*BEEP BEEP BEEP*
Wha…? Is it already morning?
Kieran Bennett blinked as sunlight spilled through his window. He'd been too focused to notice the sunrise, but the sharp buzzing of his 7:30 a.m. alarm yanked him back to reality.
I swear it was 1 a.m. like five minutes ago. Where the heck did the time even go? Did I unlock some time travelling ability without realising or something?
Scanning the cluttered desk in front of him, he spotted three empty paper cups teetering dangerously at the edge.
Right. The coffee. And the notes. I was prepping for that top-secret meeting in the U.S….
Yeah, about joining one of the alliances or something. He groaned. Those meetings make me feel like the life is being literally sucked from my soul. Sitting with those old vultures, pressuring me to get what they want.
For Kieran, who was a naturally friendly, open person, those meetings were incredibly taxing. Having to put on his most commanding, most demanding of respect, most 'Sora' persona was just so hard. Sometimes he felt like he'd need a magic spell to keep the mask from slipping.
Those meetings were meant to address pressing global issues. The biggest one?
Society is on the verge of a third world war.
International tensions were sky-high, with countries split into three factions: those pushing for change, those clinging to the status quo, and those who sought absolute world peace.
Traditional alliances- NATO, the EU, the UN- were now little more than formalities. Each faction was desperate to recruit Laurelian, convinced that it was a wildly powerful country.
They've really twisted our image into something dramatic, all because they have no idea what's going on behind the scenes.
Ha. If only they knew the truth. That the mighty country with an all-powerful military they take us to be was just the power of a single guy. Then they'd send much more than those freaking annoying texts every ten seconds.
When Kieran had been newly appointed as second-in-command, King Sora had handed him a curious little device called a phone.
Kieran thought he'd understood technology- a computer, connected to an intranet of government information and news. A camera, which could take photos and videos to preserve memories forever. A printer, that would automatically put words and images on paper.
But the phone was different. You could use it to send instant messages to others, and it answered the questions you had honestly. No government obstruction of the truth. His high position allowed him the unique opportunity to know what the world was really like, through that amazing sheet of metal and glass.
An opportunity that he would be forever grateful for.
Sora had warned him that world leaders may contact him through it, and that he would 'do well to answer with tact,' as he was expected to make the best decisions for Laurelian. Like a true right hand to the King.
It took time, getting used to how the leaders asked for his presence a lot, but eventually he worked out how to avoid getting roped into the unimportant things.
But this meeting is actually important, and I have to go. Damn it. I wanted to visit my parents, so I pulled an all-nighter writing my notes… and now I feel like death itself.
He glanced at the paper cups again. Will I get yelled at if I go take a nap now…? Nah, Sora's the only one who could do that, and I don't think he'd care, if it's just for one day. Yeah. Probably. I don't think I have anything else to do, anyway…
Half asleep already, Kieran rubbed his eyes and stumbled out of his office. When he got into his bedroom, he dropped to the floor with a sigh.
Wow, I never knew how soft and comfy this carpet was…
He passed out instantly- he never even made it to his bed.
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*
Someone knocked at Kieran's door, dragging him back from unconsciousness. After a moment, they knocked again, this time more impatient and forceful.
'Uhh, sorry. Come in,' Kieran mumbled, scrambling upright.
The door swung open. Sora stepped in, perfectly composed as usual.
'Good morning, Sora,' Kieran said, trying to sound like he'd been doing anything except sleeping.
Sora exhaled slowly. 'What time do you think it is right now?
'Err… nine?'
'Wrong. It's two in the afternoon. You were supposed to give me your weekly report four hours ago. I allowed you extra time because you have been quite busy as of late. But now it's been so long I had to come and check on you,' Sora said, his tone icy. His face betrayed no emotion, but that didn't necessarily mean he wasn't angered.
Kieran's heart plummeted. Oh, no… He's mad. He's definitely mad. How could I forget about the report? Crap!
