Trying to win someone's heart is like trying to train a squirrel to fetch—cute in theory, but you'll mostly just end up with a lot of frustration and a nutty mess.
Really?
Once everyone had settled in and the evening's chatter had quieted, I made my way to my room. As I entered, I could feel Simon's familiar presence.
"Hey, Simon," I said as I flopped onto my bed, letting out a contented sigh. I hadn't expected to feel such a weight lift off me from the simple act of returning home.
Simon's ghostly form materialized near the window, his transparent figure catching the soft light from the lamp. I felt his presence earlier at Livius's court. Around the time I sent Alex that message about the apprentice's attempt. He didn't seem to want to acknowledge this.
"Did you have a good time at Livius's court?"
I shrugged, a wry smile crossing my face. "You could say that. My favorite part was scamming Livius, actually." I reached into my pocket and pulled out the credit card Livius had given me.
He shook his head with an amused sigh. "Always up to something, aren't you?"
I laughed softly and tucked the credit card away. "Well, you know me. I make the most of any situation."
Simon was looking at me with his dead eyes for a long time.
"What?"
"You worry too much about them," he said.
I shrugged.
"They won't disappear," Simon continued, and my hand clenched into a fist, "Bad things won't happen to them as soon as you take your eyes off them. You know that, right?"
I took a deep breath and forcibly relaxed my tense muscles. Then I took another deep breath and exhaled slowly.
"I hope so, Simon," I said, and my voice sounded more tired and weak than I would have liked, "I think it will be enough if you survey them less often."
Simon nodded slowly, seemingly satisfied with my answer. He disappeared from the room.
My phone buzzed.
Most Irritating Drunkard Ever: [Pitou managed to get out of prison]
I sighed. Infantile idiots.
[Great. How did that happen?]
Most Irritating Drunkard Ever: [It seems there were some… irregularities in his incarceration. He had a few influential contacts who managed to get him out. I'm still piecing together the full story]
I frowned, processing the information. [His return could mean trouble.]
The answer came swiftly.
Most Irritating Drunkard Ever: [Yes, it could.]
Most Irritating Drunkard Ever: [I'll continue gathering information on him and see what I can uncover.]
['Kay. Thanks for the heads-up] I agreed.
As I lay in bed, still feeling the pleasant hum of being back home, I reached for my phone again. I tapped out a quick message to Lil:
[Just wanted to let you know I managed to smooth things over with Livius. Everything's sorted now.]
I hit send and set the phone aside, sinking deeper into the mattress. Almost immediately, my phone buzzed with Lil's reply:
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Glad to hear it's all good.]
I smiled at the response and quickly typed back:
[Yeah, it all went surprisingly well. The Sorcerer Lord even gave me a credit card!]
[Oh, and I managed to get into Livius's secret vault.]
[Don't worry, Livius showed it to me himself, didn't break in or anything. But still, pretty impressive, right?]
Almost instantly, Lil's response popped up:
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Wait, seriously? Livius showed you his secret vault? That's insane!]
I laughed and replied:
[Yep, it's true! He even gave us one of his secret artifacts!]
There was a brief pause before Lil's next message came through, filled with suspicion:
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Wait, did you scam him?]
I couldn't help but smile at that. I replied with a lighthearted sigh:
[Ugh, you know me too well. Just a little bit. But it's all in good fun]
Lil's response was quick, laced with amusement:
Trouble's Chauffeur: [You are incorrigible, Shay]
[Incorrigible, huh? That's a new one]
Lil's next text popped up almost instantly:
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Yep, that's you. Can't say I'm surprised, though]
[By the way, Livius ended up making an alliance with Mose. He must not have regretted it much, huh?]
Lil's response came quickly, full of surprise:
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Wait, Livius chose Mose for an alliance? That's... unexpected. Mose? Really?]
I replied with mock hurt:
[What's wrong with Mose? He's perfect for this role!]
Lil's next message was dripping with sarcasm:
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Oh, absolutely. Because nothing says 'ideal ally' like the guy who nearly destroyed a whole training ground.]
I chuckled at Lil's response and texted back:
[That only shows that he's got potential.]
I added a final, more serious message:
[Also, on a more serious note, Pitou managed to break out of prison.]
Trouble's Chauffeur: [I thought he'd be in there for longer.]
I typed back:
[Yep, me too]
[Hey, do you want to meet up soon? We could talk about strategies and catch up in person.]
