Lucian returned to his chambers after breakfast. His squire was yet to return from having his own breakfast, and there were a lot of things he had to prepare for. The council members were probably going to visit today in order to discuss the future of the kingdom, and about his birthday yesterday. He already had an idea of what the discussion would look like, and he was not looking forward to it.
As expected, Mark entered the room bearing news that members of the council were being summoned.
Lucian sighed, running a hand through his hair. He was too tired for all of this, but he knew he would only get scolded if he missed a meeting. His father would rage on for hours about responsibility, and how he should show more passion for the throne. He had received those lectures more than a dozen times, and he wasn't in the mood for two hours of verbal torture today.
"Rosaline is also in the castle, shall I arrange a meeting with her after the meeting?" Mark inquired.
"Yes, that would be helpful," Lucian replied, a hint of relief in his voice. "I could use her counsel after dealing with the council."
Mark smiled at the prince's words. He knew what the young boy was going through, and while he sympathized with him, he really couldn't do anything about it. Going against the king would get him fired from his job, and he loved his job.
With a light bow, he turned and left the room, only missing Simon by a hair's breadth. The two men locked eyes only for a second, but the tension between them had been palpable. Mark's untrusting eyes bore deep into the squire's gentle one's, reminding him not to act out of line while he's with the prince.
"Simon, right on time." Lucian exclaimed the moment he took notice of the figure behind him. "You're going to join me for the council meeting. It's the only way I'd be able to keep myself from losing my senses."
Simon seemed confused, he didn't know much about councils or meetings, but he was sure that squires weren't supposed to be involved with something that sounded that serious.
"Isn't that against the rules?" He asked purely out of curiosity.
"It is. I just don't care." Lucian answered sharply, confirming Simon's fears.
"I don't think it would be a good idea to take me then. I can wait until you're done with the meeting." Simon suggested, but the prince wasn't exactly pleased with his suggestion or his tone even though it was perfectly normal.
"It wasn't a request, it's an order." Lucian corrected, but Simon didn't seem to care very much.
"I understand, but I don't want to get in trouble with other members of the council. I think it's best for me to stay out of the council meeting." He argued, further surprising the prince who turned to get a better look at his stubborn squire.
Simon didn't back away from his argument. He kept his head straight, not wavering under the prince's stare. He knew he would be the one to get punished afterwards. Lucian would probably just get scolded by the king or something, while he would be the one to get tossed in jail, or possibly executed.
"You're quite brave for someone who stole from me. Have you forgotten that you're yet to clear your debts?" Lucian reminded as both a threat and an object of blackmail. He had to admit that he hated his orders being defiled, but at the same time it was nice having someone to argue with. Most people would've immediately given in without care for the threats. But his squire was smart and selfish. He always put himself first regardless of who gave him orders.
Simon rolled his eyes mentally. He knew Lucian would pull this stunt, and it was not going to be enough to convince him into walking into a room filled with men that were capable of ruining his life for good. He wasn't going to allow himself to get blackmailed into his own end. Besides, he wouldn't have been a pickpocket if the king had been a good one.
While most parts of the kingdom sang the praises of the royal family, the small folks cursed at them. King Wallace was an utilitarian, one that clearly didn't care for his actions one bit. He was focused on developing only the parts of the kingdom that would bring in more benefits to the throne and the masses. And for this reason, a region of the kingdom was extremely wealthy, and another region in extreme poverty. Since the wealthy regions were far larger than those living in poverty, it was often overlooked.
While Simon didn't blame Lucian for his father's crimes, his anger had subconsciously stretched out to every wealthy person in the kingdom. He hated them, not because they were rich, but because they didn't care for what happened to the poor. Not once have any of them offered help to those in need, even though they constantly made use of the routes that passed through some of the poor villages. The prince wasn't an exception. He had a lot of things he didn't need. But instead of donating it to the needy, he would rather toss it into the incinerator.
"I will pay my debts to you in full, your grace. But I won't put my life in harm's way for you. My life is worth more than two hundred gold coins."
Lucian was awestruck and amazed at the same time. Who exactly was this man, and why did he get his blood pumping all of a sudden? He stared at Simon, a mixture of surprise and intrigue written across his face. He waited for the man to apologize, but it never came.
"You'll stand outside and wait for me," Lucian finally conceded defeat.
"Understood." Came a fervent reply from a proud Simon. He was happy with himself, he had put a royal in his place, and it felt oddly satisfying.
Finally done with his preparations, Lucian made his way towards the council room with Simon walking right behind him.
"Who's this?" A familiar voice called out to the duo as they approached the door. The grumpiness in his voice was enough to alert Lucian that it was his father, while Simon had to turn to meet the figure that had just spoken to them.
Simon's knees immediately became weak the moment he locked eyes with the king. His presence was a lot more imposing that that of his son, and there was no iota of charisma around him. He knew without any doubts that this man could order for his death, and unlike Mark, these guards would think twice to carry the order out.
"This is Simon, my new squire. Simon, meet my father, the king." Lucian introduced with an underlying hint of sarcasm in his voice.
Simon lowered his head in respect, before calling the king by his title. "Your grace."
King Wallace didn't say a word, he didn't even seem to care one bit. He merely walked past the two men and entered the meeting room without another word.
At the same time, Lucian turned towards Simon to remind him of his orders. "Stand here, don't move a muscle."
Simon nodded just before Lucian entered the room. Half of the council members were barely present, but the king's presence was all they needed to start the meeting.
Settling in his seat, Lucian took in a deep breath before steeling himself for the most boring hour of his life.