Tale of Royals: Book 1

by HK Masara

  ONE

  ‘Raiden leave it alone,’ Merosa pleaded with him in tears.

  He pushed her aside and continued to hit the bird with the stone he was holding. Merosa cried even louder and said, ‘you are cruel Raiden, you are mean.’

  She ran away not wanting to see him torture the poor bird any more. She was bringing it to their mother so that she could mend its broken wing when he had snatched it from her. Raiden started hitting it with a stone. As far as Merosa was concerned, her brother was a very cruel and mean boy. He never ceased to seize any opportunity to cause pain. At only seven years of age he was tall for his age and although he was the youngest he acted as if he were older than them all. He had shiny dark hair and black eyes that pierced through a person.

  After being satisfied with his minor conquest he stood up and smiled at the bloody, disfigured bird. Raiden felt comfort in causing pain and turmoil to creatures, plants and people. His mother, Irene had scolded him countless times but it had not helped. The way he found consolation in destruction worried her gravely. By the time he got home his mother was waiting for him at the door with her arms folded. He knew he was about to go through one of her scolding. He gave her a smile but she pushed him inside and banged the door behind them.

  ‘This is the fourth time you have done this to your sister, explain yourself Raiden,’ she said.

  ‘I was just having some fun play mama, besides Merosa is a cry baby,’ he said without a single trait of remorse.

  ‘What is wrong with you child? Have I not raised you to be better than this?’

  ‘I am truly apologetic mama.’

  She hissed something under her breath and went back to scrubbing her pans. He set out to find Merosa to also ask her for forgiveness. Raiden knew if he did not and his eldest brother Leegan got wind of it, he would receive a thorough lashing. He respected Leegan and at times looked up to him. When he was old enough he would join his brother’s trade of woodcutting. Three more years and he would be old enough to join Leegan in the woods. Although woodcutting was what he wanted to do when he became of age he could not help feel drawn whenever he saw a convoy of soldiers.

  He felt a pull as if his place was on the battle field. He felt the weapons calling out to him. He had trained in the woods whenever he got time pretending that a stick was his sword. Most of the time he used his pocket knife, the one his second brother Hugh had given to him the previous year.

  ********

  On return to Damius, Queen Demetris had kept her promise to be a better wife than before. She laughed but deep down she still felt sad that her child was being raised by another woman. A prince by birthright, he would grow up a mere peasant. King Dramon could not help sense her discomfort. He had tried to ask but she always pushed the subject aside. He let it go for he had other matters that disturbed him also. Years had passed and he had started being skeptical about the Prophesy. Had it not been his mother who had told it? Could it have been a pigment of her imagination or was it a trick?

  He went to seek counsel with Ezeck who was quick to reassure him with words of comfort and encouragement.

  ‘I begin to think the so called Prophesy was a hoax,’ he said losing heart.

  ‘Your mother was a great woman, your Majesty. I doubt it would have been one,’ Ezeck replied with a reassuring tone.

  ‘It has been four years, will it ever be that she will conceive. She is not growing any young Ezeck,’ he confided.

  ‘It will happen, all in due time.’

  If he was to die childless, the throne would go to his older brother Campion. He had last heard from his brother many years back. The two had not always seen eye to eye with Campion having been the rightful heir to the throne. His brother disdained him for ascending the throne of Damius instead of him. Their father had left Campion without a claim; he was the royal Duke of Machrend. The last time they had seen each other was at their father’s burial where Campion had shown clear disapproval of their father’s choice to crown him.

  He cursed at the idea of Campion becoming King or one of his sons. He would not stand for that, all he had worked hard for and achieved would be handed to his brother on a silver platter. Queen Demetris walked in and was disturbed to see him so troubled. She knew instantly what brought him unrest. Could her guilt allow her to keep the secret any longer? It had drained him off peace of mind, only if he knew that the heir he so craved already existed. But it would only end with if only because she could not bear his anger if she told him.

