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“That would be very nice, yes,” Ryn replied absently. He couldn’t remember the last time he had a real meal. It seemed so far off, considering he had been living off of stolen bread and whatever else people who pitied him would give out.
He bit back the urge to thank Arien again, considering he figured the man might have been tired of hearing the phrase.
(I feel like Rio would end up challenging the guard to a duel lmao)
Rio looked at the guard uninterested before walking back to the room. He sat on the bed and waved at the servants who came and presented the food. Dawn shrieked, scaring the youngest of them.
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The servants set the food down that was for Rio. It was a feast, for sure. The youngest servant waved back timidly, only to be shooed out the door by the older one. The kind still needed his food, after all. And Rio was welcome to join them if he wished.
Arien slipped off the bed, smiling a bit.
"Perfect." He smiled at the man as the servants came in, stepping over to help with set the food out on the table. Well, the one not covered in strategical maps. It was massive, more than enough to feed both of them. There wasn't as much variety as usual, but that's what happened during war. Now, there were local dishes galore, and plenty of those.
Rio's stomach grumbled at the mix of smells drifting towards him. He picked up a sweet meat and tossed it to Dawn before grabbing a fresh bread roll and some butter and scaring it down, that was majority of what his breakfast consisted of. There was a lot for himself to finish himself so he ate as much as he and dawn could before waiting for the servants to return so he could invite them to eat.
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Ryn looked at the food expectantly, swinging his legs over the side of the bed and adjusting his shirt back when it fell down. He looked up to Arien, awaiting the go-ahead or an invitation to sit down. As long as he was here, he wouldn’t risk possibly stepping out of line.
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The servants returned eventually, mostly with the intent of cleaning up. The youngest one glanced at Dawn, seeming to be preparing themselves for the bird shrieking again.
Arien looked up when the servants had left them to their food.
"You ready to eat?" He asked with a sweet smile. He pulled out a chair, motioning to it a bit. He pulled out a second chair next to it, sitting down himself.
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Ryn just nodded, hopping down from the bed and tentatively walking over. He dipped his head in thanks to the servants as they left, returning Arien’s smile with a tired one of his own. He took his seat, murmuring a small “Thank you” as he cradled his hands in his lap.
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"You're welcome!" Arien had perked up a bit, putting some food on a plate for himself. He started eating quietly, a silent invitation for Ryn to do the same. He paused a moment after a few bites, wiping his mouth.
"Is there anything in particular you like to eat? If it's not here, I'm sure I could ask the kitchen to make it for you next time."
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Ryn served himself as well, only taking a very small portion. He wasn’t sure his stomach could handle much more, considering he had trained himself to survive on a lot less.
He was about to dismiss the man’s proposition but faltered, considering the fact that he would have to shove in his opinion at some point in time. He might as well get comfortable with this lifestyle now.
“I’ve always wanted to try berry pastries,” he said, unable to keep the excitement from his words. He was a total sweet tooth, but hadn’t had the chance to indulge.
“But it’s alright, if you can’t make it. Don’t feel pressured to do so, please,” he added quickly, fiddling with the fork in his hand.
Rio gestured for them to sit and join him. As one would, they did protest his statement but he was insistent. He could see the youngest was still a bit afraid of Dawn so he called him over. Once the child came, he whistled for Dawn to come. "She won't bite unless you attack her. You don't seem like you would attack her." He smiled, rubbing her beak.
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Arien listened to Ryn with a quiet smile.
"We can definitely get you some!" He said, smiling brightly. He loved the excitement in Ryn's voice, hoping he could hear it more. He wanted Ryn to know this was his home too, now.
The child stared in wonder at the bird, giving a soft smile now.
"Oh! She's so pretty…"
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“Really?” Ryn asked, eyes lighting up. He didn’t know why he felt surprised. Of course they could do that for him. It seemed these people could do anything.
“If it’s any trouble, you don’t have to,” he said, glancing back down to his plate.
