"I am. I'm a marble foxling. There are many types of foxlings in our kingdom."
That made sense. He wondered what other type of animals the inhabitants of the Soldati Realm changed into. Rayner took a seat on one of the tufted leather chairs as Tura whizzed about. He moved so fast Riley was in danger of getting whiplash just keeping up with him. His fingers worked deftly and Riley barely felt his touch as he took Riley's measurements. Riley was fascinated. Tura didn't write anything down. In a matter of moments, Tura disappeared behind a closed door.
"He's fast."
Rayner chuckled. "Foxlings are captivating creatures."
"Like Toka?" Riley met Rayner's gaze through the mirror. For a slip of a moment, Rayner's gaze clouded with darkness, and Riley saw the dangerous man lurking beneath the charming smile. Riley cleared his throat and looked away. "He's very sweet. I feel calm around him." When he looked back up, Rayner's expression had softened, and there was once again warmth in his eyes.
"Yes. He has a way about him."
"Has he always been a servant in this castle?"
Rayner nodded, his gaze off to the side but at nothing in particular. "He's one of many born on the castle grounds. His mother served Khalon's mother."
"Wait, Khalon had a mother?"
Rayner stared at him before letting out a bark of laughter. Riley wasn't sure what he found so funny.
"Of course he had a mother. Do you believe he was simply spawned from nothing?"
"He was spawned from something, all right," Riley muttered, receiving another guffaw from Rayner. "What happened to his parents?"
Rayner wiped a tear from his eye. He sobered up. "They are at peace."
"Oh, sorry to hear that. How did they die?"
Rayner shook his head. "They are not dead, Riley. I said they are at peace. They live in a foreign realm. Once the crown was passed on to Khalon and he became king, his parents moved on to a more peaceful realm. I believe humans call it 'retirement.'"
Riley turned to face Rayner, his expression showing he was less than impressed. "Are you being serious right now?"
Mischief twinkled in Rayner's eyes. "I am. Not every hero has a tragic story. Khalon led a very happy childhood filled with love, and both his parents are alive and well, leading long, happy lives." He shrugged. "Soldati are immortal, but they hardly wish to spend eternity fighting demons. When the time comes to pass the mantle, it is done, and the former reigning monarchy makes way for the new. The entire court follows their former king and queen to a new realm to lead out their immortal lives in peace. They visit twice a year."
A thought occurred to Riley. "What about in instances like this, when a king is mated with a prince. Who is the mantle passed down to?"
Rayner looked amused. "There are several ways for us to have children, Riley. Adoption, surrogate, or the royal couple may ask the great priestess to choose a worthy heir."
"Oh. Neat. So if Khalon
is so well-adjusted, why is he so grumpy all the time?"
Rayner's smile faded. "Khalon is a good king, but more importantly, he is like a brother to me. I assure you his happiness matters greatly to me, and after centuries of waiting for--"
Tura came out from the back and Rayner promptly stopped talking. Riley wondered what Rayner had been about to say. It obviously had something to do with this whole mistaken mate thing.
Tura didn't waste any time, moving about in a flurry as he helped Riley get undressed. Rayner stepped outside, something about propriety or something, which was why--according to Tura--Riley had been appointed male servants. It was strange how the Soldati were so modern thinking in some instances, yet very traditional in others. Either way it looked like the servants were the only ones who got to see anyone naked.
It was amazing how quickly Riley was growing accustomed to undressing in front of strangers. There were a lot of layers involved, laces, buckles, pulling, tying, and adjusting. The boots were heavy and would take getting used to, especially since they came up to his calf over his black pants, but when he spotted himself in the mirror, he couldn't help his dopey grin.
Tura dressed him in a deep-green leather tunic thing with short sleeves and a thick black leather belt around his waist. Underneath he wore a black shirt with long flouncy sleeves he could smuggle a whole chicken in. He noticed the Soldati were partial to leather. They had a sort of modern-day Robin-Hood-in-bondage look going on. Overall he looked like he'd been cast in some period-piece movie. He had to admit the clothes made him feel kind of... important, almost regal. He looked good too. It accentuated his slim waist and broadened his shoulders a little. The pants were a little snug, but with the boots, it almost appeared as if he worked out. He turned in front of the mirror, peering over his shoulder at himself.
"Holy crap, my ass looks fantastic in this!"
Tura let out a snicker before quickly straightening. "I'm pleased you like your garments, sir."
He approached with a comb in his hand and proceeded to neaten Riley's hair, parting it on one side and smoothing it out, making him seem a little clean-cut, but it fit with the wardrobe. When he was done, Tura opened the door so Rayner could come back in. Rayner came to a halt when he saw Riley.
"Oh."