27 The least

By the time Gabriel arrived at the lofty restaurant in the center of town, he was blinking between sleep and consciousness. Vaguely, he registered the regret from taking yet another extra dose of his newly prescribed medication for the vicious waves of migraines that refused to relent throughout the day. If someone were to ask him about what he'd done during the day, Gabriel was horrified to realize that he wouldn't really know how to answer.

That wasn't important, he reminded himself, as he made his way through the restaurant lobby, following the hostess to the privacy of hidden VIP rooms behind the establishment's main hall. There, the young prince Kaighle bounced up from his seat with a bright vibrant smile to greet him, "Oh I'm so happy you made it!"

"Apologies for the lateness," Gabriel tried as he could to will the tiredness away as he took his seat from across the prince. These arrangements weren't frequent between the two of them, which reflected in the excitement that Kaighle was exuding. Gabriel sighed internally.

"That's fine, Gabriel! I understand you're mighty busy with affairs lately… I heard about the recent case, it is rather alarming."

He nodded, "Yes, but at least the public is becoming wearier and less ignorant."

The prince chuckled, "I'm glad that you're able to see some sort of positive in these grim times."

There was a knock on the door, a lovely fragrance followed as an astounding appetizer was placed before them. "I took the liberty of ordering. I hope that they will suit your tastes."

"I trust in your decisions." Gabriel nodded as he looked down, Kaighle obviously had pandered his to tastes, choosing some sort of elevated fine dining mashed potato dish instead of the usual, popular salad appetizer favored by the Edenean upper class.

While the fragrance would be mouthwatering on a normal day, Gabriel found that he had little appetite. Still, he made a show of eating and complimenting the dish of its complex and sophisticated flavors. It was enough to please His Highness.

As per usual, Gabriel fell into the usual steps, first beginning with pointless small talk and pleasantries. He found them difficult to focus on, and couldn't really muster the usual false smile to ease the prince's nerves.

The minor change wasn't without notice, "Are you alright, Gabriel? You seem very tired."

Talk about pointing out the obvious. "Yes, work is tiring," he paused, remembering that his goal wasn't to goad or sneer at the prince, "but I take pride in what I do."

"I understand," Kaighle smiled, "but your health is important too. I pray that you may take care of yourself."

"I'm fine," his voice was a little harsher than intended, so quickly, he added, "Truly, I am gracious for your concern but I assure you, Your Highness, I have taken care of myself for all these years and will continue to do so. You needn't worry for me."

The lines of concern were still visible on Kaighle's face, so Gabriel decided to continue before the prince could respond, "The Annual Silver Charity Event is coming up."

The prince blinked, perhaps a little stunned at the sudden change in subject, "Oh, yes, so I've heard." He frowned, perhaps unsure about the direction of Gabriel's thoughts.

"I remember that you were ill last year," It had been an excuse, but Gabriel had pretended to buy it, "But fortunately this year, you are in good health to participate."

"Uh," The young prince blinked, clearly flustered about the topic, eyes darting sideways, "I'm not so sure if I should go…"

Gabriel knew that his proposal would be met with resistance. And while he was confident he could talk the prince out of his folly, he still couldn't stop the surge of annoyance that shot through his veins, "Your Highness. There's no way things will go so badly. They will cut out any parts that might reflect badly on you to the public."

Kaighle fidgeted with his food, "I'm not so sure about that…" his voice stuttered.

"And why is that?" Gabriel asked, trying to reel in his impatience.

"Well, I'm just, never really sure what to do with the media you know? I don't know. Don't you feel that Aryon has always been better than me at that kind of thing?"

Gabriel grit his teeth, "That is no excuse." His tone turned blunter.

"I understand, however it's just very…"

"Your Highness."

"I don't really feel comfortable under the spotlight, I just don't think it's possible for someone like me."

"Your Highness!" Gabriel finally snapped, his hand coming down on the table. Kaighle squeaked, jumping in his seat. "Have you ever thought, for a moment, about why your reputation is lacking?"

Kaighle stared at him, frozen like a deer caught in headlights. A cold silence washed over the pair.

Gabriel took in a breathe. "Forgive me. I…"

"No, no I understand…"

Another pause. "If you'll excuse me."