Lil's response came almost immediately:
Trouble's Chauffeur: [I'm swamped right now. While you were at Livius's court, dark mages started collecting artifacts, and I need to track them down before the Inner Circle does. They are preparing for war.]
My eyebrows shot up as I read that. I typed back:
[Oh. That sounds intense. If you need any help or info, let me know. I'll be around.]
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Thanks, Shay]
After Lil's last message, I sighed. Dark mages collecting artifacts, Pitou on the loose—it was too much to keep track of, let alone relax over.
I tossed my phone onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling for a moment. Rest felt impossible with everything swirling around, so I gave up on the idea entirely. I grabbed my coat and headed out, knowing exactly where I needed to go.
(...)
Mazen's mansion loomed ahead, its grand yet weathered facade bathed in the afternoon sun. Unlike the usual haunts of the city, Mazen's home was tucked away behind old wrought-iron gates, flanked by ancient trees that whispered secrets when the wind passed through.
I entered through the side door. Inside, the house was cool and dim, filled with the soft scent of old books and polished wood.
I made my way through the long, echoing corridors until I found him in the sunlit dining room, already seated at the large table, a spread of food laid out casually as if it were any other day.
Mazen looked up as I approached, his sharp gaze assessing me before his lips quirked into a half-smile. "You look like someone who's been dodging trouble," he said, gesturing for me to take a seat.
I dropped into the chair opposite him, my shoulders finally relaxing as I reached for a piece of bread. "You know me. Trouble has a way of finding me no matter where I go."
Mazen poured us both a glass of wine, his movements calm and deliberate. "So how did it go?"
I took a bite, chewing slowly to buy myself a moment. Mazen was good at reading people, and even though I knew he wasn't prying, I could feel the weight of his curiosity. "It was… eventful," I finally said, leaning back. "Let's just say it's not every day you get invited to the Sorcerer Lord's domain and come back with more than you bargained for."
Mazen arched an eyebrow, a glimmer of amusement playing in his eyes. "And by 'more,' you mean trouble, or something shinier?"
"Both, probably," I admitted, swirling the wine in my glass. "Livius has a way of complicating things. He gave me a credit card, showed me his secret vault, and then decided to offer an alliance to Mose."
Mazen chuckled softly, shaking his head. "The Sorcerer Lord showing you his secrets? That's a twist I didn't see coming. What did you do, charm him with your winning personality?"
I smirked, taking another sip. "Something like that. Let's just say I played my cards right—literally."
Mazen nodded, his gaze thoughtful as he cut into his meal. "And the Mystbane kid? How did he take the offer?"
"Surprisingly well, actually,"
I shrugged. "Rolo gave Livius the stink eye, though. Not many mages would dare do that to the Sorcerer Lord's face."
Mazen shook his head but seemed rather amused. He took another bite of his meal, his movements slow and deliberate, like he had all the time in the world. But his eyes were sharp, tracking me.
"So," he said, voice low and measured, "is there anything else you want to tell me? Anything… noteworthy that happened while you were in Livius's court?"
I paused, my fork hovering just above my plate. There was something in Mazen's tone that set me on edge, a subtle shift beneath his usual calm that hinted at something more. I kept my expression neutral, forcing a smirk. "Aside from charming the Sorcerer Lord and scoring a new ally? Not much, really. You know how these trips go—just business as usual."
Mazen didn't respond immediately. Instead, he studied me for a long moment, his gaze unwavering. That was when it hit me—the tension in his posture, the way his question lingered just a little too long. Something was off.
But I wasn't about to tip my hand, not yet. I leaned back in my chair, feigning nonchalance, and took another sip of my wine. "Why? Is there something specific you're fishing for, Mazen?"
His lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. Without a word, summoned his phone, setting it down on the table between us. My stomach tightened as he tapped the screen, bringing up a video. The angle was shaky, clearly taken in secret, but the scene was unmistakable.
There I was, standing in the grand arena of Livius's court, surrounded by the Sorcerer Lord's subjects—all of them on their knees. My face was blurry, a blessing from Mose's enchantment that had distorted the footage, but the figure was unmistakably me. The way I moved, the way I stood—it was like looking into a dark mirror.
Mazen didn't say anything, just let the video play in silence. The low murmur of the crowd, the echo of my voice as I commanded them, reverberated through the room like a haunting melody. I couldn't see my face, but the power in that moment was palpable, undeniable. And terrifying.
I forced a laugh, though it came out strained. "Well, that's a flattering angle. Didn't know I had fans in Livius's court."
