[littl3chocobo]

saying nothing to that he continued to rub his fingers against ree's head. it was true that it was hard for him to make the effort but it did not mean he was unwilling and he already knew that they each fed off the happiness of the other even though he did his best not to think about why it was so. feeling the other move against him again he pulled himself from his thoughts and let his eyes fall on the page ree found for him before starting to read

[Poggio]

He wasn't sure how long he had been listening to Kais voice but soon he drifted asleep. His dream made the far off places he would never see, real. Ree was brought out of his sleep by yet another knock on the door.

[littl3chocobo]

he was content in the story the ledger told as well as the repetition of running his hand over ree's scalp when there came a knock and the illusion of peace was shattered. halting in his reading he looked to the door even as ree shifted upwards into a sitting position

[Poggio]

It was the same page from before carrying yet another tray. This time it held two papers. The boy quickly mumbled since the prince had taken up residence in Rees room, he was delivering notes here as well. Ree took the tray watching the young boy scamper away and closed his door. Once bore the seal of the Maialynn the other that of the Roux.

[littl3chocobo]

he recognized both seals right away and breaking the captain's first he found his ship leaving on a commission with no hope of returning before at least a week had passed even with good weather. the second one was just as sour though on a different note. the lady roux wanted to see him

[Poggio]

Ree sat on the edge of the bed, feeling a twinge of anger at the name Roux. He closed his eyes knowing the other had to go and see her. "Would you like me to come with you?"

[littl3chocobo]

he let his eyes flicker from the words to the boy across from him. "if you go you must watch me act familiar with the woman i must take as my wife. could you manage to see me act as if i were with you with anyone else? especially given what you know about how little i enjoy being touched in such a way?"

[Poggio]

Shifting uncomfortably Ree thought to lie but he could not. "No... but I am your body guard. Will you be safe?"

[littl3chocobo]

this time he sneered before letting the look fall. it was not for ree, "i will not risk bloodshed or bruising but i hardly call an engagement call 'safe'. i will be fine but not pleased." he sighed unhappily. "ree, will you do me a favor and hit me in the ankle? it has to be just hard enough to leave a bruise or a bit of swelling"

[Poggio]

He moved away from the bed shaking his head in a firm no. It was one thing for him to be hit but he could not hit Kais, not after he had already hurt the other so much. "Kais, I can not, I can touch you with magic and make you ill but I can not purposefully hurt you."

[littl3chocobo]

"ree, ill can be faked, a mark is irrefutable, it would save me from my wife-to-be for t least another day and explain my inability to walk. nothing else will do and if you must i can let you salve and bandage it yourself." pulling aside the blanket he bared a leg. "ree, it is an order"

[Poggio]

Taking a hesitant breath he moved away from the ankle. He balled his fingers into a tight fist and tested his aim before drawing back for the forceful blow. Closing his eyes he struck the ankle with most of his strength. He drew back quickly and opened his eyes to see silent teas falling from Kais eyes. His brows contorted in worry seeing his mark blossom over the pale skin. "Kais... " He looked around his room to find his medicine and a bandage.

[littl3chocobo]

he gritted his teeth as he saw ree pull back and the pain of it did not let down his expectations though he did not let ree put anything on the reddening spot. "n-not y-y-yet. l-led'it bruise"

[Poggio]

Ree held his breath looking away from the spot. "Just tell me when I can do it Kais." He waited as long as Kais would allowed it and once given the command he quickly administered the cream and bandage.

[littl3chocobo]

he did not let ree touch his foot until it was starting to turn a dark purple and even then he called in a guard first to look at his ankle and have a note sent in reply that he turned it that morning and would not be able to come. when the man had left ree was allowed to bandage him up and he was free for at least another day

[Poggio]

A horrible forbearance fell over Ree as he sank back into the bed beside Kais. "Kais are you sure that was wise? You cannot keep hurting yourself each time she summons you. What if here is some news about your child?"