Chapter Text
"Any more tea, Sir?"
Lurien glanced down from his wooden stool he hadn't left for the past couple of hours. His fingers twirled the delicate brush that dripped with streaks of white and black, right on the already littered floor, a canvas obscuring his view of the door.
"Thank you Lucien, but I am alright for now. I will be leaving the Spire soon enough." He replied to the butler who cocked his head curiously at the Watcher.
"Must be an important occasion then Sir? You rarely leave."
If anyone else but Lurien sat in that spot, Lucien would've been fired a long time ago, simply for his speech. But the Watcher wasn't anyone; he considered the butler a close companion and friend, frequently enjoying their casual conversations.
"Indeed. I've been summoned by His Majesty to the Palace. For an important reason..." He chuckled, standing up to wipe dust off of his robes.
But it's almost midnight! Doesn't the King know the streets are dangerous at this time?!
"Shall I prepare your coat and umbrella then?"
"Yes please. It feels like the rain gets stronger everyday…" Lurien sighed, glancing at the window, thick water droplets running down the glass. Sometimes it was hard to ignore it - the endless sound of pouring water that was the city's major symbol.
Most of the time, he didn't mind as he spent his days looking over from his tower's telescope.
But now he had a reason to leave for just a while and travel beyond the opposite street.
Lurien absolutely hated the rain.
Once he was dressed in a waterproof cloak, polishing his mask just one more time, he started heading towards the elevator that would take him down. "Oh and Lucien, go to sleep, don't wait for me. I won't return until morning."
"Sir..!"
Lurien couldn't help but feel all giddy and warm inside, though the musty, cold air of the Spire surrounded him. Despite what is to come soon, his dream will finally come true…
-
Lucien awoke groggily, jumping off the bed as soon as he saw the city lamp posts already lit, signifying the start of a new day. Master Lurien!
Rushing to the stairs and taking an inexcusably long elevator ride, he stumbled into the Lurien's office, only to find the Watcher at his desk.
"Is everything alright?" He stared at him through his one-holed mask, his voice calm as ever.
"Ah…Sir…you are home…" The butler panted, finally relieved.
"I told you I will be back by morning. You may leave me to do my duties for now." Lurien waved him off and the worried butler couldn't help but get the impression that the Watcher sounded…distant. It wasn't like Lurien to shoo away his workers so quickly.
What's gotten into him..?
-
One week ago:
From a logical point of view, it was perfectly fine. But from Lurien's one, it felt like the most cruel and unfair thing in the world. Sure he didn't mind becoming a Dreamer if it meant saving Hallownest. He was ready to lay down everything he had, including himself in order to serve his King. He was ready to not get any rewards, just his Majesty's gratitude which already felt like a blessing.
But when the Pale King told the Dreamers that he will fulfill one of their wishes in return for their eternal sacrifice, Lurien's heart skipped a beat.
He could ask for something reasonable. Like renovating his art gallery for the public eye. Perhaps expanding the Spire to preserve his legacy. Appointing the Watcher Knights and Lucien as court members.
And those were mostly the thoughts circulating in his head when he was almost ready to ask the King for something.
That, until he heard Herrah the Beast's request.
A child. A hybrid of Wyrm and Beast. Lurien felt sick to his stomach. The sheer audacity that the ruler of Deepnest had, the pure disrespect to even come up with such an idea.
But the Pale King still fulfilled his promise. He threw away his pride for this… transaction, just to keep Herrah in his plan.
He remembers scolding her for it. How he was ready to rip her apart (while being half her size) only because he felt so jealous of this radical request. He never let himself engage in a physical fight but that didn't stop him from becoming the most passive-aggressive bug in Hallownest.
And Herrah must've sensed his frustration and the reason behind it. " You know, if you ask him Watcher, he will do it."
"I don't know what you are talking about! Leave me be!"
Perhaps she was right. After all if he was ready to father her child, who said he wouldn't-
"Lurien! Sorry to keep you waiting."
Lurien stopped fiddling with his robes and whirled around. He had been spending more and more time in the White Palace but the King's voice still continued to startle him and send him into a nervous stupor.
The Pale King stood in front of him, hands folded neatly behind his back, a serene expression on his face. His glowing features were as always pristine, the crown of horns reflecting the Palace's bright lights. From the covers of his outer cape, Lurien noticed the flicker of beautiful iridescent wings that disappeared in the cloth folds as quickly as they showed. And oh that voice was so gentle and mesmerising, yet it carried so much power and immeasurable strength, Lurien didn't think there was a more beautiful and glorious sound.
"Y-Your Majesty..! You summoned me..?" He stuttered with a deep bow. The Pale King smiled reassuringly. "Rise and don't be so nervous dear Watcher, you are not in trouble. I'd merely like to discuss something with you so come along."
Lurien simply nodded and followed the Wyrm down the long white halls that overflowed with silver vines and flowers. It was a striking view but they were a mere background for the even more striking visual that was the King.
They arrived at the King's office and the Wyrm let Lurien pass through first. The Watcher visited the room before, however this time his Majesty's workplace was in disarray. Papers and tablets littered the floors, scattered documents and stacked letters, long ignored based on the thick dust layer that covered them. Noticing Lurien's observant eye, the Pale King spoke up again, keeping a light-hearted tone. "I know, it's an absolute mess. But our conversation will remain private in here."
Lurien wasn't much taller than the King. If anything, they were both quite short bugs, especially when one considered their status. But he still felt himself shrink from anxiety and the thrill of being alone with his Majesty .
Compose yourself Lurien. This is a serious matter! He forced himself to stay still. "Of course Sir. Please tell, what have I been summoned for?" He asked quietly.
