Thread: In a Kingdom of Unrest [Seraphina X Just Another King]

Kadens eyes were distant, watching the flowing river as Clara spoke. The burning rage hed directed at the bandits had now transitioned into a calm, white hot anger. He was annoyed that the leader had gotten away, annoyed that he had allowed Clara to get herself into this situation, annoyed at her continued insolence and rebellion. He took deep, calming breaths, not wanting to let his temper get the better of him and say something he might out of line. Kaden might be her bodyguard, be Clara was still the princess and he had to show her some respect. As much as it might please him he couldnt be seen to be yelling at her in the streets. Youll forgive me, your highness, he began with a bitter chuckle, if past experience leads me not to believe you. The mercenary stooped to his knees and wiped his blade clean on the dirty shirt of the dead bandit, smearing it with blood. When he stood he finally looked at her, sheathing his blade. The way she stood, arms wrapped around herself reminded him how young and vulnerable she was. With her upbringing shed likely have never seen the kind of violence he had just wrought upon the thugs. She'd have seen a lot worse had I not turned up, he thought.Come, lets take a walk. And pull your cloak up. He said in a softer voice, gesturing for her to walk beside him. Kaden led the way back through the city streets, however he took Clara on a detour through the night market. He spoke very little to her apart from the occasional order to stay close. Wandering the stalls and haggling merchants, he worked his way to a trader whose stall boasted a large collection of weaponry. The trader eyed the two of them, noticing the hilt of Kadens longsword. Ah, hello friend, I see youre a man of taste, looking for more fine steel. The trader said, gesturing to the longsword. Aye, but nothing too fancy, just a simple short sword. Kaden said, flashing a charming smile. Not to worry, I've plenty of blades to choose from. The trader grinned, eager to to get down to business. He truly did seem to have just about everything possible Kaden spent the following minutes looking over the merchant's wares, discussong the values of each weapon and their positive and negative traits. He had steel blades, silver blades, curved ones, jewelled swords, and all manner of other weaponry to choose from. What about this one? The merchant offered, holding out a steel blade. It was clearly new and highly polished to a gleam. It was plain except for the engraved cross guard and the gem in the hilt. I think this one instead . Kaden said, picking up a sturdy, older looking blade. Then, despite having enough money to pay the asking price outright, he proceeded to haggle for a few minutes. Finally when he walked away with the new blade in its leather scabbard, his charming facade melted away only to be once more replaced with his gloomy, brooding frown. It was only as he slipped through the the broken section of the Castle wall that he spoke to Clara again, the two of the wandering across the castle grounds. This is yours, if you want it. He explained, holding up the short sword. My job is to keep you safe, not keep you locked, though the gods know that would make it so much easier. However, if you insist on sneaking out to play hero, fine. But you should atlas know how to defend yourself. If you want, its yours and ill teach you how to use it. The mercenary offered, holding out the sword for the princess to take it and get a feel for it. Although I will take you up on the offer of a quiet evening tomorrow. Besides I think your father mentioned that you have visiting royalty tomorrow, seeking your hand in marriage, so I presume youll be too exhausted from all that socialising. Kaden added, a twinkle of humour in his eyes. He hoped she would see his actions as an olive branch of sorts, a way for them to gain a kind of mutual respect. He thought hed reacted quite well to the evenings events, though he was saving the lectures for another day when she was less shaken.