True satisfaction is knowing that what you stole will soon be replaced with something else to take.
The Reluctant Riser
The morning light peeked through the heavy drapes of my quarters with all the subtlety of a marching band. I groaned, buried my face deeper into the pillow, which, despite its fluffiness, felt more like a rock against my head.
"Mmm… five more minutes," I muttered into the pillow, my words muffled and half-dreamed.
The alarm clock had other plans. It blasted an obnoxious melody that felt like an assault on my eardrums. I slapped at it with a groggy hand, finally succeeding in sending it tumbling to the floor with a clatter.
I sat up with a jolt, my hair sticking up at angles that defied gravity. My eyes felt like they were glued shut, and my mouth was dry as a desert. I stumbled out of bed, resembling a zombie more than a regal figure.
"I swear," I muttered, dragging myself toward the bathroom. "I'm going to make sure that alarm clock is the first thing to meet my wrath when I get up."
With every step, I felt like I was walking through molasses. I reached the bathroom and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror—a disheveled mess with pillow lines still etched on my face.
"Fantastic," I grumbled. "I look like I fought a monster and lost."
I rubbed my eyes, trying to banish the last remnants of sleep. After a quick shower, which barely managed to wake me up, I stumbled into the dining room, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air.
The kitchen staff greeted me with polite nods and a couple of 'Your Majesties'.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," one of them said, trying to suppress a grin.
"Morning," I mumbled to one of the kitchen staff, who was busy arranging a stack of pancakes. "I could use a bit of cocoa. Make it strong—like, battle-ready strong. I'm in dire need of awakening."
The staff member nodded and swiftly started preparing the cocoa. I leaned against the wall, trying to will myself into a semblance of wakefulness.
While I waited, I glanced around and noticed that the kitchen was unusually calm, considering the morning hustle. A rare luxury, given the usual chaos that accompanied breakfast preparations.
The staff member returned with a steaming mug of cocoa, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. The sight of it was almost enough to lift my spirits.
"Thank you," I said gratefully, taking the mug with both hands and inhaling the rich, chocolatey scent.
After that, I waved and made my way to the dining room. I sat down and took a cautious sip, feeling the warmth and sweetness spread through me.
As I savored the cocoa, I was joined by Rolo and Mose, who apparently had followed me into the dining room. Rolo, ever the observer, took note of my now somewhat more alert state.
"Your Majesty, that cocoa looks like it's working wonders," Rolo said with a smirk. "Feeling a bit more awake now?"
They joined the table and I took another sip, my eyes closing in contentment. "It's working wonders, indeed."
Mose, his eyes twinkling with mischief, added, "Maybe you should take the mug with you everywhere. It's like a magic potion for mornings."
I laughed, shaking my head. "I'll have to consider that. If I could have a traveling mug that dispenses cocoa on command, I'd be the happiest person alive."
"Good morning," Gil said cheerfully, taking note of my cocoa-induced improvement. "I see you've discovered the wonders of our kitchen's finest."
"Indeed," I replied, raising my mug in a gesture of greeting. "This cocoa might just be the key to unlocking my inner morning person."
Iris glanced at the cocoa and then back at me with a thoughtful expression. "I heard you mentioning something about a traveling mug that dispenses cocoa. You know, my lab mates have been working on some pretty intriguing projects recently. They might be able to help with that."
"Really?" I perked up at the suggestion, curious despite the early hour. "Do tell."
Gil chuckled. "Iris's lab is always up to something innovative. They're experimenting with enchanted devices and magical gadgets too. If anyone could rig up a portable cocoa dispenser, it'd be them."
Iris nodded, a hint of pride in her smile. "We're always eager for new challenges."
As they settled down at the table, the conversation shifted to other topics. The breakfast spread was laid out, and we all began to serve ourselves. The lively chatter and the clinking of plates and cutlery created a pleasant backdrop as we enjoyed our meal.
The clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of voices were suddenly interrupted by the arrival of Livius, who strode into the room with an air of authority. He carried himself with an unmistakable presence that commanded immediate attention.
"Good morning, everyone," Livius announced, his voice carrying a note of enthusiasm. "Today, we have a special event: a magical tournament of spells. My personal apprentices will be competing, showcasing their unique abilities in a series of spell duels. It's a rare opportunity to witness their skills firsthand."
Mose's eyes lit up at the mention of the tournament, clearly excited by the prospect of seeing more high-level magic. Rolo, still with his usual contemplative expression, seemed intrigued but remained quiet.
Iris, meanwhile, looked thoughtful. Gil, who had been animatedly discussing something with Iris, suddenly grew pale. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his usual composure faltering.
As Livius continued his announcement, Gil's discomfort became increasingly apparent. Finally, he excused himself, muttering something about needing to prepare. The suddenness of his departure left a curious silence in his wake.
I turned to Iris. "What's going on with Gil? He seemed… shaken by the announcement."
Iris glanced at me, her expression a mix of sympathy and frustration. "Gil is indeed one of Master's personal apprentices, though he often prefers to spend his time in the labs rather than engaging in practical lessons. He's not particularly fond of combat, and this tournament is bound to put him in the spotlight."
