With his own soldiers now in control of the city, the minor nobles of the royal lands known as Brenthellin would not want to see him and his own house taking command of things. Princess Elysia was key to this, and having her front his plan to take the kingdom was a masterstroke of genius. However, the princess had not been so easily won over to Frederick, but she had not counted on Lord Elthan’s sister having an unusual gift. Nor did they realise that through her he had a direct link to those that worshipped the darker side of life, the cultists. His sister had been banished by their parents when they had originally discovered what she was, but when Lord Elthan had taken up the role of nobleman after seeing both his mother and father had died in an ‘accident’, he had welcomed her back to the family home. Having tracked her down and kept in touch with her, Lord Elthan had used her particular skill in witchcraft to help him in his ambitious plans. Through sacrifice, his witch sister had foretold him the time to make his move, and given him the means to do so. Using an enchanted necklace, Princess Elysia had been gifted by Frederick, she had soon fallen madly in love with him, despite her initial rejections at his advances. So long as she kept the item of jewellery around her neck, Elysia would be like putty in Frederick’s hands, bending to his will and doing anything she wanted him to; even assisting in her own family’s demise.
Thus far, everything was going to plan, and although Lord Elthan would have liked to have seen the body of the dead prince and the older princess, the cultists commanded by his sister were renowned for taking their victim's corpses away. What they did to them after they had been killed was just as sickening, and something Lord Elthan never wished to see or wanted to hear about. However, evidence would suggest that both had been killed, being as neither had been seen since the wedding, nor seen leaving the palace after it. When the people had become used to the current, temporary queen regent, he would see her crowned for proper. With his son Frederick having her do as she wished, it would only be a matter of time before all the nobles of the kingdom swore their loyalty to them. When that was the case, Lord Elthan and his sister had already come up with further plans for the remaining nobles, eliminating them and giving overall, and unconditional power to his son. Moreover, once Frederick and his queen had managed to have children, her own use would be no longer needed, and the bloodline of House Elthan would then be ready to rule the kingdom.
Chapter 8. Alive.
Luca sat in his room as he often did just to avoid contact with the others in the building. Although alone, he knew Edward or a couple of Lord Oakley’s guards would be on duty somewhere outside on the landing, and that Nerina would be soon bringing him his mid-day meal. Although invited down to eat with his host’s family, Luca had declined the offer, opting instead to eat alone as he was more used to back at the palace. While the food he was given was better than he thought it might have been, it was still nothing like he was used to. With still not having any clothes other than a handful of Samuel’s old items that no longer fitted him, Luca felt his life was completely miserable.
A knock sounded at his door, and Luca looked up expecting to see Lord Oakley’s daughter bringing him his food. However, it was not who he was expecting standing there, but a stranger, though he wasn’t sure if he had seen the face somewhere before.
“Hello,” the boy said.
Luca replied in kind although he had no desires to partake in any meaningless small talk with people he knew, never mind the ones he didn’t. Probably of a similar age to himself, with fair hair and a pale complexion, it seemed the stranger intended on lingering around, although seemed content with chatting to Edward for the time being.
As Luca was thinking of standing up and closing his door to cut himself off from the incessant chattering that was taking place outside his room, Edward poked his head around the door.
“You don’t know who this is, do you?”
Luca looked over at the younger lad, and while his face was vaguely familiar, he certainly couldn’t put a name to the person staring back at him.
Edward chuckled, seemingly finding it amusing, “This is your cousin, Theo.”
Luca looked blankly at both, with a face that suggested that he was still none the wiser.
“If I said he has just docked, and sailed from the Casillian Isle would that help?” Edward said in a tone that suggested he was mocking Luca.
“I don’t know, one of Lord Dalby’s sons?” Luca asked hardly bothering to work out who it was. In truth, he didn’t care and wished that both he and Edward would just leave him in peace.
“Exactly! As Lord Dalby is your mother’s brother, your uncle, then Theo, as his son, is your cousin.”
“You don’t say!” Luca replied sardonically, thinking any idiot could have worked that out.
As to why Theo, Lord Dalby’s son, was standing in his doorway Luca neither cared nor particularly wanted to know. However, as it was apparent that neither he or Edward was going to leave him in peace, he thought it might be one of those times where he needed to feign interest, if only to get rid of them sooner.
“My father came as soon as he got Lord Oakley’s message. He’s downstairs discussing the situation right now,“ Theo said, sounding far too excited.
“I’m going back down for some lunch in a minute, would you care to join us?” Theo asked.
“Don’t bother asking him. He always sits up here by himself, moping around because he doesn’t have his expensive palace to live in,” Edward replied on Luca’s behalf, although clearly meant as an insult.
“Well, I would hate it as well,” Theo said, strangely taking Luca’s side. “I dare not imagine what you must be going through. Now, what say you join us for lunch?”
