As Taiga happily ate Soral’s cupcake offerings in a corner of the room, Ruena was struck again by her odd similarities with Storm. Perhaps this kind of reaction was a Cat trait. She wasn’t sure if she should be relieved or annoyed at how quickly Soral won her over. Now that introductions were settled, it was time to discuss Soral’s ideas.

  “Even if you can take me straight to the Valen Castle, it is not a place we can just enter casually,” Ruena told Soral, “I may have an invitation, but not in written form. Guards aren’t known for taking the words of sudden trespassers at face value.”

  "I never said anything about trespassing," Soral pointed out, "It should be fine as long as we show up outside of the palace gates, right?"

  That wasn't very reassuring, especially since this would be their first trip to Valen without Storm's escort. Then again, seeing as it was Soral things would probably work out. He always had incredible luck as well as just the right amount of charisma.

  "Before we dive into Valen, why don't you tell me what kind of mess you got yourself into?" she asked, "Don't think I haven't noticed you dodging past the issue."

  Soral panicked a little as he tried to swiftly come up with an explanation. "Well you see, when I was taking out the Blacksmith I met this king and rescued him. To thank me for his rescue he gave me his kingdom, only his kingdom is in debt and falling apart."

  Ruena got the feeling he was hiding something but let it drop. "So this will be the second time you've accidentally become king. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help that situation. If I have a king as my ally and in my debt it will be good for me as well."

  "I am always your ally," Soral promised, "You don't need me to be in your debt to ask me for favors. Like a new outfit to greet the Valen King."

  A new outfit certainly wasn't a bad idea. "Did you already have something in mind?"

  "If we wear my latest designs and offer one as a gift to the Valen King, they might let us in without too much fuss. Especially if you mention the invitation of friendship. Perhaps a design of purple and silver to honor the Valen traits."

  "Purple and silver?" Ruena repeated, "It is an idea, but it might be too classic. He already wears purple and silver."

  "We would wear purple and silver," Soral corrected, "And I would gift him the red and gold of Alodan to honor your friendship. What do you think?"

  Had they been dealing with a normal king, Ruena would have been hesitant. However, this seemed like just the sort of gesture Xandus would appreciate. Not only that, now that she had met him she was no longer concerned about Soral being too much. They might even become fast friends.

  "Then I'll get right on it!" Soral declared as if everything was decided, "I should be able to finish the outfits by tomorrow. See you then!"

  Just as suddenly as he had appeared, Soral was gone. Ruena was used to his antics so she didn't think much of it but Taiga seemed completely stunned. Whatever conclusion she came to from that interaction made her more passionate about being Ruena's loyal guard.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  "No wonder you were so confident in accepting my story," she decided on her own, "You have enough influence to command someone powerful like that. Is it true you are also the commander of the famous Alodan Warriors?"

  As strange as those words sounded, Taiga wasn't wrong. The rest of the day went quickly, and this time Ruena made sure to warn Leopold about Soral's arrival so he would be able to enter properly. The last thing she needed was for her partner to be arrested as an intruder. Leopold still seemed unsure about Soral, but he guided him in as he was instructed when he arrived the next morning, fully designed, created, and enchanted outfits in hand.

  Ruena had expected one of them to be a dress, but Soral had only prepared formal wear with proper pants. That was a bit of a relief for her but she did wonder if it was the right choice. Then again, the royal purple jacket meant for her was both long and intricate enough to be a dress. Her entire outfit was composed of deep and soft purples with accents of silver. Soral's was the opposite, the purple embroidery on his collar and sleeves drawing the eye in his sea of silvers. She hadn't even considered that silver had different shades, but Soral had managed to find them.

  Then there was the third outfit meant for Xandus. This one made Ruena pause. She had expected red with gold accents as Soral had always given her, but what Soral had prepared was a gaudy golden outfit bejeweled with red rubies. Compared to their own it seemed so... Distasteful. Rather than formal wear, it gave off an appearance more like armor, with a flowing golden cloak to match, lined with scarlet underneath.

  "Are you sure about this?" Ruena questioned. Soral was usually good at choosing clothing that matched the tastes of his clients but he had never met Xandus before and would have had no opportunity to hear his thoughts.

  "Don't worry," Soral assured, "It might not be to your taste, but he is a king, one who has played the part of a madman for a long time. I think this will suit him perfectly.

  That was true. Ruena tried to force herself to view the piece objectively as if it was art and not something to be worn. She had to admit that it was beautiful, as well as luxurious. Perhaps Xandus would keep it but never wear it. That idea set her at ease.

  "Alright, then I will leave its presentation to you," Ruena informed him, "I suppose I should get changed as well."

  As she was about to leave, Leopold stood in her way. "My lady, are you truly going to Valen alone with this strange man?" he demanded, looking a bit desperate, "I must recommend against it. What if people find out? What if you are in danger?"

  "Leopold, I know that you are trying to fulfill your duties as a noble butler, but this is none of your business," Ruena snapped, "Soral has been my partner for nine years. I will not cast him aside just because I came home. Besides, there is no one better to have by my side to protect me."

  "And I will be going as well," Taiga added, reminding Leopold of her presence.

  "My lady, you have not just returned home, you have returned to the public eye. I am only concerned that they will use this opportunity to drag you down," Leopold pressed. It didn't seem like he was going to back down.

  "Then let them try. I have no intention of bending to their whims and hiding like a coward," Ruena told him, "Besides, there is no scandal for them to defame me with. Soral is and always has been the man I am going to marry."

  Soral's eyes widened for a moment before he started beaming. "Of course! And I have a plan to show all of Althaedor that no one else is worthy to stand by your side."

  Sensing the strength of their determination, Leopold had no choice but to give up. He stepped aside and called the appropriate servants to help Ruena change into her new clothes. Ruena was glad that Leopold was willing to speak his mind, but she couldn't afford to trust him completely yet.