I raised an eyebrow. This made sense, though. I remembered our fight against the necromancer. Gil was knocked out almost immediately so he was obviously lacking combat experience. "Is that so?"
Iris nodded, her smile tinged with bitterness. "Gil has always been more comfortable with theoretical magic and research rather than practical applications. His combat skills are not as refined as they should be, which is why this tournament is particularly daunting for him."
I contemplated this revelation, realizing that Livius might have had a strategic reason for bringing Gil along to the necromancer battle. Perhaps the experience was intended to force him out of his comfort zone and develop his combat skills.
Iris sighed, clearly understanding the situation all too well. "Gil's reluctance is well-known. It's a shame because he's incredibly talented in his own right, just not in the areas that this tournament will highlight."
"I see," I replied dryly.
As breakfast came to a close, the atmosphere in the Sorcerer Lord's court shifted to a buzz of excitement and nervous energy. The announcement of the magical tournament had everyone abuzz, and the competition was clearly a significant event.
Mose, with his usual enthusiasm, nudged me with a determined look.
"We should support Gil," Mose said, his voice filled with earnestness. "He's probably feeling overwhelmed, and it's up to us to lift his spirits."
Iris looked at Mose in surprise. "You just met him. Why do you care so much?"
Mose shrugged, a warm smile spreading across his face. "It doesn't matter. You made our stay here more enjoyable, and we're friends now. Friends support each other."
Iris's surprise melted into a genuine smile, one that was rare and radiant. "That's... very kind of you."
Rolo and I exchanged a knowing glance. It was clear neither of us had been planning to spend the day trying to cheer up Gil. I sighed inwardly, realizing that when Mose set his mind on something, there was no dissuading him.
(...)
We found Gil in one of the training rooms. The room was a chaotic mix of magical artifacts and spell components, a testament to Gil's ongoing struggle with preparation.
We approached, Mose leading the way with an encouraging grin. Gil glanced up, his face flushed with anxiety.
"Hey, Gil," Mose greeted cheerfully. "We came to lend a hand. You know, to support you before the big competition."
Gil gave a half-hearted smile. "Thanks. I'm just... a bit nervous."
Mose clapped him on the back. "You've got this! And even if things don't go perfectly, it's all part of learning and growing. We're here to support you, no matter what."
I watched as Gil's tension seemed to ease slightly, the encouragement providing a small boost of confidence. Rolo, standing slightly apart, observed with a contemplative expression but said nothing.
As Gil practiced, Mose continued to offer encouragement, sharing his own experiences and providing moral support.
We settled by a corner of the room. Rolo was absorbed in his phone, his fingers scrolling with a focused rhythm. I sat beside him watching the room's dynamic with a bemused expression. Iris stood by the wall, her gaze shifting between Gil and Mose, who were deep in conversation. She seemed genuinely touched by Mose's willingness to help someone he had just met.
Iris said suddenly, her smile softening. "He's got a good heart."
I raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Iris.
Iris nodded, her eyes never leaving Mose. "It's rare to find people who genuinely care about others like that."
As the conversation between Mose and Gil continued, the atmosphere in the room grew more relaxed. Iris took a deep breath, her initial reserve melting away as she watched the scene unfold.
I smirked. "Mose does have a knack for making friends wherever he goes. I suppose it's part of his charm."
Mose, in his usual enthusiastic manner, began discussing strategies with Gil. He animatedly laid out his thoughts and suggestions, occasionally turning to Rolo for his opinion.
"Rolo, what do you think about adjusting the angle of the spell's trajectory?" Mose asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Rolo, clearly trying to appear uninterested, gave a disinterested, "Sure," without looking up from his phone. His responses were curt, and he seemed intent on avoiding any deeper involvement.
Mose, however, was undeterred. "And what about using a different type of quick expansion for defense? Wouldn't that be more effective?"
"Maybe," Rolo muttered, still not looking away from his screen.
Mose persisted, his chatter growing more insistent. "I think Gil should focus on his timing. Do you agree, Rolo? And what about adding a bit of unpredictability to the spell patterns?"
Rolo sighed, clearly losing patience. He tried to ignore Mose's persistent queries, but the constant barrage of questions eventually got to him. He threw his phone onto the floor beside him with a huff and stood up. "Alright, alright," he said, half in frustration and half in resignation. "Let me take a look."
Mose's face lit up with satisfaction as if he'd been waiting for this moment. Rolo joined Mose and Gil, his posture shifting into his usual lecture mode. He began explaining his thoughts, his earlier disinterest replaced by a focused intensity.
"Listen," Rolo said, addressing both Gil and Mose. "You need to fine-tune your spell's precision. The timing has to be perfect, and you should definitely mix up your approach to keep your opponent guessing."
I couldn't help but smile at the turn of events. I leaned closer to Iris, still watching Rolo, Mose, and Gil as they worked through the strategies. With a hint of amusement, I remarked, "And he also has a knack for making other people help too."
Iris glanced at me, a small smile tugging at her lips. "He really does," she agreed, her eyes following Rolo's animated gestures. "It's nice to see him actually engaged for once."
