Princess Rose's enigmatic insinuation left me skeptical of her intentions, "are you the one that sent the invitation?"
"Indeed. After all, only the Royal Family can make recommendations to the Academy," she answered.
"But why me?"
She scoffed and leaned back in her seat, her clear blue eyes staring out of the carriage window as she went on to ask me a question of her own. "What do you think of our Kingdom—honestly?"
I paused, mulling over my choice of words. One false step and the guillotine could be waiting for me at the end of this ride. Still, Princess Rose requested my honesty. I owed her that much for saving me. "It's far from a utopia."
Although the Kingdom of Meridia was grand and vast, the inequalities between the classes had caused much turmoil and injustice amongst the peasant classes. Overbearing taxes, unfair land distribution, mandatory conscriptions. The flow of give and take was wildly imbalanced between the average working class person and the nobles who ruled with Iron Fists. Civil unrest had begun to spread to small towns even ones as small as Asheville.
I clenched my jaw, expecting a sour reaction from her. Instead Princess Rose smirked and uttered, "A generous assessment. I applaud your astuteness." She continued. "Meridia is far from a utopia, and circumstances are worsening by the day. Do you know why?"
Again, I weighed my words carefully but remained truthful. "It's an imbalance of power, wealth and prosperity flows in only one direction in this Kingdom." Pointing to the ceiling of the carriage, I went on. "Up—nobles take the lion share of land, scarce commodities, and monopolized trade routes and entire industries, while the common men toil day in and day out for scraps."
The very reason the first war broke out. After my parents deaths and the end of the first Great War, things seemed to stabilize. But before long old habits proved to die hard. Feudal Lords became the tyrants they once were and the peasantry was forced back into pseudo slavery.
The Princess gave a sly, yet pleased smile. Her sea glass eyes twinkled with some yet to be known scheme. "Very, very astute. I'm so delighted to know I chose well."
"Again, I'm left to wonder why I was your pick."
"For your title, silly." Her dainty fingers tented over the silvery folds in her lap. "Your mother and father were awarded the title Baron and Baroness posthumously. But their seats remain vacant. Hence I need you to take up your father's title and land."
I was caught off guard by the information. This was the first time I have been informed of such. Perplexed, I still wanted to know her reasoning. "And why does it matter to you if I take up my father's mantle or not?"
Something about the glimmer in her eyes became devious. "This is a game of chess between my uncle and I. Consider yourself a very important pawn with a very important role to play." Checking her flawless nails nonchalantly, she elaborated. "I need you to claim your title. Attend Rosefield and properly learn to govern. I need a powerful Baron at my beck and call, and with you on my side, I plan to lessen tensions between the commoners and the noble houses before another civil war breaks out. One that will surely plunge this Kingdom into ruin this time."
So she planned to make use of me as a pawn. "And what if I don't cooperate?"
Danger flickered in the quirking of her lips. "You will. What man wouldn't want power in their hands? I can also be a most indispensable ally."
"Though I wonder what sort of enemy you'd make."
She smiles sincerely. "You don't want to find out. Then again, I can give you what you want the most."
I almost found it laughable that this haughty woman presumed to know what I wanted. I bit, however. "What is it you think I want?"
She seemed sinisterly gleeful at my unimpressed expression. "Revenge My dear Lord, don't you want to know who is responsible for your parents deaths?"
Ice trickled into my veins. A bolt of lightning snaked down my spine.
"Got your attention? Good," She hummed.
"What are you on about? My parents died in battle…"
"That's what they would have you believe." She tutted. "I know the real truth. However, don't you want to know too?"
She was playing with me. As a cat would with a cornered mouse. "My lady, I don't enjoy your games." I stated sternly.
She tittered, unmoved. "I love games, but I assure you this is no jest. Your parents were murdered and the true nature of their demise was swept under the rug." She took a satisfied breath, noting how I hung on every word now. "Are they heroes? Yes, of course, but their reward was fit for someone guilty of treason. My uncle saw to that."
"Your uncle?" I spat. That felt like a punch to the gut. Was she lying to me to manipulate me? Unfortunately, I sensed the cold truth glaring at me through her eyes. "And why would he?" I growled, balling my fist.
"For the throne. Of course." She sighed. "But that's a story for another day. You have enough on your plate as it is."
"Tell me," I demanded.
Unaffected, she shrugged a narrow shoulder. "You want to know more? Than do as I say." Princess Rose commanded.
She had all the cards. I had no choice but to acquiesce to her demands. "What will you have me do?" I settled down begrudgingly.
