The Healer of the Serpent—Chapter 4— by Victoria_Leal

Victoria Leal THE HEALER OF THE SERPENT FIRST PART—CHAPTER 4—

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4. Common interests, different pains. The songs of the birds in the garden were accompanied by the voices coming from all places at once. The chorus descended from the heavens but its sound was not audible throughout the kingdom and delighted those who paid attention. That day was the entrance to summer and even the water had a different flavor. The gauze swayed in the white columns imitating the branches of an ancient tree, being part of a marble pergola surrounded by celestial flowers and brilliant as stars, embracing a man in gray playing the harp. In the center was the crib of a small baby, listening to the lullaby of his mother rocking his bed. He was barely two days in the world and he already memorized the melody, happy to hear it, happy to feel loved. Unfortunately his eyes were too young to focus on the fine features of the woman kissing his belly, all he could do was try to smile and kick. Wilhelm refused to open his eyes and no one could reproach him because his dream caused him pleasure, so much so that he repeated the sung melody without noticing that Adalgisa was listening to him. Dancing in spirals and singing in the lagoon. A fairy with wings of sleep made a wish. Making a circle of magical light. He looked at the frost in the reflection of the moon ... Adalgisa felt a breach in her heart because she had not heard the melody that Lïnawel sang to her child for thirteen years but the woman did not dare to wake up the prince humming in his dreams, she did not have the courage to take away his happiness so early. Adalgisa let a ray of sunlight tear through the curtain. The flash shot directly onto Wilhelm's eyelids, who was rolling over on the bed holding his head in his hands. Between the turns he became entangled with a mane scented with peonies. On the pillow beside him was a smiling woman with pale eyes trying to hide her expression by using a silk embroidered sheet as a shield. —Good morning, you seedy tavern drunk. —Oh no, not again. —Love… —Yes, I know. Mom, what a shame. I'm the worst, I held a measly glass! I don't even remember when I crawled here! —What a scene last night. Fritz told me ... —I promise you never again, I swear! —Don't swear what you can't do, son. —But… well, I suppose you're right. —Love… —Tell me, mom. —You have to stop bringing pillows to my bed, there is hardly any place to sleep. The woman sat on the bed laughing when she noticed that her son barely had the balance to keep his back straight.

—My little cloud, does your head hurt? —I feel like an Äingidh has sunk an ax through my head and neck. I want to see the healer. —Don't be scandalous, it's going to pass you by. —I take your word for it, mom. —You're thirsty? —Of course I'm thirsty! The boy was rubbing his eyes furiously as several servants entered the bedroom holding trays placed on a table at the foot of the bed. —Love, you must be thinking of a thousand things. —Yes, you has hit the nail on the head. Our guests must think I'm an idiot. —Oh, don't say that—The woman hugged the little boy, who kept his eyes closed because the sun was attacking him furiously—Last night we were all a bit overdone. Without going any further, your father even took off his royal robe to walk through life like that, with his shirt for rest. He put the crown on the table and started smoking with the Ambassador. —Are you looking to laugh at my state? —I'm not kidding you, little cloud. Even Ritter joined in the board games and bet his theater company. —And what happened! —What happened? What kind of question is that? Has Ritter ever lost in the game? —I was just curious ... —The poor Klotzbach lost all the jewels they had at the time. I wonder why Catherine and Stuart did not arrive, would they have problems in their palace? The letter Sebastian handed out did not explain anything. Well, at least the liquor dispelled the squabbles and we were able to enjoy good bets. Good thing Sebastian was drunk because otherwise the Mark of Neuenthurm was sure to burn... Adalgisa kissed the forehead of her child, crawling to the foot of the bed, abandoning the sheets and settling in front of the table served by the black-robed maid. —True, they don't have a bastion, their territory is a valley near a forest. Speaking of the Klotzbachs, I wanted to see Lotus last night and all I did was sink into the wort barrel, it was so sweet. Oh, I don't regret anything. —What do you say, Wilhelm—Adalgisa looked at her son from her place at the table, slicing the bread with her hands before adding butter—Last night you drank and ate with Sebastian and Lotus shouting jokes as if you were family. —Did I do that? —You even promised them a visit to their stronghold. Wilhelm flung himself onto the sheets, wrapping himself in a thick blanket. —I dont remember anything. I'm the worst, I don't drink anymore. —Just eat before you drink, son. —Oh, Helmut told me the same thing… HELMUT! —Oh, son, what's wrong! Wilhelm leapt out of the cot, his hands going to his head, his eyes widening. —I PROMISED THAT WE WOULD TRAIN NOW, IN THE MORNING!

