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It was a rather normal day for Cale when he visited the palace. Someone had guided him to the garden where Alberu and Zed were sitting waiting under a canopy of marble, with tea waiting to be served. Alberu was the first to notice him, sending a little wave that made Zed turn.
“Greetings to your majesty and his highness.” Cale said when he finally reached them. Putting his hand over his heart and giving a short bow.
“Enough of that Cale, how many times have i told you there's no need for that.” zed waved the formality off.
“I'll get scolded by my father if I don't.” Cale chuckled, taking a seat next to Alberu. Zed only smiled knowingly.
“Would you care for a cup of tea?” Zed asked as he motioned for a servant to start setting out the tea wear for them. Cale nodded. “How have your studies been lately?”
“They have been progressing, father finally found a suitable teacher.” Cale mentioned, Alberu was looking at him intently while he explained this.
“I see, last I heard your father was having a hard time looking for someone who could teach you. I'm glad he finally found someone suitable that will further your studies.” Zed smiled. Cale nodded, he wasn't fully used to how he was treated by the king in this life, especially how Alberu seemed to be such a shy child.
“Have you learned anything interesting?” Cale asked Alberu who flushed a bit before wringing his fingers together. It was cute that Alberu was such a shy child, he really did wonder when he had grown out of this phase.
“I, I started on the ancient powers that have been known throughout history.” Alberu stuttered a bit but quickly corrected himself, he must have gotten a scolding from a teacher for the way he would stutter when he talked.
“They were interesting weren't they? My favourite is the kingdom's star of healing. I hope that it won't have to be used for any of you.” Cale still hoped that the future wouldn't change too much,he was really hoping that it would still be sued on Taylor Stan.
“Hopefully this peace will last through your generation.” Zed muttered, Cale wanted to grimace at what he said. The war they had gone through wasn't pretty nearing the end. The white piece of shit was getting crafty in trying to weaken their side.
“Shall we enjoy the snacks and the tea?” Zed said once the table had been fully set. Cale smiled, he really did wish the children were here. The Madeleine cookies that they liked so much sat on the table in front of him, habits were hard to break as they had become his favourite to ask for out of habit for the children. There were even apple flavoured pastries on the table as well. Cale took a couple Madeleine’s, even if they weren't his favourite he still had the memories associated with them.
“What tea are we having today?” Cale asked out of curiosity, he had started up the hobby of tea making out of boredom. He really didn't have much to do until the white star made his appearance or he himself got older.
“It's a floral blend from the eastern continent, your mother quite enjoyed this blend.” Zed said before he took a sip of his tea. “If i remember correctly you took up the hobby of tea making?”
“Yes, I did.” Cale placed a few sugar cubes into his tea, his young taste buds still not quite used to the bitter taste of plain tea leaves. He stirred until he watched the sugar dissolve, before he took his first sip. He hummed in appreciation as the taste washed over his tongue. “I like it, it's definitely a good tea for spring.”
“Your mother usually enjoyed it out of season as well, she said it tasted better in the spring rather than the summer when it usually becomes popular with the young ladies.” Zed laughed, Cale was much like his mother when it came to tea. It was quite the surprise with how much Zed knew about Jour. he had asked about it one day, and the answer was quite simple. She used to be the successor of the Duke of Thame house, so she had been quite close to the royal family.
Cale was about to say something when his stomach turned. He felt like he was going to throw up, it was the same feeling he got when he overused his ancient powers.
“Cale?” Alberu called to him, noticing the way he grabbed his stomach. Cale waved off the concern, maybe it was something he ate earlier, his stomach didn't seem to settle too well as of late. With how young his body was, and having so many ancient powers caused him to get sick frequently. After this outing was done he would rest in bed for the next couple of days.
Cale quickly placed his cup down to cover his mouth when he coughed. He was not ready for blood to splatter the table and his arm. He stared for a few seconds before Zed was grabbing him. “I'm fine.”
“Most certainly you are not fine. Bring me the physician!” A maid ran off and immediately went for the physician.
“I'll be fine.” Cale muttered, the Vitality of the heart would help him.
“Cale, you've been poisoned.” Zed sternly said. Cale sighed as blood came with it.
“My ancient power will heal me.” Cale said looking up at Zed who had a worried face, Cale then looked to Alberu who was sitting still with wide eyes. “Your highness, you don't need to worry, I will be fine.”
He could only imagine how alarmed Alberu was. Zed sighed. “You still need to see a physician. Guards search all the maids and the staff that had prepared our food.”
Cale took the moment to go through his memories. He knew he’d probably get a fever from this. “Its the brown haired maid with the red ribbon in her hair. She switched the sugar cubes.”
One of the guards that was still standing by then immediately went for the maid that had left to get the physician. Cale chuckled of course it was going to be the one that went for the physician's help.
Soon enough the physician was seen scurrying to their location with the escorting guard at his side. The doctor took his time looking him over. “Looks like the poison has dissipated but he does have a fever from exhaustion.”
“I did say I would be fine.”
“You're going to rest in the palace for the next few days.”
“Of course.”