Shattering Dreams

by Catherine M Walker

  Mounting his favourite horse, he spurred him forward, as was his usual fashion, with no warning to anyone. As always, these days both Kyle and Jess were in sync with him and spurred their own mounts, riding to either side of him as his guards and servants trailed behind. Although he noticed that since this was all scripted, their core guard unit were quickly forming up in their standard defensive formation around them. Alex appreciated the private entry and exit to the Royal Wing at the Winter Palace and guessed he would grow to appreciate it even more when they arrived at the Complex of the Fourth.

  Seeing his own crest blazoned on his guard unit, horses and their equipment, still took getting used to. This was his first foray out into the Realm as the Fourth. He knew it would cause both fear and a sense of hope for the people. While they had known a fourth child had been born to the King for a long time, now they would know there was a Fourth Child. Even if they didn’t realise it was all based on a lie. It had been impressed on him by Elizabeth that as the Fourth Child he gave the people hope that they were safe; he and his Companions would inspire a sense of safety and security. They would trust, even if the worst happened, that he and his friends would stand guard between them and the monsters in their midst.

  As they rode through the town, he was aware of the citizens’ responses to his passing. Some whispered, others ducked for cover; many pressed their hands to their heart then forehead, heads bowed as he passed. An obeisance shown to the Fourth as far back as their history, signalling that they gave their hearts, minds and lives to the cause of the Fourth.

  Finally, they circled around the outside of the inner city and wound their way through the sprawling outer city. They wouldn’t join the rest of the Royal Party until they were well out of the city limits.

  Alex looked over and waved as Jess whistled at the hunters in their group. With a wave in his general direction, she spurred her horse ahead off the road toward the nearby forest. He chuckled as two of the Elite swore and took off after her.

  “Oh, she will not like that. They’ll scare off the game.”

  Kyle grinned back at him. “Well maybe they can be useful and hold the reins of her horse, or perhaps they’ll make so much noise it’ll flush a deer or something in her direction?”

  Marcus, who was riding nearby, grinned. “I chose Lady Jessalan’s primary guards with her habit of hunting and tracking in mind, Your Highness, My Lord. Those two might surprise you.”

  “I’ll take your word for it, Marcus, but I’ll lay odds Jess is better and she still won’t be amused.”

  Alex threw his head back and laughed, thinking of Jess’ response. Looking up, he saw the King’s camp, set up and waiting for their arrival. He grinned and spurred his horse on in anticipation, slowing down as they entered the edge of the camp. Most of his guard detail peeled off as he and Kyle continued on with their own guards toward the centre of the camp, where he knew their tents would have been erected.

  To say they were staying in tents was a little simplistic. While most of the entourage were staying in tents, they were staying in something that looked like a small cottage and was comfortable. Path finders, guards and palace staff had gone ahead of them to set up not only the King’s Camp but, for the first time in generations, the Fourth’s Compound, ahead of their arrival.

  Alex could see from the flag flying above the largest of the royal pavilions that his father was already in camp, and saw his own flag rising up the pole outside his own. Alex dismounted and looked over to see his sister, Elizabeth, duck out of her tent with Amelia close behind. His heart nearly stopped at the sight of her.

  As Alex walked forward, she curtseyed, placing her hands against her heart then forehead.

  “Your Highness.”

  Alex, forgetting himself, found he was captivated. A slight smile touched his lips, and he closed the distance between them, capturing one of Amelia’s hands as she rose out of her curtsey. He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her palm, watching as she blushed to her hairline.

  “There is no need for such formality, Amelia; after all, we’ve all grown up together and this, well, it’s the camping equivalent of the Royal Wing.”

  Alex couldn’t believe he was flirting so outrageously with Amelia in front of everyone, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. He smiled, losing track of time in that moment while they gazed at each other. Alex found himself lost, drinking in her long dark hair that fell in waves around her shoulders, drowning in her dark chocolate eyes that seemed to drill deep into his soul. He could feel the veil swirling around them both, forming a bond between them in that moment, just as Kyle cleared his throat.

