Kheri's Point of View

Dwardew Palace

When we finally got up top, after dealing with the young lord’s injury as best as we could, we saw Arthur putting Elincia in bed with such a softness that it surprised me. He must’ve cleared it off from all the debris. Gently, he placed his hand over her forehead. He mumbled something softly before he turned back to us.

“I imagine all the Elves will be struggling with their magic returning. Elincia will be no different. Zugal, and Humans, are to watch over our pointy-eared friends. Keep a close eye on her.” He ordered. “If you’re injured, make sure to take care of yourself first.”

“Arthur.” I called out to him, and his eyes met mine. “Are we safe? Is it over?”

Arthur nodded as he stood tall without any injuries. “For the moment. I doubt the Demon Queen will act on my goading.” To my surprise, his attention seemed to shift to my side, where Harlow was. “Captain?” He said, confused at his uneasy expression.

Harlow looked conflicted, and I raised a brow at his behavior before I looked back at Arthur. To my surprise, there was a glow in the General’s eyes as he studied his Captain. My eyes narrowed as I looked between the two, confused about what had happened. Typhon eventually moved between them and garnered his teacher’s attention.

“What?” Arthur’s voice was cold.

The young lord flinched at that. “I wanted to apologize.”

To my surprise, he gestured around the area. “Feel free. Everyone here should get a heartfelt apology.”

“Arthur,” I cut in, and his eyes snapped to mine. “He’s still a child and inexperienced.”

“You’re right, but I told him what would happen.” He told me before switching back to Lord Delmaris. “That’s why I should’ve left your arms broken the first time you did something like this. Maybe then you would understand. Your actions don’t affect just you. Kheri could’ve died because of you. Harlow could’ve died.” Then Arthur put his finger on Typhon’s chest. “You could’ve died, and I need you.”

My brows furrowed at that. “I know, but he threatened-“

Arthur's Point of View

Dwardew Palace

Cutting off my student, I held up my hand to stop him. “It doesn’t matter. I understand how you feel, and I may act that way, but you cannot. If Kheri died before I got here, who would’ve kept the Ghoul at bay?” I asked, and Ty became quiet. “Not you because you became reckless, but thankfully you defended Elincia so she could die a few minutes later.” My sarcasm made him flinch.

Typhon looked down as a few tears came to his eyes as he quietly mumbled, “I’m sorry.”

A sigh escaped my lips, and I crouched down. “Like I said, it’s not me you should be apologizing to.” Putting my hands on his shoulders as the boy cried, I continued. “You were in a position to support Kheri, and together, you two should’ve been able to defeat that Ghoul. Because of you, many people almost died, Ty. Don’t make the same mistakes I did and learn from this experience before it becomes something you have to live with.”

The boy nodded solemnly. “Okay.” He responded softly.

Then I turned to Kheri. “Thank you for keeping him safe. I know it’s your duty, but still…”

She smiled at that. “Of course.”

My attention then shifted to Harlow, who flinched at my gaze. “Can you take care of things while I speak to the Captain?” I asked Kheri, who seemed confused, but nodded nonetheless and took Typhon with her to check on the Priestess. “What did you see?” My question caused him to freeze.

Obviously, the man was hesitant. “I-“

Crossing my arms, one of my fingers tapped as I waited. “Harlow,” He looked at me. “Did you see?” All I received was a nod in return. “I see.” The Captain seemed unsure of what to say. “Did anyone else see?”

“I don’t think so.” Was his soft, unsure reply.

Harlow owes me no favors, and I like him. I didn’t want to threaten him. He didn’t deserve that. As I studied him, it was plain to see he wasn’t comfortable near me. Then again, who knows if the Dwarves and Druids would keep their silence.

“Sir-“ Harlow began but was cut off by the sound of rushed footsteps coming down the hall.

The door burst open, and Ventari, along with Lady Turiel, entered the room without waiting. Both immediately bowed to me, which annoyed me. A frown came to my lips as they kept their heads down. Kheri rushed back in just in time to see them both kneel before me.

“What’s happening?” She asked in a confused tone as her gaze moved to me.