Chapter 85: Rooming Problem

The attendants led them down a quiet corridor lined with tall windows that looked out over the floating city’s lower terraces. Multi colored light filtered through translucent crystal panes reflecting the crystals colour. Everything smelled faintly of Elven royalty, it smelled like flowers, perfume and everything nice.

Eventually they stopped in front of a row of spacious guest rooms. The lead attendant turned and gave a polite bow.

"We will leave the room choices to you four. Fresh clothes and baths will be made available in about an hour, once you have settled in."

She and the other attendants turned to leave.

Elias, shameless as ever, called after them.

"One of you should join me this night, i promise a spectacular experience "

The attendants only giggled behind their hands and kept walking, the soft sound of their laughter trailing down the hall.

"Hey!" Elias tried again, but they only giggled more and disappeared around the corner.

"At least hear a guy out!"

Kai pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Would you stop embarrassing yourself?"

Elias turned to him with that slow, sly smile that usually meant trouble.

"Don’t tell me you’re jealous."

"More like disgusted."

"Come on. The truth doesn’t hurt."

"What are you talking about?"

"I mean...if you feel threatened just say it"

"Fuck off."

Kai turned on his heel, walked straight to the nearest room on the right, and pushed the door open.

"I’m going into my room now. You all should do the same. We need the rest," he said, sassy enough to make it clear the conversation was over, and shut the door behind him.

For approximately forty peaceful seconds, the room was quiet.

It was a beautiful room — wide bed draped in pale fabrics, a low table, tall windows, and enough space to actually breathe. Kai exhaled and let his shoulders drop for the first time in what felt like days.

Then the door opened again.

Rhydian stepped in first, looking mildly awkward. Elias followed right behind him like he owned the place. Ayan hovered near the doorway, clearly unsure whether he was allowed to be there but unwilling to be left out.

Kai stared at them.

"...What."

Rhydian cleared his throat.

"We noticed that the rooms were big, and—"

"No."

Elias dropped onto the edge of the bed like the matter was already decided.

"Come on, Sugar. We’ve been through hell. Shared trauma builds bonds. Also, this bed can definitely fit four."

"It is not fitting four. It is fitting one. Me."

Ayan, still standing near the door, mumbled,

"I just... didn’t really want to be alone. But I can leave if—"

"You’re all leaving."

Rhydian held up both hands.

"Look, I’m not trying to make it weird. I just thought it might be more efficient. We can talk strategy, keep an eye on each other, and—"

"Strategy can wait until after I get five minutes of silence," Kai cut in. "Out."

Elias leaned back on his palms, completely unbothered.

"You’re cute when you’re territorial."

"I will end you."

"See? That’s the passion I’m talking about."

Ayan’s ears were turning pink. He looked between the three of them like he had walked into a conversation he was not emotionally prepared for.

"I really can take another room," he offered weakly.

"No," Elias said at the same time Kai said, "Yes."

The two men looked at each other.

Rhydian sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

"This is getting out of hand. Maybe we should just—"

"Maybe you should all walk out the door and close it behind you," Kai finished for him.

Nobody moved.

Elias made himself more comfortable on the bed. Rhydian still looked like he was trying to find a reasonable compromise. Ayan looked like he wanted the floor to open up and swallow him but also like he didn’t want to be the only one excluded.

Kai’s eye twitched.

He turned, scanned the room, and spotted a decorative longsword mounted on the wall between two tall windows. It was clearly ceremonial — polished, engraved, and probably never meant to be used — but it had a sharp enough edge to make a point.

Kai walked over, pulled it down in one smooth motion, and pointed the blade at the three of them.

"Out."

Elias raised both eyebrows, delighted.

"Are you threatening us with palace décor?"

"I am giving you three seconds."

Rhydian took a cautious step back.

"Kai—"

"One."

Ayan’s eyes went wide.

"Two."

Elias grinned wider.

"You wouldn’t."

"Three."

Kai lunged.

What followed was less of a dignified eviction and more of a chaotic scramble. Elias rolled off the bed laughing as the ceremonial sword sliced through the air where he’d been sitting. Rhydian grabbed Ayan by the back of the collar and hauled him toward the door while trying not to laugh himself. Ayan made a small, startled noise that was half protest and half panic.

"You’re insane!" Elias called, still laughing as he backed into the hallway.

"And you’re homeless for the night," Kai shot back. "Find your own rooms!"

He herded all three of them the rest of the way out with the flat of the blade, slammed the door shut, and locked it for good measure. For a few seconds he stood there with his back against the wood, ceremonial sword still in hand, listening to the muffled complaints and laughter on the other side.

Eventually the hallway went quiet.

Kai exhaled, walked back to the wall, and hung the sword up again with exaggerated care. Then he face-planted onto the absurdly soft bed and muttered into the blankets,

"I swear I’m going to kill all of them."

The System, unhelpful as ever, chimed in mildly.

[Host’s heart rate is elevated. Residual stress markers detected. Rest is recommended.]

"Shut up."

[Acknowledged.]

Outside, somewhere down the hall, Elias’s voice still carried faintly.

"He’s definitely jealous!"

Kai grabbed a pillow, shoved it over his head, and decided that the next person who opened his door was getting thrown out the window. Floating city or not.