"Were you put to work in all five of those places?" Alaric asked. "I suppose that would explain why you're such a good worker. Most of the new servants who come into our service have no idea what they're doing." It was a bit of an exaggeration, but the prince had seen his share of terrible service.

"I think I'll have you assigned to clean my chambers permanently." He paused. "Unless you have any objections? You don't seem to enjoy being in my presence."

"Yes. I did work in all of those places." Seth said. He did basically the same job in each place. Which was just cleaning up whatever was dirty.

"I have no objections to cleaning your chambers." he said. "I don't mind being around you...It just that you have a terrifiying aura surround you. It's making me nervous."

Alaric stared at Seth for a moment in surprise before suddenly laughing, obviously very amused by the servant's comment. "A terrifying aura?" he repeated, smiling at Seth. The prince knew that a lot of people were afraid of him, but very few would dare come right out and say so.

"You're very honest, aren't you?" He studied Seth for a brief moment before sitting forward, so that their faces were closer. "Am I terrifying you right now?"

"Yes. I am." Seth said, answering his first question. He instantly leaned away when the prince leaned closer. "Yes. You are." he said. His heart was pounding. He could hear it in his ears. He wanted nothing more than to leave but couldn't until he was dismissed.

Alaric smiled again. Seth was so very amusing. He leaned forward just a little more, wondering what Seth would do.

"Why am I terrifying you?" he asked curiously. "What are you afraid I'm going to do to you, Seth?"

"I-I don't know!" Seth said. He leaned further away. His heart was pounding louder now. He was terrified right now.

Alaric pulled back from Seth, tired of teasing him. He really hadn't meant to scare him that badly. He was starting to dislike the fearful look in Seth's eyes.

"Well, I'm sorry that I terrify you. But I'm afraid I really do need your help today, so you'll have to try to overcome it." He glanced at the balcony doors, where the morning sunlight was pouring through. "Will you open one of those doors, please? I want to breathe some fresh air." His tone was still commanding, but he was trying to speak a little more gently.

"Alright." Seth said. He stood up and went over to the doors. He opened them and smiled slightly, feeling the breeze. It felt good. He turned back to Alaric. "What else do you need?" he asked.

Alaric was surprised that Seth actually talked to him without being prodded first. Perhaps the gentler approach had worked. He sat up when the cool air hit him, feeling slightly rejuvenated. He pushed himself up off the bed and strode to the door where Seth was standing.

"Why don't we go out onto the balcony?" he suggested, peering out at the palace grounds. "Have you ever seen the grounds from this wing of the palace before?"

Alaric stepped outside, shivering slightly.

"No. I haven't." Seth said, following him out. He saw Alaric shiver. "Do you want something to cover up?" he asked. While he waited for the answer, he looked out at the grounds. It was a great view. He has always liked being outside. But his job required him to be inside. So he didn't get out much.

"No, it isn't actually very cold, is it?" Alaric stepped up to the balustrade and placed a hand on its smooth stone surface. "It's quite nice. I've just been inside all morning."

The air felt crisp and clean and he could hear the familiar chirping of the birds that lived in the trees surrounding the palace. "I used to play out in the gardens when I was a young boy, but they didn't look anything like this. When I was about ten years old my father had the entire grounds dug up and replanted. I think it looks much better now. Have you seen them for yourself?"

Seth looked at him when he was spoken to. "No. I haven't gotten the chance to see them." he said. "Though I would like to." he added. He looked back out across the grounds. He took a deep breath of the fresh air. He loved being outside. Always had. Always will.

"Let's go for a walk, then," the prince suggested, leaving the balustrade and stepping into his chambers once more, motioning for Seth to follow him. "I haven't taken the time in far too long, and it's far past time you saw them for yourself."

He stood by the door that led out to the corridor, waiting for Seth to open it.

Seth followed him silently. He opened the doors for him as they went down to the gardens and closed them behind him.He really just wanted to be alone at this moment. He has spent for to much time with the prince already.

Alaric smiled when they finally stepped out into the sunlight. The palace grounds stretched out around them and he took a path at random, following it aimlessly.

"Are you having trouble here at the palace?" he asked, shooting a glance in the servant's direction. "I've heard the serving staff can be cut-throat, especially to new workers."

Seth relaxed a little bit when they were outside in the sun. He looked around, enjoying the view. He continued following the prince, no choice about it.

"No. I haven't had any trouble." he said. His eyes fell to the ground.