody here to take care of you?" Kaid asked, assuming that was the case given they resorted to robbery.

"Well, there is Lilah. She works most of the day though, letting us stay in her place especially during the colder nights. She does her best, but she can barely afford to feed herself let alone us. She doesn't approve of our...methods," he explained, a bit shamefully.

"We all must do what we can to survive," Kaid explained, knowing that moments like this reached a threshold, a gray area between right and wrong, "I don't have a lot of coin, but I just might be able to help a bit."

Kaid struggled carrying the large makeshift box of broken wood down the steps, careful to not drop it lest the food get spoiled by the filth beneath him. Kaid tried to think of all the things these children could eat and make last if needed. That included full sacks of grains and beans, along with a few nutritious options of vegetables and fruits. They'd have plenty to make bread or rice, staples of a poor man's diet.

He knew deep down it wouldn't make a dent, but maybe it would help somehow. Kaid knew later he could discuss with Kassandra what she knew about the Lower Districts and maybe try and make changes there. Payne's warning came to the back of his mind, to not interfere with empire affairs, but he'd be damned in letting children starve.

When he returned to the small shack-like home they all crowded in, he saw each of their faces light up upon seeing the food. Kaid placed the box down, grabbing one of the freshly baked loaves and handed it to the eldest boy.

"Remember to share. Don't eat too much or it'll make you sick," Kaid said urgently, hoping to get the message across. They had to stick together to survive. The second they turned on each other, the chances of survival diminished.

"And here I thought you were a figure of their wild imaginations," a voice spoke through, Kaid glancing to a woman in the corner. Her hair was blonde, but dirtied at the tips from whatever profession she did. Her profession as of yet hadn't changed the youthfulness on her face but she did have the hardened eyes of someone who had struggled to be where she was today.

"I'm Kaid," he introduced himself.

"Yes, I know who you are. The city has been buzzing for a bit regarding our new foreigner. Uhkhtar was it?" she asked and Kaid nodded, "how did you pay for the food? We can't accept this."

"I put it on the palace," he answered, which made her scoff, "I will handle the price if it becomes an issue. These children are very grateful for your assistance; you must be Lilah."

"You've seemed to do more in an hour than I ever could," she pointed out, her tone verging on the edge of slight jealousy, or perhaps anger at how naive he could be, "but yes, I do what I can and in hindsight seems very little."

"Seb here," he looked at the eldest boy who had shared his name, "states you've been teaching them how to read and write. That takes a lot of time and patience. It is also the greatest gift you could give them, excluding the necessities of life." From which Kaid read in various books was shelter, food, water, and clothing.

"Sebastian is hoping to become a Guard, for that he must learn how to read and write effectively. Instead, he's roped in other boys to rob wandering citizens who look remotely wealthy," Lilah spoke, her disappointed eyes glancing at the young man who frowned.

"I can try to see to that. I train with the guards from time to time. Recruitment is low. Perhaps he can join me in training every few mornings," Kaid offered, seeing Sebastian's face light up. Maybe attempting to rob this man in well dressed clothes was the best decision he had ever made. "There are also plenty of untouched books in our library I can bring down, find things that interest the kids."

"You've done too much already," Lilah objected for a moment, "but it sounds like someone graced your life with assisting in a new beginning, an alternative to the fate placed before our chained feet. I suppose I can't deny your assistance, only be wary of it."

Kaid thought of Jessamine for a moment, knowing she was the one who spoke to that inner voice of escaping. As an orphan he did get assistance from others to read, write, and enjoy Caladin before witnessing its judgment. Nobody's fate was set in stone, Kaid would see to that.

They all spoke for a while, Kaid getting to know a bit more about them, at least the kids brave enough to speak. There were plenty of young age who maybe did know how to speak but refused to, which ached Kaid's heart. Nobody should have to live like this. Lilah spoke little but she was an orphan as well who worked currently at the harbor, unloading or loading ships of cargo. Kaid wondered if this was the same cargo getting robbed at the high seas.

Sebastian escorted Kaid to the main streets, as if worried another group of mischief would rob him without someone by his side. But the boy had a feeling Kaid could handle himself.

"Are you sure about the whole Guard thing? I don't know if...well, if they'd even want me," Seb asked, worry laced in his voice.

"You'll be with me. It will be fine. Just do what you're told, do the best you can do, and that's all that matters. You'll get along with them just fine. And if you get selected, it'll be a nice salary, a warm bed, and three meals a day. You can help your brothers and sisters," Kaid insisted, which seemed to encourage Seb. Sometimes all a boy needed was a bit of encouragement.

Sebastian then looked towards the street, his eyes glaring at a woman across the way. Kaid glanced over too and knew exactly who it was. Despite being covered in red elegance, including the headscarf, Kaid knew based on height, demeanor, and welcoming presence alone it was Lady Jessamine. Kaid almost forgot it had been over a month since they had been in this city together, to some extent.

All that lingering bitterness seemed to wash away just upon seeing her there, clearly waiting for him.

"Is she from the palace? Or...girlfriend?" Seb asked quietly.

"Yes," Kaid answered, soon realizing he was still gazing at Jessamine, "about the palace. We're not together."

"Are you in trouble?"

"We will see," Kaid sighed, patting Seb's shoulder gently before moving towards her. Despite the headcovering, he could sense her gaze on him, eyes watching his every movement and glancing at his non-palace attire.

"Kaftan looks nice on you; you should wear it more often," Jessamine spoke, her voice soft. There wasn't a hint of frustration or any negative emotion laced in her voice, which was always a good sign. She had to admit, Kaid should wear those shirts more often, even if he stood out. It felt like he should've been wearing the colorful shirts all this time. It may also accentuate some of Kaid's growing muscles. The training alongside proper nutrition really highlighted just how strong Kaid always had been.

She could hardly keep her eyes off him.

"You shouldn't be here alone," Kaid pointed out, brushing the compliment aside. It was bad enough she walked the city alone, but Kaid knew this part could be a bit...not as welcoming. Especially to someone who looked like her.

"I'm not alone," she retorted. Kaid thought for a moment that she had someone with her, before realizing the person she was referring to was himself.

Kaid didn't know exactly what to say. It had been so long since they spoke like this, but it felt like it hadn't. As if he blinked in time and was here, always here, with her. Could she feel the bitter resentment of not being around, of how lonely he felt at times? Or could she feel it subside just by her very presence? Kaid knew he couldn't be mad at her. If the only thing going bad in his life right now was his friend being too busy to speak to him, and frustrating training, then things weren't that bad afterall.

"Walk with me?" she asked, not her usual commanding tone, but genuinely a question. Kaid felt her question was more than just an offer to escort, but the start of a conversation of picking off where they left off.

"Always," Kaid answered, seeing her lips curve in the slightest smiles under the headscarf.