Alfred leaned against the carriage door, his eyes peaking through as a scene replayed in his eyes.
"Your Highness. I wish to take leave." Chris knelt in front of him as he sat on the throne. Raven, Charles and William stood around, looking at the man in confusion, wondering why Alfred's most loyal companion had suddenly made the request.
"Why?" Despite trying to hide it, a hint of betrayal and hurt could be heard in his voice as he looked coldly at the man.
Chris gulped and bent his head lower. Despite this, he clenched his fist, knowing it was for the best. "I'm too weak, your Highness. I can't protect you like this. King Snowid and The Duke showed me this. I wish to leave and train, and when I return, I can be your impenetrable guardian." He still didn't look up, afraid of Alfred's reaction. Despite what he requested from Alfred, ultimately benefitting him, he knew his king's personality best, having been with him since childhood.
The four looked at each other, smiles creeping up on their lips. Alfred rose from his throne and walked towards Chris, planting his hand on his shoulder. The knight looked up at his smiling king, whose eyes were prideful. "Your request is granted, my loyal knight. But remember this: you belong to me. You cannot die, leave or think about betraying me because if that comes to happen, then I will kill you myself, even if it means taking a blade to my throat and meeting Sol early."
Chris knelt deeper and saluted his chest. "Understood my liege."
"We're here." Charles's voice awoke Alfred as he looked at the large building before him. Expensive carriages surrounded the building as butlers helped their many lords out. By comparison, Alfreds look poor, choosing a more low-key carriage to avoid exposure. He reached into his pocket and slipped a white eye mask on.
"Let's go." The two put on hoods and got out, waiting in line. Despite their appearance, they weren't out of place, with many others having similar attire. Only those who were brave or uncaring did not bother to mask their identity. The two waited in line for ten minutes before arriving at the door. Two guards stopped them, putting their hands.
"Invitations." His voice was cold. Alfred reached into his pocket and pulled out his royal seal, hiding it from prying eyes. The two guards nearly jumped out of their skin and looked at Alfred, who put his finger over his mouth and pulled one of them closer. It was one of the perks Alfred loved most about being King as he could enter into most places without needing to worry.
"I am a young lord who has run away from their parents to come and play." He slipped a couple of gold coins in the guard's hand. "I'm sure there are no problems if I enter right."
"Of course, your lordship. Just hold for a minute, and I will fetch the steward." The guard ran away quickly, arriving with a fat man within a few seconds.
He tried to put on a flattering smile that looked unsightly as he led Alfred and Charles inside. Charles stopped next to the guard and whispered into his ear, causing him to straighten and nod, sweat falling from his head. The fat steward tried to start up a conversation but got no reply from the two. His smile stiffened as he led the two to a booth overlooking the stage.
Once alone, Alfred sighed and pulled his hood down. His hair had been dyed white to mask his identity further as he looked down at the stage. "An unsightly place filled with greed." His words held pure disgust, with Charles giving a singular nod behind him.
"Then why are we here?" Since the agreement between the four, they have begun to talk casually when alone, with Raven alone refusing to do so.
"To find some gems, Charles. Despite my thoughts about this place and its practises, I will use it if it helps me." He looked down at the muttering crowd and towards the over booths, hiding their occupants, "We can also find other like-minded individuals based on their purchases tonight."
The auditorium began to fill, taking fifteen minutes. Once the crowd was full, a lanky man in a black suit and pure white mask walked onto the stage, silencing the chattering crowd. "Ladies and Gentlemen, let's begin the auction." A cheer resounded as the first item was wheeled onto the stage.
"A berserker from the forest tribes found west of the Sultanate once used this axe. He killed 50 men before finally being taken down. We will start the bidding at ten silver coins." The first few items were cheap and commonly found worldwide, but bids exploded as the crowd tried to show off their wealth, bidding on items they would never use. The auctioneer played on it, introducing every item with more vigour.
"Do you see anyone worthwhile yet, Charles?" The man had been scanning the crowd to see who bid on what.
"Other than those in booths, only a few haven't been flexing their wealth on vain products, but I can't be sure yet as they may be saving their wealth for the main attractions." Alfred nodded at his analysis as the auction hit the second phase.
"This black necklace belonged to Queen Isabel. We all know how it disappeared during the Palace fire in 307. Our auction house was lucky enough to find it. We will begin the bidding at 50 gold pieces."
The auction house went silent as everyone looked at one another. They all knew the reality of owning a piece of black jewellery in the Kingdom, and that fear stopped most. Despite this, it didn't take long for a couple of brave people to start bidding. "Charles, keep an eye on who bids and wins." The two became hawk-eyed as they scanned all the bidders, Charles writing down those he could recognise. Eventually, one of the booth members won it for 120 gold pieces.
The auction continued with more contraband and expensive items, but Alfred found nothing interesting. After the final item was bought, the crowd seemed restless as the auctioneer walked to the centre of the stage once more.
"We shall now begin the final phase of the auction." His voice was happy as chains could be heard dragging across the floor.