Mazen's gaze didn't waver. "You've always had a way of making an impression, Shay. But this…" He gestured to the screen, pausing the video at a frame that showed the kneeling crowd. "This is a little more than your usual theatrics, wouldn't you say?"
I shrugged, trying to keep my tone light. "What can I say? Livius's people needed a little reminder of who they're dealing with. But hey, my face isn't even clear. Could be anyone."
Mazen leaned back, his expression unreadable. "Could be, but we both know better. You're playing a dangerous game, and not just with Livius. You've got eyes on you now, Shay."
For a moment, the weight of his words hung heavy between us. I felt the familiar flicker of defiance rise in me, but also the faintest hint of unease.
"I know exactly what I'm doing," I said, flashing a grin.
Mazen's eyes lingered on me, and his expression softened just a touch, though the undercurrent of warning remained. "I know," he replied quietly. "This time, it actually worked in your favor. Most dark mages don't know what to make of this… development. It's the only reason they haven't come after you since you got back from Livius."
I leaned back in my chair, feigning a nonchalance.
"Hm, that's great then," I said, trying to brush it off like it was no big deal.
Mazen's gaze remained steady, unblinking. "Don't get too comfortable. Dark mages aren't exactly known for their patience. They'll make up their minds soon, and when they do, you'll need to be ready."
I let his words hang in the air for a moment, the gravity of the situation settling in. It was a rare thing to hear Mazen this direct, this openly concerned. I nodded slowly, the weight of his warning sinking in deeper than I cared to admit. "I always am."
But even as I said it, I couldn't help but wonder if this time, that would be enough.
I leaned back in my chair, tapping my fingers thoughtfully against the armrest. "We need to know who's likely to make the first move. The dark mages… they're ambitious, and they don't exactly play by the rules. I'm sure you can put some eyes on them."
Mazen arched an eyebrow, intrigued but not surprised. "So you want me to keep tabs on them?"
"Exactly. There are a handful of mages out there who would love to see me fall. We need to know what they're up to, who they're meeting, and any signs they're preparing for something big."
Mazen nodded, his expression shifting to one of focused determination. "I'll get my people on it immediately."
Mazen's expression softened slightly, the barest hint of concern flickering across his eyes. "I'll keep you updated on everything we find. In the meantime, don't underestimate them. They may not have made a move yet, but when they do, it'll be swift."
(...)
When I got back home, the first thing that hit me was the sound of animated voices echoing through the halls. Mose and Rolo were sitting at the kitchen table, practically bouncing in their seats, talking over each other in a rush of excitement. Alex leaned against the counter, watching them with an amused smile, but there was a flicker of concern in his eyes.
"What's all this?" I asked, kicking off my shoes and strolling over.
Mose's eyes lit up when he saw me, and he gestured wildly toward Rolo's phone. "Rolo made the front page on the Kaleidoscope!"
I blinked, glancing at Rolo, who looked both embarrassed and a little smug. "The front page? For what?"
Rolo pushed his phone towards me, displaying the article that was currently trending. The headline was bold and flashy:
[Daring Duel with the Metal Mage Jareth Sparks Controversy Among Young Mages!]
Rolo pushed his phone towards me, and instead of a still image, a short, looping GIF played on the screen. It showed him back at Livius's court, facing off against Jareth. The magical tension in the air was almost palpable even through the screen. It was the moment Rolo shouted, "Absolutio". His face was eerily calm, and the magic that followed deflated the metal weapons. It was an exhilarating moment, captured perfectly, and the GIF had been looped endlessly, highlighting Rolo's skill and intensity.
"Someone must have recorded it," Rolo said, scratching the back of his neck as if trying to play it cool, but I could tell he was secretly proud. "It's all over Kaleidoscope now."
Mose, unable to contain himself, leaned closer and pointed excitedly at the screen. "It's got seven thousands of views already! People are saying that moment was epic."
The comment section was a flurry of reactions, ranging from sheer amazement to speculation about Rolo's abilities. Some praised his precision, others debated the ethics of the duel, but there was no denying that Rolo's skills were now on full display for everyone to see.
Alex watched quietly, his smile tempered with a mix of pride and caution. "It's not every day you get a moment like that," he said, his tone light but edged with a fatherly concern. "Just be mindful of the attention, Rolo. Not all of it will be good."
Rolo nodded, absorbing the advice. "I get it, Alex. But it was worth it."
Before I could fully take in Rolo's newfound fame, Mose hesitantly pulled out his phone, his cheeks tinged pink with a mix of embarrassment and pride. He tapped the screen a few times before handing it over, showing an article that was clearly centered on him—or rather, the mystery surrounding him.
