Kaiden eagerly digs into his food, piling his plate high with rolls and fruits. He finds these items particularly pleasing to the taste, preferring their flavors over the other dishes laid out before them. He tries a few different foods, taking a single bite but finds them too bitter or excessively sweet.

  The assortment of breakfast foods in the palace was always somewhat strange to Kaiden, most or pretty much all of them not to his taste. Lunch or dinner or even snacks were more to his liking, meals having the most delicious taste and aromas. With his time in the palace with Loden and Wulfric, both warriors had taken note of his preferences since he left food on his plate that he didn’t enjoy and would make sure to bring his favorites on the tray for him in the morning so he would have enough to eat.

  Kaiden picks at his fruit, idly pushing it around on his plate as he steals glances at Brokenfang, who is eating his own meal slowly. Kaiden notices that most items on his plate consist of meat, with just a few rolls mixed in.

  Kaiden thinks to himself that Brokenfang must enjoy meat, given his appearance, though he quickly dismisses the thought, feeling that it's rude. He glances over at Loden, noticing that he is eating from a bowl, probably consuming the same runny grain oatmeal dish that Kaiden has witnessed him enjoying on previous mornings at the palace.

  Lost in his thoughts and his watchful gaze, Kaiden jolts involuntarily when the Emperor calls out, addressing him first by his title and then by his name. "Priestess," Regulus says, "Kaiden."

  “Please forgive me, your majesty," Kaiden requests politely. "I was a bit distracted. Could you repeat what you said?"

  “I understand. It's alright," the Emperor responds with understanding. "I just wanted to ask you if you found everything to your liking, the food.”

  Kaiden nods his head in agreement, saying with some hesitation and a slight tremble in his voice, “The food is indeed wonderful as always.” Although he feels a pang of guilt for not being completely truthful, he does his best to remain respectful and honest with the Emperor.

  The Emperor Regulus Aurelianus observes Kaiden intently, his gaze piercing. "I see," he notes, "I will have one of the cooks speak with you." He gestures towards Kaiden's plate with a loose finger. “Eating only fruit and rolls in the morning is not a suitable breakfast for the priestess to consume. You should be consuming something more substantial.”

  Kaiden's blue eyes widen at the Emperor's words, and he hurriedly waves his hands in front of him, trying to protest. "No, no, really. It's fine... I'm fine with this," he insists.

  The Emperor asserts himself, shaking his head and dismissing Kaiden's objections. "Don't be absurd," he says. "You need all your strength and energy for the journey ahead. The three of you will soon embark on a journey beyond the borders of the Empire in search of the next celestial warrior. You require nourishment to ensure you remain healthy and well."

  Kaiden glances at the Emperor, visibly puzzled by the discrepancy in the number. But before he can question it, Loden discreetly interjects, saying, "Your majesty, I don't mean to eavesdrop on your conversation... You said 'three' earlier. Shouldn't it be 'four' now, considering Brokenfang?"

  Kaiden nods in agreement with Loden, acknowledging the discrepancy in the count. Brokenfang lifts his head, wiping his mouth with his arm, while Wulfric remains quiet, his gaze lowered.

  The Emperor gazes at Loden, Kaiden, Brokenfang, and then at Wulfric, his thoughtfulness evident in his demeanor. He slowly lowers his head, almost as if wrestling with a complex thought, only to lift it again with new purpose.

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  Emperor Regulus Aurelianus speaks firmly, acknowledging, “There are indeed four of you now, three warriors and, of course, the priestess.” He pauses, taking a breath and then continues, “However, I will be sending only two warriors with the priestess on this next phase of the journey. Wulfric must remain here at the palace.”

  Kaiden leaps to his feet, taken aback by the Emperor's decision. Loden's head shakes, his hazel eyes filled with disapproval. Meanwhile, Wulfric stays quiet, his expression unreadable.

  Kaiden speaks up firmly, his voice filled with conviction. "We need Wulfric to help us search for the next warrior. We're a team. We need to stick together," he asserts.

  Brokenfang interjects, sensing the tension in the air. He addresses the Emperor, expressing his humility. "Your majesty, if my presence here is the reason for your decision, I will gladly return to my place of dwelling. I can return at a later time," he offers with sincerity.

  Kaiden shakes his head, protesting Brokenfang’s suggestion, "No, you are part of this team. We are friends. We stick together. The four of us have to travel..." Suddenly, Kaiden pauses, noticing Wulfric's expression as he lifts his head, revealing a solemn look on his face.

  Kaiden, noticing Wulfric’s serious demeanor, addresses him, "Wulfric." Wulfric stands, moving to stand beside the emperor. He speaks matter-of-factly, "It is my duty to protect the emperor and empress; I have to remain here. I have already risked their safety and the empire's by departing to assist the priestess," Wulfric says solemnly.

  The emperor nods in agreement, a small smile playing on his lips. "Wulfric is a celestial warrior, and he is the top general of the palace guard," he explains. His tone softens as he addresses Kaiden directly, "I have listened to what Wulfric has said about your friend. I believe he will be capable in the next phase of your journey."

  Kaiden, realizing that arguing is futile, nods in reluctant agreement. “Yes, your majesty,” he acquiesces.

  The Emperor smiles, gesturing toward the remaining food on their plates. "Let's finish our meals and continue our discussion after."

  Kaiden glances at the Emperor and Wulfric, then he lowers his head. His gaze falling onto his food and turns away, his appetite diminished. In a soft voice, he asks, "Could I be excused, your majesty? I’m still feeling tired from earlier today and would like to rest in my room.”

  Loden observes Kaiden with a mix of surprise and worry, while Brokenfang's senses detect that Kaiden's heart rate and breathing seem normal. There appears to be no reason for his sudden tiredness.

  Emperor Regulus Aurelianus nods in agreement, “Of course, Priestess, you may retire to your quarters. I will have a servant bring you a meal later, and a cook shall speak with you as well.”

  Kaiden gives a cursory bow before turning to leave the table. However, both Loden and Brokenfang swiftly push their chairs back, getting up before he can take more than a few steps away.

  Loden addresses the Emperor, giving a respectful bow, “Your majesty, if you would excuse us, as well. We should escort and guard the priestess."

  The Emperor acknowledges, granting permission. "You are excused as well. However, Loden, I would request that you come and speak with me later to discuss the events of yesterday. Is that clear?"

  Loden responds dutifully, “Yes, your majesty.” He then turns to join Kaiden, who had paused at the sound of the chairs moving.

  Brokenfang gazes at Loden and Kaiden before casting a final glance at the emperor and Wulfric. Respectfully, he bows to show his respect. After that, he moves to join Loden and Kaiden.

  As Brokenfang joins Kaiden and Loden sides, Kaiden begins moving towards the double doors. With his warriors by his side, the trio moves towards the exit. The servants stationed at the doors open them and stand back, respectfully, allowing the group to pass. With Loden and Brokenfang flanking him, Kaiden leads the way out of the room.

  Kaiden clenches his fists in frustration as he steps out of the banquet hall, feeling like his progress had been hindered. He felt as if he had made progress, only to be pushed back three times for every five steps he took.

  Kaiden walks silently with Loden and Brokenfang, the three of them not exchanging a word. Along their path back to Kaiden's room, they pass by a couple of servants, who still give them the same fearful and distant reactions. These encounters only intensify Kaiden's frustration with their situation in the palace.