  There were times when she felt like running into his arms and confessing all she had done. Her better judgment restrained her from doing so. There were others she protected, those she also cared for who knew the secret and who would suffer greatly if he found out. There was Ardoh, Tabetha, Ellawy and Irene to consider. Queen Demetris walked up to him and gave him a comforting smile. This did not help but he acknowledged her efforts.

  ‘I hate to see you like this,’ she said.

  ‘I believe it had become a regular sight these days,’ he answered sarcastically.

  ‘That did not sound polite.’

  ‘Pardon me; there is someplace I need to be.’

  It was not true; he wanted to be alone with his thoughts. He knew she was only showing her concern and that walking away might have hurt her. She watched him walk away from her and felt like crying. They had no true happiness in their marriage nowadays with him always so distant and her feeling guilty. There was a time when the sight of him made her squeal in joy but now she dreaded having to see the worry and misery etched in the lines on his face.

  Queen Demetris went to their chambers and silently wept with her face hidden in the bed covers. How she longed for everything to return to the way they had once been. She hated and despised herself for all that was happening. All because of her a lot of dreadful things had happened, if she could only undo them. It was only a matter of time before she became depressed and miserable, if she was not already. Queen Demetris sat up straight and was startled to find him standing next to the bed.

  She had not heard him enter. Had she been that absorbed in her grieving? Quickly, she wiped away her tears and composed herself. It was embarrassing for him to see her like that. She smiled up at him and he said, ‘do not weep on my account, I did not mean to be so rude.’

  ‘It is not that. I weep because I have failed to be a good wife…’

  He moved quickly to sit next to her and said, ‘if you have been anything, it is a good and loyal wife.’

  ‘I cannot bear to see you like this,’ she confessed, ‘tell me what I can do to make it better.’

  He looked at her and held her face in his hands. As his wife, she had a right to know. Had he not vowed to protect and share all with her when they got married?

  ‘Bear me a child Demetris; I need to savor my bloodline.’

  She gave him a little smile that said she understood how he felt. She had borne him a son and doubted if she could another. After all it had come as a shock to her, having thought she could not conceive after Tabetha. Could she possibly be able to have another child? That was the only way she could ease his fears and revive the happiness they once had. There was another option if they would fail to conceive naturally but it always came with great consequences. They could use magic but it was an option she rather not considered.

  ‘Hold me tightly my King; take me in your arms. I do so want to be close to you,’ she whispered.

  He did so, planting kisses on her face. It was an invitation from her; it did not need much to realize that. She traced his muscular arms with her fingers. All she wanted was to please him, to make up for the son she had deprived him off. Queen Demetris wanted him to enjoy the joys of parenthood, of holding your own flesh and blood I your arms and bathe it in abundant love.

  *******

  King Ballant sat a victim of his own thoughts. It was high time Tabetha got married. He had made
up a list of suitable suitors for his daughter. Of all the men on the list no one seemed to capture his interest like the son of his army commander who was also in the army as head of infantry. He was amused at the young man’s achievements at such a young age which made him a good choice for Tabetha. He would make a perfect match for his daughter, coming from a respectable family.

  Queen Deidre had agreed to this but Tabetha was reluctant. She feared she did not know him well enough. If anything she did not want to be trapped in a loveless marriage like her father and the Queen. She wanted something more, a person she could laugh with. It was not necessarily the case that she had to love him but they had to have something in common. Randall was a nice man but she wanted to court him before deciding on getting marrying. He seemed eager. Anyone would be considering she was the Princess and heir to the throne of Jarethafat.

  ‘I will make you happy,’ Randall had told her.

  Tabetha just smiled not wanting to hurt or belittle him in any way. He looked caring and earnest, she might just be happy with him. She had forgiven King Dramon for deceiving her and leaving her heart broken. It would be no use holding such a grudge against the man her mother loved with all her heart. She thought of her little brother, who she would never have the chance to get to know. Tabetha envied him. He would have the type of life she craved for; where one could do all they wanted and marry whoever they desired.

