Hael turned his attention to the ensemble laid out for him. The tunic, a striking blue and gold, was made of the finest fabric, while the cream-colored linen trousers complemented it perfectly. Next to the clothes was a box filled with accessories meant for him. Hael eyed the outfit thoughtfully, wondering why the King was going to such lengths on his behalf.
Without hesitation, Hael dressed in the clothes provided to him. When he caught sight of himself in the mirror, he was taken aback by the reflection staring back at him.
The attire made him look refined, and his white hair seemed to take on a silvery sheen thanks to the blue of the tunic. His blue eyes, too, were perfectly matched with the color of the fabric.
He ran a finger through his hair, pleased with how he looked. Satisfied, he opened the door to find Anemone waiting for him just outside.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Hael said softly.
The advisor looked up, his eyes widening at the sight of Hael stepping out of the room.
Hael appeared completely transformed. He had always been handsome, but in the regal attire, he now exuded an air of nobility, almost as if he belonged to the highest echelons of society.
"Anemone?" Hael asked, when the advisor hadn't said anything.
"Huh? Oh, yes, of course," Anemone stammered, quickly recovering. "Let's make haste. The King doesn't like to be kept waiting." He turned and began walking, clearly eager to move along.
Hael followed quietly behind as they made their way to the top floor of the palace. They eventually reached a large door, and Anemone paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before knocking.
"Your Majesty, Sir Hael has arrived," Anemone called.
The room on the other side was silent for a beat before the King's voice called out, "Come in."
Anemone turned to look at Hael, then gestured for him to enter. Hael gave him a questioning look, but Anemone merely shook his head.
"It's probably best if you enter on your own," he advised.
Based on the King's previous words, it seemed clear he didn't want to be disturbed when Hael arrived. Anemone didn't mind; in fact, it meant the King's mood might be somewhat settled for a while, allowing him to focus on his own duties without interference.
Hael didn't hesitate. He opened the door to the King's chambers and stepped inside.
He was immediately met with an extravagant room bathed in a warm, flickering glow from gilded oil lamps that hung from the high, vaulted ceilings. The walls were adorned with intricate frescoes, depicting the beautiful patron goddess Aria as well as the other goddess and gods in the celestial planes.
Marble columns lined the room with traces of gold and silver, their cold, smooth surfaces created a stark contrast against the deep red and purple velvet drapes that cascaded from them.
The floor was a mosaic of gold and white stone, the tiles arranged in a complex, swirling pattern that seemed to draw one's eye toward the center of the room, where a massive, bed sat. The bed, draped in the finest linens, was large enough for three grown men to lie in, and its sheets were carelessly tossed, creating an unsettling hint of disarray amidst the beauty of the rest of the room. The pillow seemed almost too soft to ever hold a restful sleep, as if the king, despite all his riches, could never truly rest in peace. Next to the bed displayed a hammock as well as a door that led to a balcony overlooking the entire Kingdom.
A tall, ornate mirror, framed with gold leaf, reflected the room's somber beauty.
The air, thick with incense, carried the faint scent of roses and other spices Hael didn't recognize. In one corner of the room, a small altar, heavy with offerings of fruit and wine, stood neglected, the candles flickering as if they, too, had long since lost their purpose. But what caught the white haired man's attention was the small picture frame displayed on a small table next to the altar with a picture of a man who looked exactly like Ceremus but had fairer skin and light grey eyes instead of his piercing gold ones.
He had a warm smile on his face, the kind of smile that could light up a room.
Ceremus stood by the balcony, turning to enter the room as he sensed Hael's presence. The King looked striking in his cream-colored tunic, the fabric loosely draped around his body, accentuating his defined muscles.
"You're finally here," Ceremus said, his gaze lingering on Hael's attire.
For a brief moment, Hael could have sworn he saw a flicker of a smile in the King's cold eyes, but it vanished almost instantly. He quickly dismissed it, likely a trick of the light.
"Your chambers are a sight to behold, Your Majesty," Hael commented.
"Is it?" Ceremus replied absentmindedly, his eyes distant as he surveyed the room, the cool detachment in his expression never wavering.
"I'm glad you decided to take up my offer. I was worried you might refuse."
Hael shook his head firmly. "I gave my word, Your Majesty. I won't go back on it." His tone was earnest, and Ceremus studied him with a raised brow.
"Really? Then I'll hold you to that," Ceremus said, his voice low but knowing.
Without another word, the King walked past Hael, the soft scent of roses filling the air. It was gentler on Ceremus than before, mingled with another scent Hael couldn't place, though it seemed to calm him.
"Come. Join me," Ceremus said, gesturing to the small table across the room.
Hael didn't hesitate. He took a seat, facing the King. Ceremus poured a cup of black tea and handed it to him. Hael accepted it graciously. The tea was bitter, but there was an underlying sweetness to it.
Ceremus watched Hael intently, a shadow of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "So, are there any issues with the job? I assume Anemone briefed you on the details, yes?"
"Yes, he did," Hael replied. He hesitated, his words trailing off as if he wanted to say more but struggled to find the right way to express it.
"What is it?" Ceremus prompted.
Hael looked down, his fingers tracing the edge of the cup before speaking. "I was wondering… if it would be alright for me to bring a friend. Have him live with me."
Ceremus' brow furrowed, his gaze darkening. "Who's this friend? Could it be that woman from the other day?" His voice lowered, almost menacing.
Hael quickly shook his head. "No, not her. I mean my… pet bird. We've been together for a long time, and I can't bear to be apart from him. He's currently staying with Anthanasia, but I don't want to impose on her."
Ceremus' body relaxed at the explanation, and he considered it for a moment. "I see," he said, his tone softening. "Anything that belongs to you is more than welcome here. If your bird means that much to you, he can stay. We'll arrange for a cage—or perhaps a room—for him."
Hael's face brightened, a small smile curving his lips. Ceremus felt a sudden, unexpected tightening in his chest at the sight.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Hael said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'll bring him here right away."
Ceremus found himself curious despite himself. "What's your bird's name?" he asked suddenly.
Hael blinked, surprised by the question. He hadn't expected the King to take interest in such a personal matter, but the fact that he did left him with a warm, inexplicable feeling. "His name is Loki. He's a beautiful cockatoo, and a dear friend of mine."
Ceremus paused, taken aback by the softness in Hael's voice when he spoke of the bird. It was as though Loki wasn't just an animal to Hael, but a true companion, almost like a person.
"How did you come to meet him?" Ceremus asked, his curiosity piqued.
Hael's expression grew more thoughtful. "I wouldn't say we met. He was just always there… from the day I was born."
Ceremus' brows lifted in surprise. "On the day you were born?"