After leaving the Cirrus’ room the Sky Atlian king stormed down the hallways to the central meeting room. The royal guards shivered hearing his livid footsteps echo in the corridors. Someone must be getting seriously reprimanded today.

King Stratus couldn’t help but be anxious as he awaited the King along w/ the two guards who lost sight of Raine.

“Another disgrace of a son. And now I’m left to deal with the aftermath yet again.“ He muttered to himself as he paced back and forth.

He was hoping his sons would relieve him of his plight. The constant stress was not good for his heart condition. And he was looking forward to retirement. He looked over at the guards who failed at their job.

“And you two!” King Stratus yelled as he directed his bitter gaze towards the guards. “Sorry excuses for securit—.”

“I believe you have no right to reprimand my guards.”

King Stratus froze where he stood. King Cumulo stood in the doorway. The tone of of the his voice cut through Stratus’ being.

King Cumulo walked further into the meeting room. Every footstep increased the tension in the air.

He made his way over to King Stratus standing amongst the guards. His stature towered over King Stratus engulfing him in shadow.

“(Everyone) Face me and explain the incompetent happenings of the other day. From what I’ve gathered it is now clear to me the boy feigned being sick. How in the world did you lose Raine? And where is he now?”

“Well sir...you see we—” the guards were nervous as no answer could get them out of trouble. “We let our guard down indulging in conversation and we weren’t paying full attention.”

“Indulging in conversation. Weren’t paying attention.” The king chuckled in disbelief. “You both are of the upmost trained and decorated royal gu—“

He sighed.

“And where is he now? I’ve heard the media rumors is he still of the sky or of the ground?”

The guards looked at each other. “We don’t know.”

“You. Don’t. KNOW?!” He yelled with such intensity that other’s could hear him outside of the room.

The guards and King Stratus were shaking in position. Taking on the brunt of of the king’s anger.

“As for you King Stratus... our deal is off. You’ve failed to uphold your end of the bargain. There shall be no merger. As for my daughter, she doesn’t know of the news yet. But it’s only a matter of time before she gets wind of what’s happened.”

The king leaned in closer glaring at King Stratus to make his next point very clear.

“You will be the one to tell my daughter of the news that your son, her prince, abandoned her on one of the most momentous days of her life. You shall also handle the brunt of her anguish.”

He then directed his glare to the guards.

“As for my incompetent guards you two are relieved of your duties for a month. And if I decide to reinstate you both, you shall undergo intensive training once more.”

“A month?! We have families to take care of we need our pay—“

“Would you like me to make your termination permanent?”

“No sir.”

“You two get out of my sight! King Stratus, you are to come with me.”

——

It was unknown to the King Cumulo that Cirrus ended up inviting Celeste to come over and keep her company for the day. And boy, did she have tea to spill.