  Decisions on your life need not be made by anyone but oneself. She looked at her father and wondered what he was thinking. She cleared her throat in order to gain his attention. King Ballant looked up at her and smiled warmly. His daughter always made him fill with happiness. She was the light in all his darkness.

  ‘I shall marry Randall father but I have a request to make before I do,’ she said.

  ‘Anything for you my dear child, I will gladly grant.’

  ‘I wish for my mother to be here on the day of my wedding.’

  This caught him by surprise as he had not anticipated such a request. It would a catastrophe; nothing good would come of it. There was King Dramon who still loathed him and Deidre who hated Queen Demetris even more. Another confrontation would be disastrous.

  ‘It is most unwise Tabetha.’

  She moved closer to him and knelt before him, holding his hands.

  ‘I promise mother will not make a scene, no one had to even know who she really is.’

  ‘Some may recognize her, I cannot take that risk.’

  ‘Then I shan’t marry Randall. In fact I shan’t marry at all.’

  King Ballant knew his daughter well enough to know she meant it. As hard as he tried to advise her how disastrous it would be she refused to think twice. The last thing he wanted was for her to run off to Damius as she had done once. Reluctantly he agreed to grant her request and told her she could send word to Queen Demetris. Before he could even finish she had already kissed him on the cheek and ran out squealing to her chambers.

  ‘He said yes,’ she shouted to Ruby in excitement, ‘I need you to take the letter personally to my mother.’

  ‘I most certainly will at once,’ Ruby replied.

  Tabetha smiled at her loyal maidservant. If she was ever confident in anyone it was Ruby. The two had gone through a lot together and she never wanted to lose Ruby. Quickly she jotted down the letter and gave it to Ruby who did not waste time. As quick as her feet could carry her she ran to the stables and rode out of Jarethafat eager to please the Princess.

  ‘Ruby,’ Queen Demetris exclaimed as she saw her, ‘is everything alright?’

  ‘Yes my lady,’ she answered and gave her the letter.

  She read it quickly with a hint of a smile playing around the edges of her mouth. The letter told her about Tabetha’s marriage to Randall and how she wanted her to be present. But she strongly advised her to come under disguise for Queen Deidre need not know about it. That would not be a problem, deceiving Deidre would be as easy as eating apple pie. It really touched her that Tabetha wanted her to be there.

  ‘I will be there and tell her I have got news of my own,’ she finally said.

  ‘I will.’

  ‘Spend the night; you can ride out in the morning. Rest will do you good.’

  Queen Demetris that night asked King Dramon for permission to travel to Jarethafat for Tabetha’s wedding. He knew how much it meant to her and granted her permission but urged her to take great care for he did not want any harm to fall on her. King Dramon wanted her to travel with the royal guard but she declined saying it would only grab attention. Instead she would go with Ellawy dressed as commoners and mingle with the crowd.

  She arrived in Jarethafat the day before the wedding and paid for a room at an inn near the market place. She remembered the place, it had not changed much. Ellawy went and got them some food to eat. They had not realized how hungry they were as they devoured the food. Afterwards Queen Demetris sent Ellawy with word to Ruby to inform Tabetha of their arrival. It was not that hard to find Ruby who was busy running around preparing for the big day. They found a quiet corner and embraced each other happily.

  ‘Princess Tabetha will be glad to know you have come,’ Ruby said, ‘where are you staying?’

  ‘We paid for a room at an inn…’

  ‘No, no, no that is not fitting. Come I will show you where I live, you can take Queen Demetris there but I do not think I shall be coming there tonight,’ Ruby said quickly.

  ‘What if people ask?’

  ‘Simply tell them you are my sister and Queen our aunt. No one will ask any further,’ she replied as they walked.

  Queen Demetris and Ellawy settled in comfortably. Ruby’s house was far better than the inn. For the Queen who had now grown accustomed to the luxurious life it came as a relief. It was clean and nice.

  ‘Lie back and rest,’ Ellawy said.

  ‘You treat me like a child; for once stop being my servant. Sit down and lie back and I shall get the fire going,’ Queen Demetris scolded her.

