Malcolm listened as Camron spoke and didn't pay much attention to the chess board. He goes to open his mouth to say something but then hesitates before closing it again. He thinks for a few moments to try and collect the words he wants to say. After a bit long he says, "So why don't you look at it from another perspective? Think of it kind of like chess. I'm the king of your side of the board. The other side is everyone that wants to get at me or try to hurt me. After every move you have to try and think of all of the possible ways that they could attack me and prevent that from happening. It's more of strategy then strength most of the time. Brains versus brawn." He stops and stares at the board before moving a different pawn. "But I'm obviously not a licensed official to tell you this or to tell you how to properly fix your psychological problem," Mal says as his gaze goes up to him, "but I think that it would just be something to think about."

[He listened to his words with a sigh. "In the perspective of a chess game the king is protected by several different pieces. Each piece has a different purpose that can be used to help protect the king. I am like a pawn, I have no special abilities and I'm disposable." He moved a random piece without paying attention to the board. "The pieces of the board each have a purpose, the pawns are supposed to protect the king but they are the most disposable, nobody really cares when a pawn is taken."]

He watched Camron's moves and frowned at his words once more. Mal stayed silent for a few more minutes before moving one of his pieces so that it could be taken out by Camron. "Pawns don't always disposable," he says without looking at him, "if they do die then they don't go forgotten. Soldiers die at war and are remembered by their families and other soldiers. Pawns are important still. They lead the way and hold the line for others to follow. They blaze a trial so that others won't have to work hard to make one."

[He watched the move before moving a random piece again, ignoring Malcolm's move. "I truly doubt anybody in this castle will car if I were to die. Last time I saw another guard he attacked me." He sighed tapping his fingers.]

He looks up at Camron with a sad look in his eyes at what he had said about himself. "I would care," he says quietly as he slides his queen forward. Malcolm then lowers his eyes to try and keep himself from looking at Camron after he had quietly answered.

[Camron looked up for a second before staring at Malcolm. "What..?" He spoke in a fairly low voice like he was trying not to get caught doing something, "why?" He stared fairly blankly at him. For a moment he glanced at the board before just looking back at Malcolm without moving a piece.]

Malcolm hesitated for a moment, trying to gather his words, before he answered Camron. "Because you are the first person outside of the palace that I have ever been able to connect with. Even though you are supposed to be my bodyguard and nothing more I feel really connected to you as a friend. If anything were to happen to you then... Well I don't know how I would feel.." As Mal talks he looks up at Camron and gestures with his good hand before ending with his head lowering a bit again.

[He watched him closely for a moment. After a minute he opened his mouth to speak before shutting it and simply staring at Malcolm. He watched him for another minute before speaking, "I truely did not know you felt that way.." he stared slightly, "I'm so sorry." Camron began awkwardly picking his nails again, "I'm sorry." He repeated after a moment.]
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(Sorry, I got sick and I got caught up with that)

(It's ok! Apologies myself for the late reply, I had a very busy weekend)

~
Malcolm shook his head some before saying, "You didn't know and that's ok." A knock then came from the door and a maid entered with their curry and water. She sat the items down on Mal's desk before bowing and leaving, closing the door behind her. "Well, I suppose we should eat before it gets cold," he says as he begins to carefully put the chess game away with his one arm.

[He watched the interaction before nodding in reply to Malcolm, "yes, it looks quite good." He watched Malcolm a little bit longer, "I can put the board away if you would like-"]

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(sorry it's so short, I've been kinda busy)