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- Your Majesty, allow me to escort you to the ball. I have been informed that His Majesty Scar and Her Majesty Pearl have arrived.
The husky voice travelled through the royal chambers, creating a slight echo. A tall man, waiting for his king's reply, stood at the doorway in a handsome uniform. In addition to the usual cloth mask that covered only part of his face, he wore a mask that was more of an ornament than a true attempt to conceal the identity of its wearer.
- Etho, what have I told you about formalities when we're alone? And since when do you call Pearl Her Majesty, the younger brother has found his manners? Speaking of chaperoning: no, you can't chaperone me, that way everyone will know who we are at once. And I still want to have "fun" before this forced relationship with Skar.
The knight's heavy sigh echoed through the chambers. He waited without moving, only occasionally adjusting his mask. After fifteen minutes of waiting, the knight let out another heavy sigh.
- What's the point of me wearing this thing? Everyone will know who I am by eyes. Also, we have to keep good relationship with His Majesty Skar before we go to war with the Red King, and you're doing everything you can to prevent our alliance.
Finally, Grian emerged from his dressing room. A beautiful black suit, perfectly tailored to his figure, shimmered with jewelled elements. He took a lace ribbon framed with small jewels from the table and motioned for Etho to join him.
- Etho, you have such a low opinion of me. I ordered the royal wizards to make our masks conceal our identities. By the way, you know you look good with green eyes.
- Thank you? This ribbon has clearly earned the honour of being called a mask today. And I still insist on an escort, at least as far as the main building.
Carefully taking the ribbon from Grian's hands, Etho tied it in a tight bow on the back of his king and friend's head. Grian's face, turned towards his knight, was expressionless, and the ribbon completely covered his eyes, hiding his true feelings and emotions, but Etho could tell with absolute certainty that he was smiling right now.
- I'm afraid I can't change your mind. You can be so damn stubborn sometimes, but then be good enough to obey my last command as your King for the night.
- You can just order me, I dare not disobey. You know that, Grian.
- Until dawn you are no longer my knight, put someone else in your place, but tonight you owe it to yourself to find someone cute and get some rest. You've earned it.
A look of surprise and displeasure froze on Etho's face. It wasn't that he hadn't thought Grian would want to do such a thing, but he hoped he was being reasonable. It sounded more like a request than an order, but he had no right to refuse either way. They had many months, perhaps even years of war with the Red King ahead of them, and a rest before that would be a good idea. Etho knew it in his heart, but he couldn't afford to relax at a ball full of strangers.
- Breathe out. I'm not forcing you to meet someone you don't like. Just be yourself for tonight. Not my knight, or the prince of Tillis Kingdom, or a famous swordsman. Etho, tonight you're just a guest at this masquerade ball. Be a little more colourful than usual, I didn't choose this mask for nothing, did I?
- I haven't let go of my sword since I was ten, and I'd forgotten the lightness of ordinary clothes. You allow me the unacceptable luxury of taking it away at dawn.
- Etho, this isn't what I wanted....
There was a heavy silence between them. Grian's expressionless face carried the scent of sadness. Etho wrinkled his nose at the smell and walked towards the exit of the chambers, stopping only to hold the door open for his friend.
- We're expecting guests. You don't want to miss out on the last bit of fun before the wedding, do you?
The scent of sadness had faded, but it still hung over Grian. They walked most of the way to the main building in silence. Etho walked behind the king, looking straight ahead, while Grian rubbed the edges of his cloak and thought about the problems that lay ahead of them. Etho stopped and patted Grian on the shoulder before they turned into the main corridor leading to the ballroom.
- Stop it, I can smell your chicken brain making things up. I don't want you to have a panic attack just before the party. I can't rest knowing you're not well.
- If anyone else were here, I'd have your tongue cut out for insulting the king. But thank you, I needed it.
- You go first, there are guards at the front of the hall, no one can hurt you. I'll come back later, just warn some of my boys to guard you, then I'll join in the fun.