  “No greeting for your big brother, Amelia?” Kyle stepped forward and claimed Amelia in a hug, swinging her around like she was still a little girl. Amelia snapped out of her focus on Alex and laughed.

  “Kyle, put me down!” Amelia laughed and swatted at her brother as Elizabeth smiled.

  Alex shook his head and stepped forward again, this time leaning forward to brush his lips against his sister’s cheeks.

  “Sister, I hope the journey today was not too tiring for you.” Alex raised an eyebrow at Elizabeth and hoped she realised he was trying to regain his composure, breathing a soft sigh as he saw her grin.

  “It was a little tiresome, Alex, but more because Father insisted I ride in a carriage, as if I’m made of glass. I’d much rather ride than be cooped up in the carriage. Still, we’re out of the city now, perhaps I can persuade him to let me ride tomorrow. Now you should go wash up, little brother. I’ve heard already that Jess has gone to join the hunters, so that means we should eat well tonight!”

  Elizabeth pushed Alex toward his own pavilion and gathered Amelia up in her wake. Both women walked toward the King’s pavilion and disappeared into its depths.

  Alex watched Amelia depart before he sighed and turned to see Kyle, his arms crossed, watching him.

  “Come on, Alex, let’s go to your pavilion to have a chat.”

  Alex was alarmed as his friend turned his back on him and stalked over to his pavilion, disappearing inside. Alex shook his head and, with one last look in the direction Amelia had gone, followed him inside, a rueful expression on his face.

  Alex walked in and found Kyle sitting on one chair and accepting a drink from Miranda, looking troubled but not like he was about to stick a dagger into his best friend’s heart.

  Alex accepted a goblet from Miranda and thanked her, before sitting and relaxing back into his own chair. He wasn’t certain how the crafters made the camp chairs and foot rests comfortable, but somehow they did. Alex kept his peace, knowing Kyle would let him know what was troubling him when he was ready.

  Alex watched as Kyle ran a hand through his hair, taking one more sip from his goblet before looking at him.

  “Amelia is my little baby sister, Alex. I’m not silly enough to believe she hasn’t been breaking various lords’ hearts throughout your father’s court. Just promise me you won’t hurt her.”

  Alex choked on his drink and picked up a napkin from a nearby table to wipe his mouth. He swallowed, looking at Kyle a little wide-eyed.

  “Kyle, I would never harm Amelia. Ever. I know in the past I’ve been a little irresponsible, I have no excuse. I’m sorry, I dragged you out there with me, every single time, I’m sorry.”

  Kyle smiled. “I understand that. I’m not saying don’t pursue Amelia, heck it wouldn’t work even if you agreed. I know my little sister. Just, don’t hurt her. She’s not as strong as Jess. I don’t think Amelia knows the world of hurt that will head in her direction by falling into your world—our world.”

  Alex took a breath and nodded. “I’m sorry, Kyle, I don’t know what came over me. I must have seen Amelia a million times but just then, when she walked out of Elizabeth’s tent, it was like the world stopped still. I would lay waste to entire nations to protect Amelia.” Alex shook his head as Kyle looked at him, the silence stretching between them. “Who am I trying to kid, you know already don’t you?
How did you find out? We’ve been careful.”

  Kyle laughed, “Yes, you’ve both been careful until now. But after that little display out there it’s likely already all over the camp. To answer your question, I’ve known since just after I recovered from being sick. I came down to see you and, as was normal practice, just walked in to wake you up. Imagine my surprise, to see you sound asleep with your arms wrapped around my little sister. Since then I’ve been careful to listen when your guards advise me you have company.”

  “Amelia came in to sit by your bedside while you were sick. We spent a lot of time sitting on that couch, Kyle. It was my fault you were so sick. It happened, Kyle, but I can’t explain how much I adore Amelia.” Alex couldn’t help but smile when thinking of her.

