DEAD AND WASHED AWAY.

Alaric listened to the man. No wonder he was the Shield, there were things the young man didn’t even know he was doing wrong. Looking down for a moment as if to gather his thoughts, he nodded. “I see. I had no idea. It seems you have a good nose then.” The joke probably fell flat but honestly he couldn’t care less. He was safe. His brother was safe. They were okay.  And that’s all that mattered in the end. Although, he would try to keep to himself a little longer, fix his mistakes and continue to be Wolfe around others. Just because he let one person know, doesn’t mean everyone else should. There were still those would didn’t like the Dularts. The only reason they knew this was through an exchange that Marcus overheard one day.  “You were speaking of a. . . proper partner for sparring.” He finally spoke, glancing at his blade for a long moment before looking up. “Since you know who I am then you know that I would hate to have a subpar match. Perhaps we can spar again someday if you are free and willing to do so.” He held out his hand, and let out a breath. “Alaric. Alaric is my name. Since we’re starting over.”

Well. Damn.  The blond looked around, he had noticed it did look nicer than some of the other parts of the Citadel but they all looked nice. It had been too long since he had been in a castle or building that wasn’t in the slums. Alaric didn’t seem to mind it at first but Marcus did.  At first.  But everything that Alaric was doing was for him. So the least Marcus could do is make swords.  “Ah, yes.” It took him a moment. Right. Alias. “You work with my brother?” He offered his hand to shake, something he had learned. Working people shake hands. Not bow. “I hope he’s not showing off.” Okay, so he’s the show off of the family but still. “Do you know where I can leave these, sir. . ?” 

“. . . Your Majesty.” A bow, eyes to the floor. “I am here to replace one of your normal guards. I have been brought up to speed with everything but is there anything you require?” That all came out faster than he meant it to. Damn. Regis just made him nervous. He was the King after all.

He wanted to say something. Alaric’s mind was running a thousands miles per minute. What he had heard, stumbled on to was big, something that Solanna would break if she found out--- but it was his love for her that made him wonder if he should speak.  She would be safe. That much was certain. He wanted to tell her everything--- but first he would start with something. . . else. “There are things I want to tell you but. . .” He swallowed and looked down. “I can’t. I just---” Alaric did the only thing he could do. Taking her face in his hands, he kissed her. Hard and fast, sweet and slow. Just once more before the big finish. “Just know that wherever you are. . . I will find you.”

@insomnianprincess

“Ah, forgive me, I did not mean to--- bump into you so rudely.” Oh great, he’s gone and done it again. Alaric was going to kill him. Hopefully it was no one important. “I was looking for my brother. I--- I brought him a fresh change of clothes.” He offered the fabric as if it were an offering.

“--- May I ask what this is about?” Granted, he didn’t know what he was doing here. “You asked for me?”

“Thank you.” He said it again, as if it were the only words he truly knew. Taking the gift, he gave a slight bow, something he knew he shouldn’t have--- but it was ingrained in him.  One cannot block out a whole 16 years of habits and training. “I didn’t know we were giving gifts. Seems I’ve left yours in my other jacket.” A bad joke but still. “Alex, well meet. I am,” He had to say his fake name in his head before saying it out loud. “Wolfe. Though, I assure you, I am not the prettiest of princesses. I’m more of the. . . ugly bastard child.” It wasn’t far from the truth.

“Forgive me, I didn’t mean to bother you. Your father sent me to tell you he’ll be late.” Apparently even Crownsguard can be delivery boys.

Alaric swore he could feel the blood pumping in his ears, he tried his best to calm. Picture a meadow of blue flowers--- something his mother had taught him once long ago.  At the statement, Alaric stayed still. Trying to think of what to say. Clarus knew, he had to know---- and yet, he was keeping it open, as if there was nothing wrong. That didn’t mean that he wouldn’t be killed later that night if he answered wrong. Or that Marcus would be danger---- “And your appetite must be sated.” He replied as his hands began to fidget with the bottle. Alaric didn’t turn around, not yet. He had to calm down first, had to be able to keep a neutral face. The young man’s eyes closed once more for a moment before he even attempted to answer his next question. “--- I suppose, if,” He emphasized his words harshly. “--- if the individual did not feel safe, if they had been hunted in the past. . . I would assume they would like stay hidden. . . for their family’s sake.” Alaric paused for a long moment and then turned around. “May I ask how you came to your. . . curiosities?” He needed to know how much he had been messing up. How much he had let slip. 

“I would never laugh.” He replied, not wanting the other to think he was bullying him. “I did not know you were training under the Marshal. He seems to be a. . . an intimidating man.” The Marshal had such an intense aura about him, Alaric didn’t really want to mess with him or bother him in any way. It was right up there with the Shield, the King, the Captain of the Glaives---- there was a lot of people Alaric didn’t want to piss off. “. . . Is it heavy? Your weapon?”

He glanced down when she turned, almost as if looking at her caused his eyes to ache. She was indeed beautiful, and smart---  Alaric swallowed, trying to think of what to say to ease her mind. He wasn’t sure if anything would.  The princess seemed doomed, to only fulfill her role. Or that’s what she thought.  “What do you want to be then,” He spoke as he approached her, something he probably shouldn’t do. Solanna drew him in, something about her was--- a ray of sun against his skin. A warmth. “if not royalty, what do you see?” He was closer--- maybe too close. Eyes glanced up and down at her, not sure what he was doing.  Realizing that he might be crowding her, he took a step back. “If you do not wish to go to dinner, maybe a walk in the gardens? Something to keep your mind at ease.”

“Then it wasn’t you I saw stumble out of the training hall just now?”  There’s a small hint of smile in his eyes.