…
Grian was dancing with a tall young man of elven race, dressed in a ridiculous tailcoat, when Etho entered the ballroom. Here were people in opulent robes of all sorts of materials, expensive stones and gold reflected in the crystal chandelier that shone brightly on the ceiling. The entire elite of the three kingdoms had gathered in the hall, people of all races and appearances. Anyone passing by could be a king or queen of the allied lands, so Etho carefully avoided long conversations and tried to stay close to the snacks, only occasionally glancing up at the dance floor where the top of his king's head occasionally appeared.
A female figure flashed by just below him, but Etho paid no attention at first, continuing to watch the dancers.
- I guess age is taking its toll, brother. Have you stopped noticing the people around you, or is your sense of smell failing you?
At the sound of the familiar voice, Etho unconsciously took a step forward and wrapped his arms around Pearl.
The Moon Twins of the Tillis Kingdom were renowned for their exceptional hearing and sense of smell, whether this was due to their distant kinship with the beastmen or simply a unique trait, no one knew, but it was virtually impossible to lie in their presence.
Etho picked himself up immediately and pulled away, adjusting his uniform.
- I'm not your brother today, that's the order, but I'm glad to see you well. How is Gem?
- Did that little bird think he could steal my brother with a single order, what a cheeky bastard! Okay, let's forget it. Speaking of the youngest, thanks to your efforts, right now she's dancing with some pretty elf and not Grian. So I think she's happy, although you could ask her yourself.
Pearl's laughter was manic, but that was no surprise to Etho. The older of the twins was known for her genius, bordering on madness, while Etho, the younger, was known as a pillar of stability and reliability. In the distant past, he had made a name for himself as a good swordsman, but those days were over; now he was a loyal advisor and a good strategist for his king. The others were not to know.
- I did what I thought was right, but I'm glad she's happy. Don't tell her about our conversation, okey?
With a final nod to Pearl, Etho turned and headed for the balcony. He took a glass of wine with him.
The cold night air slowly crept beneath his uniform, clearly not designed for this kind of weather. Pulling the cloth mask down over his chin to take a few long-awaited sips of wine, Etholeaned against the marble handrails.
As he finished his wine, he heard soft footsteps on the other side of the door, someone deliberately trying to conceal their presence, which would not pass muster with his sensitive hearing. Instantly pulling the cloth mask back over his face, Etho placed his glass on the rail and his hand involuntarily reached for the scabbard, but the sword was not there.
"Damn gun ban"
The door opened and a short young man appeared in the doorway, looking at first glance like a human. However, a faint trail of magic behind him made it clear to Etho that he was a member of the fairy race. A faded mask with an acorn leaf pattern and a green suit that seemed a size larger than its wearer, with a small emerald in the jabot, screamed of lowly origins by any royal standards. It took a great deal of courage to appear at the royal ball of the three allied countries in such an outfit.
- Sorry, I didn't know anyone was here. I'll go now.
- Wait a minute, I don't mind the company, but first you should introduce yourself.
Etho was surprised that he couldn't see the wings of the fairy that had disturbed him, usually the race hated to hide them under their clothes because it was uncomfortable and prevented them from flying, and the guy in front of him was like he didn't want others to know about them.
- Ha-ha, wise guy. That's how I fell for it, everyone knows it's forbidden to introduce yourself or say where you're from tonight. Anyway, I'm just a knight escorting my Lady, nothing interesting.
- Nice to meet you, just a knight. You're quick to change your tone, not afraid to insult the lady's honour?
And then the guy tensed, you could see his hands clenching into fists, trying to think of a decent answer fast enough not to arouse suspicion, but Etho beat him to it.
- Never mind, I'm just kidding.
- It's funny, but let's hear your introduction.
Etho could hear the soft fluttering of thin wings, and now he could see that the larger suit had been chosen not because of lack of money or its owner's unworthy origins, but because of a desire to avoid unnecessary questions. An animal interest crept under Etho's skin: "Why would a member of such a proud and rare race try so hard to hide his involvement?" Slightly belatedly, Etho interjected.
- What?
- You're a bit of a weirdo, have we talked about that? I said you didn't introduce yourself to me.
- Ah, I don't have much status to brag about, just a small plot of land and a few servants. I don't think you'd be surprised.