Luca actually found himself warming to this boy, even though he didn’t really know him. “Sure. I’d love to join you. Edward guard my room while I’m gone will you?” Luca said as he passed on the way out of the doorway.
“I need to be at your side, Sire,” Edward replied realising that Luca was getting one over on him.
“No, it will be fine,” Theo added to the exchange. “My father has brought over fifty soldiers with him, six of which are in the foyer downstairs. I’ll have a couple of them keep watch.”
Luca smiled at Edward, before giving him a little wave of his hand before walking down the stairs beside his cousin. As the pair of them reached the bottom step, Luca spotted Nerina walking towards them and carrying the tray that probably carried the food that had been set aside for him.
“I’m eating in the dining room today Nerina,” Luca explained. Nerina just harumphed and turned about mumbling and cursing under her breath, and although Luca couldn’t make out what she was actually saying he could hazard a guess it wasn’t anything very pleasant.
“I think she likes you,” Theo said adding his own touch of humour to the situation.
“No, she doesn’t. They all hate me,” Luca replied, sounding quite serious.
Theo patted him on the shoulder, as the pair headed through the double doors at the bottom of the stairs and down a narrow corridor. “I’m sure they don’t hate you. They are just not used to dealing with someone of your importance.”
The more Theo spoke, the more Luca actually thought he might like him. At last, there appeared to be somebody who understood what he was going through, and who spoke to him as a normal person. Passing three other doors, the pair then took the last one on their right and entered what Lord Oakley referred to as his formal dining room. With a single large window along one wall, overlooking an area of the yard at the rear of the property, it was better lit than most of them. Being in the wooden extension part of their home, the interior walls were understandably timber as well, although brightly painted to make the room feel warmer. At the centre of the room were two large tables that had at some point in time been pushed and joined together to form one larger piece of furniture. With twelve chairs placed around it, Luca doubted it could be compared in size or grandeur to anything in the palace, but he supposed it suited t
he Oakley’s needs.
Lady Oakley was already seated and chatting with two other people, both of whom he presumed were some relation to Theo, and therefore him as well. Before Theo had a chance to introduce them, Lady Oakley had already stood up and done so.
“Ah, Your Majesty. May I introduce Lady Dalby, and her daughter Clarissa.”
Luca afforded both a smile and as was now the norm, both mother and daughter got up from their seats and curtsied.
“It is an honour to meet you, Sire,” Lady Dalby said holding her pose for a little longer than her daughter. “Your loss is ours. We are with you all the way…”
“Mother,” Theo said, strangely embarrassed for Luca. “We just came to get our lunch, I’m sure Luca doesn’t want to be troubled further by things he probably already knows.”
While Lady Dalby looked somewhat sternly towards her son, she did not speak further, and as Luca sat down, so the others followed his lead. Theo, seemingly unperturbed that Luca was the Crown Prince and future King, sat casually next to him and duly asked Lady Oakley what was for lunch. However, Lady Oakley apparently didn’t know as she hadn't had time to visit the kitchens, although she was sure it would be something nice.
“I hope so, Luca and I are famished, aren’t we?” Theo said giving Luca a nudge as he spoke.
Luca grinned, “Absolutely.”
Although only meant in jest, Lady Oakley seemed horrified that Luca was going hungry and quickly offered her apologies. Luca, not wanting to cause any fuss quickly placated her with the help of Theo, explaining they were only speaking figuratively. Luca then turned as he spotted Nerina walking in through the door, evidently having been to the kitchens to return Luca’s tray. The girl merely glared at him for a few moments before taking a seat beside her mother.
“Samuel will be along shortly. The kitchen staff are nearly done and will be serving in a few minutes,” she added, directing her words towards her mother.
Samuel was indeed next to appear, and seemingly not wanting to sit with the females, he took up a seat next to Theo, even though he didn’t really know him. The food quickly followed as the woman Luca knew to be Madine led another young woman in through the side door, both carrying trays in their hands. While one placed bowls down in front of each person seated at the table, Madine placed a large soup tureen and proceeded with stirring the contents with a silver ladle. As the second woman then placed a large basket of freshly baked bread rolls in the middle of the table, Luca found himself inhaling deeply. He felt there was always something strangely pleasant about the aroma of freshly baked bread, and savoured it for a few moments before he realised that Madine was waiting to serve.
Being the most important figure at the table it was naturally Luca who was to be served first, yet without thinking, he waved his hand and requested the ladies at the table go before him. He noticed Nerina give him some peculiar looks as if he had done something completely out of character, although Luca was puzzled as to why she would think such a thing. As Madine ladled the thick soup into the bowls, it was quickly apparent that those served before him were waiting to start.
“Please, don’t wait for me, your lunch will go cold,” Luca added, getting more strange looks from Nerina. The ladies had all started eating as Luca dipped his spoon into his bowl for the first time. Although classed as soup, he thought it resembled a stew, with many of the vegetables within being thickly cut and chunky. While not the typical thing he would have had at the palace, Luca thought it was actually quite nice, a sentiment echoed by his cousin sat beside him.
