I crouched down against the corner of the small alcove where Master’s throne sat, my tail wrapped securely around my thigh. I could hear them arguing, my master and his brother. Master’s brother was angry with him.

“You shouldn’t marry your pets, Brother!” I heard him shout. “You’ll get too attached! And then you’ll grow too soft to be a warlord!”

“If you think that I’ll grow too soft to be a warlord, then you’re sadly mistaken! Besides, it is none of your business what I do with my possessions in my own home!”

“You call this a home, Brother? This cold, drafty fort? I’m surprised that your pets haven’t died from illness in this place!”

“Stay on the topic, Simon! What are you here to discuss with me?”

It was silent then, and I shivered in cold of the room. Did my master break a law by marking me three times? I hoped not…I didn’t want Master in trouble, especially not on my account. And what did his brother mean by too attached? Master never got attached to anything. He never showed any type of emotion when his troops would die in battle, and last winter when one of his other pets died from fever, he showed no remorse then either. So how would Master get too attached? That didn’t make any sense at all.

Suddenly the door to Master’s throne room slammed open and he stalked in, his long cloak billowing behind him. He looked angry, and I slunk further back into the corner, hoping he wasn’t mad at me. Master’s brother stormed in after him.

“You know it’s true, Brother.”

Master sat on his throne, resting one gloved hand on the arm of it, and resting his head on his other hand. He glanced at me, and motioned me to him. It being such a short distance to him I crawled over and laid my head in his lap. I was glad he had decided to wear velvet pants today instead of the ones made out of courser material. He laid his hand on my head and started to pet me. I could smell that there was something wrong, but I wasn’t going to ask. Perhaps if I listened to them, I would find out. And if I didn’t, I would ask Master later, if he was willing to tell me.

“Simon, why must you bring me such news?” Master asked. “Why are you joining the emperor’s troops? I promised Father that you would never be put in harms way, and now you’re joining the emperor’s troops?”

“I told you why, Gideon.” Master Simon said. “They’re blackmailing me into this. You know me! I would never join any army willingly…not even yours!”

“If they’re blackmailing you, then say you’re joining with me as my advisor!” You wouldn’t have to fight, and I could protect you!”

Master was upset…worried…I sniffed the air…he was also…scared? I smelled fear on my master. That was something I had never smelled on him before. I had smelled anger, but never fear. He was afraid. I looked up at him, my eyes showing the worry I was feeling for him. If he was going to be afraid, he had a good reason for it. He didn’t look at me, but continued to look at his brother.

Master Simon looked away. “You know I can’t do that.”

My master sighed, continuing to pet me. “I still don’t understand why.”

Master Simon sighed. “Maybe some day you will.” He looked at me then, scowling. “Maybe.” He then turned to leave.

“Wait, Simon.” My master said, gently moving me aside and getting up. “I’ll walk you out,” he said, catching up to him.

The scent of fear had left my master, so if he was still afraid, he wasn’t letting it show.