- Don't answer for me, especially when I haven't asked you to. A common nobleman, you say? Do you need a scabbard to show off to the local girls?
Trying to hide a chuckle, Etho turned away, but it didn't escape the "knight's" attention. There was a scent of indignation in the air, with a hint of irritation.
- You arrogant asshole, did I say something funny?
- Oh, I'm sorry. Have I offended you? It's silly to think that everyone is here to show off. In case you haven't noticed, I've been on this empty balcony a lot longer than you have.
The wings fluttered more this time, so Etho didn't have to listen to catch them. Their owner was clearly not a master at hiding his true feelings, and Etho could sense every one of them in his loud voice, even without keen hearing or sense of smell. He pressedon.
- Better tell me why the 'knight' came here all alone, without his Lady, and in all his time here never once tried to leave to make sure she was safe? Maybe he was looking for someone or trying to hide?
It seemed as if his interlocutor was about to explode with indignation, and with quick steps he flew up to Etho and began to punch him hard in the chest, pushing him closer and closer to the railing.
- Oh, yeah. You know, just looking for someone nosy to bother me with his stupid interrogations, like I owe him something. Oh, or maybe you just like having everyone think you're clever. Well, I don't think so, and since you've got no other audience here, get it through your head, I won't stand for being thought of as shallow.
The more aggressive the accents in his sentences, the harder he pressed on Etho's chest. At one point, they were close to the railing and accidentally caught the glass Etho had put down earlier and let it fall from the balcony. Fortunately, it didn't fall on anyone's head, but it shattered with a loud and tasteless crash on the tiles, shattering into small shards of glass that sobered the indignant fairy.
With a quick movement, Etho ran his hand through the fairy's brown hair, tucking the one that had escaped from the general mop of hair behind his ear. Accidentally catching the small 'antennae' on the 'knight''s head, Etho made him grimace, and with a muffled groan, the fairy abruptly lowered her forehead onto Etho's chest.
- You could have just said my hair is out of styling again. You can't imagine how much time I've spent trying to make my hair look good, it's annoying. It's a mess again because of you.
- Because of me? I thought you were the one who decided to break all boundaries of decency.
- Don't talk nonsense, it's your own fault. And your hands are too stiff for a nobleman. Perhaps I was wrong when I said your scabbard was only for beauty.
- Change tactics? Maybe I need them to attract people. It must have worked for you.
- Arrogant asshole, I told you not to answer for me.
He lifted his head from Etho's chest, trying to see his face without moving an inch. The royal wizards had done a good job on Etho's mask today, the red gems cleverly lurking within the red gems with spells that not only changed the colour of his eyes, but also hid his scar from the prying eyes of the usual gawkers. The fairy stared intently into the mocking green eyes, trying to remember them, or at least memorise them.
- You're just going to blame me, aren't you? It's not proper, you know. Or maybe your teachers forgot to teach you proper manners.
- And I see yours has forgotten to tell you when to bite your tongue. Your eyes annoy me.
- Um, thank you, I think?
- Seriously, it's like they're fake and I can't understand why.
Etho took the fairy's hand and brought it to his face. He kissed his palm through the cloth mask.
- Did you say something about being overly curious, or was it just me?
- Asshole, if you think you can just be pretty and get away with it, you're wrong.
- Oh, so you think I'm pretty, little knight?
The fairy's wings fluttered again and a blush slowly spread across her cheeks. Etho bet that if he'd said anything about it, the fairy would have exploded with indignation and made excuses about the cold night air being to blame.
- How dare you? I'm not short, for your information, I'm just above average height!
- Of course, the gentlemen-a-little-above-average are always just around my neck and literally breathing down my chest.
- You know, your jokes are going to cost you a bone or two. I'd be more careful if I were you.
- Every knight knows that if he attacks a nobleman in the middle of the Ball of the Three Kingdoms, he will endanger not only his lady but his entire kingdom.
- Why don't you tell us about yourself? We'll know right away what kind of conflict between the kingdoms this will lead to.
