Peony stretched; his final duty was done for the day – the rappigs had eaten, their dishes were tidied away and they were sound asleep in various places throughout the room. He smiled happily at them feeling they were the one of the only things he could rely on these days. His moment of peace was swiftly shattered by the sound of his door. He frowned. There was only one person who could, who would enter without knocking, but for him to be here at this time and unexpectedly at that was foreboding. He looked at the door and his suspicions were confirmed as Colonel Jade Curtiss entered.
"Jade! You're back early…and here late…" Peony's voice faltered as he took in Jade's appearance. His uniform was splattered with blood and while that was alarming in itself, it was Jade's face that truly worried him. Deep lines of exhaustion were etched into it and he was even paler than usual.
Jade stood at attention, but Peony could tell he had to force himself to do it. "Damnit Jade you look done in. Do you need to see a healer? Why didn't you wait to come? I'm sure a report could wait."
"We lost the battle."
Peony froze.
"Reinforcements need to be sent…before the Kimlascans gain momentum, form a new blockade…" Jade swayed on his feet, and started to fall, but Peony was already moving and caught him before he hit the ground. He lowered him to the ground. Jade tried to pull away, but weakness gripped him and he let his head fall against Peony's chest.
"You're injured," Peony growled. "Why didn't you go to a healer first?"
"Urgent," Jade murmured. He took a shuddering and painful sounding breath. "It's my duty to see…Malkuth safe. As Emperor you should know the country's safety comes first."
"Maybe."
A shudder passed through Jade, but he didn't reply. Peony looked down and saw his eyes were half lidded and clouded. "As a soldier you keep our country…and me safe." He held Jade tighter, whether to comfort him or to reassure himself, he couldn't say. "But as your friend, it's my duty to take care of you."
"Sentimental as always," Jade replied, but with that his eyes fell shut and his breathing evened as sleep took him.
Peony shook his head in exasperation and reached out to a small bell used to summon servants when needed. A healer would come. In the meantime, he would keep his dearest friend safe.