Hounds of Orion

Logan was well into his second glass of Makavian wine when he felt a sudden presence behind him. Acting off of reflex, he jumped up from his place in a plush lounge chair and turned, hand reaching behind his back where he kept a small blade, ready to face his would be attacker. Instead, he was met with the figure of Cameron, eyes wide and hands shooting straight into the air.

“Whoa! Hey it’s just me!” He said, his voice full of surprise and shock at Logan’s quick movement.

Logan sighed, removing his hand away from the handle of his blade, before standing up straight, looking at the prince. “You nearly gave me a heart attack kid. What the hell are you doing here?”

Cameron hands fell to his side as his heart rate settled. He chewed at his lip and looked around. The two of them were in the royal study. The walls were lined stacks of books and data tablets filling the air with a smell of parchment and dust. Chairs of various sizes and comfort were placed around the room with stylish strategy with alcohol carts were within arms reach wherever you sat. This wasn’t a room he often visited, but hearing the Logan was in here caused him to beeline it to meet with the man. Finally, all he could manage was a simple shrug, replying honestly.

“I just… I needed to come tell you thank you… you saved my life.”

Logan shook his head, a smile teasing the corners of his mouth. “No kid, you saved your life. I just helped you figure out how.

“Well… still,” Cameron said, taking a seat across from him, “I’m grateful. I know that without you in my ear I wouldn’t have made it out.”

“Nah. Give yourself some credit. You’re a fighter kid. You come by it honest.”

Cameron couldn’t help but match Logan’s grin, giving a slight nod. “Thanks Logan. For everything.”

“You don’t have to thank me kid, just make sure I get paid on time.” Logan said nonchalantly, giving a shrug. In actuality it warmed the old soldier's heart to hear Cameron’s gratitude, but he wasn’t about to give that away. He had an image to maintain.

There was silence for a while as both men shifted in their seats. Finally, Logan looked back up at Cameron, cracking a smile.

“…What?” The prince said, raising an eyebrow.

“Nothing,” Logan said, shaking his head, “I just feel like being charitable since you nearly died is all.”

“Oh?” Cameron said, “And what, pray tell are you going to bequeath your humble servant?”

“Watch it kid,” Logan shot back, his voice coming out as a growl, though his smirk still held to keep the air of levity. “Just cause your injured, don’t think for a second I won’t hesitate to drag your ass back out to run up that mesa again.”

“I feel at some point this is just hazing.” Cameron said, feigning offence.

“Of course not!” Logan said, mimicking Cameron’s tone, clutching at imaginary pearls, “It’s not hazing, its training!”

They both shared at hearty laugh at that, with Logan taking a few moments to collect himself before he spoke again. “What do you think about taking it easy today and tomorrow? We’ll pick it back up after the coronation ball.”

“You mean to tell me I can get hammered and not have to worry about a five AM hangover? Sounds like a good deal to me.”

Logan laughed again at the kids comment, before draining the rest of his whiskey, and pouring two more glasses, handing one to Cameron, “Let’s not waste any more time then.”

***

To say that the coronation ball was opulent would be the understatement of the century. Cameron wasn’t even inside the ball room yet, still about a hundred meters from the entrance as he watched groups of people flock inside through the large alabaster doors which were swung wide open to allow for the influx of party goers. He sighed and straightened his vest. Try as she might, the last thing he was going to let his sister do was convince him to get into the litany of frills and lace that made up the standard noble attire. After a couple hours of arguing back and forth, she finally relented, allowing him to settle for a black long sleeved dress shirt, sapphire blue vest, and matching blue slacks. He had thrown her a bone as well by tying back his long black hair into a manageable ponytail. But now, as he stood outside the crowded and bustling chamber, he couldn’t manage to get his feet to move. He sighed, looking down into a shining silver vase as he checked his stubble and teeth in its reflection for the fifth time that evening.

“Ooh that’s attractive.” The familiar breathy giggle of Sybil Moore broke Cameron from his inspection as he whirled around to face her.

“Hey I don’t judge yo-,” he stopped mid sentence as his eyes fell on Sybil and her attire. From tip to toe she was stunning. Her shoulder length platinum-blonde hair was styled in ringlets, further accentuating its usual curly manner. Her green eyes shined under a dark layer of expertly applied smoky eye shadow which complimented the dark red tinge of her lips. Her dress was nothing short of breathtaking. Simple yet elegant, it was a black, body hugging number made of silk that went all the way to the floor. A slit was opened on the right side, giving her the freedom to show her tanned and toned legs as well as the thigh high strings that wrapped around them, holding her black high heels in place.

Cameron thought his jaw might go through the floor. He had to work to close it, his eyes never leaving her figure. There was only one way he could adequately articulate his feelings on this situation.

“Holy shit…” He said in a breathless whisper.

She rolled her eyes and giggled again, striding over and patting him on the cheek as she spoke. “Careful big guy, stare too hard and you may break something.”

“Yeah, we- well I… I mean I won’t break… You’re very pretty” Cameron was practically tripping over himself as he tried to form a coherent sentence. Soon he felt his face heat up as he became distinctly aware that Sybil’s giggle of amusement wasn’t the only one to be heard in the crowd. He cut his eyes and saw a few minor nobles and even a servant or two smirking at his expense. Sybil didn’t seem to mind, staying focused on him. She snapped her fingers in his face, drawing his attention back to her.

“Don’t worry about them. For right now I just want you to focus on me.”

“Oh I’ll try my best to stay on task.” He said sarcastically, finding his humor again as his shock faded.

“Good. I’d hate to have gotten all dolled up just to be ignored because of a few snickers. ” She said with a wink, motioning for him to take the lead as they began to walk towards the ballroom. Cameron didn’t even realize she had looped her arm through his until they had passed under the archway. He wasn’t going to complain though. If anything, it made him even more confident to have a catch like her hanging off his arm as they strolled through a maze of guests.

The party was in full swing by the time they made their way through the crowd of people and found their seats next to the triplets. They welcomed Cameron with warmth, after they finished staring at his date.

“Dude… How?” Dean asked him in a whisper, once his brothers went back to discussing the politics of court. Cameron could only chuckle in amusement and shrug as if to say ‘Your guess is as good as mine’

From his place at the royal table, Cameron got a full view of the elegance on display. Dark mahogany tables were arranged in a horseshoe like pattern, facing the throne. In the open center, a crystal chandelier was purposefully shined with different colored lights, casting a kaleidoscopic rainbow down onto the currently empty dance floor. Soft music tickled Cameron’s ears, the result of the string quartet filling the air with soulful melodies. Servants glided through the mass of guests carrying trays of alcohol and food. The spectacle of such an elegant machine was surely a sight to behold. As was the way it all came to a stop when the final three guests entered.