A sweet scent of mischief and mild challenge filled the air, and from the depths of Etho's mind, Grian's birdlike voice repeated the phrase.
"Find someone pretty and take a rest"
Etho's hands reached for the 'knight's' jabot to ease the pressure on his neck, now that the flutter of the stranger's wings was strong enough to smell the true scent of a fairy not hidden behind cologne, Etho slowly traced a line from his neck to his chin with the gentle touch of rough hands.
- Still wanna know where I'm from?
The brunet grabbed Etho by the collar and pulled him down to his level, his predatory gaze filled with the rivalry Etho had forgotten, a flame that could burn the world to the ground, the world Etho was used to.
- I don't think that's such a big deal right now, rich boy.
Gently pulling down Etho's cloth mask, the fairy's eyes moved to the lips of the white-haired 'nobleman'.
Etho steps forward and bites the fairy's lower lip. The brunette, not wanting to "lose", pulls Ito closer and kisses him.
Surprisingly for a fairy, his teeth were sharp enough, and a pungent metallic smell slowly enveloped them. For the first time in years, Etho didn't want to give in and his right hand went down to the fabric. Pulling the jabot further back, he undid the top three buttons of his shirt. Now that access to the brunet's neck was open, Etho broke off the aggressive kisses and began to work his way down slowly, leaving small bites along the way if the brunet resisted going back up.
Soft sighs came from the fairy, mingled with the scent of metal and slight excitement. His delicate skin began to redden from the constant kissing and nibbling, the sweet scent of cologne dissipating into the air, his skin giving off its true scent of forest fire and sweat.
- You'd better release your wings, I don't want to damage them accidentally.
- What? How do you know about my wings?
Excitement was abruptly replaced by anxiety, and a cold night wind began to creep beneath Etho's uniform, making him shiver.
- I know a lot more than you might think, little fairy.
- Go to hell. You don't know anything about me.
Pushing Etho away, the fairy quickly buttoned the top buttons of his shirt and adjusted the mask, which had slipped slightly from the kisses. The lace jabot still hung loosely around his neck. The scent of anger mixed with sadness filled the balcony. With a loud clap he ran out, leaving a foul smell and a shocked Etho on the cold and deserted balcony.
…
The night was drawing to a close, and the sun was beginning to rise. Frustrated and tired, Etho returned to his chamber, took off his mask and wondered where the fairy could have gone. Neither sensitive hearing nor a keen sense of smell helped him in his search, and after searching the entire main building, he came up empty-handed.
"I guess I'll have to upset Grian, his plan didn't work."
- Your Lordship! Your Lordship, Etho! I found you at last. I know His Majesty Grian gave you the day off, but it's urgent. An attempt has been made on the King's life.
- Why the hell didn't you find me before? The safety of the King is my first priority! What is the King's condition and where is he now? Have you apprehended the attackers?
- His Majesty Grian is safe, just a few scratches, our knights reacted in time. The medics have already tended to the King. His Majesty is in his chambers at the moment, he has ordered you not to be disturbed, but I thought you should know what has happened. The criminals have escaped, but they can't have gone far, we've already begun a search of the area.
- Right, I'll be off to His Majesty's, you continue the search and interview any witnesses if there are any, we don't want a rat in the palace.
…
The door to the king's chambers opened abruptly, and the blond knight flew in, looking around excitedly. The king was sitting on his bed, staring at the floor and rubbing his shirt nervously. Without looking up at his knight, he silently beckoned him over.
- Grian, it's my fault, I should never have left you. I understand if you don't want to talk to me, but I need to know what happened.
- It's not your fault. It was my idea. I'm fine, your people got here in time, so I wasn't even really hurt. Etho, I knew this would happen and I made the decision to refuse you for the night. It's my fault.
- I just needed to be a little more assertive, to argue with you or to give up on this stupid idea. Grian, I am your knight and my first priority is to protect you.
- Are you arguing with me? Etho, I haven't heard you even hint at such a thing since we were young. Has something changed, or is it just me?
There was an awkward silence, stripped of the cloth mask and uniform and thrown onto the nearest chair, Etho stood like a delinquent child, rubbing his neck awkwardly.