The King sighed - not in an exasperated way but there was still a tingle of exhaustion in the sound he made.
"Do you know what Monomon requested from me, Watcher?"
Lurien tilted his head in confusion. "I haven't spoken to her recently so no-"
"She asked for a nail. A nail of pale ore, with carvings of a very specific text she gave me personally. At first I wanted to refuse. After all, why would an Archivist need such a lethal weapon, a weapon so expensive? But I couldn't break my promise, especially when I realised the blade isn't for her. So I ordered the best nailsmiths to work, brought the greatest experts together and created the most beautiful and deadly weapon Hallownest has ever seen."
"That's an interesting request my Lord, but how am I relevant-"
"Let me finish." The Pale King's steely tone made Lurien shiver and slap himself mentally for daring to interrupt.
"That was done. Then Herrah asked for her price. I accepted almost right away, because I needed her, even though I knew how absurd her demand was. I needed the Queen of Deepnest for this plan and there was no cost too great for keeping her. It wasn't the best way to spend an evening, but we made the deal and with the child on its way, I have a guarantee of her being by my side. And now you, my Watcher-"
He was facing Lurien now, who promptly averted his gaze, unable to look the King in the eyes without driving himself crazy.
"-All these years, you've proven yourself to be nothing but the most loyal, trustworthy and reliable advisor a monarch could ask for. And you deserve to be treated as such. Yet I am surprised that you haven't…asked for anything yet."
Lurien gulped. I knew it, Gods, I knew it..! "Ah…Simply serving you my Lord, is already the greatest gift I've been given. Please allow me to humbly continue doing so until the time comes." Lurien prayed that his words were convincing enough.
The other shook his head in…disapproval?
"I've no doubt that you value your position immensely, Lurien. But I want to genuinely express my gratitude. Hm? What is it?" He watched Lurien take a barely noticeable step back, the Watcher clenching his fists. No, he can't do this. Presented with such a choice that tempts the desires he buried in his heart's grave so long ago, what would the King think of him?! He was now being asked, almost ordered to reveal his wish and Lurien felt more torn than ever, suddenly dizzy as his breaths quickened.
"Are you alright Lurien..?" The Pale King asked worriedly.
"I…I can't…" Murmuring, the Watcher clutched his head, feeling tears threatening to slip out of his mask. "I'm sorry…I can't…"
A realisation hit the Monarch, crashing like a tidal wave.
"Lurien…Are you scared that your request will lead to my judgement of you?" He said as soothingly as he could, trying to comfort the Watcher. The other only hitched in response. "I've already agreed to the most radical and mad request I've ever heard throughout my life. I know you want to say something Lurien, but I can't guess why it's ripping you apart like this. Please my friend, enlighten me, for I will bear no ill thoughts towards anything you ask me of." He carried on, placing a chilled hand on Lurien's shoulder and the Watcher stopped shaking under the divine touch.
After all this time…After so much denial… Lurien's gaze fell on the floor, refusing to look up. "I…" He started in a whisper, noticing how the King came up closer to hear better and Lurien barely managed to suppress a noise of panic. I don't know if I can finish this sentence.
"Go on. I am listening." The Wyrm said reassuringly and the Watcher knew better than to test the Monarch's patience.
You know, if you ask him Watcher, he will do it.
"I wish to…spend the night at the White Palace." Lurien said through clenched teeth. "With you."
At first the room was completely silent. Then the Pale King suppressed a laugh. "Is that really it, my Watcher? I'm sure you know you can visit the White Palace whenever you wish. And we converse so often, but why during the night-"
"I didn't mean us talking." For the first time ever, Lurien interrupted his beloved King on purpose.
"Pardon?" The other asked, perplexed.
Crap, shit, oh Gods. There was no going back now.
"I…I want to spend a night with you my Sire in bed." He said and immediately felt the urge to run out. Run away as far as possible, maybe even leave Hallownest so no one ever remembered this shameful hour.
So engrossed he was in his paranoid thoughts, he didn't notice the Pale King's silence.
Oh. Was the Wyrm's initial reaction. Not many things surprised him in life, especially when it concerned mortals. But hearing Lurien voice this risky wish with such want and need in his tone as if he was asking to quench his thirst… He sounded so desperate yet so afraid, the Wyrm felt slightly guilty for accidentally instilling such fear into the Watcher.
"Is that your final decision?" He asked gently and genuinely.
"...Yes." Lurien's words didn't come out as shaky as before but the Pale King could still hear and pinpoint the Watcher's unsteady heartbeat.
How long has he been hiding this? How long has he wanted this for?
Still he trusted that all questions will answer themselves in time. He looked up the mortal's white mask, with a small smile. "Very well. Then how about this, Lurien? Arrive at the Palace in six nights, at this exact time. I will be waiting for you."
Lurien's words stumbled out on their own. "O-Of course Sir! Yes, as you wish, I will be there..!" He bowed deeply again, on the verge of passing out from the adrenaline rush.
"Hah, dear Lurien it's your wish I am fulfilling, not my own. But I will still seek to provide the best experience for you." Winking at the Watcher, the Wyrm said. Stumbling upon his long robes, Lurien felt blood rush to his cheeks, a scorching hot feeling blooming in his chest.
"Thank you…Truly, thank you…" He whispered in a hush, trying to regain control of his body.
"Well, since that's been resolved, you may go Watcher. Until we meet again."
The Watcher exited, still hunched in a bow and only let himself sprint like an arrow through the halls, once out of the King's sight. Six nights. Gods that's so long away…