Morning finds Kael wandering around the palace grounds, strolling through the open field and exploring every corner, trying to familiarize himself with the place.
It's exactly 6 a.m., and not a single soul is awake, not the maids, not even the guards.
What kind of kingdom is this?! Okay, even if Kael had pitied it before, right now he can't find a single reason to feel any sympathy. No one here seems to take life seriously.
The guards are literally asleep at their posts, one snoring softly while slumped against the palace door, the others leaned awkwardly at the massive iron gate, heads tilted back, completely defenseless.
He stops in his tracks, staring at them in disbelief.
He rubs his temple, his head already aching with frustration.
Are these the people I claimed I wanted to inspire, to strengthen, to use to bring Ironvale to its knees? These ones? Sleeping on duty?! Sleeping even when the birds are already singing aloud.
The more he walks around, the worse it gets. The grounds are filthy. Dirt scattered across the stone path, leaves left uncollected, the fountains dry and green with moss.
It doesn't even look remotely like a palace. It's more like an abandoned estate.
"Oh God," he mutters under his breath, a mix of irritation and disbelief curling in his voice.
The contrast with Ironvale is almost painful. Back there, by 3 a.m., the palace would already be alive with activity, servants bustling, guards changing shifts, everything perfectly structured.
The buildings were polished, well-maintained, and filled with order. Ironvale might have been a land ruled by cruel hands, but at least the palace itself was flawless.
Alive.
And the guards? Sleeping? That was unthinkable.
But here? Everything grates on his nerves. It's like the entire kingdom is wrapped in laziness.
He clenches his jaw, feeling the same frustration that had consumed him last night.
He wants to scream, to wake the entire palace up and force them into action.
"Whoa! That's a new one... Prince Darien waking up to start the day with a morning walk." Kael turns at the voice, meeting Harry's foggy, sleep-deprived face.
He looks like he hasn't rested properly in weeks- eyes heavy, shoulders slouched, and clothes carelessly thrown on.
"Too bad your father still refuses to return your sword, we would have sharpened some skills this morning." Harry adds as he walks closer. Kael doesn't reply, just stares.
"How are you feeling today?" Harry adds asking.
"Perfectly fine, as you can see," Kael finally responds, voice clipped and firm.
"We still need to check on those wounds," Harry says, stepping closer.
Kael takes a step back, his eyes sharp. "I can handle it. I already told you."
Harry frowns but doesn't argue.
"Why won't my father give back my sword?" Kael asks, his tone casual, playing along, though his interest is real.
"Darien, tell me the truth... have you really lost your memory?"
"Didn't I already tell you that yesterday? Yes. I can't remember anything."
Harry exhales, clearly unconvinced, studying Kael's face like he might find some hidden truth.
"What do you remember? Even if it's just one thing."
"That you are my annoying bodyguard."
"Oh really?"
"Just tell me about the sword and whatever." Kael says.
"You don't want to hear it," Harry says, voice quiet. "Well... after the war, when you were injured really bad and you were unconscious, he... he kind of talked really badly about you. In front of everyone, especially the warriors. He took your sword, saying that you go to the battlefield just to humiliate him, so he wouldn't give it back. Said it was better to take it than let you bring more shame." Harry's voice lowers as he speaks, hesitant and careful. "I'm telling you this because they might start looking at you more differently. But you don't..."
Kael stops listening. If king Aldrich really humiliated him in front of the warriors... then they won't respect him.
They won't follow him. Won't listen to him.
He'll have to rebuild from nothing. Earn their loyalty.
As for that sword? He doesn't need it. He can never use any other sword.
He already has his own. The one he treasures. The one left to him by his real father, his late father.
It was the only thing that truly mattered to him, the last piece of someone who once meant the world to him.
And it's still in Ironvale.
In Ironvale, when warriors die, their swords are placed in a sacred chamber, a resting place for their honor. That's where his is. He knows it.
He is going to get it back.
But how?
He can't just walk in there and demand it, not when he's disguised as Prince Darien, not when Ironvale is the enemy. He'll have to find another way in...
Then suddenly, an idea hits him like lightning. His eyes widen a little, and slowly a grin spreads across his face.
Since Darien's body is so delicate, so soft... wouldn't it be perfect for a disguise? A servant disguise? If he cross-dresses and blends in with the palace maids, wouldn't he be able to slip inside unnoticed?
He smirks to himself, the thrill of the plan already making his blood rush with anticipation.
"Okay! I think I'm talking to myself," Harry complains behind him, clearly annoyed. He starts to walk away, muttering under his breath, but Kael quickly reaches out and grabs his sleeve.
"Did I have some money?" Kael asks.
"Oh? I thought you were pulling me back to apologize for making me talk to myself, and instead you're asking about money?" Harry folds his arms.
"Just answer the question."
"No, you didn't. Because your father stopped giving you any, and you used whatever little savings you had to buy useless things."
Ugh. Darien was the worst.
Kael groans inwardly.
"Okay. Lend me some money. I promise I'll pay it back as soon as possible."
"You said you wouldn't borrow again until you repaid the last one."
Kael groans again, louder this time. "Are you going to give me the money or not?"
"Not."
"Okay!" Kael fumes, turning to walk away in frustration.
"Okay! Fine! I'm gonna give you!" Harry finally gives in, making Kael whirl back around, eyes bright.
"But only after you tell me what you need it for."
"What are you, my mother?" Kael mutters, not believing how much this man baby-sits Darien like some reckless child.
"Are you gonna tell me or not?" Harry persists.
"To help an old woman. The other day, when I..."
"Hold it right there!" Harry laughs, clearly not buying a single word. "You know, you're becoming really fun to be around. If this is how you're going to be after your near-death experience, then I think my life might actually be entertaining for once."
Kael doesn't laugh, and he definitely doesn't tell Harry the truth.
He can't.
He can't explain that he needs the money to buy a servant's uniform, one that perfectly matches what the staff wear at Ironvale palace.
He can't reveal that he plans to sneak into enemy territory dressed as a girl to recover a sword no one knows is his.
And since he realizes Harry has a soft spot for Darien, almost a tender concern, he pretends to be offended again and turns away, playing the role.
"How much do you need?" Harry asks, calling after him.
"A hundred coins," Kael says without missing a beat.
"A hundred what?! Okay, you've gone too far this time. I don't have that much."
"Then find more. Please." He almost begs, just to see how far Harry is willing to go for him, -no-, for Darien. And judging by the look on Harry's face... pretty far.
"If by evening I don't have it, then forget it. That means I couldn't get it, and I won't." Harry says, already walking off the field.
Perfect, Kael thinks with a smirk tugging at his lips. I'm sure he won't come back empty-handed. Which means... tonight, my plan begins.