"Good man. For now, report to the Academy and retain your title. You must learn to conduct yourself as nobility." Her decree was concrete if I wanted to know the real nature of my parents deaths, I had to play along for now. "Consider yourself the face of my public relations campaign if you will. By elevating a commoner of merit into nobility, you will become a symbol of hope to those who have none."
"Thus lessening the tensions between the classes…"
"Again, astute as always, but it's much more than that. Thanks to your efforts, I hope to avoid the Second Great War, you'll become a beacon of change," Rose stated.
I tried to read her impenetrable expression, but could not peer past her poised smile to see where her intention truly lied. I wanted to protest, but the prospects of finding out about my parents demise hung over my head. Still I felt wary towards her, that much she sensed.
"Think it over, Rosenberg is still a while away. Don't squander this opportunity. You could do great things for you people. All I ask is your compliance." With that, the Princess fell silent, her gaze turned towards the window, expression relaxed yet stoic. She had said her peace and had no intention of begging me for my assistance.
In a thought filled silence, I rode along with her to the capital, all the while carefully scrutinizing recent events. More so, the reason behind her uncle's abduction attempt. He had a court full of powerful nobles. Dukes, Viscounts, Earls, Marquis. How could one Baron threaten his crown? My gaze slid over the Princess. It had something to do with her.
After all, she was the daughter of the late king. His Highness, Julius Cristobal. Perhaps the young royal had designs on usurping the usurper by building her own loyal court. Her uncle, King Kaisar, was more of a tyrant than our former ruler, but also crueler. Whether she had set out to win back her rightful throne in hopes of promoting change, or simply to dethrone a thief. My interest was piqued.
I wanted to know more about her. Would Princess Rose be the more suitable ruler? Would an all-powerful queen change the flow of prosperity amongst Meridia's people? I wanted to find out for myself.
Resigned to see this through, we rode towards the capital arriving under the cover of night. The soft storm pitter pattered across the carriage's roof as the driver wound his way through finely cobbled streets. Rows upon rows of shops and eateries flanked each road. Had we arrived during the day, I imagined the busy flow of aristocratic patrons promenading up and down the Market Street. Fine clothing hung in boutique windows and the smell of freshly baked fare for the next morning's stock lingered thick on the cool, damp night air.
Deeper in the heart of Rosenberg, we began to pass huge households. I marveled at the Immaculate architecture of each estate. I began to wonder how any one family could occupy such grand villas. The shacks and cottages of Asheville could not compare.
"Impressed? Welcome to Rosenberg, the jewel of Meridia." Princess Rose gave an earnest yet proud smirk as she watched me gawking out of the carriage window.
"I never knew the capital was so big," I admitted through a distant tone.
"Ohh yes and very easy to get lost in. Good thing there will be a chaperone waiting for you at the Academy."
"Chaperone?"
Princess Rose noted the confusion in my voice. "Yes, a guide. Did you think I was going to play babysitter for you?" She scoffed. "I have my own duties to attend to, and appearances to keep up." Her sigh indicated her boredom at the whole ordeal. "Here we are, Rosefield Academy. Good luck, Rin. I cannot wait to hear of your victorious endeavors. You will become a fine Baron." Her warm smile turned chilly. "I'm sure of it…"
Unable to argue, I thanked her, then disembarked. The carriage pulled to a halt in front of an imposing manor. As soon as my boots touched the cobblestone path the carriage drove away, disappearing back into the maze of the city with the striking Princess inside. My attention returned to the daunting building. In the darkness, its silhouette stood towering. Its shadow looming over me as if staring at an unwelcomed interloper.
The gargoyle relief etched around the towering double doors of the entrance glared at me as I approached. Soft rain muffled any noise coming from inside. I knocked apprehensively, my throat growing dry with nerves. Each thud echoed like hollow thunder through the structure. At first, no one answered. I summoned the courage to knock again. The handle turned, startling me. One of the doors groaned open, and from the crack a familiar face peered back at me.
"Ha." A wishful chuckle fell from his scarred mouth. A pale streak traced across the cut of his square jaw. Bright cerulean eyes, and a heavy brow, just as I remembered him when I was still just a child. "Finally arrived in one piece, pup?"
Stunned, I almost thought I was dreaming. "Rav?"
He was an old friend of my parents. They were comrades in arms—shields siblings that fought side by side during the Great War. He was also the man who delivered the news to me when my family had been slain.
He was my oldest supporter. His status as knight allowed him to sponsor me, paying for my room and board until I was of age and able to fend for myself. Delighted to see me, Raven chuckled, his voice craggy and scarred from countless battle cries. "Come in." The grizzled vet beckoned me in.
