Trevor laughed for a long while, and Frederich wondered if the other Scholar had minimal self-preservation instincts. To Trevor's defense, Radhildur placed their fist against their mouth as they hid their own laughter, the only telltale sign being the pleased curve of their eyes now that they bore their mask again. Frederich, on the other hand, could not fathom how their Highness was not just even the littlest bit cowed by the situation.

But, he eventually collected himself and sat up, his legs dangling over the edge of the table. “So you came to scold me?” He asked after an exasperated sigh. 

“Oh that's right!” Trevor's demeanor snapped quickly, and suddenly, he was angry again. He reached out as if to shake Frederich by the collar, only to stop when Radhildur smoothly stepped between them. 

Between the two Scholars, Trevor had always been the larger. He had broad shoulders, and a wide chest and torso—unlike Frederich who was relatively narrow and gangly in comparison. Trevor was softened around the sides and hips by his regular nightly visits to the pleasure districts, he took many a night with surplus wine and rich foods. At a head taller  than Frederich, he was by no means short and often bullied the younger Scholar. But compared to Radhildur when shifted, Trevor had to stare up at the seventh heir. Radhildur's build was stocky, with heavy set shoulders and wide hips, and from the breaks between their cloak, the tightness of their undershirt emphasized the muscles of their biceps and forearms. 

Trevor took a step back and inhaled sharply.

“Surely we can talk this out like men,” Radhildur said with a tilt of their head.

“Oh you've been dying to say that haven't you?” Frederich gave them a sidelong look.

Radhildur's chuckle was the only confirmation  he needed.

Sighing in exasperation, Trevor acquiesced. “Fine. Let it be known, I told this idiot that he needed to be clever and careful when confronting the King. However he did neither of those things, and nearly put my tutoring career in jeopardy.”

“I can agree with these sentiments,” Radhildur nodded sagely. 

“Look, you and I already settled our differences on this,” Frederich pointed out, ignoring the snort and muttered “Clearly.” from Trevor. 

Radhildur seemed infinitely more smug than usual.

“Anyways, he was careless,” Trevor continued. “I was sought by Advisor Jaerin. He wanted affirmation Iknew Frederich and had placed my recommendation. I will also be observed by another advisor in my next lessons with the Crown Princess’ children. To ensure I'm worthy of offering such a pretentious referral.”

Radhildur's gaze darkened. “Why would you be observed? Doesn't Hil sit-in on your lessons already? At least, that's the last I had heard of things.”

“She does, but Freddie's outburst here had both the King and his inner court rather livid. I'm being punished by affiliation.”

“I'm familiar with those sorts of tactics.”

“Obviously.”

Frederich crossed his arms over his chest. “While my offer may have been presumptuous, there's no reason for contention other than maybe his hurt pride. And his Majesty doesn't know of my affiliation with Radhildur yet…” He turned to the heir. “Right?”

“Both myself and Sir Dullahan refused to mention your involvement with the incident at the Commons,” Radhildur said slowly. “Without your name, he shouldn't know. But my father is not without his spies that like to look into the things revolving around me and Hil. It's how he keeps an upper hand over us. 

“Because both of you have more power than he does,” Trevor murmured. “He's worried that you might usurp him, correct?”

Radhildur gave him a startled glance.

“You both are divinely blessed by the Celestials,” Trevor continued, “The Crown Princess with the gift of foresight, making her a powerful oracle to  the people, and you with the curse of strength. Strong enough to even overpower a king. So how does he keep you both in check? By making sure neither of you can wiggle out from underneath his fist.”

Frederich watched as the heir shifted uncomfortably. 

“The Crown Princess has less of an incentive to act, the throne will be hers, afterall, at some point,” Trevor said. “But he's actively trying to get rid of you. He's afraid that one day his rather disobedient dog will become too unruly, and bite the hand that strikes it.”

“Trevor,” Frederich hissed.

“These are rather treasonous mutterings, Scholar Trevor,” Radhildur closed their eyes and took a deep breath. “But you are not incorrect. Grimhildis has been stalling my father from sending me elsewhere, saying I'm an essential part of the prophecies she sees. But with his timeline of this year being when he wants to marry me off, it seems he is losing patience in that future.”

“So will you continue permitting him to do as he pleases, or will you do something about it?” Trevor demanded.

Radhildur looked to him before looking to Frederich, their glance gentling and their molten gaze terribly affectionate. “I suppose it'd be worth it to bite back, as you so eloquently put earlier.”

“I'm full of many eloquent sayings,” Trevor said dismissively. “Well then, it seems like we're all of one mind in this regard. So, I imagine you have a plan to work alongside Frederich's wager.”

“We hadn't had the chance to strategize that yet,” Frederich said.

Trevor smirked. “You both were rather pre-occupied when I stepped in.”

“Get out,” Frederich said, deadpan.

Trevor's smile eventually faded, and he turned back to the seventh heir. “Your Highness, I find that you look very similar to how you did before, however…it is my understanding that your body does not usually bear similarities to a man's, correct?”

“Unfortunately,” Radhildur nodded. “In the Celestial's realm, it is very easy for me to transform back and forth between my regular body and this body. But I've only done this once in our dimension. And it's not something that I can regulate the way that I can with my enhanced strength.”

“I thought as much,” Trevor said. “I won't pry, and to be honest, the gifts provided by the Celestials confuse me to the point where I don't care. Just keep safe and lay low. I know you can handle yourself should someone find out, but Frederich will be the first they turn on as a punishment to you.”

“I can take care of myself,” Frederich interjected. 

“You have my word,” Radhildur agreed. “I’ll keep to myself for the time being until I transform back.”

Trevor hummed before nodding. “I can see why Frederich is rather adamant about you. You’re very level-headed and considerate. Much like your sister. It will be an honor to serve you, your Highness.”

That seemed to cause some surprise for Radhildur, and their eyes widened. They gave a light bow at the waist. “I appreciate your trust, Scholar Trevor.”

“I'll be scheming how to deal with my observations over in the Scriptorium if either of you need me.” Trevor waved, moving to leave the private study. “You two, be sure to lock the door once you pick up where you left off. It'd be terrible for both of you if someone other than myself were to pop in.”

Frederich sunk his head into his hands.

Trevor left with a laugh and the slam of the heavy doors behind him. 

“You have a good friend,” Radhildur mused.

“I have a good annoyance, is what I have,” Frederich grouched.

Neither of them spoke for a while, Radhildur just stared blankly at the closed doors for a while before they spoke softly, “If I were to chase the throne, would you stand behind me?”

“You will have my support Rathi,” Frederich said, “If that is the course of action you deem fit, then I will agree. You’ve done far more for this kingdom and its people than this King has. I think a change of hands would be beneficial to Reyk.”

“Grimhildis has been trained from birth to take the throne, it feels wrong if I do it.” 

“Nothing says you can't bequeath it back to her once you've taken over. Unless you actually want to rule?”

“No,” Radhildur shook their head before they offered him another tender glance. “I think I'd rather follow a certain Scholar to Lauf. He said the weather is nice this time of year.”

“We should go to Lauf, then,” Frederich said, meeting their golden gaze. “We could buy a house on the coast. Enjoy the fair weather.” 

Radhildur reached out and grasped his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I'd like that.”

Frederich found he couldn't stop smiling after that.