"Look at this," Mose said, trying to sound casual but failing to hide the excitement in his voice.
The headline was bold and speculative:
[Who is the Hueless King's Other Subject? Sorcerer Lord Livius's Newest Ally Sparks Intrigue.]
The article was filled with conjecture, highlighting the alliance Mose had formed with Livius but with no clear details about his identity. They didn't have a picture, not even a name, and instead referred to him repeatedly as the 'Hueless King's other subject,' adding an air of mystery to the whole thing.
"They don't even know who you are," Rolo said, peering over my shoulder at the article. "Just some random guesses about your powers and what caught Livius's interest."
Mose shrugged, but there was no hiding his small smile. "Yeah, it's weird. I never thought I'd end up in the news, especially not like this."
The article was filled with theories, from Mose being some kind of prodigy hidden away by the Hueless King to wild speculations about him being an ancient mage in disguise. They were grasping at straws, trying to piece together why someone from my court would catch the Sorcerer Lord's attention so suddenly.
"They're really spinning tales here," Alex said, reading over my other shoulder. "I bet half of this is just guesswork. But hey, Mose, you've got people curious."
Mose scratched the back of his head, looking both proud and a little embarrassed. "It's kinda cool, I guess. But... also weird. They're making me out to be some... mystery figure."
"Isn't that a good thing?" Rolo chimed in, nudging Mose playfully. "You're a big deal now! They're talking about you like you're some hidden weapon Shay's been keeping under wraps."
I laughed, shaking my head. "If only they knew you are my secret weapon of mass destruction!"
Mose smiled sheepishly.
I leaned back, looking at the two of them. Rolo, now the center of attention for his bold use of magic, and Mose, the quiet enigma whose mere association with Livius was enough to spark wild speculation.
Alex placed a hand on Mose's shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze. "Just keep being yourself, Mose. Let them wonder all they want."
I sighed and pulled out my phone, "Well, to be honest, here's something I need to show you all."
I tapped a few times on the screen, bringing up the video Mazen had shared with me earlier. The room fell silent as the video played, showing me at Livius's court, making all of the Sorcerer Lord's subjects kneel. The footage was a bit shaky, but it was clear enough to show my dramatic gesture. My face was blurry, but the aura was unmistakable.
Mose's eyes widened.
Rolo, who had been watching intently, grinned. "You really made an impression! I think I even heard some gasps and someone crying in the background!"
I shrugged, trying to look nonchalant.
Alex, who had been watching with confusion, finally spoke up. "Uh, what's going on here? Why are you making all these people kneel? You look like you're auditioning for a villain role in a play."
Rolo laughed heartily. "Oh, Alex, you missed the best part! He talked back and commanded the Sorcerer Lord to give him compensation!"
Alex's eyes widened. "Seriously?"
Rolo nodded looking almost proud. "Yep."
Alex's face turned from confusion to worry. He looked at me. "You really made a huge show like that?"
I sighed. "You could say that. But look at the bright side—Livius and I smoothed things over after this, and now all our enemies are confused."
Alex's concern didn't entirely fade, but he seemed to take some solace in my explanation. "I guess that's one way to handle it. You're really putting yourself out there."
I shrugged. "I have to. I am a king after all."
As the conversation with Alex, Mose, and Rolo wound down, I noticed my phone buzz with a new message out and saw it was from Lil. She had sent me the same video Mazen had shown me earlier, with just one word as the caption:
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Really?]
I couldn't help but chuckle at her incredulity. I quickly typed back:
[Well, if you think this is impressive, you should see what I can do on a date.😉]
I sent it off with a playful wink emoji, letting my charm do the talking. But yeah, well, Lil totally ignored it.
Trouble's Chauffeur: [I'm more interested in the results than the show.]
[Well, I can say for sure that I succeeded in confusing the dark mages. They're still trying to make sense of it all.]
Trouble's Chauffeur: [I suppose that's a win then.]
Maybe I could use another win. So I started typing again:
[Well, I'm starting to think that winning your heart could be an even better prize than confusing dark mages.]
Trouble's Chauffeur: [You're quite the charmer, Shay 😀]
Yes! She used an emoji! Finally.
[You bet 😀] I typed.
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Words are easy.]
[Well I could show you my actions as well, but you never invite me over 😔]
Trouble's Chauffeur: [🙄]
That was all she thought about my genius idea.