The interior was far more inviting. A warm Hearth bathed the entrance hall in a temperate orange glow. I was taken by the beauty of the marble columns and staircases. I felt dirty in comparison, like I was soiling these hallowed halls just by being here. Timidly, my gaze drifted to my muddied boots. I shuffled off the lush crimson carpet, standing on the polished granite fall floor instead.
"Overwhelmed? Good thing I'm here," the old knight nodded slightly.
"You came here for me?"
"Of course, when I heard of Her Highness' plans to bring you here, I volunteered to be a mentor whilst you acquaint yourself with Rosefield's Customs and Conduct." Raven stated, as if lessons had already begun.
I was touched. My father's best friend was still coming to my aid even now. Though not blood related, I regarded Raven as a dear Uncle and I had sorely missed him. An optimistic smile brightened my face. "It's good to see you."
"You too, pup…" he said with distant affection.
"How have you been?"
The veteran's smile faded, his eyes falling to the ground. "Truthfully? It is not the same without Al and Nelia," my mother and father's nicknames.
I was suddenly a boy again, watching my parents and Raven sharing a meal. How they'd laugh and tell stories and joke. "Another one, Al! Another!" An unscarred Raven drunkenly shouted.
"Ha ha ha, you're not ready for this one, Rav." My father would tease.
"Ohh no, not the one about the dragon and the farmer, again." My mother would mirthfully groan.
Those were happier times. "I know what you mean,"
Rav stared at me for a moment, then patted my shoulder. "It's good to see you, lad." His stoic expression cracked for a brief moment before becoming stone serious once more. "You must be exhausted from traveling. Come, I'll show you to your accommodations."
I followed the grizzled knight up the grand staircase. An ornate chandelier hung overhead, lighting the way with countless candles of undying light.
"You'll have to get used to the size of the Academy grounds. There are several major auditoriums and three libraries spread across the four main buildings. Each building specializes in an area of study. You'll find a map and itinerary on your desk in your room. Being that the Academy caters to blue blood—you'll have your own personal quarters. No need to share." Rav gave a slight smirk in my direction. "I suggest you get some rest tonight. A long day awaits you tomorrow."
We crossed into a narrow hall with a decorative pattern painted along the walls. Portraits of stoic nobles stared at me as we passed sets of white doors flanking both sides of the passage.
"Here we are," Rav held out a silver key, the number 392 etched into the handle. The same numbers carved the metal plate neatly bolted to the door. "I see you came with only the clothes on your back. Not to worry, I'll fetch you several of the Academy's uniforms." The old knight peered down at the hole torn into the shoulder of my shirt. "Can't have our new Baron walking about in rags."
His attention to my shoulder suddenly reminded me of my wound. In surprise I reached to touch the once open gash, only to find that it had already closed. There was no blood, no pain.
"Everything alright?" Raven appeared puzzled.
"Uh, yes. Hey, Rav…."
"Yeah?"
I paused, hesitating. How could I explain what I had seen to him? He'd think me insane. "Nothing. I should rest. I'll see you tomorrow." Hurriedly scurrying inside, I bid him goodnight.
"Bright and early…" Raven warned as he departed.
With the door shut tight, I settled in. Oddly, I found it difficult to get comfortable. It wasn't that I was disappointed with my accommodations. The opposite, in fact. The room was as lavish as the rest of the Academy. Polished chestnut dressers and wardrobes flanked a plush bed fit for a Lord. The silk canopy over the expansive mattress sported the deep blue and gray colors of the academy's coat of arms. A yawning fireplace sat across from the foot of the bed. It crackled with the embers of a tapered fire. An expensive rug bridged the empty floor between them. A large, elaborately carved desk sat under a large window overlooking the Academies courtyard. Even in the darkness of the night, the stars shining over a garden of rose hedges was breathtaking.
With nothing to unpack. I tried to make myself more comfortable, but my mind only wandered as I lay in a mattress too soft for a man more accustomed to sleeping on the cold forest ground. 'Relax, you just have to focus on your studies,' I told myself as I finally found some sleep.
Raven was true to his words, however, arriving bright and early the following morning. The firm knock awoke me in a start. I flew up from the bed, suddenly remembering where I was. Disheveled, I stumbled groggily to the door and yanked it open. Raven stood there with a bundle of freshly pressed uniforms under his arm.
"Here." He tossed them into my hands. "Get these on. Can't have you walking about in wrinkle slept in clothes. After all, From today forward, you're a Baron. Congratulations, my Lord," The knight bowed his head in respect