Francis Rayleigh finished his meal and stood up to leave. The servants in front and behind him held their breath as they waited for his parting words. Yet, those didn’t come. In the place of romantic words exchanged between two people of similar ages with the potential for marriage, was a firm nod. Of affirmation, of trust. As if saying: “I’ll leave it to you, then,” to each other. As if they could leave their backs to each other.

The entourage followed him out. He made his way back towards his quarters, the retainers trailing behind him. Like the pack leaders, both his knight Katalina and Carter Ravel stood in between the rest, and their master.

“So, uh, let's do some self introductions when we get back, okay?” Francis asked.

He spoke with a carefree tone. How could he speak like that? Ignoring all regulations and boundaries. It was a near foreign concept to Percy. But perhaps that fact was the reason why he was so coveted, by both her highness and another Acrleus. Francis walked with a complete lack of caution.

Once they returned back to his quarters, Francis sat himself down on a wide purple sofa. The servants lined themselves up, in order of rank. On the left side of the Arcleus was Percy Thompson, a baron. Followed by Eve Hok, the viscountess. Next, was Earl Carter Ravel and finally, Countess Novita Sera. They introduced themselves as such, whilst in an elegant bow. And the son of a duke, Francis Rayleigh, the mixed blood, the Arcleus, the crown princess’ favourite, bit on the middle joint of his index finger.

“Right. And, uh. I’m Francis Rayleigh. I think you know that already. So... Why did you all accept her highness’ invitation? Also, let's just talk normally, okay? No need for those ‘lords’ or ‘ladies’ or anything like that. But if you’re uncomfortable with that, then no need.”

The retainers looked at him with raised eyebrows. It was one thing for those on near equal levels to say that, but there was a whole layer that separated them. He was an Arcleus, with an interestingly close relationship with the crown princess. And they were just his retainers. That status overrode their rankings, as long as they were before him or acting on his behalf.

“Very well. In that case, what should we refer to you as?” Carter said.

By far, he looked the most adaptable. Such a change would be nothing if he tackled it. No doubt, a situation like that probably happened when he was out on the battlefield, so it wasn’t entirely new. But to the other three, it was a strange concept. A person above them, of a different standing, acting with such a casual air around him.

“Well, just Francis will do.”

He waved his hands to tell them to relax. They were still in that bowing position after all, and had to strain their necks to look at him. It wasn’t a comfortable place to be in.

The stare of his knight landed solely on Percy. She stood behind her master, as a sort of guardian spirit. Was it intuition that led her to suspect him?

Within his pocket, the communication crystal rustled around. It was of a similar model to the ones available to the public, but smaller. With a thin golden frame, and a small crystal screen. The more expensive and advanced ones allowed for projection, but Benjamin decided against it.

“Francis. May I talk normally?”

“Yeah sure. Go ahead. I won’t punish anyone for speaking honestly or normally, haha.”

“You’re quite different from the rumours.”

“Hm? And what might those rumours be?”

“That you’re an asshole.”

“Ah, right. Sorry if I was like that to you in the past.”

He bowed his head slightly. The loose hair draped down from their position on his neck. Percy wasn’t attracted to men at all, and yet found himself questioning it. But, if he had to muster a defense for himself, Francis had an ethereal beauty to him. And, in those clothes, could easily pass off as a woman, albeit not a well endowed one.

“Oh no. This is the first time we’ve met. I was away while those rumours spread, you see. But you aren’t denying it?”

“No? Why would I deny my past? It already happened, so what’s the point? I was an asshole, can’t change that fact.”

“I’m liking you more and more, Francis.”

“Haha, is that so.”

“Yes, very much. Gods, you remind me of myself.”

“Oh? How so?”

“Ah, that’s a long story. Maybe over tea, but certainly not now.”

The two chuckled. They looked like a pair of brothers, or something similar to that.

“And everyone else? Anything to add?” Francis said.

“Nah. Not really.”

Viscountess Eve spoke next. Oldest brother, elder sister, youngest brother. Her hand reached close to his in order to shake it. A tight handshake later, the retainers were dismissed. Despite being an Arcleus’ retainers, they still had work to do. Their lives were not dedicated to him. That was the role of a slave, not a noble.