  Ellawy did not object. She did deserve the break. Ever since they arrived she had not found time to rest. She found her work to be tiring at times but the opportunity of having to serve the Queen was such an honor she persevered.

  ********

  After Queen Demetris’s departure, King Dramon got an unexpected visit from someone he had last seen years ago. He was suspicious as to the motive behind this unanticipated visit. The Duke of Machrend, Campion and he were never the best kind of brothers and they despised each other. They met in the counsel room and did not bother to waste time on pleasantries. Campion began pacing the room as he examined its artifacts and said, ‘you obviously wonder why I have come, young brother.’

  King Dramon sat staring coldly at his brother. It was true he was curious as to why his brother had come but something told him he already knew the answer to that.

  ‘If you have come to gloat, save me the details,’ he answered.

  Campion scoffed at these words, gloating was the last thing on his mind. For so long he had sat quietly but now was time to speak out his mind. His dukedom depended much on the kingdom in which it served and its down fall would mean great consequences for his dukedom. It was also his father’s kingdom and he could not just stand and watch it crumble.

  ‘You are still bitter that father chose me to ascend the throne instead of you, older brother,’ he said with a frown.

  ‘He did not, I declined.’

  The statement hit home. King Dramon tensed; it really hit a soft spot. All these years he thought his father had chosen him because he was just what the kingdom needed; a strong ruler to see that its borders where widened and the people taken care of well.

  ‘Why?’ he asked.

  ‘Because you were always the powerful one Dramon and it would only have been a matter of time before you had found a way to overthrow me and take the throne because the desire to be on top is an intricate part of you,’ Campion replied truthfully.

  �
�I am flattered indeed.’

  ‘I chose survival; there was no point in seeking an early death. Admit it Dramon, you would not have hesitated to get rid of me. I made a wise choice; at least I have lived long enough to realize what a weakling you are deep inside.’

  King Dramon quickly stood up and grabbed Campion by the throat and banged him to the wall. He was breathing heavily with fury. How dare he call him a weakling of all things? All he had done and made sacrifices for was for the benefit of the kingdom of Damius.

  ‘Oh how I wish I had killed you when we were children,’ he hissed.

  ‘Oh brother dear, you have grown soft,’ Campion said in difficulty, ‘I always thought highly of you; especially the way you set out to get what you want without stopping to think whom you might harm in the process. But what happened to you?’

  King Dramon released his brother with a sigh and sat back down. It was true that which Campion spoke of. He had changed ever since being reunited with her.

  ‘Demetris,’ he replied.

  ‘I thought as much. I daresay you have grown even softer than I had thought. I do pity you brother and all this because of a woman. I simply think you are losing it and maybe it is high time your reign came to an end. The people need a King that is manlier,’ Campion continued.

  Campion was the only person who was not afraid of King Dramon. to Campion, the King was just his little brother who had become king. His powers and physical presence did not scare him at all. If there was anyone who could say anything to the King, it was him. Campion did not like King Dramon but as his older brother he felt obliged to direct him in the right path. That was why he had taken the time to visit King Dramon.

  ‘Speak your mind.’

  ‘There is word of a coup in the Northern kingdom,’ Campion said, ‘and you know what that means. If there is to be a new leader of the Northern tribe who does not uphold the treaty between our two kingdoms there is bound to be trouble.’

  ‘Damius has no trouble defending itself; I am capable…’

  ‘Oh you might be but what after your passing?’

  ‘And you point being?’

  ‘Find yourself a pretty maiden to bear you an heir to take after you. Otherwise you do know that if you die without one, one of my sons will become king of Damius and I doubt you fancy that.’

  ‘I cannot do that to Demetris…’

  ‘Oh there you go again, do you think love will give this kingdom what it needs. You were never one for love, you never cease to amaze me Dramon,’ Campion said filled with so much it bruised King Dramon’s ego.

  ‘Stop it.’

