The Fourth of the month of Palefrost
The Mansion of the Riverloves.
Sir Riverlove sighed as he put away a few bundles of scrolls, trying to clear his desk.
He had a literary discussion he was excited to attend; the first since Sir Waldorf's death where he was happy to go to a public meeting.
Most, since the day the royal prince Cecil had come screaming into his workplace, had always been meetings where someone or the other would enquire of the incident.
Some trying to reassure him that they understood it was some misunderstanding; others a little gleeful that a scandal had taken place in the family that tried to follow the king's example.
He sighed, sighting an important letter with the royal seal on it.
It was an elaborate apology from the king himself, also asking for his old friend to meet him for a discussion.
Learning of the change in Cecil and his many announcements, Sir Riverlove had waved away any apology for the shame caused.
"We are the same family," he had said, "let me bear your burden as well."
Sir Riverlove smiled to himself as he put the letter into a drawer.
The king and his queen had always delighted him. He could not bear the thought of them going through so many conflicting emotions. He would do the most he could to help.
The Fourth of the Month of Palefrost
The Mansion of the Everglowers.
Aldith Everglower fumed silently in her room.
Her marriage to Cecil was scheduled a week from the present day.
Watching the beauty that reflected in her mirror, Aldith tapped her nails quickly on the polish table in front of her.
She was getting anxious.
Was what Erniene said true? Were they just silly rumours?
She had to go to the palace to see but had counted on pulling connections and making plans for the next two days.
She had wanted to get the acquaintances of some older folk who had been present in the quests that the crown children generally had to take before the coronation.
Ensuring she knew what Cecil would have to go through was key but now, a new unexpected twist had come up.
Aldith groaned.
Of the five quests, one involved the lone interview of the person who may take the throne with a mystical creature. The wise old person resided very deep in the forest. Only extremely high-ranking nobles and the members of royalty knew of the location and the timings of the visits.
In the quest, that no one really knew the details of, Aldith was aware that the person was sent in alone to converse with the creature.
They returned and never divulged what had taken place inside.
Of the very few things they shared, it was understood that the creature was of the mind that the prince or princess poised to take the throne being married rather pleased the creature.
Aldith did not understand why that was.
Did the mystic person consider that a sign of maturity or of the prince or princess being capable of love, maybe commitment?
Aldith sighed.
The uncertainty that bathed the events that were to happen rather annoyed her.
Of the five tests given to the royals, Cecil had won the first.
His being given the power of healing was bound to get the people's attention.
All of the rulers throughout history had been gifted the power of healing when they had been picked to rule. The people would not miss that detail. They expected it.
Adding to the situation, the fact that Crown Prince Augustus held no powers whatsoever would only fuel the people into seeing Cecil as the possible true heir.
She now had the attention of Cecil Whitecrest and she would stop at nothing to ensure the weak boy became king. It would solidify a place of authority and comfort for her as long as she lived.
She would become queen no matter what the obstacle.
Prince Augustus rose from the table when his mother made to leave.
"There's much to be done today Augustus but I would love your company at tea. Things have been a source of stress to me lately."
"Mother, it would be a pleasure to spend time with you. I'll see to it that I have no engagements at the time."
The pointed silence of Elliot throughout breakfast was starting to frighten Augustus.
He smiled when his mother nodded.
She seemed too tired to notice the change in her second son.
Augustus swallowed, wondering how he would be able to leave the room without talking to the angry Elliot.
He made to glance at the watch on his chain, "Will you look at the time. I have so much work lined up today. Starting with a letter to the Head of Trade-,"
"I wrote that yesterday."
Augustus grew nervous at the chilly tone in Elliot's voice.
He slowly turned around to face his brother.
Elliot sat in his tall-backed chair, his expression annoyed and face tired, "Augustus, what is going on? Is this necessary with every thing that's going on?"
Augustus sighed before he pulled a chair to him.
The week had rather taxed him and he had been lost on what course of action to pick until this plan had made sense to him.
He did not want to act alone anymore. Ever since he had taken the aid of Xyla, no matter how little he had shared with her, he had enjoyed having someone else to depend on.
Elliot still watched him but there was a quiet silence in his eyes that Augustus had missed.
Suddenly, the idea of explaining his feelings on the matters to come excited the crown prince.
"Elliot… Let us take some time. I wish to speak with you about some things that haunt me."
"I'm listening."
Xyla peered into the vast dining room.
The queen had left several minutes ago but neither brother had walked out after her.
She froze when Elliot's sharp eyes caught her, his gaze intense.
Augustus turned around to catch sight of her as well, his expression saddened before he broke into a smile, "Xyla, why don't you join us?"
"I- well," Xyla's household maid would have slapped her at the back of her head if she had been caught stuttering, "If the both of you would not mind."