Going back to the present. The same lady who visited and dragged Septh away from them a month ago is standing right in front of them.
"So who among you is Ki and who is Zephyr?" Ki stared at her in an unfriendly way. Zephyr, on the other hand, answered cheerfully, "I'm Zephyr and this is Ki. Don't mind him; he has this unfriendly vibe around him, but he's fun once you get to know him. By the way, do you have a boyfriend by any chance?"
The lady smiled but looked irritated. She then faced Ki, ignoring Zephyr. "Father wants to meet you both." She ordered the guards to set them free, and the guards opened the cell. "Follow me," the lady instructed.
Zephyr jumped out and followed her without any hesitation, while Ki cautiously stood up and stepped outside the cell. As they walked down the hallway, they were led into a room where several maids were waiting. Zephyr was amused by the sight of so many ladies standing there. The lady ordered the maids, and they began stripping Ki and Zephyr.
"What's happening?" Zephyr asked.
"You will be meeting the king, so you need to be cleaned and dressed up," the lady explained.
The maids bathed Ki and Zephyr and dressed them in formal attire. Ki wore a fitted, high-collared tunic made of deep navy blue silk, subtly embellished with intricate silver embroidery that hinted at his status without being overly flashy. His tailored trousers, a slightly lighter shade of blue, complemented the tunic perfectly. A simple yet elegant belt with an ornate buckle cinched his waist, and a dark silver-lined cloak draped over his shoulders. Polished leather boots, reaching just below his knees, completed his dignified ensemble.
In contrast, Zephyr donned a royal blue tunic adorned with noticeable gold embroidery that reflected his cheerful personality. His complementary trousers featured decorative stitching along the sides, adding to his flamboyant appearance. An elaborate belt with a buckle bearing an intricate design cinched his waist, and a light grey cloak with vibrant lining flowed behind him. His polished boots, accented with metal designs, added a final touch to his lively and outgoing look.
The lady returned when they were finished and led them into a candle-lit room. Septh was there, waiting in a green dress. She smiled as Zephyr rushed to hug her.
"Septh!! I was so worried about you. Being stuck with Ki is so boring," Zephyr exclaimed.
Septh tried to push him away gently. "Long time no see," she said quietly. Ki walked to a large window covered with curtains and peeked outside. It was already midnight, and the city shone with torchlight. The sky was beautifully clear.
The king entered the room, and everyone settled into their own chairs. Ki recognized him as the same man who had knocked him unconscious. The lady sat beside him. The maid who had been learning their language stood next to the king and introduced herself. "I'm Hannah Huffton. I serve the king as a librarian. I'll be your translator." She glanced at Septh, who smiled back at her.
The king spoke, and Hannah translated, "I am Richard de Vere. And this is my daughter," he said, pointing at the lady beside him. "Her name is Sophie de Vere."
Zephyr was glad to learn her name. The king continued, "Before we start our meeting, please allow me to apologize for how we treated our guests. And you, Ki," he stared at Ki, "I also apologize for not fighting fairly in our mock battle."
Ki responded, "It's okay. Please carry on."
The king's face became serious. "Let's get to the point, shall we?"