'I sincerely apologise, Your Majesty! Your lowly second-in-command has made an inexcusable mistake! But please, do not punish me too harshly, I beg of you!' He pleaded.
'Look who's suddenly overflowing with respect for his king now that he's in trouble.' Sora sighed. 'Every time…'
Kieran sensed a trace of annoyance. I don't think he's completely convinced. Well then, I'll put on my most innocent face. Surely anyone would let it go after that, haha…
Seeing Kieran's face, Sora's eyes narrowed. 'Whatever trick you're trying to pull… fine. I will let you go this time. I am more lenient with you than others because you are useful to me, but don't push your luck. One day I may not forgive you.'
Kieran clasped his hands dramatically. 'Oh, praise be to our great, merciful King who forgave my impudence and spared my life on this day!'
'...Ugh. Drop the act. It is irritating.'
'Sorry, sorry,' Kieran grinned. 'I can give you the report now though. Also, just to check- we're still not siding with anyone, right? There's another international assembly coming up, and I should probably know if you've changed your mind.'
'No, we're not,' Sora said flatly. 'When do you leave?'
'Monday morning. Could I pretty please go visit my family before then? Please?'
'Do as you wish. Just don't say anything stupid at the assembly. And get there in time. I'm heading back to my office.'
'Yay! Thanks, Sora! See you probably Wednesday. And if you were wondering, I fell asleep 'cos I was up late working. That's my official excuse.'
Sora paused at the door. 'I commend you for your dedication. But take care of yourself. I would prefer to not have to go looking for your replacement.'
Then he was gone.
Kieran smiled. Aw there it is! His nice side.
Most people think he's a callous person through and through, but sometimes I see flickers of genuine care. It's almost always veiled. He makes up excuses to hide it, but he can't fool me!
Kieran didn't think anyone else saw it, though. A few times he'd tried to tell his friends about it, but they would always just give him a funny look.
Remembering he'd been given permission to go home, Kieran quickly changed clothes. I guess I should go say bye to Anthony before his assignment starts. If it's already afternoon, he's probably not in his room. I'll ask Sora.
He grabbed the phone off the coffee table and typed:
Hey, Sora.
What? The reply came almost immediately.
You know where Anthony is?
At the garden terrace with Rita.
OMG TYSM! :D
'Looks like they're having fun without me. Hmph, one of these days we'll all get to hang out together,' Kieran said aloud. 'Not gonna lie, I wish I had magic powers like Sora. Knowing everything that happens around here would be so awesome. I wonder if he ever gets bored and watches us from afar? He has to. If I were him, I'd have to do something instead of being stuck in an office all day.'
Grinning, he zipped through the palace's upper floors, taking shortcuts he'd memorised long ago. He waved hello to a few staff members as he reached the first floor. Then, he pushed open the grand doors to the garden terrace.
There, at the edge of the pool, sat Rita and Anthony.
'Yo, guys! Where's my invitation?' he called, waving.
'There he is,' Rita said. 'Thought you were actually busy today.'
'Hi, Kieran!' Anthony turned around. 'We would've invited you, but we had no idea where you were.'
'Ah, I was just kidding. I actually pulled an all-nighter and somehow ended up sleeping on my bedroom carpet. You can imagine how surprised I was when Sora burst in and told me it's the afternoon- and that I forgot to turn in my report,' He laughed. 'Luckily, he forgave me. Anyway, I can't stick around here for long. I'm heading home before I gotta go somewhere. Just wanted to say goodbye. Oh, and good luck with the thing, Anthony!'
'Thanks. Bye!'
'Bye, bro. Don't work too hard,' Rita added.
Okay, Kieran thought as he walked away. Next up: walk home for an hour, make it in time for afternoon tea, stay through Sunday, help out with anything if they need it. If my sisters are there… Well, we'll see.
Life as the King's representative was hectic, demanding, and considerably difficult. But he enjoyed improving the lives of others. Kieran might not have had magic like Sora did, but he had friends who mattered more than a throne. And a purpose that was more than just a duty.
For now, that was enough.