—You and your promises, who would think of scheduling a post-party workout where you drink even the water from the flower vase?—The mother slowly drank a hot chicken bone soup—Helmut must be gutted in bed and that rest is earned. Although, knowing that boy, he sure is already climbing the walls. —I don't think he'll rest, he didn't do it yesterday unless he'll consider it today. On the other hand, if he's already had life in battles, he must be someone terrible—Wilhelm remembered the defiant image of his scarred cousin, talking about beheaded men— Surely, his head doesn't hurt. —Well, if so, take advantage of asking him for the secret because we all need it. The healer told us that the best remedy for a hangover was to stop drinking. As you can see, that does not help at all. Alas, sometimes, Äweldüile behavior is heavier than carrying a cow. Adalgisa tilted the wooden bowl to drink until the last drop of the consommé, Wilhelm jumped from the bed to run to the bathroom being reached by his mother who held him tightly. The boy felt in his chest that his mother did not intend to see him far away or, worse, a warm and mellow breeze whispered to him that Adalgisa longed to see Wilhelm remain as a child. Wilhelm hugged his mother while she heard a strange voice in her mind, just as it happened in the second that he met Ritter, but this was different because it was an unrecognizable female voice, cooing from a inaccessible garden. —My cloud… I love you very much, my love… —I love you too, mom… and I apologize for sleeping in your bed every time I feel dilemma. Adalgisa kissed the boy's forehead, between smiles she fled to the bathroom in the same bedroom, letting an elderly lady take off her snowy nightgown before helping him to submerge in the tub. Wilhelm always had a knack for allowing himself to be entertained by servants, but the unease in his heart was an entirely different matter. He felt separated from the world for a second that became eternal and enigmatic, especially when a sheet of gold filigree appeared floating in the foamy water. The boy took the object and handed it to the old woman, stroking her skin with a soft, foamy cloth. Wilhelm hurried out of the warmth of the water, rushing into the breeze to where they awaited a rematch. But Wilhelm wasn't the only one happy to enjoy swords. Frauke, the lady recognized by her long burgundy hair; dragged Lotus through the corridors in the direction of the training area where leading Knights challenged each other to test and perfect her techniques. —Come on, don't be like that to me! —Frau, you know well that I deeply dislike such encounters. I can't bear to see blood. —Lotus, there is no blood in practice! Frauke abandoned the idea of pulling Lotus's arm to push him from behind—They are all colleagues and they are very careful in their movements, everything is very beautiful! —What's so nice that our dear brothers are indoctrinated in murdering people? —Lotus, don't be like that, it's just a sport.