  Alex thanked Miranda as she walked over and filled up both his and Kyle’s goblets. Then he looked at Kyle.

  “If you’ll accept my advice, become as overt in your relationship now as you were covert about it before. Hiding it before protected her from the court and others. Now? With the knowledge out there and spreading? It will hurt her. Hell, she spends every night in your bed, Alex. Have her move in if that is what you both wish, and be done with it. That way, if it’s official, if Amelia is the Consort Elect of the Fourth, you can put the Elite on her.”

  Alex choked on his drink again and gave Kyle a horrified look.

  “I think it could be a little early to be going down the Consort Elect path, Kyle.” Alex wiped his mouth and considered the options. “However, I’ll talk with Amelia. We can dispense with trying to be discreet. This road trip could be the perfect place to start; everything is less formal when the court is on the road. By the time we get to the Summer Palace, everyone will be used to the idea.”

  Kyle laughed. “You are deluding yourself, Alex. The ladies will be green with envy and looking daggers at Amelia—though I’m certain she can hold her own there. Just take the real ones off her for a while; she might be a little too direct in her response. Still, if she is with you most of the time then, by default, your guards are protecting her.”

  Alex groaned as he thought of the circus his relationship with Amelia was about to become.

  “Well you and Elizabeth could make a spectacle of yourselves. That would draw heat.”

  This time it was Kyle who spluttered his drink, only just catching the liquid on his napkin. “Alex, Elizabeth and I, hell I know this sounds bad, but it’s just a casual thing.”

  This time it was Alex who smirked. “Payback. Yes I know about you and Elizabeth. You two have been nowhere near as discreet. So do me a favour and be outrageous. The court will gossip about the pair of you instead of Amelia and me.”

  Kyle didn’t know whether he should laugh or be indignant; he settled with laughing. “You mean they will go into overdrive. No, Alex, that wouldn’t be fair to Elizabeth, besides it’s a casual affair that has been on and off for years. Currently it’s off.”

  Alex shook his head, smiling as he took a sip of his drink.

  “You’re supposed to be my best friend, Kyle. I guess if you reignite your passion for my sister it might hinder your ability to hunt down that assassin you are so fascinated by.” Alex laughed, showing he didn’t mind in the least that his friend was now interested in another. “I’ll talk with Amelia and we’ll see how things go. Sneaking around was fun in its own way but I guess not having to will be just as good.”

  17

  Acknowledging Amelia

  Alex walked into the dining tent with little fanfare. It was one highlight of being on the road rather than in the palace. The dinners were reduced to the family and a few of his father’s closest advisors and friends. As a result, it was a lot more relaxed than normal. It was almost as good as dining in his own rooms, on the rare occasions he’d been permitted to since being acknowledged as a Prince of the Realm at his coming of age. It made Alex sad, since one of his biggest desires as a small child was to be present in court at the Royal Table with his mother, father, brothers and sister. Now he cherished the moments he dined alone.

  The smell of the food being prepared had been floating over the camp for several hours, attesting to the success of the hunting trip. Alex glanced around and saw Amelia off to one side talking with his sister. He paused, smiling when she turned, her eyes tracking to his. She smiled in return. Her eyes widened as he walked to her and slipped an arm around her waist and kissed her on the lips. Alex lowered his gaze, staring into her deep dark eyes, and pulled her in close, whispering to her.

  “Let’s stop pretending and hiding. I’d prefer the whole court to know we are courting with the permission of your father and mine. Although if it’s too soon for you, at least stop pretending around family. I’m advised they know anyhow.”

  Alex breathed a sigh of relief as he felt Amelia relax in his embrace and looked down to see her looking up at him, grinning.

  “Well we were hardly subtle earlier. I don’t know what came over me. I’m glad my brother didn’t turn you into a pin cushion. I’m game if you are, Alex, though I’m thinking my father is looking a little stunned, even if yours isn’t.” Amelia glanced over toward her father and the King and tried not to laugh.

  Alex swallowed. “I might as well get this part over with—wish me luck.”

