Prince Veiris of the Autumn Nation Shezum
----
It had been almost four months since the Royal Unity Celebration.
Veiris sat at his father's right hand during a meeting with members of the Shezum Court.
"Neku," Duke Anul - Veiris's uncle - said, "what about Shezil? I hear their Heir may avoid the throne."
"Where did you hear that?" Veiris's father asked in response.
"I sent Zin to their villages to hear what may be happening. Abil and Zild have been acting very suspicious."
King Abil and Queen Consort Zild certainly had been acting suspicious, and the news of Klal hadn't lessened tensions among the nations.
Veiris's cousin - Countex Zin - was one of the youngest members of the Shezum Court. They used that fame among the people to disguise the fact that they were a spy for Shezum. Most of what Shezum knew about the other nations' affairs came from Zin, child of Duke Anul and Duchess Consort Dela.
"While they were there, Zin heard rumors that the one who stole Shezen's magic is from Shezil," Duchess Consort Dela added. "That gives us reason to believe Shezil's government has involvement with him."
"Abil is a close friend of mine," Veiris's father said. "I don't want to blame him too early… but it would be wise to investigate further. Tell Zin to stay a while longer and try to get into the castle."
Anul and Dela nodded.
"What about Shezon?" a courtman named Kitel asked. "The recent wedding would be a perfect cover-up for secret plans."
"Shezon is a close ally, though. Do we have any suspicions of Shezen?" a courtwoman named Elan asked.
"Shezen recently called Heir Prince Veiris for a meeting about Klal," Anul said. "I doubt they'd be planning anything."
"It could be a cover-up, though."
"It is unwise to throw blame so casually," Veiris's father said. "Veiris, did you notice anything suspicious while in Shezen?"
"No," Veiris said.
"Then we should focus our spies on Shezil, but continue a close watch on the others."
Mutters of agreement sounded around the table of eight.
Veiris's father rang a bell hanging from the ceiling to his left. A scribe walked in and bowed.
"Send a letter to Countex Zin."
The scribe nodded and prepared to write.
"'The Shezum Royal Court believes it wise to keep watch on all other nations of Shezul, yet focus our spies on Shezil. Call for twenty of your spies to join you in Shezil. Send ten others to Shezon. Send ten others to Shezen. Of these new spies, send one every three days to avoid suspicion. You may decide for yourself where each spy will go.'"
Veiris's father nodded to signal that he was finished. The scribe nodded and laid the letter before him. The scribe poured a small circle of wax on the bottom of the paper, and Veiris's father pressed his ring into it. The scribe took the letter and folded it, placing it in a black envelope. They placed it in the large bag draped over their right shoulder and resting on their left hip.
"Deliver this immediately. You are dismissed."
The scribe bowed and left the room.
"Are there any other matters to review?" Veiris's father asked.
The others around the table shook their heads.
"Then, you are dismissed."
The members of the Court stood and bowed before going to leave. Veiris and his father stayed behind.
Veiris turned in his chair to face his father.
"What will we do if Shezil is found to be involved?" he asked.
"Nothing, at first. But we will begin preparations for war."
"Against an ally?"
"No helper of witches is an ally to us."
----
Two days later, a messenger from Shezen entered the Shezum throne room. They bowed.
"Rise," Veiris's father said. "What is the message?"
The messenger took out a large scroll and read aloud:
"King Neku, Queen Consort Mesu, Heir Prince Veiris, and Princess Yakel, Imperial Shezum, have been invited by King Lonek and Second Prince Zentik, Imperial Shezen, to a great party in their castle. The party is one week from now - exactly four months past the Royal Unity Celebration."
Veiris's parents shared a look. After a short, silent conversation, Veiris's father faced the messenger and spoke:
"Imperial Shezum will attend. You are dismissed."
The messenger bowed and left.
"This will be no ordinary party," Veiris's mother said.
"I've guessed that," Veiris's father said.
"What do you mean?" Veiris asked.
Veiris's mother looked at him.
"Tensions among nations have been rising. You've sat with the Court - you know this. I suspect Lonek is trying to calm the situation with this party."
"I feel there is no coincidence that the party is mere days after the Shezil Princess turns eighteen," Veiris's father said. "She is, after all, close in age to both Lonek and Zentik."
Veiris tried to shove that implication from his head.
"I was speaking to Kirek recently," Veiris's mother said. "She said that you, Inzum, and Abil said that Shezil should have a son on its throne. Could this party be involved with those plans?"
"Most likely," Veiris's father said, nodding. "Abil said that he and Zild already had plans for a son to replace Kiran. It is very likely that they will have Kiran marry either Lonek or Zentik to make sure there is no trouble with their future heir's rise to the throne."
"Why can't Princess Kiran rule?" Veiris asked. "I hear she is skilled in many ways regarding leadership."
"Kiran has very little magic. A Queen with no magic is betrayal to nature itself."
"Why?"
"Magic ensures that she will have a son for an heir. No magic lessens the chances."
"That makes no sense."
"When you're King, you'll understand."
Veiris opened his mouth to respond, but no words came. So, he faced forward in his chair and tried not to imagine what King Lonek's party may bring.
----
One week later, Veiris stood by his carriage. Only to the Royal Unity Celebration did the Heir ride with the Monarch and Consort. For all other trips, the Monarch and Consort shared a carriage, the Heir got their own carriage, and the siblings of the Heir shared a carriage based on gender. Because Yakel was Veiris's only sibling, she got her own carriage.
"You look tired," Veiris said as Yakel walked towards her carriage.
"You look depressed," she said, rolling her eyes.
"I had plans for today."
"Like what?"
"Staying inside. You not annoying me."
"Ha, that's never happening."
"Unfortunately."
"Kids!" Veiris's mother called, walking up. "Are you ready to g- Yakel."
"What?" Yakel asked.
"What are you wearing?"
"A dress."
Yakel wore a plain white dress with long sleeves and a high collar. She wore a darl green waistcoat-like vest and boots of the same color.
"That's not a party outfit!"
"It looks fine, though."
"At least wear nice shoes."
Yakel frowned. Veiris's mother sighed.
"Okay. You can wear that."
"Nice."
Yakel held out the word for a few seconds while nodding.
"Veiris, what is that cape?"
"A purple one."
Veiris was wearing black pants and a golden belt carved with spiky swirls. He wore a peach-colored sleeveless vest with black buttons. He wore a purple sleeved cape with golden clasps. The hem of the cape had leaf-like spikes.
"It's too bright."
"It's fun, though."
Veiris's mother looked as though she had just drank year-old milk.
"Well, try not to draw too much attention to yourselves."
Veiris's mother wrapped her dark green shawl closer around her and walked away, muttering about "modern fashion" and the like.
When she was out of earshot, Veiris and Yakel laughed.
"She's literally wearing her most expensive jewelry," Yakel said, snickering. "I don't even have gold on my vest buttons!"
"We're simply too beautiful for the other nations," Veiris responded as servants began to ready the carriages to leave.
A servant opened the door to Veiris's carriage, and Veiris hurried to climb inside.