Despite his cleaning chore, Teal enjoyed his second week. Satner captivated Teal from the first day. Not in the same way Jale captivated him, but in a sheer respect for his skills and abilities. He had such a friendly, youthful face, but as soon as he held a sword in this hand or moved to hand-on-hand combat, Satner's face altered to a different calmness. Poised, alert, swift and fluid in movement, Satner's body was amazing to watch when he fought.

The nature and cause of Teal's training, caused a different dynamic to what Satner typically held with his students. While addressing the other soldiers, he was strict and authoritative. Towards Teal, he was demanding while in the training square. Outside of the training square, Satner showed Teal respect and spoke with caution. Teal liked him and strove to make Satner his friend.

"To be honest," Satner said in the middle of their fourth session - they had stopped to have a drink, the morning sun was unbearably hot, "when Jale told me what I was going to be doing for the next two months, I was worried that I had done something wrong. Babysitting one of Emperor's concubines is not what I'd call proper work," he said with a laugh. "I'm happy to say that my first impressions were wrong, but then I have to say, I didn't really know what to expect with you being a Lombock and all."

"Thanks, I think," Teal replied. "You know, the whole Lombock thing doesn't really matter. I've lived with people from the empire my whole life. I don't know anything about the real Lombocks and apart from being able to run fast and climb through the trees, I'm no different from anybody else."

"And the glowing eyes."

"And the glowing eyes," Teal repeated, bemused.

"Don't worry," Satner assured him. "I'm starting to see you're just like us."

Teal rose to his feet and began to practice some of the hand movements Satner had shown him earlier. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to, but you seem very young for being an instructor in the Emperor's guard. How have you managed to be in your position?"

"I began training at a very young age, when I was five," Satner responded, and Teal's eyes went wide with surprise. "I specialized in hand-on-hand combat. I teach and oversee training and assess the hand-on-hand combat for Galton." Satner rose to his feet. "Here," he said, stepping into Teal's space. He moved behind Teal and pulled his shoulders gently into place. "When you're moving into this block, keep your elbow relaxed, and this arm," Satner's other hand came to rest on Teal's other arm. "Keep it out for balance."

Satner continued to move Teal's arms from behind showing the fluidity of the motion. After several moments, he let go of his hold and took a step back. Teal did the movement one more time before turning to give Satner a happy smile. He paused when he saw who was walking towards them and how the rest of the men and women on the balconies above and in the small courtyards, had fallen in a silent kowtow. Satner spun on his heels and upon seeing the Emperor with Galton and Jale, he dropped to the floor to kowtow as well.

Teal looked around, and his mouth dropped at the sight of all the imperial men and women, their fighting and training forgotten. His knees began to buckle, and Teal went down in a kowtow as well.

"Rise, Teal," the Emperor stated.

The Emperor eyed him closely, and Teal was pleased to see that the look he gave Teal, was much softer than the last time they had spoken when he had been punished.

"Satner," the Emperor said, casually waving his hand for Satner to stand, all the while never taking his eyes off of Teal. "How is the training going?"

Satner rose to his feet. "Good, Your Highness."

The Emperor did a slow turn. "Continue," he said, loud enough for those close to hear. There was a ripple of movement, men and women rising to their feet silently so they could continue with their training.

The Emperor faced Teal and did not attempt to hide the way his eyes ran over his body. The heat of the morning had caused a thin sheen of sweat to cover Teal's skin that only added more definition to the contours and slick muscles that covered his body. "I heard from Delba and Jale how the workout here agrees with you, Teal."

Teal looked down. He was dressed in only a pair of linen britches that came to below his knees.

The Emperor stepped closer, and Teal held his breath. "It's good to see that you are learning new things, Teal," the Emperor continued. "Jale has informed me that you will have your last health check the day after tomorrow. I truly hope it bodes good news."

Before Teal could respond, the Emperor turned away and started to head back to the entrance of the imperial training grounds. Teal swept a nervous hand through his hair, his heart pounding. The exchange had been so short and odd.

After the Emperor turned away, Jale stepped towards Teal as well. "The Emperor has informed me that he has caught up with his work and would like you to meet him at the stables this afternoon instead of visiting the Empress for your Mocho lesson."