Slowly, he took his first bite, mouth almost aching with how sweet it was. It was borderline hypersensitivity, Ryn unable to keep from giving a closed smile.
“The.. The food is wonderful, thank you,” he said, dipping his head.
"She is, he name is Dawn." He smiled. "Would you like to pet her?" He asked the child who nodded and reached out a hand. Rio grabbed his hand and helped him pet her head. She let out an almost cult-like purr in response.
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"It's no trouble at all!" Arien smiled continuing to eat. He grinned softly.
"I'm glad you like it. I was worried there wouldn't be anything here you would like." Arien looked at Ryn, setting his fork down a moment.
The child gently pet Dawn, smiling brightly.
"Thank you, sir!" He giggled a little, staying still as he continued to give the bird affection.
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“It’s quite hard to find things I dislike,” Ryn replied, stomach practically aching for more. He obliged, eating only a slight bit more before putting his fork down, pacing himself. He knew he’d feel sick if he ate too much more.
“And, even so, this is more than just good,” he continued.
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Arien nodded.
"I know," he said with a small grin. "The cooks are very good. And even so, I think it would be nice if I could offer you foods you'll love, not just like." He smiled sweetly, a light blush on his face. He wanted the best for Ryn; he'd obviously gone so long without a good, stable life, and Arien wanted to give him that.
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“You’re too nice to me,” Ryn said, shaking his head with a smile. Along with the statement, his voice held some truth. Not that he didn’t feel he was undeserving, just didn’t belong. But he’d get there— or at least try his best to get there. It would be normal enough soon, he hoped.
“So, what are we doing today?” he asked, trying his best to sound casual. He wasn’t exactly sure what a ‘concubine’ did other than… ‘serve’ the king.
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Arien gave Ryn a soft anime at his first statement. He was just doing his best.
"Today? I have a strategy meeting with my advisors. I… Was wondering if you would want to come? I'll be asking Rio to come to. It would be nice to have people there that are actually on my side."
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“Oh, I’d love to accompany you,” Ryn nodded, both trying and failing to mask his enthusiasm. “And.. support you however I can. Although, like I said before, I’m not sure I’d be the best at tactics.”
Or.. would he? Ryn had done extremely good at all staying alive, rationing, and defending himself. Maybe he wasn’t as useless as he thought he’d be, but he wasn’t sure.
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"Wonderful!" Arien didn't try to hide his enthusiasm with Ryn's decision. "You just being there will give me great support. I'm so glad you'll come with me!" He grinned his infatuating grin, the one he never used in court. A real one.
(Idk what to do with Rio lmao)
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(hmmmm… Go in the room with Ryn and Arien?)
(He'll come in like 'what up bitches")
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(XD)
Rio was bored in his room once the servants left. He had gotten dressed, but the asshole guard outside refused to let him leave. He knew he could easily take h, but he didn't want to make enemies on his first day here but that would be inevitable if he continued what he was doing. Bored out of his mind, Rio decided to see what Ryn and the king were up to, praying he didn't stumble in something he didn't want to see this early on.
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Arien looked up when he heard the door open that connected the two rooms.
"Ah, good morning Rio!" Arien said. "Did you enjoy breakfast?"
Giving silent thanks to the Gods that they were decent, Rio let out a soft smile. "Yes your majesty, it was finer than anything I've ever had." Rio came and sat down at a chair near the war table, studying the placements of the warships and troops.
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Ryn got noticeably paler when Rio entered the room, nearly dropping his fork. He tried to compose himself once more, clearing his throat and sitting just slightly taller.
“G-Good morning, Rio,” he said, although it sounded much more like a question than he had intended. He kept his eyes on his plate, only glancing over for a moment.
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"There's a strategy meeting later today. Will you be joining us?" He finally noticed how shaken Ryn was. Arien looked away from Rio a moment, reaching one hand out to gently place on Ryn's. He moved his chair a bit closer to him, wanting to help him relax.
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(bump..?)
