Well, here it is folks! The second chapter of my book
Royal. Just like last week please leave your thoughts and advice in the comment below. You may want to go back and read the first chapter to refresh your memory, as in the following passage I will be rewinding the clock a little bit. Again, I apologize for the strange formatting, but there isn't much I can do about that.
“Grey eyes like a deer
Brown hair thinning at the top
He holds those who are near
True priorities are wrought
Visions always sure
Spirits rarely down
Life swoops in to find a cure
And threatens his royal crown
Title holds the key
Heart demands much more
Answer to question will he see?
Or will mistakes result in war?”
Queen
Jolenta walked in to find King Roldan frantically pacing the room, hurriedly
scanning the contents of a telegram just arrived. Anxiously licking her parched
lips she closed the door with a purposeful bang, but he did not acknowledge her
presence, and only stood still to examine the note again. With a sigh she
crossed towards the window, releasing the drapes from a hook on the wall,
allowing the plush, scarlet fabric to run through her hand. Like a little girl
she peered in between the curtains after letting them fall to admire the winter
stars and full moon that cast a ghostly glow over the front courtyard, and
shrouded the trees in a pale light. At the sound of clanking chains she looked
down towards the moat, to find the drawbridge being lowered for two silhouettes
on unfamiliar horses. She flung the curtains back into place and turned to find
her husband seated on the bed, running his fingers through his thin brown hair. His
appearance was not so much altered compared to its current state other than
possessing a slimmer waistline, fewer grey hairs and eyes brighter with youth.
Jolenta, even less changed remained almost identical in figure and face, except
for the absence of a few matronly wrinkles around her mouth and eyes. The note
lay idly on the floor near his boot, blemished with ink blotches and tears where
words had been crossed out. When he lifted his face, one hand still covering
his mouth, candlelight flickered in his grey eyes revealing inner anxiety.
“Roldan…” she began, not sure on which sudden affair to inquire. “Are we
expecting visitors?” “Yes.”
His answer though not short, was void of interest, discouraging her eagerness
to press on. Nervously fidgeting her soft hands she embarrassedly looked down
when asking, “Who?” Roldan turned around with confident
stance, though uneasy eyes betrayed him. “King Brandon.” “What?”
she rose with a start but quickly sat down when he kneeled before her, using
his hand to brush away loose curls from her face. “Do
not be alarmed my love, it is purely business related.” When her eyes widened
in disbelief he nodded sheepishly and admitted, “Well…mostly business related.” “I
might have thought so. And I suppose that was him riding up just now?” “More than likely.” “And
he has not come to wish us on congratulations for our wedding?” “I would not count
upon it.” She rose with a sigh and
pulled a book out of her nightstand drawer, settling determinedly on the bed.
“I think I will leave you menfolk to discuss the affair whatever it is own your
own.” Humming, she nonchalantly flicked through the pages until four large
fingers gently reached over the binding and extracted the book from her palm.
She batted her eyes expectantly.
“Actually, you
will probably like to be present for this meeting.” “Why, pray tell?” Presently,
a knock sounded upon the bedroom door, and with a weak smile Roldan slowly
received the butler’s message that King Brandon of Zadith awaited his majesty in
the royal parlor. Looking back at his pretty wife with all the love of a
newlywed, he offered a hand. “You shall find out presently.” Arm
and arm they gracefully descended the staircase, the butler before them
carrying a candle in each hand casting just enough to light to see the closest
step. Roldan gazed at his Jolenta with admiring eyes as they walked, her
graceful figure gliding easily, her black hair which was long even then
swinging gently behind her shoulders. Blushing to feel his gaze upon her she
timidly glanced up to find strength awaiting her in his honest eyes. “Here
you are your majesties.” The man bowed and stood outside the door, allowing the
king and queen to proceed on their own. Sharing one last look the royal couple
strode forth to find Brandon confidently posed while his loyal assistant
cowered in a dark corner. “Your majesty.” The king stepped
forth with a bow and kissed Jolenta’s right hand. “How fine you look this
evening.” His mocking eyes and slimy speech reminded her of a serpent from
whose clutches she only desired to flee from. She simply curtseyed, not
trusting herself to speak. “And King Roldan.” Both
greeted one another with a bow, and they sat on opposite sides of the room
after Jolenta seated herself on a chair, elegantly poised for an inevitably
disappointing evening. “Now
Brandon, from what I understand you propose a petition.” “Indeed.” The fellow
nodded and leaned forth, spreading apart his legs and casually resting clasped
hands between them. “Now before I begin I feel it necessary to say that I am
under no deception--I know we are not exactly what you would call…friends.”
