Back in Spalio, the young prince is dressed by his maids. His gold crown is the final piece. After being dressed, he is escorted out of his chamber, where many women await him. They ranged from 12 to 19. All of which came from one of the many families of Spalis' high upper class. One was even Kalas' daughter, he was always working for more favor with the King, but being father to the Queen would have him set for life. Magito arrived from behind the girls.
"My son!" He shouted.
Magito said these girls were all here to try and win his favor and become a princess in the Kingdom. Datlum was overwhelmed but liked the attention. He looked over the line of girls until his eyes met with another's. Her name was Lucia de Arabel. 13. Her hair was a delicate brown. Hey eyes a shimmering green. Her smile brightened up a room. Datlum was entranced by her. However, his father wished for him to meet with every girl and think of his suitors. But he was allowed to choose who he'd go on a date with first. So immediately he pointed at Lucia, who revealed her name to him and with that the other girls were sent away. Magito asked his son where he'd like to go with Ms. de Arabel and the first place that came to mind was the courtyard beside the castle.
Seeing his son enjoy himself brought some light to Magito's emptiness left from the wake of Amerala and constant disappointment from those of his inner circle. With his son happy, Magito returned to his throne where he decided to hear from the citizenry. Something he had done once under his rule. When the royal guard made the announcement in the city, all of Spalio gasped. Lines quickly formed. Magito sat alone, no one to either of his sides.
Magito's father at the beginning of his rule got rid of a personal guard meant only for the King. It was a sign of good faith to the people after some members of the personal guard battalion grew corrupt. Instead the King would be guarded by the regular members of the royal guard of Spalis. The same guard that defended the citizenry. A guard the King had less complete control over, because it had its own lead officer. Things remained this way up until now. Magito had grown to trust a guard who had been with him since day one. Irian. Magito wanted new allies who hadn't disappointed him in any way. Irian was a perfect fit. Before the citizenry entered Magito's castle, he spoke to Irian. He told him to find those he trusted most and construct a new royal guard. It would begin as 10 men, but slowly expand. Magito would bring back the personal guard of old. Made in his and Irian's image.
"After the citizenry leave, we'll talk." Magito said.
With that, the citizenry was allowed to the Castle and a new personal guard would begin its construction.
Out in the courtyard behind the castle, Datlum and Lucia heard the commotion but continued on with their conversations. They spoke to each other for hours and hours. Eventually, they began discussing education.
"You are homeschooled? I thought that was a rarity!" exclaimed Datlum.
"Most people go to academies. But my family keeps us all in house for education. They don't want us distracted by any outsiders." Lucia explained.
"How many teachers do you have? My father employs 9 of the kingdom's finest."
"I have 12, I do have many classes though. Some that aren't necessary but my family still forces them onto me." Lucia said.
"Families often do that, don't they?" Said Datlum jokingly.
"Yeah, I'd say so. My uncle, Fritus, my family pushed him and pushed him. He could never break through the Royal Guard's upper command. When our family didn't get appointed as Magito's top military mind, it drained us. Fritus got much blowback from the family and after a couple years, disappeared. No one has seen him since. I do hope my parents mourn him because I've learned that they hide their feelings. Every de Arabel does."
"Do you?" Asked Datlum, intrigued by everything Lucia does.
"No, I don't think I do." Lucia responded.
She moved her hand over to Datlum's. Datlum's cheeks were redder than a farm fresh tomato. His smile was from ear to ear. He was as happy as could be. The direct counter to his Father. Peasant after peasant came in front of the King. All of their requests fell on deaf ears. Magito only wanted to make citizens feel happier. There was no plan to do anything to help them. Until one citizen spoke, one visiting from the East:
"My dearest King! The Eastern cities grow and grow in contempt of your rule! I beg of thee, don't let your people kill each other sire! The threat in the East is real, My King! My son has joined their cause!"
The King rose from his throne. He walked down to the citizen. He grabbed him by the throat.
"You call me inadequate in my own capital? My own personal castle? Once my brother returned from fixing the issue he caused, I was going to send battalions to the oh so precious East. Now I suggest you watch your mouth." Magito said.
Magito let go of the citizen.
"I'll say this here and now, for you doubters, the East is mine. It will forever be mine. That will NOT be DOUBTED!" Magito exclaimed to the crowd in his castle.
"You all leave here and spread that word. I will not be CHALLENGED!"