Chapter 1
The day was off to a lazy start, clouds just rolling on by, not minding those on the ground or in their way. In a way, Polo wished he were a cloud. Just being able to blink into existence and float around for a while. When he couldn’t take it anymore, he could just let his weightless body dissolve into rain and let it go, disappearing from the world until it got hot enough and the water once more decided to cluster up and form his body once more.
In another way, it would be easy to get even with Altair. He could just rain wherever that stupid Guardian went, and watch him hurt himself or get sick and die and be wet and cold.
The Tundra grabbed a large, green marble, holding it to the light and peering through the glass sphere. It could be a world of its own, clutched between his angry claws, awaiting its demise. Encased within were smaller bubbles of air, trapped when the glass had hardened. What would those be in a world?
Perhaps they were the clouds that were floating above his head.
Pleased with this answer, he chucked the marble hard against the railing of the obsidian balcony. He was almost disappointed when it didn’t shatter, but it, like the others, rebounded past him, collectively hitting a few of the other marbles and stones that were previously thrown.
“How long have you been here, Corbin?” Polo addressed the Mirror behind him. The tundra had not notice him enter the room, but Corbin brought a different kind of presence with him. Not one of scorn or pity that he usually got from everyone else. No, Corbin always saw him as an equal, if not putting himself lower than the Prince. Over the years, he had learned how to detect his presence even during the quietest of nights. When he wasn’t angry and throwing marbles out the balcony window, that was.
“Not long.”
“That sounds like a lie,” Polo scoffed.
“Twenty minutes at most,” Corbin replied, “Not long.”
“Huh.” Was the curt reply. The Tundra hobbled over to his friend, cursing when trying to walk with all four legs. It only took the tiniest bit of weight on his injured leg to cause him to topple over. Polo knew he should take it slow, but healing was taking it slower and he was too damn impatient. Corbin jumped up, ready to catch him.
“I’m fine,” Polo winced, trying to mask the pain in his voice with a snarl. It didn’t work too well. His friend knew not to push him, and he was thankful when he changed the topic.
“Pyrite has been asking about you. He seems loyal.” The Mirror reported. “He did declare his loyalty to you on your supposed deathbed.”
“Great. He’s not that bad.” The Tundra spoke nonchalantly, as if this were a matter of the weather. His head turned back to the window, but it only took a moment for his eyes to shift back to Corbin. “My father-...No, Velros. What does he know of this?”
“Nothing. Altair is acting like it never happened.”
“Figures. And that witch?” His lips curled into a real snarp, his molars grinding against each other at the mere thought of the Queen.
“It appears that she doesn’t know. I’m not sure. She very well could have orchestrated the attack.”
“Pre. Cis. Ley.” The word hardly escaped his clenched jaw.
“We have no evidence. Eolas is investigating the incident. You really should rest. Is the coat fitting you well?” He gestured to the brown fabric hanging around Polo’s shoulders. The Tundra didn’t particularly like it, but he put up with it for two reasons. Corbin bought it for him, and it was rather comfortable. It also hid his injuries from anyone who could visit. Not that anyone would, but just in case.
“Works fine.” The Tundra shrugged. His good paw pulled the coat over his bad shoulder. “Tell me, is there a union today?”
“The Fox is getting married at twelve. Are you up for it?” Polo scoffed at the worry in Corbin’s voice.
“I’m a VIP. Of course I’m going. This business with Altair could be dangerous and hindering. Come on. I don’t want to be late.” Polo glanced at the clock on the mantle, its time reading 11:37 am. “Same place as usual?”
“Yes, let me escort you.”
“No. Get Pyrite, bring him. I’ll be fine walking by myself. The others won’t bother me...They never do.”
“Altair did.” It was worth the glance Polo shot him. They both knew Corbin was right.
“That bumbling idiot will be avoiding me for a while. You have your orders. Go.”
The Mirror nodded, escorting his friend out to the hall. Then, with a hesitant glance, he scurried through the halls. Polo shook his head, and shut the door, slowly beginning to make his way to the cherry grove where Eolas was expecting him. The marbles, and the worlds inside them, remained abandoned in the room with only the sun to care for them.
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