Old Friends, Brief Days

Chapter 34 : Old Friends, Brief Days

The sun climbed above the horizon, its early light stretching across the ground and falling directly onto Rudravaan's face. He turned his head slowly to the side, avoiding the glare without opening his eyes.

A moment later, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the quiet.

"You really do sleep anywhere, don't you."

It was Lukas — standing over him with Henry at his side, looking down at the sleeping Rudravaan with an expression caught somewhere between amusement and disbelief.

Rudravaan stirred, pushing himself upright and wiping his eyes slowly. He glanced at the sky.

"It's morning already."

"Yeah," Lukas said.

"The nobles — what happened?"

"Party ended. They've all gone back." Lukas paused. "Zade too — he returned to the sect."

Rudravaan reached back and rubbed the back of his head.

"Actually," Lukas added, "there are a few nobles who want to speak with you."

Rudravaan glanced at him. "...Fine."

"Then go change your clothes and come back. I'll bring them to you." Lukas turned to Henry. "Boy — you want to come with me?"

Henry straightened. "Yes."

"Then let's go."

The two of them walked off, leaving Rudravaan alone. He turned and made his way back into the palace. The halls were quiet now — a stark contrast to the noise of the night before. He caught a glimpse of the empty banquet hall as he passed and let out a low groan.

A servant appeared at his side, bowing slightly. "Honored guest — please, allow me to show you the way."

He led Rudravaan through the corridor and into a well-appointed chamber, prepared for him to change.

Rudravaan returned to the garden, settled into a chair, and waited.

It wasn't long before Lukas appeared along the path, a small group of nobles walking behind him.

"These are the ones I mentioned," Lukas said.

"Yeah."

The nobles greeted him with measured composure. Rudravaan looked them over briefly, then leaned back.

"So. What do you want?"

A moment of hesitation passed through the group. Then one of them spoke. "We heard your kingdom is in need of support, Emperor. We hope we can be of help."

Rudravaan shifted his gaze to Lukas. "Did you tell them that?"

"No," Lukas said. "I didn't say anything."

"We heard it on our own," the noble said carefully. Then one among them stepped forward and bowed. He was composed, direct — the kind of man who chose his words with intention.

"Emperor. My name is Cassian. To be honest with you — we want to bring certain nobles down. Fellow nobles, yes. But we can no longer turn a blind eye to what they are doing. We have already been working alongside Emperor Lukas."

Rudravaan studied him for a moment. "Cassian."

"Yes, Emperor."

A faint smile crossed Rudravaan's face — rare enough that it gave the nobles pause.

"How would you like to be my finance manager?"

Cassian blinked. The composure he had carried cracked just slightly. "I — what? H-hold on — what are you—"

"I'm asking if you want to serve as my finance manager," Rudravaan said, unbothered. "Join me, and I'll back whatever it is you're after. You have my word."

Cassian turned and looked at Lukas. Lukas gave a single, quiet nod.

Cassian turned back — and knelt.

"From this day forward, I am yours to command, Emperor."

Rudravaan raised an eyebrow. "Is that really necessary?"

"I came here hoping to serve you," Cassian said, still kneeling. "When I heard your story from Emperor Lukas, I—"

Rudravaan's eyes slid slowly toward Lukas.

"I thought you said you didn't tell them anything."

Lukas looked away.

Rudravaan sighed. "Whatever he told you — don't believe it."

Lukas clicked his tongue. "You're still like this."

"You brat." Rudravaan's eyes narrowed. "I treat you well and this is how you repay me."

"Now, now — calm down," Lukas said, glancing to the side. "Can't you see you're scaring Henry?"

Rudravaan looked over. Henry had gone very still, eyes wide, doing his best to appear invisible.

Rudravaan rubbed the back of his head and stood from his chair. "If you're all done here, I'm leaving."

Lukas finished speaking with the nobles and sent them off, then made his way back into the palace with Cassian and Henry in tow. They found Rudravaan already in his room, flat on his back across the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Henry quietly took a seat in the corner. Cassian stood near the door.

Lukas leaned against the wall and looked at him. "So. What's your plan from here?"

"I'm returning to my kingdom."

Lukas frowned. "You've only been here a few days."

Rudravaan sat up. "You know I can't leave my people unattended for long." He paused. "And you know Morvyn's temper. If I'm late getting back, he'll kill me."

Lukas let out a short laugh. "...Yeah. You're not wrong."

A quiet moment settled between them — the kind that old friends let pass without filling.

"When the time comes, I'll return," Rudravaan said.

"I'll be here," Lukas replied.

Rudravaan rose from the bed and looked toward the door. "Cassian. Henry." His voice was calm but carried weight. "Prepare yourselves. We're leaving."

Outside, a carriage stood ready — arranged by Lukas, horses still and waiting in the morning quiet. Cassian and Henry loaded their belongings and climbed inside, settling into their seats.

Lukas and Rudravaan stood apart from the others for a moment, unhurried.

"With your strength," Lukas said, glancing at the carriage, "do you even need one of these?"

"Even I can't use my power recklessly," Rudravaan said.

Lukas said nothing to that. He simply nodded, the way a man nods when he already knew the answer.

Rudravaan stepped up and settled into the carriage. He looked out at Lukas once more.