  ‘Huh, you might be the powerful one but I was always the clever one. Tell me brother, satisfy my curiosity; is it that you are unable to…’

  ‘Don’t you dare Campion; do not question my maleness at all,’ the King said out loudly.

  ‘Suit yourself but when things go bad do not come to me for I have offered all I am willing to. It is high time you toughen up again.’

  ‘I will deliberate on it.’

  ‘You better, now can you show me to my old chambers if it is not much of a burden. I do hope they are still in good condition.’

  ‘They are, although they have not been used for so long,’ he replied as he stood up to show Campion to his chambers for the night.

  That night as he slept, he deliberated on what his brother had said. All of it was true, it only added to his troubles. Could he take a maiden with Queen Demetris away or wait for her to come back. Of course she would not agree but Campion’s words were a challenge to him. His brother had gone on to question if he was capable of conceiving. He knew poor Demetris would be heartbroken if she found out and their marriage would never be the same. Her trust was one thing he could not afford to lose. He would wait for her and if she failed to conceive then he would maybe take her maidservant Ellawy.

  She had to understand that it would be the only option left. The people, he needed an heir. Truly he had changed; the old Dramon would never have hesitated. Now Queen Demetris had come along and transformed him into a different man. She had a way of making him soften up and she really had him around her finger. The time had come for him to break free of the hold she had on him. He had to break free although it meant hurting her, he would not mean to but there would be no other way.

  *********

  ‘I cannot believe I am married now,’ Tabetha said to her mother and Ellawy, ‘Randall promised to take me travelling.’

  ‘I am glad you are excited, he seems to be a decent man,’ she replied.

  ‘He has been treating me well, there is hope for him yet,’ Tabetha said with a laugh.

  Princess Tabetha had asked Queen Demetris to stay for a while and was pleased she agreed. The two spent their spare time talking, Queen Demetris advising her on how to make a good marriage. Tabetha was troubled whether to tell Randall about her special abilities. They did not know how he would react. The Princess feared he would fail to understand her and it would ruin everything. She was also afraid that it might reach Queen Deidre who would rush to think of her as evil. Sensing how the subject was starting to worry her daughter, Queen Demetris changed the topic of discussion to distract her thoughts.

  It was then that she broke the news that she was expecting another child for King Dramon. Tabetha was speechless as she looked at the joyful look on her mother’s face. Queen Demetris was glowing and it showed in the way her eyes twinkled and how quick she was to smile and laugh. Now she would have a child to raise and show all the love she could not share with Raiden. This child would maybe serve as her mother’s consolation prize.

  ‘I daresay mother, you are a very fruitful woman,’ Tabetha said having recovered from her shock.

  ‘I know I am not young and youthful but it happened, finally. I cannot wait to tell Dramon,’ she said with an excited tone.

  ‘He is going to be so pleased, at least now…’

  Tabetha stopped midway through her statement; it would be inconsiderate of her to remind her mother of the child she had given up. Even this child would not heal the wounds of losing Raiden. Queen Demetris’s face fell, for a moment sorrow filled her up. It was high time she forgot about him and moved on with life. At least now she had the chance to experience motherhood with the child that grew inside her. Suddenly a smile lit on her face and she said, ‘Raiden is loved where he is.’

  ‘I do not doubt that.’

  *********

  ‘Have you given thought to what I proposed brother?’ Campion asked King Dramon as they sat to dine.

  ‘I sure have,’ he replied.

  ‘And what have you decided?’

  King Dramon sighed and bit his lower lip. This was going to be a very tough decision. He had had sleepless nights weighing his options. However he thought what a bad choice he was making, it had to be done. Campion tapped the table impatiently, finding displeasure in being kept waiting.

  ‘On one condition,’ he finally replied, ‘Demetris cannot know no matter what.’

  Campion had thought of that. He guessed his brother would not want the Queen to find out about this. Unlike King Dramon he had just recently married his fourth wife and had eleven children. There was a lot at stake for the King and he needed to make haste.

