Chapitre 17: Bold proposition

The night had settled over the palace, the stars twinkling in the sky like a thousand tiny lanterns. The courtyard bathed in the soft glow of the moon was quiet but for the hushed whispers of the guards who were on duty.

Captain Periwinkle made his way through the palace corridors. His red hair was a striking contrast to his orange eyes, The palace seal, a design of intertwined vines and blossoms, was decorated proudly on his left shoulder, marking him as the esteemed Captain of the Guards. It was a role he was proud of and loved to flaunt whenever he had the opportunity.

As he stepped outside, the cool evening air greeted him. A few moments earlier, Princess Alita had entered the palace, Periwinkle had not overheard her conversation with the guards, but he trusted his men implicitly. He expected them to relay any important information, yet none had approached him.

Surveying the grounds, his gaze fell upon a figure that stood out among the familiar faces of his guards. Bowen was unlike any of them, dressed not in the standard armor but in a simple yet sturdy garb. His presence was both commanding and unassuming, it intrigued Periwinkle.

Approaching Bowen, Periwinkle's curiosity got the better of him. "Who are you, and why are you standing here?" he demanded, his voice carrying the authority of his position.

Bowen met his gaze calmly. "I am Bowen. The princess asked me to stay with the guards," he replied, his tone respectful yet firm.

Periwinkle arched an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Did she?" He cast a questioning glance at the other guards, who nodded in unison, affirming Bowen's statement.

A flicker of intrigue sparked in Periwinkle's eyes as he studied Bowen more closely. He stroked his beard thoughtfully, wondering how the princess had come to know of such a man. Bowen was taller than the average fairy, with a physique that suggested years of rigorous training. His muscles were well-defined even though he was wearing clothes, and he carried himself with the confidence of a seasoned warrior. In fact, he was taller than Periwinkle himself, a rare sight among their kind.

"How is it that the princess knows you?" Periwinkle inquired, his tone softer but no less curious.

Bowen hesitated for a moment as if considering how much to reveal. "We met some time ago, during one of her excursions beyond the palace walls. I helped her through a treacherous path."

Periwinkle nodded slowly, absorbing this information. It was not unusual for Princess Alita to venture beyond the palace grounds, but it was rare for her to place her trust in someone outside the royal guard.

Periwinkle could sense there was more to Bowen's story, but he chose not to press further for the moment. He had learned long ago that patience often yielded more information than direct interrogation. "Very well," he said.

"If the princess ordered you to stay, it means she trusts you," Periwinkle said. "Are you employed?"

Bowen nearly laughed. He, who commanded thousands of workers, now found himself being asked about employment. He managed to keep a straight face. "No, I'm not."

"That's good," Periwinkle said, nodding. "Will you consider being a guard in the palace?"

Bowen pretended to ponder the offer. This was precisely what he wanted: a position close to the princess. But he couldn't make it too easy. After a few moments, he asked, "How much do I get paid?"

Periwinkle's eyes narrowed slightly. "You have the opportunity to serve the king, and all you think of is the payment? How greedy can you be!"

Bowen bowed his head slightly, a look of fake contrition on his face. "Forgive me, but serving the king alone will not buy medicine for my sick sister, who is being nursed by my mother, a widow."

Periwinkle's expression softened. He sighed, understanding the plight of a family in need. "Rest assured, your service will be well compensated."

Bowen nodded, then boldly stated, "Thirteen gold coins and twenty-three silver."

A gasp rippled through the assembled guards. Periwinkle was taken aback by the audacity of the young man's demand. "Are you here to rob the palace? Even my monthly due is not that much."

Bowen met Periwinkle's gaze steadily. "I am not here to rob the palace, Captain. I am here to ensure my family survives. I cannot serve the king with a distracted mind, worrying about my sister's health and my mother's well-being."

Periwinkle regarded Bowen thoughtfully. There was a sincerity in his eyes that could not be ignored. The captain knew that good guards were not easily found, and a man driven by such strong motives could be a valuable asset. Still, the demand was high, and such a decision was not his alone to make.

"I will discuss this with the king's advisors," Periwinkle finally said. "Until then, you may stay with the guards. Consider it a probationary period."

Bowen, unfazed, met his gaze with an unwavering calm. "I don't have time for that," Bowen said firmly. "Strike a bargain with me. I am not going to work based on mere words. Ordinary words are not going to feed me."

Periwinkle's eyes narrowed. "We will give you five gold and ten silver. That is all."

Bowen shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Eight gold and twenty-two silver."

Periwinkle considered this for a moment. "Ten gold and twenty silver."

Bowen sighed and shook his head again. "I am stronger, faster, and more lithe on my feet than anyone else. I do not think you want to lose someone like me over something as cheap as mere bargains." Noticing the thoughtful expression on Periwinkle's face, Bowen added, "I know if I go to other nobles, I will be paid more handsomely than what you are offering."

Periwinkle's eyes widened. "I hope you prove your worth because if I find out that you are just words and no action, I will have your head."

Bowen's thoughts turned darkly, a small smile appearing on his face. 'That is before I have yours staring at me from the ground as I stamp on it. How can a mere fairy threaten me?' he thought snarky.