Collias really talked for the both of us. I constantly beat down the urge to gag him with the uniform given to me—a shirt, breeches, and armor to wear over it. I tried different shirts; they were all too small for me. It was obvious they were meant for the average fairy. Why would Pristine think these people had a chance against my army? I could easily take this kingdom if not for the princess, who kept me in hoops, wondering whether she was my fated beloved or not. The thought troubled me. The signs were there like my heart beating faster when she was around, but I needed more to be sure. I had never seen a woman who made me this confused or anxious.
Speaking of anxiety, if this male didn't shut his mouth, I would be forced to commit murder. Collias, unaware of my thoughts, said, "You are one lucky male, Bowen. I was given five gold and ten silvers to start."
I rolled my eyes and continued trying on the shirts, hoping one would fit me. Collias continued, "But now I am paid seven gold and eighteen silver, which cannot be compared to yours. You are really lucky."
I snorted. Ten gold and twenty-two silver was nothing compared to the gold in my treasury. The situation was comical. I was going to guard a kingdom that I had every intention of capturing. It was only a matter of time before I took the kingdom.
As I struggled with the too-small shirts, I couldn't help but think about the princess again. She was unlike any woman I had ever met. She was fierce, intelligent, and incredibly beautiful. Her pink hair shimmered like sunlight, and her eyes were as blue as the deepest ocean. Every time I saw her, my heart did this strange little flip, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest. It was disconcerting, to say the least.
"Instead of resuming tonight, why don't you begin tomorrow so you can prepare yourself for the task ahead?" Collias suggested, his voice overly cheerful for Bowen's taste.
Bowen rolled his eyes and said nothing. In just a few moments with this person, he had rolled his eyes more than he had in ages. Collias seemed blissfully unaware of Bowen's growing annoyance.
"Do you know that all the guards are required to stay in the palace? I would advise you to greet your family before you resume," Collias continued.
"I don't have a family in the capital," Bowen said without much thought.
'Effing! What a mistake,' Bowen thought the moment those words left his mouth. He knew he was going to regret it.
Collias' eyes lit up with curiosity. "Where are you from? Lin Province? Aproxia Province? Causaca Province? Laon Province?"
Bowen tore the shirt in frustration. "Who sews these garments? For babies?"
Collias looked at Bowen with a mixture of amusement and concern. "You are quite big. You need to be measured."
Bowen did not want to spend another moment with this parrot-like male, he had had enough of his incessant chattering. "Take me to the Captain's office," he demanded.
Collias hesitated. "Aren't you going to put on your shirt?"
After trying on multiple shirts, the thought of wearing one again was unappealing. "I'll wear it on the way," Bowen grumbled.
Collias stood up from the bench he was sitting on, rubbing his hands together. "Shall we?"
Bowen walked behind Collias, observing the palace. Even at night, it was still bustling with activity. He noted the glow from thousands of lanterns that hung from the ceilings, illuminating the corridors with a warm, inviting light. He groggily admitted to himself that Pristine had been right. There was a lot he needed to learn about the kingdom, including its four provinces. He would need to obtain a map.
As they walked, Bowen noticed a group of maids ogling him. He ignored them, but couldn't help but feel a slight smirk form on his lips. He had chosen not to wear his shirt, partly because of the discomfort and partly because he enjoyed the attention.
Collias came close and whispered, "Are you not going to put on your shirt? You are distracting the maids with your bare chest, my friend."
"I noticed," Bowen replied in a bored tone.
"All the females are staring at you. I think they like you," Collias continued, his tone laced with envy. "Why wouldn't they? With a body sculpted by the gods..."
"Leave me alone. I don't feel like wearing a shirt. Besides, I like the breeze," Bowen said, his patience wearing thin.
A maid sashayed to him, her green eyes flamed with desire. She stood in front of Bowen.
Bowen narrowed his eyes at her, "What can I help you with?"
She flashed Bowen her most beautiful smile, "Are you new?" She whispered.
"I am new and as you can see I am busy, Captain Periwinkle must be expecting me, if you will excuse me!" Bowen said coolly, gently pushing aside.
The maid didn't mind, she sighed dreamily, having an awestruck gaze in her eyes, "What a fine male," she spoke without thinking.
Collias chuckled. "Just admit you like them staring at you. Do you like females, vra? I know of a place where, with the right amount of coins, you'll have a beautiful maiden to warm your side."
"I am not interested," Bowen replied, his thoughts drifting to the princess. She was the only woman who interested him, not some mere shadow of her.
Collias persisted. "You will be if you see the slender females with bodies of a godd—"
"I am not interested in seeing them or knowing them. We should focus on taking me to the Captain's office," Bowen interrupted, his tone icy.
Collias frowned, walking ahead without looking back at Bowen. He murmured under his breath, "Prideful bastard, thinks he's better than the rest of us."
Bowen heard it loud and clear but chose not to react. He had bigger things to worry about than the petty jealousy of one man.
As they approached the Captain's office, Bowen's mind wandered to his mission. He needed to stay focused. The princess was his goal, and he had to maintain his cover. Any slip-up could jeopardize everything.
Captain Periwinkle was waiting for them, his stern expression unpleased with Bowen's almost naked appearance.