—It's not a sport, they get their hands dirty with life taken from other people! Frauke stopped in front of Lotus to show her the large windows that looked out onto the much sought after area. —They only took care of eliminating Äingidh, who wants pigs on our borders? Do you diminish the merits of your dear brother, who gives his life for you? —My intention is very different from that. —Then it's good that you see with your own eyes what Sebastian does to be a Knight of his lineage. —Every time I think about it, a chill runs up my spine to lodge in my chest. —My older brother also trains very hard every day. It is natural for him to meet his rivals. —My brother is not his rival, at least publicly. —What are you saying? —Helmut and Sebastian were happy last night after agreeing to a friendly duel. They shook hands with laughter, slapped each other's shoulders and drank together and they have been like this since their most tender years but… Oh, I hate that kind of relationship they have. I see that, at a certain point, both of them will forget that this is something friendly. —Helmut would not do such a thing if he had given his word, would Sebastian? Lotus refrained from responding by dodging her friend. She lowered her gaze from her to sideways the stage, walking slowly until she arrived at the place where men of all ages wore clothing made of firm materials. Some carried swords, others threw needles at wooden figures. In the distance, the girl saw a boy next to her teacher who indicated the best attack positions when using a dagger. Frauke smiled at the spectacle, she braced herself at a gate to admire Helmut practicing alone with his short sword. The young woman settled on the shoulder of her friend, pleased. —Helmut is the one who would defend me if I weren't engaged to Wilhelm... and if he appreciated me the least. I'm sure he would be able to kiss Nikola's boots before pouring me a glass of water—Frauke sighed, showing resigned disappointment—Oh, sometimes I envy you, Lotus. Sebastian treats you like a diamond from the Dawn Mountain. —Stop talking nonsense—Lotus looked firmly at her friend—Helmut has defended you from unfortunate moments and will continue to do so. You should think about your future husband instead of reconciling with your brother, the past is left behind. —Silly—Frauke gave a light touch on the chest of Lotus—I say it because Helmut is very strong and brave ... and also very beautiful. I've heard other Knights acknowledge my brother's virtues, why don't you take my hint? Lotus crossed her arms, feeling an indisputable heat wash over her cheeks. —Obviously, I appreciate it right now. Helmut is… he's beautiful. —Stop pretending with me, I know you like my brother. In fact, all ladies like him but he is only interested in his sword and his ruffian Squire. He did not even show interest in his late wife, the healer said that he did not even touch her on the wedding night. My brother's contempt made the poor thing commit suicide. Helmut is a pile of shit and nobody knows it, how sad.

—It is a bad omen to take things for granted, my dear. —If that's okay with you, I can convince him to share a few minutes with you... —Frauke, don't do it! What a shame, I don't even know what I would talk about. Helmut caught his breath in a small pause in which, out of the corner of his eye, noticed the presence of his sister and Lotus. Feigning ignorance, the boy tightened the tie that held his wavy hair, taking a shield hanging on the wall before talking to his faithful Squire, turning his back to the women. Nikola received some nice blows on his shoulder smiling happily at the presence of his master, wielding his sword gracefully but berating him for the drunkenness of the party. Lotus and Frauke noted the complicity of both, the jokes that they could not hear and the way they knew their movements when attacking each other with swords. The girls looked at each other sharing a fact that no one dared to mention. —Don't you think they're very good friends, Lotus? —Er… yeah. They are very close and it is something beautiful to see, few men dare to show affection. After all, they have always been together and... —I don't know, something smells bad. —By all the High Ones, what are you implying? YOU ARE NOT THINKING THAT...—Lotus squeezed her friend's arm—YOU ARE NOT THINKING THAT THEY... THEY... Frauke affirmed himself on the beaten wooden gate without taking his eyes off the right-handed Nikola who knew the weak flanks of her master, forcing him to defend himself strongly. —And why not? —YOU ARE SO DIRTY! —It would be nice. Just imagine them, they are both very handsome, or will you deny me that Nikola's jet hair is not attractive and mysterious at the same time?—Frauke looked at Lotus, smiling as if he had a clear night image before him—He looks like a spirit of the night, born of the moon and suspicions while my brother is a child of the sun and obedience. Yes, yes, it would be nice to see them doing something more kinky ... —SHUT UP! —Oh, what a prude, I'm just telling you to imagine it. —I can't imagine what you're asking me because I haven't seen indecencies like you have. And it's not good for two men to… be…—Lotus covered his face with both hands, shaking his head—NO! HELMUT WOULDN'T DO THAT! —Mmm, thank goodness you haven't seen anything. But you're right, if they were THAT together, the other Knights would have already cut off their heads. Not to mention your brother, as it is with Helmut, it sure cuts "that". Lotus squeezed her friend's shoulder, noticing that an icy air was Frauke's partner. Was that cold always there? —Frauke, please stop, for the love of the Highs. —Well pretty, I already stopped. —Speaking of my brother, I don't see him around here ... —Surely he is coming.