- Oh my God, you found someone! Someone has stolen the heart of my kingdom's top prude? Come on, Etho, I want details.
- Someone tried to kill you and that's all you can think about? God, Grian, you'll kill me faster than any war.
- Don't exaggerate, there have been attempts on my life since I was in my mother's womb, and you find someone you're interested in how many times a year? I don't recall you showing any interest in anything other than my security or some other military strategy in the last few decades.
- Like it's a bad thing. It even sounds silly! What king would be more concerned about his knight's privacy than his own safety? It didn't work anyway, so don't expect to get rid of me that easily.
- Don't be silly, you know how I love gossip, and you are one of the most enviable grooms, do you have any idea what news this is? Prince Tillis has found the one! How does that sound?
The knight's heavy sigh caused Grian to temper his fervour and imagination. The room smelled of medicinal herbs, mischief and anxiety that had already begun to fade.
- I didn't find anyone. I mean, I found someone, and then... Well, I said too much. And it's not the chosen one, Grian. It's more like someone who could make me feel interested.
- So you're telling me you've found someone interesting for the first time in years and you just blurted out something wrong? Anyway, I want to know the details, do you know where he's from?
Etho ran through all the known information about the fairy in his mind. Neither his accent nor his manner of speech indicated any particular affiliation with any of the kingdoms. The fairy was clearly not a knight, but he definitely held a sword. The strange behaviour and his unreasonable secrecy made for a puzzling picture, and it was as if there were still a few puzzles to be solved.
- No, I'm not sure I really know anything about him. Why don't you tell me about that strange elf you danced with?
- Etho. I've known you since we were kids, and I've known you for so long that I can't imagine my life without you by my side. And I know you're never wrong about people. Sure, they can make mistakes, just like you and me, but you, Etho, have a nose for bad people. Whoever this guy is, I don't think he's that bad, and he's a lucky guy.
- Thank you. I don't know if our paths will cross again, but I found something I lost a long time ago thanks to him.
- Should I expect my knight to be willing to have a cup of tea and a chat about the latest gossip?
A quiet laugh spread through the room, bouncing off the walls and creating a small echo, it had been a long time since they had talked about anything other than the impending war and the forced decisions they had to make every day.
- This elf said he trades and collects gems. He's so weird, Etho. He was very kind and nice to me, but he flirted with me like hell, I'll be honest. Anyway, a short man in a brown suit - a 'business partner', as he put it - had stolen it from me long before dawn.
- I'm happy for you, but try not to mention it in front of His Majesty Scar.
The day was drawing to a close, and they spent most of it in Grian's chambers, poring over letters from the Masquerade Ball attendees and reports from the palace guards.
…
- Your Lordship, Etho. We captured one of the criminals, the girl escaped, but she was wounded, and her partner managed to injure four of our men.
- Where is he now? As for the fugitive, send out patrols to search the town, she can't have gotten far. Double the guard on His Majesty Grian's chambers.
- In the dungeon, Your Grace. Shall I have him tortured?
- No, take me to him and tell the knights to wait outside. I'll question him myself.
…
The damp and musty atmosphere of the dungeon was not a sign of hospitality to its inhabitants. In the farthest cell, in a dark corner where the light of the new torches did not reach, a man in a tattered shirt sat on the wet floor, looking down and occasionally forcing himself to stretch his wings, which were stiff from his green suit.
In addition to the smell of old moss-covered cobblestones and dampness, there was a distinct smell of unease, a sense of insecurity and desperation lingering in the gloomy room. The torn wing on display did not inspire confidence in the prisoner, but only reminded him of his own failures.
The heavy iron door leading into the dungeon opened with a distinctive creak and slammed shut a moment later. Silent footsteps echoed through the room towards the prisoner's cell, shadows from the torches bouncing off the walls and floor, reflecting bits of the royal knight in small puddles and cracks in the walls.
- Introduce yourself and be kind enough to tell me who your boss is.
The fairy jumped at the familiar voice. He lifted his head from his knees and looked up at the knight standing at the back of the grate.