Teal froze in surprise, but there was a sudden excitement in his stomach. "Are we going somewhere?"

"We certainly are. Be prepared to ride." Jale turned and left, walking in the same direction as the Emperor but seemingly unconcerned with how far behind he already was. Instead, he cast his eyes over the courtyard nodding and greeting different people as he went.

Teal turned to Satner as soon as Jale was out of hearing range.

"I’m going outside the palace!" he exclaimed excitedly.

Satner laughed. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”

>>

Teal was surprised to see Galton, Ralen and the Emperor waiting for him by the stables when he arrived and that instead of being dressed in their regular imperial clothing, they were dressed in clothes similar to that of traders. His usual two guards also accompanied him who were dressed in a similar fashion. For intents and purposes, Teal believed they were dressed to hide their identity.

"I feel like I have neglected you over the past two weeks," the Emperor stated once Teal had completed his kowtow.

"Not at all," Teal replied, his voice wavering slightly. "I know you have been busy after your long journey."

"Hmm, yes,” the Emperor agreed. “There are some things that can't be attended to unless you're actually in the city." The Emperor cast his eyes over Teal once more. "I think you should wear this hat. I have arranged a little trip this afternoon out to the forest."

The Emperor didn't give Teal time to respond. He turned away and walked towards a large brown horse that was just as formidable and intimidating as the Emperor with its powerful muscles and large frame.

It was a reasonable sized group that left the palace grounds. Teal rode next to the Emperor with Galton, and Ralen behind followed by Jale. It was a pleasant afternoon. The middle of the day had been stifling, but the afternoon heat had let up and a soft breeze could be felt as they wound their way through the city streets.

Excitement drummed through Teal’s entire body, and he stared at everything they passed. Women carried out chores, taking in the laundry from earlier in the day, men rubbed their bellies or scratched their heads after a midday nap, and the odd child played in the shade of the alleyways they passed.

"You're enjoying the work with Satner?" the Emperor asked as they rode, snapping Teal out of his observations.

"Yes," Teal replied.

"Good," the Emperor stated. "I like to see you happy."

"I am happy," Teal said. "And I've been trying to keep myself as busy as I can."

"Yes, I have heard that you have been spending time with the Empress. She speaks highly of you and says you're a fast learner. Delba and Lana have also stated that you are always polite, and Jale is quite pleased with your progress with his training on palace and court life."

"Everyone has been very kind," Teal told him.

"I am pleased that you are settling in despite your little night-time adventure last week."

Teal looked away for a second. "I am sorry about that," he said, his voice going weak again.

"Is the training with Satner helping to keep your body active?"

"Yes," Teal said.

"Good. I think it is also time that we start spending more time together," the Emperor told him. "I would like to resume our reading sessions."

"I would like that too," Teal replied honestly.

They rode in silence until they started to reach the outskirts of the city, a full two-hour trip. The part of the city they had ridden through led them to a forest that started and ended right on the cusp of the stone buildings. Teal’s shoulders relaxed at the shade of the overhanging branches and the birds singing high in the tree tops.

After several minutes down a winding dirt path, the Emperor pulled on his reins and turned to face Teal. "I'd like to see how you climb the trees and run. There's even a river further in that you can swim in. Show us what your Lombock skills can do."

Teal laughed, delighted and amused. "Really?" he asked.

The Emperor only nodded, his face still serious.

Before the Emperor could change his mind, Teal stroked his horse on the neck, took his feet out of the stirrups and adjusted his weight so he could stand on the back of his horse. He leapt for the branch above his head, swung his legs up and over the branch and then, up onto his feet. He ran straight towards the trunk of the tree where he could easily reach more branches.

The party below looked up at him in surprise.

"Well, I'll be damned," Ralen said, shaking his head.

"I told you he was damn quick," Galton agreed beside him.

"How far can I go?" Teal asked, looking down at the Emperor.

"As far you want."

Teal's eyes went wide. "Okay, I'll be back soon."

>>

The forest was silent save for the soft rustle of the branches up above and two birds who were not bothered by the waiting party below. Jale waved his hand lazily as a fly buzzed in front of his face before settling on the beast underneath him.

