Arc 3: All That Glisters (Part 15)

Canus’s decision, as reluctant as it is, seems to please Scintilla. She thanks him and leaves the room, giving me a brief smile on her way out. Meanwhile, Canus begins to explain what I’ll need for court tomorrow. I tune him out, however, listening instead for Scintilla’s footsteps to fade out of hearing.

‘…not greet anyone else with any deference, as you—’

‘Sire,’ I interrupt quietly, ‘did Scintilla give any other reasons for not going to court tomorrow?’

Canus blinks. ‘Hasn’t there been a suspicious lack of foreign scents lately? She claimed she would be a better guard. Her sorcery has been improving drastically in the past month or so, and she’s always been better at physical combat than you.’

‘Oh, right,’ I say. ‘If I may, Sire, I’ll see you in the evening? I just remembered that Katy changed her schedule a little, so I need to tell Scintilla about it before she turns in for the morning.’

‘Have her help you pick out appropriate clothes, then. I’ll instruct you further in etiqu