Frauke maintained her comfortable position at the gate, noticing the presence of a man in deep blue next to her notebook. The girl pulled on the sleeve of her friend who turned in the indicated direction. —Lotus, look: Ritter is drawing. —What a novelty... —His fascination for the arts is ravishing. Sebastian's younger sister noticed a starburst in Frauke's almond-shaped eyes who wanted to speak to the man with the straight and full brows. —Frauke ... —Yes? —I can not believe what my eyes see! Ritter is married, don't look at him that way! First Nikola and now Ritter, do you like them all? —He's married not dead, what's wrong with looking? —He should be dead to all the women in the kingdom except Näurie. —Oh dear, are you recognizing his beauty? —Frauke, I didn't say that ... —Ad-mit-it, seems that he traveled from the clouds to live in this realm. —Ugh… I need a glass of water. I feel pity poor Wilhelm. Lotus felt like slapping Frauke but she lowered her hand as she noticed that the Steward greeted them with a sweet smile that washed over her throat with honey. —Frauke, I'm leaving. And you should do the same, you are engaged to Wilhelm. —But how disgusting to be betrothed to the only man who is entangled with his sword. It may not even be a man. —Frauke, it's the Prince! —But he doesn't know how to use what he has. I'm going with Ritter. —Wilhelm has many abilities that you refuse to appreciate! The girl did not manage to hold Frauke who received the permission of two Knights before reaching the place where the Seneschal noted the movements of those who trained. Closing the notebook, Ritter took Frauke's right hand, kissing his long, pointed fingernails like daggers. —The days are more pleasant when the roses decide to greet you. The honeyed tone in the Steward's voice made Frauke step back to admire the thin lips of one who kept his art instruments in a bag. —I am ashamed of your praise, dear Seneschal. I would like a minimum to be measured. —Missure myself to hide what my senses accuse? I would be a hypocrite and I will not allow myself such a sin. Lotus clung to Frauke's arm, who stopped his desire to close the distance with the man with the ear rings, a detail that was examined by a penetrating gaze from Frauke. However, the mystery sought was hidden behind a lock of silver hair. —Seneschal, nice to see you. —The happiness is all mine, Miss Lotus.

—Could you show us your sketches? I am sure that they will make us happy. Personally, swords are not to my liking, art is what fills my soul. Ritter smiled handing his notebook to Lotus who leaned down to show the prisoner Frauke the work. —The handling of weapons is another expression of art miss, an art that is never fully mastered, the ultimate union between mind and body. —The ease of the line is charming ... —If you practiced daily, Miss Frauke, you would achieve the same spontaneity. —Seneschal—Lotus moved away from the sketches, handing the notebook to whom should be distracted—I heard you have a theater company ... —And you heard correctly, although it is not closed only to acting. In these moments, we are in search of musicians. —So nice to hear about it! —If I'm not mistaken, you, Miss Lotus, have a harpsichord training. —Oh yes... but my father decided it was inappropriate for a maiden since it is an instrument that requires a lot ... passion and dedication. —How much pain those statements cause me—Ritter waved his hand on his chest—If you like, you can practice in the company premises. Nobody will cut your wings there, miss. —Oh, what a lovely offer! —We can practice a duet, if you wish... Frauke raised her head closing the notebook and taking a noisy step. However, the trust between Lotus and Ritter was cut off by the hand of young Sebastian, who greeted the Seneschal with a learned smile. —Dear, how nice to see you here. —The pleasure is always mine, young Klotzbach. —Drawing again, huh? Without a doubt, your hands are full of virtue. —Likewise, yours. —I imagine that, in the same way that you are skilled with the pen, you are skilled with the sword, am I wrong? —It's an invitation? —Friendly, of course. Just to enjoy this sunny morning and this joyous meeting. Ritter received his notebook from Frauke, tucking it into the satchel on his hip. —I appreciate your invitation but I have an injury and the healer recommended that I suspend my practices for a couple of weeks. I hope you understand my situation, young Klotzbach. I no longer have the bliss of youth nor the courage of our esteemed Helmut. Sebastian honestly smiled upon hearing the dilemma in the Seneschal's body. —I wish you a speedy recovery, Ritter. Please excuse my rudeness. Lotus and Frauke noticed a certain strange aura among the males, moving away towards the gate. Frauke followed the footsteps of her friend always attentive to Sebastian's ears who did not hide them in the least but did not wear the gold jewelry that Ritter showed. Lotus was holding on to Frauke, whose breathing was ragged.