“This is really good, Lady Oakley,” Theo announced thanking his host.
“Well, the staff must take the credit. They always do their best to make something nice for us,” she said in reply.
Although not typical, at least not for him, Luca found himself engaging in a little general chatter as they all ate. At first, it was just Theo he spoke to, but by the time he had finished eating the conversation had spread to include Samuel, Nerina and Theo’s sister Clarissa. Lady Oakley and Lady Dalby seemed content to sit and just listen, although Luca did notice them pass a few comments discreetly among themselves.
“I was thinking of taking a walk out around the docks later, you want to come?” Theo asked.
It took a few moments for Luca to realise that the invitation was being offered to him, and noticing all eyes were peering his way, thought about it for a few moments. The weather seemed fine enough to head outside, and although he had now been there a few days, hadn't yet really explored any part of Garley. Living in Miranor, the sea was still something of a mystery to him, and Luca found himself accepting the offer.
“Oh, Could I come too?” Samuel asked, “I could show you around.”
“That would nice thank you,” Theo replied, accepting the offer on behalf of both of them.
“Make sure Edward goes with you. Samuel, take your sword…Just in case,” Lady Oakley said calmly but firmly, suggesting the request was not open for negotiation.
Luca actually felt a little excited at the fact he was going to be doing something different. With Samuel wearing a sword and leading them through the gate, Luca and Theo followed closely behind with Edward bringing up the rear. Leaving the security of the main keep, they headed down a narrow street which sloped just gradually as they made their way towards the dock area. After passing through a smaller gate, Luca could smell the sea air and feel the cool breeze that blew inland on his face. Yet the warmth of the sun could still be felt on his skin as they paused just for a moment to gaze out to sea from their slightly elevated position. Luca could see a couple of small boats, which he assumed were fishing craft and a much larger one far out in the distance.
“On a really clear day, you can see Lord Elthan’s lands over that way. The peninsula kind of juts out someway in that direction,” Samuel explained gesticulating with his hands before pointing the other way.
“The land in that direction, which you can just make out is Lord Mangilly’s.”
“The Eastern Ranges?” Luca asked, finding himself actually interested in what he was being told.
“Yes, that’s probably one of his ships out there,” Theo added pointing back to the larger ship out on the horizon.
“And if you look down in the harbour you’ll see our ship,” Theo said excitedly as if it were something he was proud to show off.
Samuel led them down the sloping path, which twisted back and forth, avoiding the people who were taking carts up in the other direction. Using large, powerful horses, as big as Luca had ever seen, they appeared to be heavily laden with supplies. Although he didn’t ask Samuel what was in them, the young Lordling seemingly felt obliged to tell him anyway.
“Theo’s family are donated supplies to help keep all the extra soldiers we currently have in Garley.”
Luca just nodded his understanding but said nothing in reply, not wanting to dwell on troublesome things but enjoy his time out.
The quayside was unsurprisingly made from timber, although Samuel explained the foundations were all stone.
“That’s our ship over there,” Theo said pointing to a large vessel right at the far end of a pier that stretched out into the water.
“We have to dock there because the water is deeper,” he added.
Luca paused for a moment and watched the dozens of figures in the near distance, busying themselves with unloading the contents of the hull. He stared a while as a large bundle was hoisted up with ropes and swung across from the deck and down onto a waiting wagon.
There were a few others holding fishing rods out into the water, something that Luca thought he might like to try one day, although the gulls diving down and circling above did put him off the idea. However, they did not dawdle for long and Samuel, suggested he show them off the quayside and down onto a small area of sandy beach. Not having lived on the coast as both Samuel and Theo had, this was something else that Luca and Edward were new too. After walking the length of the dock, they took a pathway that led
down some stone steps and onto the sandy beach as promised. Luca immediately bent down and grasped a handful of sand, slowly letting the grains run through the gaps between his fingers. Away from the hustle and bustle nearer the ships, he thought this was actually quite a nice and secluded spot to be, and one that he might like to revisit again.
The beach area wasn’t very large, but the four of them found a nice place and chatted for a while as if longtime friends. Quite why Luca suddenly felt it much easier and comfortable to talk, he wasn’t sure, but Theo’s arrival and addition to the group must have had the desired effect. Somehow unassuming and easy to get along with, his cousin had actually made him feel like things were not so bad. However, his moment of peace and tranquillity was abruptly halted when two soldiers came heading their way.
“Excuse me, Sire,” one of the men said, bowing his head slightly before speaking. “Your presence is requested by Lord Oakley back at the keep.”
At that moment Luca felt all his misgivings suddenly returning, but Theo again showed his calm, mature, laid-back attitude.
“Come on, we’ll walk back with you. Perhaps we can come down here again and bring a picnic with us?”
“That sounds good,” Samuel replied, although the comment was clearly aimed Luca’s direction.
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