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[spysinspades]

It seems I have been... remiss. [Yes, that is his version of an almost-apology. Don't let it go to your head.]

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[cutslikeaspade]

That's a bloody word for it, ran through his head, but what left his mouth was, "Oliver's not here, Sire. Nor have I seen Delilah since earlier this morning." He glanced up briefly, then returned his attention back to the shuriken he was sharpening, slow, even strokes of the whetstone after expertly testing one edge with his thumb.

[spysinspades]

[So that's how things were, then? Of course it was. Very well, he didn't have any way of fixing... whatever was wrong. Not when all he'd done had been what he thought was best.

Instead of trying, he set the gift he'd gotten for Ethan on the workbench beside his collection of to-be-sharpeneds.]

Thank you, Ethan.

[He'll simply have to look elsewhere for Oliver - it was time to relieve him of his emissary duties.]

[cutslikeaspade]

"Of course, your Majesty."

Why would things be any different? After all, David now had his own flesh and blood to be concerned over. Ethan knew exactly where he stood with his king; he was simply another Card in the mix. So be it.

He glanced at the box casually, figuring it was something personal of David's he needed either polished or sharpened. "Will you need this back soon, Sire?" If so, he'd work on it next and deliver it before the morning.

[spysinspades]

That won't be necessary. You may keep it.

[Blood, after all, had no bearing or importance in David's life. Not anymore. Not now that they were dead.

He still didn't have the words, though. Not for... this sort of thing. Maybe it was best if they didn't get along, anyway. There'd be no more people telling him of the conflict of interest. Others would cease assuming special treatment between them.

being King was easier without emotions, yes? Yes. So it was just as well, he supposed.

Wanting to celebrate freedom - finally, for the first time in his life, freedom from fear - was silly. No one had known. No one would know. It wasn't for public consumption, and therefore not something to celebrate.]

If you see Oliver, tell him to come to my office.

[cutslikeaspade]

"Will do, Sire."

There. Correct, formal and appropriate. No more smiles, no more warmth, no more comfortable camaraderie. A hard meal to swallow, and one he hated, but such was the price, was it not?

It this was what it took, then Ethan was determined to give it. If he couldn't be David's Son, well, he was still his King's Blade. At least he'd have the satisfaction of spilling blood in the name of his Suit.

[spysinspades]

[A hard pill, separation. It almost made David wonder which of their many misunderstandings had started it.

And why it hadn't happened sooner.]

Thank you Ethan.

[Turning to go isn't so hard, walking a little bit more so.]