Stepping down from the carriage, Taka’s eyes don’t know where to settle.

The people walking down the busy streets.

The tall buildings that cast a shade onto the sidewalk.

...

Rowan's hand.

Somehow...

It has started holding his a little tighter.

…

“Good morning, Your Majesty.” A man with long black hair and blue eyes bows.

Taka's grip tightens around Rowan's hand.

The busy streets disappeared.

The tall buildings no longer mattered.

His eyes never leave the Duke.

“Good morning, Duke Saurlight.” 

A smile comes to Killian’s face, this isn’t the type of smile that Taka usually sees.

This one seems more… practiced.

Not in a malicious way…

Just practiced…

“Oh… Hello there.” The Duke says softly.

“...” 

Rowan glances down.

"...Taka?"

The boy doesn't answer.

…

The Duke looks away first.

He clears his throat. “I understand you are here about the bridge?” 

He turns back to Killian.

Killian nods once. “Yes. I was told it was in dire need of repair.” 

The Duke gestures down the busy street towards a raggedy old bridge.

Bricks are missing.

There are holes on the road.

Everything about it screams ‘fix me now’.

“Yes. This seems very dangerous.” Killian nods very seriously.

The Duke returns his nod. “We’ve had a few people trip over the holes, luckily no major injuries yet.”

“Good. We will make sure this gets resolved immediately.” 

A smile appears on the Duke’s face. “Your Majesty?”

Killian looks over at the Duke.

"Thank you for coming all this way."

His eyes drift to Rowan before returning to Killian.

A knowing smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.

"Or..." Amusement flickers across his face. "Is this just your excuse to avoid paperwork?"

Killian blinks before letting out a single laugh.

“I thought I was hiding it so well, Elliot.”

“You wouldn’t have come all this way just to inspect a bridge for a few minutes if you weren’t trying to get out of something.” He pauses. “I am surprised that Rowan allowed it though. He’s usually all business.” 

Elliot’s eyes settle back on the boy.

The boy's stare makes him feel a little uneasy.

…

“Who is the kid?”

“That is Taka.”

“Did Rowan adopt a child? Is that why he let this happen?”

Killian smiles warmly. “Kind of…”

…

A smile tugs at the end of Elliot’s mouth. "It's good to see him focusing on something other than work for once.”

Killian chuckles. “He still doesn't let me forget my work.”

“You haven't changed much since the academy.” He chuckles. “Rowan was always on you about doing your work too.”

…

“Papa!”

Taka's head turns. 

A boy runs up to a man. 

The man bends down and holds his arms out. 

“Don't run or you'll fall.” He laughs. 

The boy wraps his arms around him with a giggle. “Okay!”

…

Papa…?

Taka watches the boy laugh.

Rowan turns to leave.

Taka follows...

But glances back one last time.

Elliot hasn't looked away.

Their eyes meet for just a moment longer before Rowan leads Taka on.