- Huh, I guess I really am a loser. Joel, my name is Joel. Oh, and one more thing. Go to hell.
His entire face was covered in scratches and abrasions, the absence of the jabot revealing his neck and the marks upon it to the eyes of strangers. Etho froze, his nose filled with every possible scent that mingled on the fairy's body, including his own. The bold gaze was full of fire, as if he were no longer the one behind bars, but Etho was.
- You never stop being cheeky, little fairy.
- Back off and stop calling me little. I beat your knights, and even you can't deny it. I bet I could kick your ass, too.
- Joel. I need your client's name now. I can't guarantee that your partner will be found alive if you don't answer my questions. I don't think she'll get very far if she's wounded.
There was silence, a line of iron bars drawn between them. Joel sank into an anxious contemplation while Etho waited, watching the silhouette of the fairy in the small, dim chamber. A multitude of thoughts intertwined, creating both disturbing conspiracies and more hopeful possibilities.
Etho stood at the crossroads of duty and choice, Grian's words no longer seemed to make sense or be logical.
- It was the Red King. Look, I'm willing to take the blame, but please give Lizzie a chance, she's not bad, she just didn't have a choice for another life.
- What about you? Did you have a choice?
- You know, I like your real eye colour much better, it doesn't suit you at all.
- Joel...
- Survival always requires choices. As you can see, my choices led me here. But I have no regrets, because it was on that balcony that I first felt that fortune had smiled on me.
Etho knew he was telling the truth. He could smell sadness, worry, embarrassment, but not a lie. Right in front of him, behind bars, was a man who had spent his entire life desperately fighting for his existence. The lack of choice was familiar to Etho, for when you are born into a ruling family, that word is not taught in lessons or training, but the meaning of the word duty is well explained.
But unlike Etho, who had long since given up on choice, Joel made choices every day and continued to fight for himself, unencumbered by duty or honour.
- You must tell me what you know. About the Red King, about the war, about this order. I need to know everything. I think I can guarantee your partner's safety, but it's up to her whether she accepts my help.
- Thank you, truly, thank you.
Joel told everything he knew, from the rumours in the taverns and pubs to his personal encounter with the Red King's pawn. It was a long watch, during which Etho had time to summon a healer for Joel and pass on orders to bring Lizzie back to the castle alive.
It was not until the middle of the next day that Lizzie was captured, exhausted and wounded. Etho had assigned her a room and surrounded her with guards, and a healer came every few hours to check on her, change her bandages and give her potions. It took a few broken plates, Etho's scratched cheek, and a fair amount of girlish tears for her to be able to carry on a normal conversation.
A full report with a detailed explanation of the situation, Joel's testimony and Lizzie's testimony was sent to Grian by the evening, several sleepless days had not gone to waste for Etho, the dulled sense of smell and the bags under his eyes did not improve the situation.
…
- Lovely bouquet, I had no idea you were a fan of sunflowers, Grian.
- Me neither.
- What? Sorry, I didn't hear you.
- Have you decided what to do with the fairy? I expected you to have unusual tastes, but you've exceeded my expectations.
- I thought you were going to tell me what to do. He's committed a grave sin, attacking the king is no small matter.
- Etho, I trust you. Sometimes even more than I trust myself. You should choose your own judgement.
…
The king's chambers were flooded with bright light, the sun rays reflecting off the magnificent chandelier that ran across the room. King Grian paced nervously near his desk. A beautiful vase of sunflowers stood in the middle of the desk, littered with papers. If you looked closely, somewhere between the yellow petals, you could see a note written in beautifully cursive handwriting.
"For the most beautiful stone in my collection. His Majesty the Scar"
…
The flapping of wings, the heavy conversation and the two men facing each other. The humidity in the dungeon hadn't changed with Joel's arrival, but the feeling of heat didn't go away when Etho came to visit. The grey walls no longer closed in and the feeling of suffocation was gone. In its place came hope and an overwhelming desire to wipe away those iron bars.
- I have nothing to give you in return. I have no lineage and no important name like you, and all I've done in this life is survive.
- You've already given me enough. Now let me make a right choice, and don’t be stubborn.