Page 6 of Quick on the Claw

As Zak completed his final combat sequence, a slow clap echoed across the courtyard. He turned to see Draven Ferxi, head of the Royal Guard and his closest friend since childhood, leaning against a nearby pillar with a grin on his face.

“Impressive as always, Zak,” Draven called out, his gray eyes twinkling with mischief. “Though I must say that last move looked a bit stiff. Getting old, are we?”

Zak raised an eyebrow. “Old? I could still wipe the floor with you, Draven.”

“Oh ho!” Draven laughed, pushing off the pillar and sauntering over. “Big words from a man who just worked up a sweat fighting thin air. Care to put your money where your mouth is?”

Zak chuckled, reaching for a nearby towel to wipe his face. “Maybe tomorrow. I have a feeling I’ll need all my energy to deal with the council today.”

Draven’s expression softened slightly. “Ah, yes. Another thrilling day of debates and diplomacy. You know, I could always accidentally lock Rickon in a closet if you need a break from his constant objections.”

This drew a hearty laugh from Zak. “As tempting as that sounds, I think it might cause more problems than it solves.”

“You’re no fun,” Draven pouted playfully. Then, adopting an exaggerated formal tone, he added, “Oh Great and Mighty Zak, I humbly present your morning reports, meticulously prepared by yours truly and guaranteed to be at least 12 percent more interesting than Rickon’s speeches.”

Zak took the offered papers, shaking his head in amusement. “Only 12 percent? You’re slipping, Draven.”

“Well, I didn’t want to set the bar too high. Got to leave room for improvement, you know?”

As they walked back to the palace, Draven nudged Zak’s shoulder. “Seriously though, how are you holding up? And don’t give me that ‘I’m fine’ royal stoicism. I’ve known you too long for that to work.”

Zak sighed, his smile fading slightly. “It’s... challenging. The constant opposition, the weight of every decision... sometimes it feels like I’m trying to push a boulder uphill.”

“Ah, but think of the spectacular muscles you’ll have when you finally get that boulder to the top,” Draven quipped, flexing his own impressive biceps.

Despite himself, Zak snorted with laughter. “What would I do without you to put things in perspective?”

“Probably turn into a grumpy, boring old king,” Draven replied cheerfully. “It’s my sacred duty to keep you young and somewhat entertaining.”

As they reached the palace doors, Zak paused, turning to his friend with genuine gratitude in his eyes. “Thank you, Draven. I mean it. Your friendship... it means more than I can say.”

Draven’s expression softened, and he clasped Zak’s shoulder warmly. “That’s what friends are for, Zak. Now, get cleaned up before you stink up the entire palace. Even I can’t protect you from the wrath of the cleaning staff.”

With a final shared laugh, Zak headed inside, his spirits lifted and a smile still playing on his lips.

The grand halls echoed with his footsteps as he moved through corridors adorned with tapestries depicting the rich history of Nova Aurora. Ancient artifacts sat alongside advanced technological displays, a visual representation of the kingdom’s blend of tradition and progress.

Servants and courtiers bowed respectfully as he passed, but Zak noticed the way their eyes lingered, filled with a mixture of awe and curiosity. He was acutely aware of the weight of their expectations, the hopes and fears they placed upon his shoulders.

As he neared his private chambers, a familiar figure stepped into his path. Queen Astra Larkana, his mother, greeted him with a warm smile that reached her wise, golden amber eyes.

“Good morning, my son,” she said, her voice as gentle as a summer breeze. “I trust your training went well?”

Zak’s serious expression softened slightly. “Mother. Yes, it was productive. I was just heading to clean up before tackling the day’s reports.”

Astra nodded, falling into step beside him. “Perhaps you could join me for breakfast in the garden afterward. There are some matters I’d like to discuss with you.”

Something in her tone caught Zak’s attention. He studied her face, noting the subtle lines of concern around her eyes. “Of course, Mother. I’ll meet you there shortly.”

As Astra glided away, her silver hair catching the light, Zak couldn’t shake the feeling that their upcoming conversation would be more than a casual breakfast chat.

The royal gardens were a breathtaking oasis of color and life. Exotic flora from across Nova Aurora mingled with carefully cultivated Earth species, creating a harmonious blend of two worlds. Zak found his mother seated at a small table beneath a flowering tree, its delicate pink blossoms filling the air with a sweet fragrance.

“Ah, Zak,” Astra said, gesturing to the empty seat across from her. “Come, sit. I’ve had the kitchen prepare your favorite morning meal.”

Zak settled into the chair, eyeing the spread before him. “Thank you, Mother. But I sense this isn’t just about sharing a meal. What’s on your mind?”

Astra’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Always so perceptive. You’re right, of course. I wanted to speak with you about something important.” She paused, taking a sip of her herbal tea before continuing. “Zak, have you given any thought to finding a mate?”

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