."But Your Grace, it is customary that the young princes go bade their uncle farewell". Lord Apollo in his insightful wisdom, objected to the King's decision.
"Lord Apollo, it is my duty as their father to protect them even in the thinnest danger. The journey we are about embarking on, have some uncertainties. We will be sailing through the River of Blood, wayfaring through the Oak of Nemesis and the Valley of the Dead. Would you want me to carry my children along with me and cross this perilous places?". His raised eyebrows weighed the doubts that were lingering somewhere in his mind. The Lord that served under the reign of his father, his grandfather and his father before him, surely should know the risk that the living would be taking to bury the dead.
Lord Apollo, the Lord of Accounts was quite young, a serving boy flourishing in his early twenties under the watchful eyes of Lord Platius, the former Lord of Accounts. It was when the Lord Platius died that Lord Apollo, former serving boy of the Lord of Account was promoted to the duty of his master, having been taught, tutored and schooled by the Accounts Lord, The numerous calculations of gold, silver and bronze. The appropriation of funds according to the diverse needs of the people. The stating of the expenditures and income in a comprehensive manner. All these and more he learnt under his Lord master.
"If that's what you say, Your Grace. I am in no authority nor position to refuse you. But what of the lad?. Will it be safe for him out there?". Objections gradually turned into concern.
Albert gave his wife that quick look again. His eyes carried instructions to her this time and also behind the instructions, hid high hopes in her. "I am counting on you. Do not let me down". The blue pupils of the Dokatridges stayed undilated, completely fixed as the instructions and the bagged trust relayed to her by means of eye contact.
"My wife's hand is more suited for my son. If she is going, he must too". He answered honestly. His words not just for Lord Apollo but also for the grasping of the other Lords. No more questions about his family should be asked, the voice with which he spoke and the composure he had, said.
"Excluding the eldest princes and their guards and maids, Your Graces, the total head count is now two hundred and eighty six". Lord Ethan said of his estimation.
".To their categories, they are?"
"To their categories, they are a hundred and twenty guards, thirty-one knights, twenty apothecaries, thirty flagbearers, fifty-seven horses, twelve shield bearers three midwives, four maids, Your Graces, the lad, five lords and Sir Arcani. That is the round up, your grace. A wheelhouse have been provided for Your Grace and his family". The Lord of Commerce placed each head in their category.
"Very good then, let's get going. The sun don't do overtime". Albert instructed his team of advisors and encouragers.
The bowing guards paved way for him and his Queen. With broadened shoulders and perfectly shaped torso, as the body fitted adorned royal blue garment he wore, detailed, Albert marched forward with the Crown on his head, his long blue robe, which was made up of silk upon wool upon linen, a diamond button which held the sides of the robe at his neck and a white fur like neck collar. The robe lied obediently behind him and his Scepter that gave judgement to the poor, the rich and guilty and also honored Knights into the Greater Course, stood silently in his right hand. His long black hair cascaded down to his lower back.
By her husband side, Marcella walked daintily, chest out, hand upon hand and shoulder raised. Her fitted royal blue gown matched her husband's clothing. The trailing garment was still but hers was lighter in texture and colour. The diamonds that were placed at the edge of her husband's sleeves were present on hers but instead of the diagonal arrangement of the precious stones on his clothing, her adornments were grouped around her slim waist to resemble a belt and also round her turtle collar to look like a dazzling necklace.
The matching couple walked in their style down the hall of the court. The slight stirring in sleep stopped the moment he was handed over to his Queen mother. Marcella held baby Levi to her breasts to give him comfort while he slept. Noticing that his cap was gradually falling of his head, she adjusted the royal baby's cap that was sown by the Royal Sempstress.
The mighty doors shut closed after every person except the guards assigned to the Castle had left the room .