"Rolo and Mose do have a... unique bond," I said, chuckling softly. "Even if they bicker a lot, they make a surprisingly good team."
Iris glanced at me, a small smile tugging at her lips. "A loud team for certain."
I nodded, chuckling softly. "Yeah, but even if they drive each other—and everyone around them—crazy sometimes, there's no denying they work well together."
Iris's smile softened, and she looked back at the trio. "It's refreshing to see."
Then her smile faded slightly, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "You know, most of the apprentices were quite shocked to see the Hueless King visiting with two mages who are... well, not exactly at the top of their game."
I raised an eyebrow.
Iris glanced around to make sure no one else was listening before continuing. "There were some whispers and jokes behind your backs, actually. They were making fun of you all, thinking it was odd that someone like you would associate with what they saw as mediocre mages at best."
I wasn't surprised by this revelation. To be honest, I had expected it. The world of magic, especially among the high-ranking apprentices, could be surprisingly judgmental.
"I figured as much," I admitted with a shrug. "The magical community has its own... standards and prejudices. It's nothing new to me. And if they're judging based on first impressions, that's their problem, not ours."
Iris nodded, seeming to appreciate my nonchalant attitude. "It's just... it's nice to see that you're not letting it bother you."
"You know, it's not always easy for us in the court either. The other apprentices can be pretty harsh," she added.
I tilted my head. "I know. From what I've seen, both you and Gil must have had your share of challenges. Your abilities might not always be viewed favorably."
Iris looked taken aback.
I chuckled softly. "It's not hard to guess. Your magic is useful, but some mages might look down on it because it's not flashy or aggressive. And Gil... his ability is incredibly valuable, but he doesn't seem to use it often. That could make him seem like an easy target for criticism."
Iris's eyes widened in surprise. I'd bet that's why Iris and Gil became friends in the first place. They understand each other's struggles.
Her gaze softened, and a genuine smile began to form. "Yes, that's true."
This same reason made them want to make Rolo and Mose feel more comfortable. The connection and support Iris and Gil had for Rolo and Mose spoke volumes about their character. That was all I needed to know.
I glanced over at Gil, who was now working intently with Mose. "Sometimes, the most valuable connections come from understanding and supporting each other, even when others might not see the worth."
Iris nodded, her smile widening. "I'm glad you understand. It means a lot to hear that from you."
I nodded, considering how the conversation had unfolded. "You know, if you ever find yourselves needing a break from the Sorcerer Lord's court, or if you just want a change of scenery, my doors are always open. Sometimes a change of environment can offer a fresh perspective."
Iris looked taken aback for a moment, then her eyes warmed with appreciation. "I didn't expect that."
I shrugged with a grin. "Well, it's not about politics and power. If you and Gil need a reprieve or just want to explore something different, feel free to come by. Sometimes a different setting can make a world of difference."
Iris glanced over at Gil, who was still busy with his preparations but seemed to be handling them with a bit more confidence thanks to Mose's advice. "I'll keep that in mind. It's good to know that we have allies beyond just our immediate circles here."
I nodded in agreement. "Exactly."
Iris's expression showed a mix of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Shay. I think we might take you up on that offer at some point."
"Anytime," I said, giving her a reassuring smile. "There's always room for friends. It's okay if you don't wanna be part of my court too."
Iris looked relieved, her posture relaxing as if a weight had been lifted.
I grabbed my phone from the table, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. "Hang on a second," I said, positioning myself and Iris for a quick selfie.
In the background, Mose was in the middle of explaining something animatedly to Rolo and Gil, who were both giving their full attention. With a final click, I had the perfect shot.
I first sent the photo to Alex with a cheeky caption:
[Might get some new friends over sometime. 😉]
I didn't have to wait long for Alex's reply. His message popped up almost immediately:
Personal Masterchef: [New friends, huh? Should I be worried about my position as your favorite sidekick? 😜]
I chuckled and typed back quickly:
[Only if you plan on abandoning me for a cushy job at Livius's court. 😂]
Alex responded almost instantly:
Personal Masterchef: [Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. But Mao is considering a career change due to the fierce competition. Here's a photo of him contemplating his future.]
I chuckled, the image of the demon cat in its existential crisis trying to flee from Alex's hands making me laugh out loud. I quickly typed back a response.
[I'll make sure to keep the apprentice pool from getting too crowded.😏]
Personal Masterchef: [Good to hear! If you start stealing too many apprentices, the Sorcerer Lord might declare war on you. I'll have to remind Mao to sharpen his claws in case we need to fend off any mage armies.]
I couldn't help but laugh. The image of a cat preparing for battle was too much. I tapped out my response, still chuckling.
[Haha, I'll try to keep the apprentice-napping to a minimum then. 😂]
Alex's follow-up message was quick again.
Personal Masterchef: [Great! And make sure you don't provoke the Sorcerer Lord too much.]
[Haha, talk soon!]
Then, without missing a beat, I crafted a similar message for Lil, adding a touch of playful rebellion: [Might steal some apprentices from Livius. idk yet 😏"]
With that, I slipped my phone back into my pocket.