>>6302974

Thinking that you needed some fresh air and maybe a need of washing your face, you pushed yourself up from the bed and threw a silken morning robe on you. Carefully pushing the bedroom door open to not wake up Nalice, you found that unnecessary.

“Prince Alric.” Nalice greeted you. “Can't sleep?”

“I need some fresh air… I need something stiff too.” You replied.

Nalice was reading a book she had taken off the bookshelf to pass time and she watched you walk past her to the alcohol cabin from where you found a bottle of whiskey.

“Want some?”

“I won't say no.”

You poured two glasses, making your a double that didn't stay unnoticed by Nalice. Giving her the glass, you walked to the balcony and opened the doors.

A warm sea breeze hit you, making your hair flutter in the wind as Nalice joined next to you.

“Thinking about Katrana?” Nalice asked.

“Her and everything yesterday.” You replied and sipped the whiskey. It was good stuff and it burned nicely within you. “I thought that we were genuine friends.”

“Lady Katrana doesn't have many friends. Just business acquaintances or political partners.” Nalice said to you. “You aren't the first one she has managed to push away.”

“Really?”

“And then she complains how busy she is to not be able to keep her relationships intact.” Nalice lamented. “But we all know that is just an excuse.”

That did sound like Katrana.

“She will realise soon enough her own mistakes, but will she be too proud to apologise?” Nalice said and continued. “I do not know.”

“We can hope.”

“Hope is the first step on a road to disappointment.” Nalice replied. “If you want her to apologise, you need to make her apologise. Lady Katrana enjoys getting pushed back, even if she doesn't say it. Makes the mountain bigger and harder to conquer.”

That definitely sounded like Katrana. But was Nalice giving you some lady advice on how to deal with her?

“Thank you Nalice.” You said.

“Lady Nalice, I enjoy the honourifics.” Nalice replied.

“Of course.” You said back and sipped the whiskey.

Silence followed the two of you as the breeze tickled your skin. The whiskey calmed your nerves and you felt a moment of calm. You felt like Nalice expected you to continue talking.


>What it's like being a dragon that can soar through the sky in a human form within a building. The contrast is mindboggling.
>How does a dragon choose what form to take? Like where does all the weight go?
>Why is she amongst humans? You feel like she enjoys this.
>What is with the other dragonkin, like Sir Cyrus for example?
>You don't remember Nalice telling you much about the Second War, did she participate in it?
>What sort of things does Nalice enjoy? Not flirting.
>What sort of things does Nalice enjoy? Definitely flirting.
>Other, write in.

>>6296186

“How have you been? Successful with your work?” You asked and kept it vague enough.

Nalice's face became quite stern before she answered.

“Some successes Prince Alric.” She said and was going to continue, but had a pause. “We should talk at some point.”

You felt that she didn't want to talk now and how her eyes looked past you, because of where you are now? Did Katrana and Nalice have issues?

“There's a dinner with Katrana and Malevus later today, will you join us?” You changed the subject and extended the invitation.

“Thank you, but I am busy.” She replied. There was something going on.

“I understand, then we should talk some time later in private.” You said to her.

She offered her hand to you and you shook it. Her hand was warm just like always and for a second you felt her reach into you.

“You have made me proud to be your teacher.” Nalice said and looked into your eyes. “I wish to witness your skills again one day.”

“Thank you Lady Nalice.”

“I must go, it was pleasant to see you again.” She replied and gave you a nod before walking away.

Something is going on here, you just don't know what. Maybe just something you shouldn't be worried about.

…

“How did the meeting with Lady Prestor go?” Gravis asked you outside when you walked to them.

“It was fine, dinner later tonight with her and Malevus.” You replied.

“A dinner? Well we should probably go fetch her from the Church then.” Gravis suggested. “Or have someone sent to her.”

“We have time, it is barely midday.” You said back to him.

“You are right. So Prince Alric, what now?” He asked.


Choose one:
>You need a new set of finer clothes, go visit that one clothier you visited last year.
>The Stonemason quarters were demolished, you want to see how everything looks there.
>Go and find Malevus personally. It wouldn't hurt to visit the Church.
>Other, write in

QM: You have time for one thing before the dinner.