—Don't ever flirt with Ritter like that again! —Flirt with him? It was he who began to fill me with compliments.And he offered you a space in his company and he barely greeted me! On the other hand, what a pity... —About what? —Ritter has such an excellently forged greatsword. It's a pity that he doesn't accept your brother's invitation. If you saw that sword, you would tremble like I do now. Frauke showed her hand to Lotus, who did not contain her desire to apprehend her friend, slapping him loudly. —Don't ever behave in such an unseemly way again, you've already had me fed up. —Lotus, I'm talking about weapons, about the art of the sword, what are you thinking about? Frauke made a pretense of laughing. —I too descend from Knights and I don't go around thinking about men all day! —Men? —You would have seen your face when you spoke of that "greatsword." —Ugh, Lotus—Frauke freed herself from her friend's tight arm, walking out of the training área—You have a dirty mind. Go to the healer to get some herbs prescribed. —And you, go get in a tub of ice water! By all the Highs, you look like another person. Spring is hurting you badly. Frauke raised her chin, leaving the area in noisy strides through the corridors without noticing that on the other side Wilhelm was entering the place agreed with Helmut. Benedikt and Fritz whispered among themselves but their stealth conversation where interrupted by the sudden braking of the prince who turned hands on his waist. —Can you tell what the hell you're whispering, couple of old men? —Um… nothing, Little Highness. —Yes, of course, and I was born deaf. Fritz, what were you mumbling about? —Your Highness, we were just trying to organize the details of the Feast of the High Ones ... —That's tomorrow. Today we have a relaxed day to avoid nervousness, if your minds are out of where your bodies are, why are you by my side? —Highness, we have a pending conversation with the Ambassador ... —I know, but it's scheduled for later. Now, will you let me keep my word? —Yes, Your Highness. Sorry for our inconvenience. —You don't bother me, Fritz. It's just that you've been a little strange lately. Not only you, my mother has also been different ... as if she was afraid of losing me. Fritz lifted his ears that were slipping through the silver locks, making it clear to the boy that he was a true High of old age. The boy approached his servant and, with a gesture, indicated that he should bend down to take advantage of touching those long ears dried by years. —Um… Your Highness don't pinch my ears, they're very sensitive by now. —They're very pretty, when will mine look like this? —Once you reach your fifteen or sixteen, more or less. There are some who do not develop them until after forty years. It's a matter of time, dear. —Grandpa Älmandur's looked like eagle wings, I love them that way!

—Um ... I think that's excessive. —They are beautiful! —Älmandur never wanted to trim them but trust me, doing so is a relief because the ends become painfully sensitive. I don't know if you noticed a detail in the portraits, my beloved master — Fritz let Wilhelm continue to knead his ears despite feeling the burning on his skin. Benedikt was smiling but he did not want to give his ears to the prince— Old Älmandur wore gold covers on the tips of both ears ... —Did they hurt a lot? —Especially when we went to the mountains to visit his friends. —Still, I already want them long and pretty like this. —Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness ... —And you, Beni, are they also pointed and long? —Um… yes but not that much. Fritz is older, that's why he's bigger and thinner, he's starting to smell like flowers. —What you're saying is serious, Beni. Fritz looks young, he looks in his thirties, like my father. You can't say that he already smells like flowers ... —Benedikt von Orophël ... —But it's true!—Benedikt turned when Fritz rejoined, holding his child by the shoulders—Little Highness, Fritz was Grandfather Älmandur's aide-de-camp, he received him at birth! Oh, how I wish I had that honor. —The story in the books says that on the day of his birth, Grandfather Älmandur “shone like the silver stars of the night already turning into morning. He was the brightness of the day made living creature and the breath of him like a thousand summer suns.” —Such a good memory that the little boy has, don't you think, Fritz?— Benedikt looked at his colleague without paying attention to the gesture of annoyance asking for silence—Yes, Little Highness, that is how all of us are born. —So that's how we differ from mortals, uh? —Yes sir! —But you said Fritz welcomed him at birth, that means we didn't come from the cabbages in the field. —What? —You've lied to me my whole life! Nobody can receive you if you don't fall from somewhere and the cabbages grow at ground level! Fritz stifled his laughter with the sleeve of his tunic, turning his back on his master to avoid embarrassment. Benedikt pushed the little boy into the training area trying not to laugh, failing miserably. —Your Highness, take care to keep his word. We have less funny duties. Wilhelm smiled, being watched by the careful Benedikt, who knelt to tie the greaves properly. —Highness, if you want to train at least let me arrange this ... —They're fine like this, Beni. I tied them very tight. —Now yes! Come on, run!