"Let him go out for a run into the forest, you said," Galton stated sarcastically from where he sat on his own horse next to Jale.

Jale sighed knowing the Emperor was not going to be impressed. Galton smirked and ignored the reproachful glance Jale sent him. The Emperor was a short distance away, on his feet, their usual protocols ignored in their privacy.

"Let's find out what he can do, you said," Galton continued, scanning the treetops.

"Is that really necessary?" the Emperor asked.

"Yes," Galton joked. "He's been gone quite a while."

The Emperor put his hands on his hips and frowned. Jale watched him closely, ever mindful of his mood. It had been Jale's idea to take Teal out into the forest. More than anything, he wanted Teal to be happy. This journey to the forest was not just to show the Emperor what Teal could do, it was also to allow him to take a run. Jale had to admit that it had been a flaw on both of their parts. The confines of the Purple Jade Palace would certainly be quite stifling for anyone used to the freedom of the wilderness of Hulena.

Jale scanned the trees again. They had followed Teal up until a certain point, but the trees had become larger and bigger, and Teal's speed had only increased. He believed that Teal would return. He hoped that Teal would return or they were going to look like complete fools in front of the court.

"How long should we wait?" Ralen asked.

"A little bit longer," the Emperor said, turning to walk back. He stopped in his tracks, and Jale froze also sensing what had caused the Emperor to pause.

They were being watched.

The Emperor and Jale looked up at the same time to the treetops and startled as Teal dropped to the ground. He landed in a squat in front of the Emperor. The guards jumped, and they drew their swords ready to fight.

Teal stood, one hand behind his back. With one wary glance at the guards, he stepped closer to the Emperor.

"When I said you could go as far as..." the Emperor stopped.

Teal suddenly moved his hand out from behind his back and held it towards the Emperor.

"It's for you," Teal said.

Jale nudged his horse closer and spied the large red roots of a plant with small green leaves.

"I didn't actually go looking for it, I stumbled on it over that way," Teal pointed aimlessly in the trees, and Jale could tell he was embarrassed. All the eyes of their small party were on him, watching him present his gift to the Emperor.

"What is it?" the Emperor asked, taking it into his hands and turning it over.

"It's the root of the Belmar plant. It grows on the side of trees. It's pretty hard to find, but I spied it and decided to get you some. If you add it to soup, it's meant to add longevity to your life and increase your health."

The entire party relaxed, and Jale could see that the Emperor was genuinely touched by the gesture.

"Aah, the Belmar plant," Ralen said, stepping up and looking over the Emperor's shoulder. "It's also meant to help increase the male libido."

It was Teal's turn to freeze. "Yes," he stammered, and Jale tried to hide the smirk on his face, knowing that there was no way Teal was going to get out of this lightly with Ralen and Galton present. "It's also known for increasing the male libido although that wasn't my intentions." Ralen gave Teal a wink, but Teal turned to head back to his horse before Ralen could say or do anything else.

The Emperor watched as Teal mounted his horse and looked everywhere but anyone else in the group.

"Where did you find this?" the Emperor asked.

"On the side of the mountain, at the top of one of the tall trees."

The men looked in the direction that Teal had pointed to. Jale knew the mountain that Teal was talking about, it was nearly twenty miles away. His eyes met with Galton's, Galton understood as well.

"You ran through the trees to get there?" Jale asked.

"No, I dropped down on the ground and ran."

"Still, that's very fast," the Emperor said, walking back up to Teal. "And thank you," he said, tipping the root in his hand. "It is a nice thought. I'll let you know whether it works."

Ralen drew up his horse next to Teal's and elbowed him in the ribs. "And I'm sure the Emperor means, he'll personally let you know whether it works."

Jale chuckled, and Teal coughed in discomfort.

"It will get dark soon," Jale announced, changing the course of the conversation for Teal's benefit.

The Emperor smiled to himself. "Yes, it will. We'll head out."

The Emperor kept his horse beside Teal as they began their journey back to the palace, Jale directly behind them. "Teal, I think I would like you to accompany me when we have Prince Yernal from the Keglar Kingdom join us next week. It's time that you started accompanying me to social functions. But until then, you are going to dine with me at the Blue Garden tomorrow night."