Just like that, they were seen out past the inner gardens of the palace to individual quarters. Yet it took Bazil less than a few minutes to appear at hers, seemingly bothered.
She welcomed him, still nibbling on the extra plate of jam biscuits that was placed in her room.
She poured him a glass of mango juice, but he just held it, shaking his head. Eventually, he spoke.
"Do you not tire from being subject to such flirtations?"
"I've long grown used to such things. Prince Naca had always been quite polite in comparison to the vulgar ways I've been addressed by some brutes. Also, he's always been sweet to me," she said.
"You know I spent the rest of my years mostly bound to Salazā, so mother and Magi Inio would encourage me to maintain correspondence with those I met on the Noblas Veiros.
They said they might prove to worthy friends and allies long into my older years when it's my time to rule."
Bazil let the silence stretch, and so she explained further.
"Ever since we were young, he's visited Salazā plenty with his family, and they've always gotten along with mine.
And he's always mentioned my letters. I didn't even know they touched him so deeply, but he always remembered things from them, even things we spoke about years ago.
So shouldn't I be honored by him over dismissive?"
She paused.
"Oggl is the land most lands pass on the way to us. The Ogglans have always been in support of Salazā, and slighting him would not only grant personal offence but could very well be the difference between that letter of petition being signed and sent now and it being delayed another year. Don't you think?
To this, Bazil lowered his head and said, "Forgive me, Līa."
"There's nothing to forgive, Bazil. I understand you are my guardian and shield wherever I cannot. Though that does not mean I'm entirely defenseless."
"I know. Father always said you're cunning beyond disputability. Not that he needed to tell me that.
He said, in turn, I am sometimes too blunt, especially in matters that could benefit from subtlety.
I admit I'm not as politically advanced as my father, but I'll be sure to polish up by the end of the trip."
She smiled.
Bazil, you're already perfect as is.
A cooing sound swept through with a breeze, as did a fluttering bird.
"Hawking!" Salīa lit up and nuzzled. "Where have you been?"
The beautiful bird just nuzzled back into her neck.
She whispered many apologies for her behavior the last time she saw him and even spoke to him about everything that had happened since, as if he were her closest friend…all while he ate her mango pieces.
He would occasionally sing in response and nod along. She stroked against his shimmery feathers, unable to stop smiling.
"You'll love it here. You see, this room even has those two small trees with connecting branches and—"
He swooped up and dove as she pointed.
Bazil's instinct kicked in to guard her from accidentally being struck by his talons, and so he too jumped without thought.
By then, Hawking had already been nestling upon a branch. Yet Bazil was still hovering over her. He faced her, making both aware of how close they were, yet neither moved back.
"Princess Salīa, are you awake—"
Prince Naca had walked in.
His eyes instantly went to her, lying back against the wall on her bed, and then to Bazil, who looked as if he were about to do questionable things to her on that bed.
He then sighed until Bazil sat back. Hawking flew again, first to Prince Naca, who greeted him in a bird call, then to Salīa's shoulders.
"Apologies for barging in. The door was slightly open, so I worried. But of course, there was no need to with your personal guard being so devoted to his duty."
Bazil lowered his head.
"He certainly is," Salīa agreed proudly. "Hawking has never had his claws blunted, and he's a spontaneous flyer of note, so I appreciate all of Commander Guardian Bazilani's efforts to protect me."
Bazil instantly shot his head back up to see her wink at him.
"I see. Well, after all his efforts, he must be quite hungry.
Bazil's eyes narrowed.
"Come out to eat when you're ready. There are some outside who'll escort you."
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