Entering the wooded area, an apprentice greeted the prince with a strong handshake along with several bows that embarrassed the boy who scratched his neck indecisively. Benedikt looked at Fritz in disappointment. —The master called us old men ... —It's his way of expressing affection. —He told us old! —Benedikt, you suffer from knee pain and night sweats. You told me that I smell like flowers, what are you waiting for? —Fritz, don't be so hard on me, what about you? —I assumed my age a long time ago. What's more, I already have my boat and my last ornaments ready. —Sure, always so phlegmatic, assuming your duties. I wonder if, despite your years and your eternal composure, you still remember that child's expression. Fritz grabbed Benedikt by the neck, who could barely get the balls of his feet on the ground. —Careful, Beni—The man in red kept a mocking expression, receiving a scroll— Now, let's organize what we have left to satisfy our prince, understood? —Understood, my good friend. And fear not, that secret dies with us. —I hope we don't have much left. *** Lotus felt relaxed being accompanied by Wilhelm whose expression was always soft and kind. Was it his small nose, rosy cheeks, or his narrow shoulders? The girl admired the childish image of the prince, avoiding looking at the duel between the sharp swords. Wilhelm caught eyes with Lotus only occasionally because he couldn't get away from what Sebastian and Helmut were displaying in the arena and he wasn't the only one to watch that fight. Other children in their early days would have big eyes of admiration betting various objects but not the usual money because the little ones were left with their valuable belongings in the custody of the teacher, precisely because of situations like the one that morning in which some opted for Sebastian and others, by the arch admired Helmut. —I am amazed by the skills of your brother, my dearest Lotu — Wilhelm was on tiptoe as the emotion beat him— Just the second that Helmut stole his sword, Sebastian took out a dagger of I don't know where to continue a new series of firm attacks aimed at my cousin's neck, Helmut can't hold his pose with two swords, he's thrown one to the ground! —Maybe he's not as regal as rumors say... —Oh no, nothing could be further from it. He managed to lower Sebastian's defense, is not good to drop the sword in the middle of a duel, your brother has recovered his weapon and uses the dagger to defend himself from Helmut's blows while he attacks with the sword!

A couple of the apprentices giggled at the eager prince who was standing at the gate to avoid losing his balance and falling. —Yes... surprising. —He already hit her in the neck with the dagger! —WHAT! Lotus turned abruptly to run towards where Helmut remained stable, noticing that Sebastian only rested the edge of his weapon on the skin of his opponent. For a moment, Lotus imagined the soil stained red but her relief was present when Sebastian lowered the dagger, sheathing it in a place arranged at the back of his hip. Helmut did the same with his sword, squeezing the nobleman's hand before him who clapped him on the shoulder laughing. —Sebastian is amazing!— Wilhelm clapped with huge gleams in his eyes, advancing to the arena—I have to find out where he learned to fight like this. Lotus clutched her chest with her hands fixing her gaze on Helmut's magnificent smile who was playing with Sebastian's braid. —Now I underztand that shiny bow, how diztracting! However, it can be a diadvantage if you fight s¡zomeone unscrupulouz. —Same with your hair, Helmut. It is too long. —You have no moralz to tell me that—Helmut placed his tongue between his teeth crooked by ancient blows, searching for the correct pronunciation—dear ... Sebastian. —And, you've given me an advantage. That is not correct. Helmut laid his hand on his left kidney. —Give me a break. We repeat the duel later, what do you think? —Oh… I see what the problem is, very inconsiderate on my part and careless on yours. —Heh, heh ... I swear I feel good. I get too bored in bed, I'd better come for a walk around here. —I accept your proposal. Nikola hit his master's shoulder reaching out to reach Helmut's ear, pulling it down hard and showing disapproval on his face. —One more and I swear I'll tie you to the cot. —Let go, let go… it's not… ouch… leave my ear, please… —You go right now to rest, you understand, asshole? Sebastian smiled as his container was more vulnerable because of a simple gesture and not because of the deep wound in his side. Wilhelm hung from the neck of the duelists, who held him to prevent a fall. —That was amazing! —You are very effusive, Your Highness ... —Wilie,, what a happiness!It turnz out that the mozt effeminate of the noblez iz the one who fightz the bezt. I knocked down Nikola in two hitz but Zebaztian haz been a difficult opponent… I guess I don't know him az I thought. —Nikola? Ah yes. Wilhelm waved his hand in the air as he met the young man with black hair and curled at the ends, receiving a bow—Hello, Nikola, I have been told that my cousin is difficult.

