The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and Mekaneck had a day off. He whistled as he crossed the courtyard. He'd probably check out the market first. Maybe see if any good shows were playing at the theatre. Of course, there was also that new spa he'd seen last time he went to town, the one touting Tabaxi-style massages. He was literally aching for a good massage—

The whistling died off as Mekaneck spotted the forlorn figure seated at the gates. Prince Adam sat hugging something to his chest. Cringer was curled around his feet, mewing softly, but his presence didn't seem to be helping Adam's mood.

"Adam?" Mekaneck stopped by the boy. "What's up."

Adam gave him a pitiful look and held up a hoverboard. "Dad was going to teach me to ride my new board today…"

"Ah." The King had been called away unexpectedly that morning to address a crisis in Felis Qadi. "It's okay—he'll be back soon."

"I know, but…" Adam sighed, staring at his board. "This always happens. He's always gotta do kingly stuff and he never has any time for me. I miss him."

Mekaneck sat beside him. "He misses you too, Adam. But he has responsibilities—a whole kingdom's worth."

"Aren't I his responsibility, too?" Adam asked with a pout. Elders, that face could make a whole nation melt in sympathy…

"No. You're not Randor's responisibility." Mekaneck said gently. "You're his joy. You and the Queen, you're the reason he works so hard to keep the kingdom safe. To make it prosperous. Because he wants you two to have a good life."

Adam's shoulders lifted marginally out of their slump as he considered that. "I guess…" He sighed again. "I just…I wish he could be around more."

Mekaneck bit his lip thoughtfully. "…I know I'm not the King, but…I could help with your hoverboard."

Adam perked up. "Really?"

"Really."

"But don't you have stuff to do?"

"Nothing more important than helping the Prince of Eternia." Mekaneck ruffled the boy's hair playfully. Adam shoved his hand away with a laugh. That was better—the world was brighter when the prince was smiling. "Come on, let's go to the training courtyard—there's more room there."


I am fully aware that the Tabaxi are not part of the MOTU universe. But I'll pretend for now.