A bell rang within the Battle Castle.
Darach, already hard at work, put down the pot he was scrubbing and left down the hall at a brisk pace. Like all the hallways in the castle, it was long, matted with luscious carpets, and inlaid with gold and ivory. Grand paintings covered much of the wall, letting anyone who walked through the walls know that they were in the most expensive place in Sinnoh.
"What is it, lady Caitlin?" he asked the back of the tall chair in front of him.
"I am bored," came a small voice from the other side.
Darach blinked. This was an unusual statement. "What would you have me do about it, milady?"
There was a short pause "I want to go for a walk," Caitlin decided.
Darach bowed. "I shall fetch your parasol at once."
Caitlin made an indecisive noise. Darach stopped mid-stride. "Is something wrong?"
"Do I really need a parasol?"
Darach hesitated. "It is only proper."
There was a moment of silence. "I suppose you are correct."
Satisfied, Darach walked down the halls to a small closet and extracted a pink and white parasol. He returned to where Lady Caitlin was sitting and offered his hand to help her up. She smiled and took it, and together they walked to the entrance to the Battle Castle. Darach stopped just before the doors and opened the parasol, holding it above Lady Caitlin's head. She carefully stepped outside, making sure to be hidden under the parasol's protection.
Lady Caitlin always enjoyed her walks outside, which pleased Darach. Caitlin's fragile health meant she was unable to participate in most activities, so he was always happy to afford her excursions like these. However, he was always willing to bring them to an end if it seemed Lady Caitlin was having difficulties.
It was rather hot today, Darach noted. He was somewhat uncomfortable in his suit, and Lady Caitlin would probably be feeling its effects at some point as well.
"Darach," said Caitlin.
"Yes, milady?"
"I would like some fruit."
Darach hesitated. The market was nearby, but always crowded. The sheer number of people might aggravate Lady Caitlin's condition. "Of course, milady," he said. Perhaps there would be fewer people today.
However, the market was as crowded as ever. The two hesitated outside the sea of people, and Darach could see a look of disappointment on Lady Caitlin's face. "Perhaps we can try again later…"
"Nonsense, milady. I shall fetch it for you." Darach just realized what he said. Leave Lady Caitlin alone? Unthinkable! And yet…
Darach carefully maneuvered through the crowd of people. Normaly, they would have recognized him and let him pass, but he had no such luck in the thronged market. Finally, he made it to his destination. He adjusted his collar before speaking to the salesman: "Five Hondew berries, please." Lady Caitlin's favorite, as always.
"Of course, Darach," said the man. He put them in a bag and handed them to the Castle Valet. "For Caitlin?"
"Of course."
The man craned his neck to look behind Darach. "Running errands alone?"
"No, Lady Caitlin is right over…" Darach turned. And panicked. He pushed his way through the crowd to the spot where he had left Caitlin not a minute ago. She was nowhere to be found.
Disguising his panic with a dignified composure, he tapped the shoulder of a nearby woman. "Excuse me, ma'am. Have you seen Lady Caitlin?"
The woman paused. "With a parasol, right?" Darach nodded. "She just walked off. I don't know where she went. Sorry."
"Thank you," said Darach, moving aside. He wanted to scream, but he knew it would be undignified.
He formulated a plan. He would return to the Battle Castle. He would call everyone he could and enlist them all in the search for Lady Caitlin. She absolutely had to be found, as soon as possible.
He walked with a brisk pace back to the Castle. He stepped inside, grateful for the air condition, past the closet, and to…
He stepped back to the closet. Lady Caitlin's parasol was leaning against the door. He stared at it for a moment, unsure of what to think. He walked to the throne room.
"Lady?" he called.
There was a crinkle, and then: "Yes, Darach?"
Darach breathed a sigh of relief. Regaining his composure again, he walked to the throne, making sure to actually keep Lady Caitlin in his sight.
"I trust you had a pleasant walk?" he asked.
"Oh, yes," she said with a smile. She carefully opened the bag in her hands and removed a small Hondew berry, which she put into her mouth. "I do enjoy our walks, Darach."
"I'm glad, milady. You know your comfort is my prime concern. Do you require anything else?" Caitlin shook her head. "Then I do hope you will excuse me."
"Of course, Darach. I wouldn't want to worry you," she said with a knowing smile.
Darach walked down the hallways, utterly unsure what to think.