Andarin awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. It was early and the rest of his family hadn't woken up yet. Indeed, the sun was barely risen. He sat up in his bed and rubbed his eyes, looking listlessly around his room. He looked out the window. The sun had just peeked over the horizon and sent a brilliant gold shafts on the houses and other buildings. None came through his window; it faced west. But he was alright with that. He wasn't big on having bright light shining in his eyes while he was still half asleep.

you and me both

He stood up and walked to the window. It was a clear day. That was good for traveling. He breathed in deeply. Maybe sunrises were better than he thought. It was rather nice being the only one up in the house, besides the servants, but their activities were silent, not wanting to disturb the noble family while they slumbered, so it felt like being the only one up. Maybe that was why Miryanna liked being up so early every day. She sure did it often.

He turned back to his room. It was cleaner than it ever was when he'd inhabited it. He went to his drawers to get some clothing. Everything was organized and tidy. He chose clothes that would be serviceable to him whilst on the road. He was to head back to Miryanna today. He dressed and checked over all his stuff, making sure he had everything, and that it was all in order. He thought about leaving right then and getting on with the trip, but he dismissed it just as quickly. His family would want to have some time with him, and he with them, before he left again. Goodness knew he had spent barely any time at all with them recently.

He looked out the window again. The city had started bustling and being the generally busy and noisy place it always was. His mother and father were probably awake by now, if not even Astlo, his younger brother.

He stepped outside onto the hallway and made his way to his father's study. His father usually liked to get some work done in the morning before breakfast. He knocked softly on the door.

..what kind of work does he do?

"Who is it?" His father's muffled voice came from inside.

"It's Andarin, father," He replied.

"Andarin, come in," His father's voice welcomed.

Andarin opened the door and entered. His father was sitting at his desk, going over different papers. "Andarin," He greeted, getting up from his desk and going to Andarin, "Good morning," He smiled.

what's on those papers? absolutely no idea

"Morning, father," Andarin smiled back.

"Come, sit down and talk," His father, lord Dohmnall, put a hand on his shoulder and guided him to a chair on the other side of his desk.

Andarin sat down and his father initiated the conversation. "So, what's on your mind, son?" He asked, sitting back down at his desk, and crossing his hands in front of him.

Andarin shrugged, "Well, I have to leave today,"

Lord Dohmnall nodded, "I figured it was so. Your mother will ask you to stay longer."

Andarin sighed, "And I'll have to refuse." The after a second, "Have you told her anything of what I told you yesterday?"

Lord Dohmnall shook his head, "She asked, of course, but I told her only that you had secret and urgent business with the Erglis. She again commented that your new occupation has stolen you from us," He added, a little mournfully.

alright the king is one thing, but why you keeping it a secret from his wife and your mom?

Andarin looked down at his hands in his lap, "I guess I see where she's coming from." he said thoughtfully.

His father was silent for a minute or two, but he wasn't looking at any of the many papers on his desk. His brow was furrowed, and he bit his bearded lip repeatedly, as if he wanted to say something, but the words wouldn't come.

bearded lips. a disturbing concept. bearded idk what that nether area between your upper lip and nose is called and chin, but that's a lot to type out