  ‘I shall give you Petunia; she is a very good servant of mine. You made the right decision, little brother,’ the Duke said and gave him a pat on the back, ‘all the necessary arrangements shall be made.’

  King Dramon had seen Petunia, she was pretty but was he not supposed to have eyes for his Queen only? Would he end up like his brother and marry multiple wives? For the first time in his life he felt a tinge of guilt, he actually still had a conscience somewhere inside of him. She was the only person he had ever been afraid of wronging. Her approval was always important to him. He felt obliged to make up for all the years she had suffered when she could have lived in grandeur. His love for her
was the only thing that had kept him human, that made his heart pound. For underneath all his anger, rage, cruelty, evil and ill will; he possessed that virtue. King Dramon had never felt ashamed of that until Campion showed up and questioned his capability.

  ‘Leave me Raphael,’ he said, it was more of a request than an order.

  The servant obliged and left him alone. He wanted some solitude to clear his mind. Most of his life he had done terrible things and he felt no remorse for most of them except now. He saw Queen Demetris’s face, all lit up. Her eyes had always left him gasping for breath and now he imagined the disappointment and hurt that would fill them if word of this came out. Only Raphael and Ezeck knew of this plan and had sworn never to tell a soul. They were trustworthy as far as he was concerned. With one last sigh he stood up and went to his bed chambers. As he sat on the large bed waiting for Petunia to be ushered in, he suppressed the guilt building up inside of him. Damius needed a future king and if the Queen could not provide that, he as the King had to take initiative. Petunia came in and he summoned her towards him. Locking away all thoughts of Queen Demetris, he took her into his arms and laid her on the bed.

  ***

  The day was set for Princess Tabetha’s departure. Her husband, the new Prince and she would be moving to the Castle of Serene near the sea. Both she and Randall were excited to have a place of their own to start their new life together. The castle had been prepared for their comfort and only awaited their arrival. She told Queen Demetris how excited she was about the whole idea. Now they could visit each other without any fear of her father finding out. Queen Demetris welcomed the idea; it would be good for both of them to bond. The time had come however for her to go back to Damius. She did not want to overstay her welcome in Ruby’s home and felt King Dramon would start to worry.

  Princess Tabetha did not contest, understanding her mother’s concerns. That evening she bumped into the Queen of Jarethafat as she came from Ruby’s. Queen Deidre looked sleep deprived and pale like a ghost. Although this was not unusual, she looked quite unhealthy.

  ‘Where have you been spending all your afternoons lately,’ Queen Deidre demanded.

  ‘Enjoying the new freedom brought by marriage, mother,’ she replied coolly.

  ‘After what happened at the tournament I am surprised you can call me that. I say you forget which hand fed you...’

  ‘Save me the guilt trip, I wish not to take it,’ Princess Tabetha broke in, ‘I am tired.’

  She walked away without looking back. Not even Queen Deidre could ruin the happiness she felt at having her real mother nearby. Queen Deidre stared for a long time after her; a look of utter disdain written all over her face. Princess Tabetha failed to recognize and appreciate all she had done for her. King Ballant and she had given her a childhood any princess would have hoped for. She went out into the town square, heading straight for Ruby’s house. Queen Deidre knocked violently on the wooden door and ordered for Ruby to open the hatch. To her utmost shock, she found not only Ruby inside but Ellawy and Queen Demetris.

  ‘I knew it,’ she shouted.

  ‘Deidre,’ Queen Demetris expressed in surprise.

  ‘You intruder, I should get you arrested. How dare you come here?’

  ‘Try and arrest me Deidre. Send your best men but I daresay Ballant will not agree to that.’

  The atmosphere in the room became tense. Ruby and Ellawy backed away, afraid they would be included in the harsh exchange. They watched their Queens helplessly, unable to say a thing.

  ‘I remember the last time I did not need his help to get rid of you.’

  ‘And how successful were you?’ Queen Demetris said with a scoff, ‘I am still alive, aren’t I?’