Percy Thompson walked out from his master’s room. He certainly was something. Not a person similar to Benjamin, and yet still somewhat so. Percy didn’t know why, but he made that connection. Fishing out that small communication crystal, he backed himself into his own chambers. He was still a noble after all. And he reported his activities and findings, to a very happy Benjamin.

***

The next day, Francis Rayleigh was awoken by the loud call of Haein. Her voice pierced right into his head, as if speaking to him telepathically. No, rather, she was really talking to him like that.

“Come on, wake up sleepyhead. I want to talk to you.”

“Did you have to do it at dawn?”

“A crown princess has to wake and sleep early, Fran.”

“Rhetorical question, Haein. And besides, you’re the crown princess. Whatever you demand, you will get it. Right then. Now? Or after breakfast?”

“Take your time. Oh, but take a bath before though. I want you nice and clean.”

Her soft giggling echoed throughout his head. It was a pleasant laughter, somewhat similar to his sisters. His heart was calm.

Katalina was nowhere to be seen. Her bed was empty, and neat. As if it was brand new. Perhaps that was the dedication of a knight at work. Near perfect in manner, and dangerous as well. With a graceful blade, she stood out, even amongst the rest.

Oftentimes, he wondered about her health. Always waking early, and sleeping late. How often she ate, or if she was even eating the right foods. But she couldn’t help it. Whenever he asked, she would only reply that it was her duty, and that she swore her life to him. It was always the same answer. Duty, duty, duty. It was always that.

That wasn’t to say that he disliked that side of her, though. Similar to her, he had a sense of duty, of sorts. Just that, his duty was to avoid his fate of dying. But it was a duty nonetheless, and he had respect for her out of that fact. With his nose in his books, he spent time within the library of the Rayleigh manor.

When he walked towards the dining hall, he had to go through the front door. There, Katalina stood. With her hand on her blade, she acted as the interception force against any invaders. Then again, she could only protect him from those who came in through the door, so he wasn’t sure of her effectiveness. If someone came in through the window, or worse, using some form of magic... Francis didn’t want to dwell on that thought.

Dressed in a casual manner, he greeted her as he yawned. She was always seen in that stiff garb of hers. Despite being tailor made for her, and having mobility has its focus, it still looked somewhat unwieldy. Lacking the large interlocking plates of the typical knight, her outfit at least had the aesthetics. It fitted well to her body, curving to her own contours. Compared to his loose fitting clothes, she looked so much more fanciful.

“Good morning, my lord.”

“Yes, same to you. Had a good rest?”

She stifled a chuckle. It was funny, wasn’t it? Other nobles barely cared about their servants' well-being. Yet, the one most well known for being mean, and pampered, and all in all an A-class jerk, he was the one that showed her care.

“Yeah. Thank you. And how about you?”

“Alright. Got woken up by her highness though.”

The knight’s eyebrows raised at his words.

“Really?” she asked.

“Right just then, actually. Have you had breakfast?”

“Yes, my lord. I ate before you woke up.”

“You should share a meal with me sometime. No need to restrain yourself to that stuffy timeframe and manner. Feel free to sleep in too. Don’t really like how little you sleep.”

“My lord, you don’t need to concern yourself with things like that.”

“No? You’re my responsibility, Katalina.”

“Haha. Ah, well. I think you should concern yourself more with her highness. She’s more important to you than me, anyway.”

He stepped towards the dining hall. The retainers would only appear after the early morning, so they were alone. Just Katalina, and Francis. On occasion, a servant would pass them by, and they would exchange greetings.

“Are you still hungry?” he asked, “Their food is on another level of quality from what you know. I can get another portion for you, no worries. And her highness won’t be there, so no need to be stiff and uptight.”

“My lord, please. Don’t concern yourself with me. Your duty is to marry the crown princess.”

They stopped in their tracks. Well, it was more of Franics stopping, and her simply following his actions. He turned around on his heel, and faced her. Slightly taller than himself, he had to tilt his neck at an angle to meet her eyes. Her brown hair was tied up in a high ponytail, while his rather lengthy hair wasn’t tied at all.

“You know. It’s pretty tiring. Do you hate her, or something?” Francis asked.