—If you allows me to correct you and speak honestly, Your Highness ... —Of course! I like that you are informal, go ahead! —Your Highness, my master is not difficult, it is INSUFRIBLE. I will have gray hair within the next few minutes, wrinkles in two hours. You will see how in a few months I will go bald. —My friend, my Zquire to whom I owe more than one. I hope, one day, to make up for your sleeplessness. —Give me vacations. Eternal undergound vacations. Maybe so he can have PEACE. ETERNAL PEACE. Sebastian laughed courteously, holding Wilhelm by the ribs, noticing that he was on tiptoe and the soles on the detached toe of his boots evidenced the habit of remaining in such a position. —Helmut, Nikola is very tense, you shouldn't be so mean to him. —Willie, I'm not evil, he’z the one who lookz like my babyzitter. I have given him zo much confidence that the poor man already forgetz that iz my zervant. —With his permission, Your Highness, I retire. This babysitter will have time to pamper his dear child—Nikola hit the neck of his master before leaving— And you come to the tower of the healer or I'll carry you on my back. You have blood on your clothes. —Oops… you're right. Äweldüile iz going to hit me with the broom. —It is seen that Nikola is a formidable man but with little patience. —Iz az you zay it, dear cousin. If you threw water at it, it ignites like a volcano, there iz no one who can stand it. —Your Highness ... I mean, Wilhelm. If you had the opportunity to share a whole day with your cousin, you would understand why Nikola wants vacations underground. —Mmm, maybe it's true. —Willie, get on my side! —I have a question, my dear ones. —Your Highness… —I told you to call me Wilhelm. —Uh, yeah, excuse me… but feel free to ask what you want. —It is for both of you: should I feel protected under your weapons or, on the contrary, should I pick myself up in defending soldiers? Sebastian raised an eyebrow but it was Helmut who answered. —What zavagery you zay, little couzin. We are your most faithful allies. —Your Highness, in your place I would feel threatened by the invisible. Sebastian averted his gaze slightly from him, just enough to indicate where Ritter was conversing with his Squire. —I'll take your advice, Seba. Sebastian smiled one last time releasing Wilhelm to leave the training area. He noticed the lost look of his sister, discovering that she was watching Helmut carefully. Obviously annoyed, Sebastian grabbed Lotus's arm. —See, everything is fine, my precios flower. Nothing happened.

—You don't know how horrified I am, Helmut has blood stains on his clothes, he should refrain from these games. And you should ensure the safety of our dear von Freiherr by avoiding acts like that, why did you seek the blood of Helmut? Why did you take advantage of his pain to put your dagger on his neck, waiting for the first snort to take his life? —Lotus, dear sister of my heart, I am not a savage who takes lives for its own sake. Much less in broad daylight, much less the Prince's cousin and in front of him. It would be crazy and stupid. It was just a game. —Ypu call it a game!? —There is loyalty between us, my precious. If we were to seriously attack each other the only one standing would be… hmm, who would it be? Helmut, Ritter? It would definitely not be me or the prince. Lotus received a kiss on her forehead but her heart gave itself to the gallant Knight playing with a shield while the prince pretended to attack him with a mace. —I need to see if Helmut is okay. —Lotus, our 'dear' Helmut is in perfect condition. That stain on his waist must be a miserable point out of place in the suture—Sebastian took his sister, turning her— Don't you see? He's already teaching Wilhelm tricks. Now join me. —But Sebastian ... —You told me you're horrified, right? I invite you some tea and cookies to relax. —Dear brother, I ... Sebastian squeezed Lotus's arm. —Come on, please? Listen to me, precious, Helmut is not indicated to enjoy your beauty. Give me that relief, please. —Yes, we… better retire.