  Queen Deidre frowned in dislike. The muscles in her body tensed, she did not take the other woman’s mocking lightly. Queen Demetris calmed down as if she regretted having said that. An apologetic look was evident on her face as she said, ‘what really happened to you Deidre? We were like sisters to each other. I did so love you my friend. Why did you betray me like that?’

  Oh, how Queen Deidre always hated it when she acted as if she was the better person. The time for her kind of compassion had eluded them. The last thing she wanted was for Queen Demetris to give her the why speech.

  ‘I hate you for taking what is rightfully mine and I swore to make you suffer as I have,’ Queen Deidre replied.

  ‘What?’

  ‘He was mine.’

  ‘You were never betrothed to him. I have no knowledge of him ever being yours. He only admired me,’ she said as she began to snap.

  Queen Deidre made a very irritating laugh that prompted Queen Demetris to smack her on the face. She only laughed out louder and whatever her motives were, it was having the desired effect.

  ‘Still trying to see the best in everyone Demetris? I will be glad to prove you wrong. Who do you think comforted him all those years you were supposedly dead?’

  ‘You lie.’

  Queen Deidre just gave a triumphant giggle and left. That would put Queen Demetris in her place, where she actually belonged. The look of hopelessness on her face gave her satisfaction as she walked back into the palace. Ruby and Ellawy ran to where Queen Demetris stood offering words of encouragement and comfort. The torn look on her face did not make things any easier. No matter how much she did not want to believe Deidre, she had sounded so convincing.

  ‘Have trust in the King, my lady. He could never set eyes on Queen Deidre,’ Ellawy said.

  ***

  ‘Sire, the Queen has returned,’ King Dramon was informed by Raphael, ‘she wishes you join her for supper.’

  King Dramon was startled at how time had flown. Just a few hours ago he had woken up and now it was already time for supper. He put his sword down and went to the dining hall to see her. King Dramon hoped she would not sense his unease. She sat with a smile lit on her face as usual. His Queen looked happy and he tried to smile back. They embraced and sat down to dine. Queen Demetris looked so excited; she could not wait to share the joyous news with him.

  ‘How is the Princess Tabetha?’ he asked.

  ‘Never been better; I have to say she is quite taken with this wife thing. No later, they will be moving to reside in the Castle of Serene...’

  ‘Serene?’

  ‘Yes...’ she paused and looked at him, ‘did you have plans for those lands?’

  ‘I can always change plans if it puts Tabetha in harm’s way. There are many other lands to conquer,’ he replied not bothering to hide his disappointment.

  For months he had laid down plans for those lands near the sea. How inconvenient for Princess Tabetha and her new husband to move there.

  ‘Why those lands, they are hardly fertile?’ she asked.

  ‘It does not matter now.’

  But it did. With control over those lands he could have access to the ports. His men could build ships and he would control trade there. Serene was a trading port and with power over it he would have the people who depended on it at his mercy. Each step he took ensured power for the kingdom of Damius and for its future king. It was then he remembered Petunia, who by now could be carrying his child. At last he would be a father, to a son who one day would rule the greatest kingdom. He had almost forgotten that he sat with the Queen when she said, ‘I have news.’

  He looked at her waiting for whatever news she had for him. It was something good; her excitement could not be contained. Silently she took his hand and placed it on her belly where he felt a slight bulge. He looked up at her in surprise and she nodded. Quickly, he snatched his hand away and looked sideways. Queen Demetris looked confused; was he not thrilled to finally have a child?

  Standing up, he knocked over his wine goblet and the contents spilled onto the table and flowed down onto the marble floor. As if he did not know what to do, he left the room with a blank look on his face. Queen Demetris looked at
herself and she could not understand. Was there something she was missing? The excitement had been washed away and disappointment took its place. Had he not begged her to bear him a child? Now he acted in a very puzzling manner.

  TO BE CONTINUED

  BOOK ONE: THE TWO KINGS

  BOOK TWO: THE HEIR

  BOOK THREE: NATHAN AND THE PRINCE

  BOOK FOUR: NEW REIGN IN DAMIUS