11.

Elai's POV

The sun listens to me, Connie suddenly opening his mouth. “I bet it’s Jara! You have the attitude.”
“Yes!” I simply reply to Connie, trying to ignore the suspicion that crawls onto Arlon’s face.
“Jara? I’ve been there a couple weeks ago but I do not recall seeing you.”
“I was out hunting when you came. I remember that day.” Just keep the act up, Elai. It is all you can do, no matter how fake it sounds. They do not have proof of you being a prince, not until Chay decides to spill my secret. “Ah, you’re one of their hunters, too? Sounds to me like you’ve got a lot of skills. Do you possess an ability?” I am lucky to be different than any Lylenian in this moment. For the first time in my life, it does not feel like a curse. I can be a Death Gazer here in Turi.
“Yes. The moon has luckily blessed me with that, as well.” It makes me seem like a spoiled kid. A favorite of the moon. But I do not care; I am proud of my curse in this moment.
“So, a raider, a hunter and blessed with the Death Gaze. The moon must love you.” Arlon’s words sound like he despises me for it, but when I look at him, he’s rather impressed. He’s bobbing his head, steak still on his fork. “You should show me what you can do someday.” It is all because he wants to know my secret. It is all because he knows I am hiding something. It traps me; I cannot say no.
“I eh- I never got to learn how to use it.” I do not know if that is crazy. I do not know if I am supposed to know how to use it simply because I’m from Turi.
Connie is the first to gasp. “Really?! How?” He is genuinely interested, luckily. I take a moment to think of my answer as the three friends eat on. Cesilia has her eyes on me, always. I wonder if the twins are Death Gazers, too. I wonder if they were blessed. It wouldn’t surprise me.
“My parents didn’t approve it. I do not know why.” I decide to keep it as close to the truth as I possibly can. I am sure there are parents out there that are scared their children might hurt themselves, or something like that.
“We can teach you, if you’d like! Cesilia and I are professionals-“
“I will teach him.” Arlon cuts Connie’s excitement short. I do not look at the king, but I can feel he is staring at me. Just like Cesilia. Am I that obvious in my lies? Do they really see right through me?
“Arlon- last time I checked you were a fire bender. How do you want to teach someone how to use their Death Gaze when you don’t have one yourself-“ Connie has got a point, but it won’t sway Arlon. He scoffs.
“Cores work the same. I can easily teach him.” I don’t want to be, but I am happy. I am going to learn how to use my ability without any restraints. Without a time limit.
“Make it a bet and I will stop whining.” Connie puts on a devious grin when he looks over at the king. I like to be able to witness that it is different in other kingdoms. It is nice to know I can drop my beliefs of everyone being the same bastards with high titles and a filthy mouth.
“If I’m not able to teach him, I will call you Commander the rest of the battles we fight together.”
Connie chooses to be bold, and I kind of like him for it. “Do I have to address you as His Majesty?”
“No.” But, unexpectedly, Arlon shakes his head. He does not seem to care even one bit about his position when he’s with his friends. It makes me smile.
“I will anyways. I don’t want my unit to think they can do the same.” Connie is fond of his friend. If I had an opportunity to call the king whatever I wanted, I would. Although, I suppose I already do. Makuyi. Moonlight. Or was that my only shot at calling him that? Now that I’m watching him be the way he is around his friends, I do not think he is one to get mad at nicknames.
“By all means, I will continue to call you a dickhead.” Cesilia’s remark almost makes me choke on my food. I guess I could’ve expected it from her, but it still startles me. Arlon and Connie laugh and shake their heads. I suppose it is fine. Everything seems fine.

“It was very nice, thank you.” I bow down to the king, my eyes focused on the black marble below our feet. He puts his hand on my shoulder as a way of allowing me to stand straight again. The touch is soft and warm. I wonder if he always has such warm hands. Not that I care.
“Am I allowed to visit Chay tonight? Connie told me he had to ask you, but there was no time.” I don’t feel the necessity to put on the attitude I had towards him. Not now. Not after this dinner. “I can’t let you leave the castle, Chasores.” So the sunshine nickname is permanent? Ironic.
“Connie said he’ll go with me! There’s nothing to worry about, it’s not as if I could fight him off!” I should’ve used my attitude. He is different now that his friends aren’t with him. “It is all out of precaution. I won’t let you leave until I can trust you.” Arlon is right, of course. He knows something is off about me and it makes it reasonable that he does not want me out of the castle. It still pisses me off, though. Connie seems like a strong man; he’d knock me out if I tried something. “How can I make you trust me, then? Just tell me and I will do it.” I didn't know what those words meant back then.
“Stop having secrets, perhaps.” Arlon is sharp as a knife. I can’t fake anything without him noticing, which means he’ll only trust me once he knows who I truly am. But then it’ll be too late. Then he will kill me. I let out a deep sigh; I’m in a web of my own lies and I can’t get out. Not unless I drop the words right here, right now. I am prince Elai Amias of Lyle. I was exiled by my father and send on a quest to kill the warlord. Only then I will be allowed back into my own kingdom. The words play in the back of my mind, but they do not leave my mouth. I can’t say it. I can’t do anything but nod. “I will wait until he visits me, then.” It is a stupid answer to give to what he had said; I confirm that I have secrets. But I do not care. I am too tired to continue and try to make him believe my act. To try and get him on my side.
“Good choice.” The words are harsh and spoken through gritted teeth. His cheeky aura had disappeared, his eyes seem darker too. I frown up at him. He is tall enough to make my neck hurt if I look at him any longer. He looks back with no expression on his face. I think it is time for me to leave.
I turn around without saying my goodbyes. This is enough for now.