The Warlord's New Love

Moving Up In The World

He almost missed his que to move forward, being called before the daughter of the duchess, the order reversed due to her need to use the privy. Her tittering voice had begged for extra time to arrange herself afterwards, insisting that those present should know what she meant.

Palms sweating and heart beating out of his chest, he stepped forward, his instrument slung across his back, ready to open his mouth when the warlord spoke first.

“And you bard, have you any useful skills other than the many instrument I see behind you?”

“I am Lykaj, known as Kajge the youngest son of a baron in the land of Steepenholde, brought up to understand language, the written word, diplomacy, history, etiquette, science, and even a small amount of magic.” At this he snapped his fingers, calling a weak mage fire to his hands, a mark that he was not naturally talented, but had learned how to manipulate the elements to his needs anyways.

“I see, I do have work for you, Regis will see you situated.” With that the lord turned his face towards the next human, the duchess who had been so loud, dismissing her as she could offer nothing more than a pretty face and conversation.

Too many hoped to become a bed warmer and then the mother of his child, hoping that a place in his chambers would ensure them a piece of his wealth. He had tired after the first two he had taken to bed. Pretty and vapid, unwilling to understand his moods and even more unwilling to take on the actual role of a mother or teacher to his child, instead assuming she would be left to nannies and other carers, expressing their disgust freely in ways that made his teeth grit together. None that disrespected his daughter would be kept within his household and none that thought their talents in bed made them a good choice for his partner would be entertained. He would rather stay single than share power with someone who didn’t have the child’s best interest at heart.

The monthly receiving of tributes was something he would have preferred to have skipped, but it was necessary to keep the kingdom running well. Not only did we need the goods to train soldiers and support the workers that cared for them, but the nobles disliked being unable to petition their ruler. Unrest meant war, and he had already had enough of that to last a lifetime.

It took Regis about 15 minutes to come back to the throne room, having just left to escort someone else as Lykaj appeared. In that time he saw several more young women dismissed, a blacksmith brought into the castle in permanent employment, and witnessed more food than he thought existed brought in and out of the throne room. He was very happy when he was beckoned by the steward, his graying hair and light eyes making him seem almost ethereal.

Happy that he had managed to secure himself a position, Lykaj whistled under his breath as he followed the old steward down the hall, the angry cries of the duchess no longer reaching his ears. Splitting off into a series of rings, the hallways became smaller and smaller as they walked.

“The halls all have a strip of color coded paint at the height of the doorframes.” Regis finally spoke as they stopped before the 4th color - green. White is for admin, red for soldiers, blue for guests, green for specialized servants, yellow for general workers. You will reside in the green halls, your assignment will be revealed after you have settled in, but I am at liberty to say you have been assigned to one of the nobles.” Regis spoke gently and with a calm voice, his grey eyes piercing Lykaj to the core, this was someone who had seen the world and found it lacking, he would need to work hard to impress him.

“Certainly, am I assigned a specific bed in the dorms, or do we simply grab a bed at our leisure when we are released for the day?” He hoped for an assignment, something only the most senior servants in his father’s home got. Still, this was the palace. Perhaps it wasn’t too much to hope for?

“Dormitory?” Regis looked confused, Lykaj’s heart sinking quickly, did they even have beds? “I am afraid you misunderstand. All who live within the keep are assigned rooms, privacy and rest are important to his majesty.”

Lykaj almost didn’t control the happy sounds that threatened to leave his throat. What luxury, a full room to himself? He hadn’t even had that at home, sharing rooms with his brothers instead.

“Now, this is your key, this room here, 37, is yours for the time being. If you find it to not suit your needs, please talk to me. I will endeavor to find one that will be more to your liking. The baths are open at all hours, however, the soldiers tend to bathe in the early evenings. If you desire a less crowded experience, I suggest choosing a different time. Meals are put on 3 times a day. 6am, noon, and 6pm. Outside of that, you can make your own food in the kitchens. Any questions?”

Baths and as much food as he wanted? Lykaj couldn’t believe his ears. The Warlord was supposed to be mean and strict, a threat for misbehaved children and an unattainable prize for women. How was it that all his servants lived in such luxury?

“None sir, thank you.” He buckled slightly as an armful of linens and bed clothes was thrust into his arms from the floor.

“I shall let you get settled in then. Try not to be late for dinner. Your trunks should have gotten here before we did. Enjoy.“ Regis walked away before Lykaj could process what was going on. It was going to be a very long week.