Raia faded off, leaving Ender to discard his robe and crawl into the softest, warmest bed he'd ever experienced in his life. He would do whatever was asked of him if it meant he got to sleep in beds like this every…
*~*~*
After breakfast, and wearing the most beautiful clothes he'd ever seen in his life, Ender decided to go exploring.
He wasn't expecting two royal guards to shadow him. "Why do you have to follow me?" Was he not trusted? But that didn't make any sense.
"For your own safety, Master Ender," one of the guards said. "You are very obviously related to Lord Nadir, and His Majesty's guest, and there are people who would use and hurt you to their own ends."
"I see," Ender said faintly. To think just days ago his biggest concern had been his upcoming exams. "May I visit theroyal library?" He'd heard of it numerous times in school, just one of many things he'd never thought he'd experience.
One of the guards smiled, looking very much like a father indulging a child he was proud of. "Of course, Master Ender. This way."
Ender walked with shoulders back and head high, though every stare and whisper that followed him made him want to hunch over and pull the wrap on his shoulders up over his head. He was used to eyes passing over him, didn't even enjoy when all eyes turned to him when he asked or answered a question in class.
He thought he'd get some relief when they reached the library, but it was nearly as busy as the rest of the palace, and so the whispers and stares continued.
Then suddenly the whispers changed, and the stares shifted. Ender's heart raced faster than ever, but when he turned to investigate the new arrival, it wasn't Nadir as he'd expected.
It was the other concubine. Mercy of the Gods. Ender wanted to climb him like a thief scaling a wall. He'd never seen so much beautiful muscle. He wore gold cuffs at his wrists and upper arms, and a gold chain wrapped around his waist. The most striking jewelry, though, was the collar around his throat, displaying the head of a jackal with glittering blue eyes. Sapphires, probably.
The man's eyes widened, and he said, "Well, I certainly see what all the fuss is about. Twins. Right out of a wild story told by a drunk at a bar."
Ender laughed. "Yes, I don't think I can ever scoff at how absurd and over the top those stories are anymore."
"Lord Berkant," one of his guards greeted.
"Good morning," Berkant replied. "I wish I could linger, but alas, I am here to obtain some books that my king requiresimmediately. I will no doubt see you again soon, Master Ender. A good day to you."
"G-good day," Ender managed, and bowed as the guards did, swallowing as Berkant walked away, noting helplessly that the back was as nice as the front. He never thought he'd envy a king so much, but what a delight it would be to be caught between Nadir in the front and Berkant—
His face burning with lust and shame and mortification, Ender hurried on further into the library. Thankfully, a woman with a librarian's pin approached him, and if she was startled like the rest of the palace, she made no show of it. "How can I help you, Master Ender?"
"I only wanted to admire the famous royal library," Ender replied. "Though, at that, I would love to see what poetry is available here. The selection must vastly outstrip even the university library."
The woman laughed. "Poetry must run in the blood. This way, please."
What did that mean? That Nadir liked poetry too?
He followed the woman through the library, to a section that completely dwarfed the poetry collection at his university. There were books and poets he'd never even heard of, and he'd read every last book he could get his hands on. Architecture was his professional pursuit, but poetry was his passion.
The woman flitted about the stacks, and returned with five volumes, a smile on her face that was fond and amused all at once. "I think you'll find these volumes of particular interest, Master Ender."
"Ah, thank you, I deeply appreciate it," Ender said, not really certain what else to say, or what was even happening.
She led him to the main desk, and in short order he had an account with the royal library and five books checked out. Heconsidered sitting at a table to read them, but given the whispers and stares continued, maybe he should find somewhere quieter.
Out in the hallway, a passing servant paused and bowed. "Shall I take your books back to your room, Master Ender?"
How did everyone know his name already? "Um, yes please, thank you so much."
The servant took the books, bowed, and hurried off.
Ender was never going to get used to all this. Deference. Bodyguards. People carrying his things. Being stared at like he was remarkable in some way rather than a country bumpkin to be ignored.
One of his guards offered a sympathetic smile. "Perhaps you'd like to see the gardens next? His Majesty has granted you permission to visit his private gardens, and they are very much worth viewing."
"He has?" Ender replied. He hadn't done anything, except show up looking like one of His Majesty's concubines. If he wasn't Nadir's twin, none of this would be happening, and he didn't know why that thought hurt so much. It was stupid. If he wasn't Nadir's twin, he wouldn't even be here. He'd still be at school, stressing about exams and making plans to visit his parents, pondering where he wanted to apply for work once he had his degree. He'd never know about any of this, and he wouldn't pine for it or even dream about it.
