Greetings of Hate

Adia shrugged and turned around starting again down the path and Boris followed her, the council members and the guards close behind him. "You know there's a war going on."

"And? It's not like the kingdom is under attack,"

Boris stifled a chuckle knowing that that would have been his answer too if he didn't meet Dominic, "the army is facing a lack of materials and men."

"And?"

"I came out here to get some men for the army," Boris admitted, "and also drop in and see how the kingdom is holding up these days."

Adia turned and stared at Boris, looking for an ounce of a lie on his face but what met with complete honesty, "pfft… You must be joking. You know everyone, well most people that I know hate the royals in this kingdom, and yet you're going to try and get people to go to the army willingly?" Adis turned to face the group following them and chuckled, "why didn't you guys just wear your royalty outfits then? You can just intimidate people into working for you."

Boris sighed, "do you think I'm stupid? It can cause a revolt and will most definitely alert him and he might end up trying to come after me and hurt himself."

"Right…" Adia laughed, "you want to maintain as much distance as you can don't you? I still don't get why you won't confront each other and settle things. Have a big fight, makeup, and issue solved."

"I would but," Boris turned and nodded towards the group behind them, "as you can see, I'm quite occupied with the task I have right now… so can you-"

"Why not?" Adia interrupted, "You want me to help you right? Gather up as many men as I can right?"

"Quick as always," Boris nodded.

"Then you must have come prepared right?" Adia grinned.

"Of course," Boris pulled out a large bag and shook it, "enough for 100 men and extra for you. Get them by today by all measures and turn them in at the castle gates by tomorrow and you will get another bag to do the same again."

"And this is for how long?" Adia asked.

"Just this week," Boris answered, handing Adia the bag, "I also have multiple people out looking for men. If you need additional help, come into the castle," Boris pulled out a necklace and slipped it over her head, "I'll be waiting for the good news."

"Of course!" Adia smiled, "what will I not do for money these days." She jiggled the bag and then turned to look at their destination.

"It's funny how my feet still manage to lead me directly to these doors," Boris sighed, looking at the worn down building, "even though I know I'm not accepted here anymore."

"But this time you're here with money," Adia giggled, "even if I might hate someone, in these times money is more important than hate."

"Sometimes you make me regret trusting you," Boris teased.

"Then you can just leave now," Adia walked up the steps leading up to the building and placed her hand on the door, "you'll definitely be rejected if you walk in here with nothing to give."

"Is that a threat?" Boris smiled.

"Of course, that's my style," Adia laughed, her face quickly calmed and she stared into Boris' eyes, "you ready?"

Boris gulped and gave a nod, "let's do this."

Adia pushed the door and it slid open, a series of cheers soon following.

"I'M HOME YOU STINGY SCRAPS!" Adia yelled, "AND I BROUGHT MONEY!"

Sounds of praise and applause filled the air as the hundred of people in the room alone cheered.

"I brought one more thing," Adia smiled stepping into the building and stepped aside to show Boris.

"Long time no see," Boris smiled awkwardly, as he stepped into the room. An air of familiarity flowed over him, accompanied with the unfamiliar looks of disgust and hate.