Adjusting to the New World

An awkward silence filled the once noise filled room and everyone turned to them walking in.

"Well, the graceful Kendell joins us once again."

"What's this about father?" Syndel asked.

"Now on to serious matters. This is about the neighboring countries. They talked of a possible alliance. There's an assembly in the coming weeks and I want you to accompany me. So, you can see firsthand how managing a country goes." He spoke.

"Very well, I'd be honored to accompany you to the meeting, as long as Kendell can come along."

"Why yes of course, it would be most appropriate if Kendell joined us."

"Kendell would need citizenship though, Adrenis. Could you get that sorted out?"

"Yes, I shall m'lady."

"Would it be a far-fetched request, if you initiated me as Syndel's personal knight?" Kendell asked, kneeling before the king.

"Not far-fetched at all, Syndel, is this what you want?" King Ianbellis asked her.

All eyes shifted towards her, she felt a butterfly like sensation in her lower gut despite the lingering pain.

"Yes, that's what I want."

"Very well. With this, do you solemnly swear your loyalty to my dear Syndel no matter what, through sickness and or health?"

"I do."

King Ianbellis initiated him as those in attendance clapped.

The country of Ianbal recognized Kendell as Syndel's personal knight and granted him citizenship.

As the weeks pass getting Kendell situated in the kingdom, the day of the meeting is slowly approaching. Syndel and Kendell become closer after talking more about each other's lives and develop a deeply intimate relationship. The two would go onto work on their swordsmanship and magic before preparing to leave.

Kendell's magic affinity came back blank which has many possible reasons. One of the most common reasons is they can use just about any affinity of magic.

It's now a couple of days before the meeting, they began getting prepared to leave. The kingdom was very busy today, but everything closed until they departed. Kendell could feel his body becoming hot for some odd reason, but didn't think much of it. The sun shined especially bright today, as it marked the start of a brand-new season.

"Our next destination is the kingdom of Matiy." Adrenis said.

"Syndel, Sir Kendell and Adrenis, you'll be riding in the third carriage."

Syndel had her advisor and attendant by her side with her honorary guard.

The carriages took off and left for Matiy.

Matiy is located North of Tuteni, sitting near the twin serpent rivers. Twin-Serpent is a network of cities that run along the riverbanks as places of commerce take place.

They've been travelling for about 4 hours now, and they made it to the borderlands of Tuteni. But before they could enter the town, they were stopped.

"State your business." Said a guard.

"I'd like to be granted access to pass. We're trying to get to Matiy for the allied nations meeting. I am King Ianbellis of the Ianbal Kingdom. I'm sure you know of it. Just south of here." The king said.

"I'll have to check with my king on this matter. Wait a moment please." The soldier bowed before walking off.

A few moments later, the king came with his knight and a few guards.

"So, you're the infamous King Ianbal. I've heard nasty things about you elf lovers, but to get passage through here; it'll be seven-hundred gold pieces." Said King Musal.

"What!? You're clearly outrageous! Seven-hundred gold pieces my ass!" He said angrily.

"What's going on up there?" Syndel asked before she hopped out the carriage.

"Wait for me!" Kendell said as he hopped out with her.

"What's going on?" Syndel asked.

"Seven-hundred gold pieces to pass." He spoke.

"I have people in Cedrus who have gotten through for way less, what is the meaning of this!?" The king asked in frustration.

"I happen to know them... You not so much. But let's say you give me a crack at your daughter, and I'll let you pass free of charge." He spoke, grinning in such a grim way.

Everyone paused in silence to what he said, Musal stood grinning like a fool, opened his mouth once again. Kendell walked up in between King Ianbellis and Musal.

"Oh? Nothing to say now!? You can come back into my castle and-"

Kendell slapped the man, and he fell to the ground. His knights scrambled to get him off the ground. King Ianbellis gasped, Adrenis looked on amazed.

"You insolent bastard! How dare you put your hands on a king!? I should have your fucking head for putting your hands on me! I don't know who you are, but clearly you don't know how this works. You're trying to get through my toll to go through my kingdom! I don't have to let you-"

At that moment, the air began to thicken, and it became hot, Syndel; approached Kendell from behind and looked at the King.

"You don't want to make the Ianbal Kingdom your enemy... Take it, it's all there." Kendell said. He tossed over the bag of gold pieces.

"Kendell I-" She began to speak.

King Ianbal stood speechless.

One of the guards grabbed the bag and could feel the weight of seven hundred. He looked at the king and nodded.

"Good for nothing, ugh. Don't stay too long." He said, looking down at his hand to see his lip began bleeding.

The air began to thin and go back to normal.

They were granted passage, and nobody had to die. Adrenis got into the carriage with the king to discuss things about Kendell.

"Kendell, what was that?" Syndel asked.

"I handled it the way I would. Besides, seven hundred measly gold? That's fodder. Besides, who does he think he is to speak about me like that... Especially in front of my father. I should have killed him." He spoke.

"I suppose so. But your father, what will he think?" She asked.

"Honestly, I'm sure he'll like you a lot more now." He retorted.

They stopped for the night and camped out.

Syndel and Kendell shared a tent.

"So, we'll probably be at Matiy first thing in the morning, but I don't know if that king will just let us be for now. I honestly wanted to kill him right there. But if I do come to power, and he's still alive... I'm going to kill him." Kendell said.

Syndel looked at him with concern. She caressed his cheek as they laid together, the sounds of insects chirping could be heard in the distance.

"You just said that with a straight face." She spoke.

"I meant every word as I am inside of you." Kendell replied.

"I'll support you no matter what you decide."

"We should get some rest. Go to sleep first, and I'll wake you up in a few hours." Kendell said.

Syndel fell asleep while Kendell stayed up, but Kendell could feel something inside of him fluctuating with his emotions whenever he got angry. He ended up stripping to his undergarments and laid under Syndel up until the sun began to rise.

"Time to roll out!" One of the guards called out, it was only shortly after dawn. They packed up and headed back onto the road toward Matiy, they got there kind of early.