  He grinned at Amelia as she stifled a chuckle with her palm and walked over toward his father and Lord Strafford, both of whom were looking at him. Alex paused the exact distance from the King required by protocol and bowed formally. This showed that he had a formal petition to put before the King.

  The King indicated he could rise. “Yes, Prince Alexander, what petition do you have for me to consider?”

  Alex was grateful that his father didn’t tell him to wait until they returned to the court.

  “My King, I seek permission as a son of Royal Blood to officially court Lady Amelia Joanna Strafford.” Alex surprised himself; his voice sounded calm even though he was anything but.

  His father glanced at Lord Strafford then back at Alex.

  “Lady Amelia is a suitable match and I see no issue with you courting her or a union should you both be agreeable. Prince Alexander, you have my permission to court Lady Amelia.” His father relaxed and grinned at him. Alex let go of a breath he hadn’t known he was holding.

  Next, Alex turned, and this time bowed to Lord Strafford in a show of respect since he didn’t have to give their difference in rank. He could see by Lord Strafford’s hint of a smile that he appreciated the gesture for what it was.

  “My Lord Strafford, I’m sorry for this being a more public display than I would have wished. I was a little unwise when I arrived in showing my affection for Amelia; it was pointed out that while keeping my relationship with your daughter—with Amelia—low-key at the start to protect her was a good idea. Now that the word is spreading throughout the camp, that same discretion could cause her harm.” Alex cleared his throat. “I’m sorry for that, My Lord; a part of my soul would die if anything happened to Amelia. My Lord, I seek your permission to court Lady Amelia.”

  Lord Strafford considered Alex for a moment; it seemed everyone in the tent held their breath. Lord Strafford stood and stepped closer to Alex. “Not that long ago I would have refused, Alex; however, you have grown up a great deal.”

  Lord Strafford looked over toward Amelia and beckoned her over to him, ignoring Alex and his request for a moment.

  Alex turned and couldn’t help but smile as Amelia, graceful as ever, moved over to stand beside him and took his hand.

  “Amelia, do you wish this union?”

  Amelia smiled then looked from her father up to Alex. “Yes, Father. I wish it with all my heart.”

  Lord Strafford bowed his head before looking back up. “Prince Alexander, you have my permission to court my daughter.” Lord Strafford then took the last step forward and hugged them both, his manner relaxing. “I hope that one day I will get to call you my son.”

  Both Alex and Amelia withdrew, only to be surrounded by the re
st of the family, with congratulations all round.

  Amelia eyed Alex, biting her lip, her eyes crinkling.

  “How ever did you survive Kyle? I saw him stalk away earlier today; I thought for sure any moment after you walked in after him your guards would have to try and split you two up.”

  Amelia twisted her head up and looked at Alex then transferred her gaze from him to William, who had begun to choke on his wine and reached for a napkin that the King, poker-faced, handed to him. Both gazed back at her, their expressions bland.

  Alex bit his lip as she looked back up at him.

  “Well, you know how we thought we were being clever and sneaky?” He stopped and looked up at William, observing that his father was also paying attention.

  The King snorted. “Oh, don’t look at me to explain it. It’s not that bad, Alex. Here, I’ll tell part of it. I already knew you two were seeing each other, so did William. It’s hard to sneak in and out of the Royal Wing without me finding out about it.”

  Alex sighed, glancing around at his family staring at him. He pulled Amelia over to the far side of the tent. It wasn’t far enough to truly have a private conversation but it could give the allusion of privacy. He snorted, just like the royal wing in the palace gave the perception of privacy, it wasn’t real. Alex pulled Amelia close to him and kept his voice low, whispering to her.

  “Amelia, it seems Kyle has known almost from the beginning. Or at least since the first day he got out of his sick bed.” Alex waited, hoping Amelia would work it out without him having to explain, then sighed again. “It seems he came to see me the first morning he got out of bed. He kind of walked in and found us asleep in bed together.”