"Gabriel!" the prince called but made no move to stop the High Paladin from an early exit.

He'll make it up to the prince at some point, he quietly vowed. But it wasn't going to be then, not with fatigue throbbing against his skull and his thoughts swirling in chaos. There was a time when Frode would chide at him for having such a short temper and Gabriel would find it funny those words would come from him of all people.

The drive home was a blur and Gabriel was tripping over misplaced items when he arrived home. He didn't make it out of his suit when he collapsed upon his bed. Hopefully, when he woke he will find the patience in himself to deal with prince Kaighle once more.

"Stay put and behave," Gabriel ordered Clovis as he would a dog, glaring in warning while he internally debated if this brat would actually obey properly.

Several days later, the fog in his mind had cleared up a bit, arriving at his job with more energy and vigor. He was at the set for the filming of the Annual Silver Charity event. Clovis smiled in a way that didn't particularly put Gabriel at ease, eyes glued on the small paper bag tucked away under the High Paladin's arm. The logo on the front was from one of the most renowned and expensive bakeries in all of Edenea. "Are you going to someone special behind the scenes? I'm a little jealous, sir."

Gabriel only narrowed his gaze, to which the younger knight was quick to put his hands up in surrender with a chuckle without a hint of fear nor concern, "Don't you worry, Boss."

He worried, but he still had no choice but to leave things in Clovis's hands for now. Slowly, Gabriel made his retreat from the location where the main set was being constructed. The dressing rooms were located on the floor below the main studio, where wiry hallways were littered with personal rooms that catered to individual pampered and self-important stars.

Finding the room that was labeled with a familiar name, he knocked before entering. Inside, Prince Kaighle was seated in front of a wide mirror and bright lights. Makeup artists fluttered around the room, prodding his face and hair all at once.

"Oh, hello!" Kaighle bounced in his seat, earning a scolding noise from the woman painting foundation under his eyes. He smiled apologetically at him before turning his attention back to the reflection in the mirror, "Gabriel, you came."

"Good morning, your Highness," he greeted with a nod. After a night with more rest than he had in the past week combined, he was feeling a little better. With a clearer conscious and patience renewed, Gabriel understood what it was he had to do. "I brought you something," he said with a smile.

"Is that what I think it is?" A lively glow lit up upon Kaighle's youthful visage, instantly excited to see the bag nestled in Gabriel's hand.

"A peace offering." Gabriel navigated around the scowling man brushing down the prince's golden locks.

Inside the paper bag was a small selection of Kaighle's favorites, little frosted cakes and delicate looking pastries. He squealed in delight, "Mighty thanks for this treat, Gabriel. I will savor this kindness." The smile he gave the High Paladin was almost blinding.

Gabriel nodded, "I simply wished to extend my apologies to His Highness. My behavior was very inappropriate at our last meeting."

Some of the makeup artists stole small, curious glances at the two but remained hidden behind a veil of professionalism.

Prince Kaighle shook his head, "I forgive you. You really didn't have to go out your way for me like this."

The makeup artist made the final dot upon Kaighle's face and stepped aside, "Please stay here Your Highness," her voice was soft but rather strict, "The stylist will soon come with the rest of your outfit."

Kaighle took the opportunity to scrutinize his refined appearance in the mirror. Of course it was hardly the first time he'd had his appearance touched up and fixed for a media appearance. But the young prince could never get used his appearance after his imperfections were cleverly hidden, lines of his face defined by painted shadows. He looked like himself and at the same time he didn't. With the usual flare of insecurity bubbling within, Kaighle couldn't help but ask his most trusted friend, "Do I look alright?"

Gabriel blinked, stealing a glance at both Kaighle's profile and then his visage the shining mirror. The makeup was a little heavy if he were to be honest and Gabriel preferred the more gentle appearance of a barefaced prince. "You look just fine," was what he said instead. "You ought to have more confidence in yourself."

The unease in Kaighle's face instantly melted into a glowing smile, "Of course, I will do my utmost. With Gabriel supporting me, it's only the least I can do."

Gabriel nodded in approval. At that moment the stylist made his appearance, shoving a heavy set of cloths onto the young prince. Gabriel excused himself and made his way back to the main set. 福