“You’re right, that’s the last thing I need, for you to have something over me.” He laughed, knowing full well that Tristan would properly embarrass him if necessary, if only to make a point. “Realistic oaths from now on.” He said, holding one hand up near his head, and the other over his heart. It might have looked jokingly, but the lightheartedness was just a mask for how real it actually was. He’d serve Tristan in his reign, anyway he’d have him. But he’d also serve him as a friend because there wasn’t any other friendship more valuable to him than his and Tristans.

But the atmosphere changed back to heavy as Tristan spoke of his father. Grayson could feel his heart tugging him down. Grayson didn’t have a father like Arthur, or even a mother who was there for him. He’d always just been this orphaned kid so caught up in how he felt that he often forgot how others felt too. It pained him to see Tristan this way, to miss his father who might have been a great and wonderful human being, but he was still his father. He’d almost wished he hadn’t said anything when Tristan thanked him. Grayson watched him carefully and nodded. It wasn’t often - if ever - someone got to see this side of Tristan. He fe felt his pain - even if he didn’t quite understand the capacity in which he did.

The mood got lighter again, and Grayson chuckled, attempting to dodge the projectile that was tossed at him.

Picking it back up he threw the cushion back at him, “you don’t kiss and tell, Tristan. It’s not proper.” Truthfully, he hadn’t even properly kissed her yet but he didn’t feel like sharing the details of his own virginity with someone vastly more experienced than him. It was probably the first and only time Grayson had properly omitted a truth to Tristan. But he wanted to see where this thing he and Olive had would go, especially if he didn’t know if it was even still a thing. He could only hope at least for the moment, Tristan wouldn’t pry any further.

Grayson yawned and with it came a stretch of his arms wide above his heah. “Ugh.” he said, his nose wrinkling in recoil. “How can you bare to be in the same room with me.” He quickly dropped his hands, quietly shaking his head.

“Thank you for the pep talk Tristan, I really needed it.” he laughed, “about as much as I need a shower at this point.” He wriggled out from over the covers throwing his legs over the bed. He was still pretty weak. But this time he wouldn’t just train harder, he’d train right. He’d get there when he got there and wouldn’t push himself like he did last time. Pushing himself haven’t warranted any good results the first time. Their world was finally getting to a point where it all felt right again. No more cots in the forest, no more tasteless mush, they were back where they belonged. Finally

“I’m sure i’m keeping you from doing….” he paused, raising a brow as he glanced Tristan up and down, “your kingly duties. I think I'll clean myself up now and catch you at dinner.” He actually wanted to go look around, walk the halls he’d walk before and remember the times when they were young. He should probably get checked out at some point too. Maybe even find his sister, if she was able to be found. If she even wanted to see him.

“I’ll be looking forward to your coronation.” he said with a smile as he slipped off the bed and began rummaging through a drawer, trying to find some clean clothes. He turned to face him but found himself looking past him and around the room. “And you’re right, maybe i’ll go find something to liven this place up a bit while I'm at it.” Clean clothes clutched in his hands, he took in a big breath before exhaling it slowly.

Tristan was right, he had to make his own choices, and he couldn’t keep sinking in himself every time something went wrong. He could do it, he would do it. And for the first time in a very, very long time. Grayson felt like his heart was far lighter than it had been hours before.