“My lord, why do you ask?”

“Just tell me honestly. Did she do something to you before? Steal away something precious to you?”

“If I am to be honest...” Katalina took a big sigh before continuing, “ I’m afraid that she’ll do that.”

“Then, I’ll make sure she doesn’t. Whatever you want to protect, I’ll do my best to make sure she doesn’t touch it.”

Of course, she couldn’t tell him what she was concerned about. Nor did he want to ask.

“Thank you for that, my lord.”

“Just, don’t worry too much. Your concerns, are my concerns. Whatever you’re scared of, worried about, or just thinking about, you can talk to me.”

His face inched closer with every word he said. Initially, there was about a metre of distance in between them. But, as he walked closer, and closer, they were close enough for her to poke him without stretching too much.

With nice, well developed facial features, it wasn’t much of a mystery why her highness was so interested in him. He certainly had a strange beauty that was hard to match. Smooth skin, and limbs of nice proportions. A thin waist, and slender arms. Indeed, it would be strange if the crown princess showed no interest in him at all.

The summer morning sunlight filtered through the palace windows. Bright, and great. With closed windows, and the sun beating down on the palace walls, it felt slightly more like a greenhouse. There wasn’t much else that they could do to combat the heat, besides just wearing looser clothing. But, Katalina always wore that tight fitting combat ready uniform. It looked like a white jumpsuit, quite unlike the military uniforms of the male nobles.

“I appreciate that, my lord.”

“And, how many times have I told you? Just call me casually. Even Carter Ravel does that.”

“I’ll try.”

“Good. Now, want to have breakfast?”

“If you would grant me that, my lord.”

“Well, baby steps,” he said, before turning back around.

They walked right into the dining hall. Unsurprisingly, it was completely deserted, save for themselves and a few servants around. A butler looking man approached them and bowed.

“Would you like breakfast served, lord Francis?”

“Yes, thank you. And, could I get a portion for her as well?”

“Very well, my lord. Two portions.”

His wish was the servants’ command. The chef got to work immediately, chopping up vegetables and herbs. He scooped out generous portions of warm soup into porcelain bowls. They each had a bun, and a serving of scrambled eggs along with it. With a glass grinder, he seasoned the plate with salt and pepper.

When it was ready, the butler looking servant brought out the two dishes on a tray. He was dressed impeccably well, and stood out amongst the servants. Was he special, in some way?

“Enjoy your meal, my lord, my lady.”

“Thank you. Have a nice day.”

Katalina sat opposite Francis. At the table, she looked so much more relaxed. He looked at the assortment of dishes before him. Vegetables, breads, several types of cheeses. Those were arranged neatly on a platter, while the personal dishes were on their own plates. Certainly, it looked expensive no matter how one thought of it.

“It’s nice, isn’t it?” Francis asked, breaking that lasting silence.

“Yes, it is. Thank you for this meal.”

Just as he was in the middle of eating, the crown princess reached into his mind again. She spoke with a carefree voice, unknowing of the interruption she was.

“Before I forget, bring Ms Knight along.”

“What.”

“Exactly as I said. Bring her along with you too. I want to talk to her as well.”

Her statements made him ask several questions. Sat across him, Katalina raised her eyebrows at his miming. Furrowed eyebrows, and hyper focused eyes. Those were the typical signs of Francis Rayleigh being in a thinking state. And she witnessed that trance like state before. Many times, in fact. When night fell, and the stars came out. The moon rose in its full glory. He would be lying down on his bed, happily chatting to the crown princess. How she wished she could leave his chambers when the princess started flirting. But, duty first. Until it was time to sleep, she could not leave his side.

“Alright,” he started off with a sigh, “You’re coming with me to see her once we’re done. We’ll make a stop at my room first though, need to make ourselves look more presentable.”

“Very well, my lord,” she spoke after a moment of silent contemplation.

Yet, he couldn’t quite shake off that newly formed feeling of unease. He was mildly curious too, but uneasy nonetheless. Like a small tumor that started growing, deep in his gut. Something felt off. As if he would be making a mistake if he went to meet her. No, rather, it was more like she was playing a trick on him. But, he couldn’t place his finger on what was wrong, though.