Princess Electra Book 4 School of Medicine

by Dory Lee Maske

  Chapter 23

  Kingdom of Henge

  Take woke up in a soft, clean bed, wondering for a moment if he was still dreaming. Then a wary smile crossed his face. No, he wasn't dreaming. He was the son of a king and he was sleeping in his own room in a castle. He had enjoyed a good night's sleep after hearing Serafina had left the castle. Still, a nagging feeling told him not to get too comfortable here.

  His saw his clothes, washed, folded and placed on a table next to his bed. Someone had managed to come into his room without waking him. There was a good reason to leave. He was becoming soft, his instincts for survival dulled by living the easy life. That did not seem an argument that would sway his friends, however.

  He dressed quickly and wondered if he was late for breakfast. Take listened at the doors where his friends were housed and heard nothing. He quickened his steps and ran down the stairs to the dining area.

  Old King Blackwell looked up and shouted. "There you are, Sleepy One. You're lucky to have friends who look out for you. I believe they may have left a bit of breakfast for you."

  Take looked at the happy group of people sitting round the table—all of them plumper than they were when they arrived in Henge a week ago.

  "Wait 'til ya' taste them eggs," Tom said, grinning. "They got little bits a sausage mixed in. Umm."

  "An oranges!" Angie's eyes were wide with amazement. "They grow 'em indoors in big pots a dirt."

  Take scooped up some eggs and an orange. He took a seat at the table and tried to think of a gentle way to suggest it was time to leave Henge. He looked at his father.

  "You have certainly spoiled us all on this visit," he began.

  "Does not have to be a visit," his father replied. "We will have our actors' quarters finished soon and you can move in permanently. Of course you already have your own permanent room here in the castle—you being the leader and all." His father smiled and gave Take a wink that was obvious to everyone.

  Prince Blackwell appeared at the top of the stairway and looked down on his father and the acting troupe.

  "I thought I might eat with our guests this morning. My wife and children are off on a visit so I have no one to dine with." His tone was friendly and his father waved him down.

  "Fine, fine. Come and join us. You met everyone the night of the performance. You remember Take of course."

  Prince Blackwell looked first at Take, then his father. Take realized he was looking for a resemblance and finding it. He knew. Take wondered if he had figured it out himself or if Serafina had told him.

  Prince Blackwell stuck out his hand and Take shook it, reluctantly.

  "I wish we had met when we were much younger," Prince Blackwell said in a sincere voice.

  Take suddenly realized that Prince Blackwell's young life must have been every bit as lonely as his own had been.

  Although Take understood his half-brother's meaning, his friends looked at the Prince with curiosity. Smiles took a break in his eating. "Did ya think ta be an actor, growin' up?" he asked in his affable way.

  Prince Blackwell laughed and glanced at his father. Old King Blackwell seemed on the verge of saying something but instead, took another bite of bread.

  Prince Blackwell poured himself a cup of tea and sat down near Take. "I hope you have enjoyed your stay here. I know it has done father a world of good."

  Take nodded. "He has been a most generous host."

  Prince Blackwell affected a casual air. "What are your plans now?"

  Take studied Prince Blackwell carefully, trying to find a clue to his real feelings. Were they to play out this charade and keep the secret? Was Prince Blackwell hinting that it was time for Take to move on? He knew this would be the best course of action for all concerned. Take affected the same nonchalance as his brother.

  "I expect they are missing us back in Fernland. The Queen there likes to entertain and she usually keeps us busy."

  Take looked at his fellow actors. "What do you say, friends—is it time we turned our thoughts to heading home?"

  His friends did not seem too excited about leaving. They had never stayed in a castle before, nor had servants to cook and clean for them.

  Tom squeezed Angie's hand and turned to Take. "Whatever you say, Take. You brung us here an' we'll go whenever ya think it be time."

  The others nodded glumly.

  Old King Blackwell slammed his fork down on the table and scowled at Prince Blackwell. "I asked them to stay here permanently. They have living quarters here now."

  The old king beseeched Take with hopeful eyes. "Don't make a decision yet. Wait and see the finished theatre first. Will you do that for me?"

  Prince Blackwell's jaw fell. He put his cup down, but more gently than his father. "Excuse me. I just remembered an appointment." He rose and left quickly.

  Old King Blackwell acted as though nothing unusual had happened.

  "Now then. Why don't we all go out to see how the work on the theatre is progressing? I would like to have your suggestions on how we should proceed."

  As the old king headed for the door all the actors looked at one another, then at Take with questioning expressions.

  Take wiped the perspiration from his forehead and shrugged. "Family quarrel, maybe?" he suggested in a whisper.

  When they reached the theatre construction, they were surprised to find all the workmen laying down their tools and walking away.

  Old Blackwell thumped after them. "Where do you think you are going? There is work to be done here."

  One of the men turned to speak to the old king. He faced him with his eyes lowered to the ground.

  "I'm sorry, sir. Prince Blackwell just come by an' ordered us to stop work immediately."

  The old king turned red in the face. Take was afraid he was going to have a stroke or a heart attack at the very least. He rushed up to put his hand on his father's arm.

  "It's all right, really. It is probably for the best," Take sputtered.

  "It is most certainly not all right!" Blackwell shouted. "If he thinks he can get away with this, he is sadly mistaken. You are my son and I will say when you will leave!"

  Take could hear the gasps of his friends as they stood huddled behind him.

  Old Blackwell faced them with a murderous look. "Yes, that is right. Take, or I should say, Finn here is my son. And I will see him placed on the throne before I let Ambrose shut down my theatre."

  The old king thumped off to find Prince Blackwell as Trixie whispered fearfully, "Who is Ambrose?"

  "Must be Prince Blackwell's given name," Take said absently as his eyes skittered back and forth from the theatre to his retreating father. He thought about chasing after his father but decided against it. He turned to his friends.

  "Hurry, gather up your things. I believe our best option is to leave quietly and quickly—without saying goodbye. This has become a very dangerous situation."