“Exactly?”
Roldan repeated. “Not
friends at all. Some have even gone as far as to call us enemies.” “Not a far-fetched
label.” Roldan scoffed while sharing a smile with his wife. “For as long as I and I daresay you
as well can recall, our kingdoms have been at odds.” Roldan
thoughtfully ran his tongue over his lower lip, the amount of wrinkles on his
forehead increasing every moment. “And whose fault is that?” “To
be fair, I do not think the blame can be entirely attributed to one alliance or
the other.” Jolenta’s
head jerked to the side and she bit her tongue in order to abstain from any
cynical comment that could heighten the already existing tension. Roldan
continued, “Correct me if I am wrong but…was it not you who issued the first in a series of attacks?”
“If you are referring to the A-Z Wars II, I cannot deny
we took the initiative to strike. And yet, was it not your great-great
grandfather whom first pulled away from Zadith, beginning the small
civilization that would eventually become known as Alavare?” “If
you are insinuating that it is my side to be blamed for our differences…perhaps
that cannot be denied. However I feel sure that even you, though our vision for
our own respected kingdoms has never been the same, would not condemn my
forefathers for doing what they believed to be in the best interest of their
people.” “No indeed!” King Brandon rose with a slight smile, complacently
rubbing his hands together. Jolenta stiffened, and her eyes squinted like a
prowling lion as she watched her “guest” pace the room. “In fact, I readily
agree with you Roldan. Every man, every kingdom to use more relevant
terminology, desires to seek the noblest ambitions for those in question, you and
me as kings no exception. And it is for that reason today that I come before
you with a request of a rather delicate and personal matter, that will surely
ensure our peace for the future.” “Surely?” Jolenta repeated. The corner
of the king’s mouth twitched with glee to behold her questioning eyebrows, and
eyes bright with the certainty of her suspicion. “Yes your majesty I believe
so. But then, you shall decide so for yourself presently.” He paused, offering
a respectful silence, and when Roldan nodded he proceeded. “I understand you
have a son, Harold is that correct?” “Prince Harry, yes.”
Said the queen. “Just a boy?” “He
is only eight years of age.” “I
also gather that he does not biologically belong to his majesty.” Roldan’s
gaze faltered but Jolenta squeezed his hand and responded in a cold voice. “No.
I had Harry from a previous marriage, but Roldan is his father now.” “Of
course.” Brandon nodded then squared his shoulders, holding clasped hands behind
his back. “Because you see, I have a
daughter. Her name is Heloise. She is a little older than your boy but not by
much; she is ten years old.” Jolenta leaned on her husband for support as she
suddenly realized why he had wanted her to be there. “I propose that we betroth
them now, and hold a wedding ceremony when the boy is eighteen years old. In my
mind it is the perfect and really only reasonable solution to ensure future
peace without any hasty contracts.” “This is a contract.” Jolenta reminded him. Brandon’s
head wobbled up and down in a sort of uncertain nod. “In a way I suppose it is,
but my advisors agree there is nothing unreasonable about this petition.” King
Roldan suddenly shot up from his chair as though a sword had poked him from
behind, and he leaned against the wall pounding one hand in his pocket and
using the other to articulate his words. “Even if they were engaged, or married
for that matter…it would not change anything.” “If
you are referring to the past,” “I
am referring to the present!” His eyes gleamed with the zeal of conviction.
“Our opinions, priorities and standards…are just as different as they were when
my people pulled away so long ago. Alavare and I daresay Zadith as well still
abide by the principles and precepts founded by our kings and countrymen.
Princess Heloise has been trained according to thinking patterns of her people,
and the same applies to our Harry.” “But
this is why betrothing them would make all the difference!” Brandon bounded
forward and the two men stood nearly nose to nose, nostrils flaring and eyes
fervently searching. “In union we would be forced to set our differences aside
and settle upon common ground--our children are the answer. A marriage is a
perfectly logical and reasonable union.” Roldan
plopped back into a chair, his brow furrowed in concentration while Jolenta’s
eyes flashed from one man to the other. The pleasant mild tone that his wife
loved so well returned to Roldan’s voice, “You would be willing to sacrifice
Zadith’s preferred method of subjection to our freedom?” “Well
not exactly sacrifice…mesh is a
better word to describe my expectations.” At
the moment the parlor door creaked open, silencing the voices and drawing their
eyes to it as a small hand with dimples at the end of each finger slowly pushed
it open. When the door flung fully to the side they could see little Harry
standing in his nightgown, his brown curly locks askew on his head.
Jolenta immediately rose and drew the small boy into her
lap without question, and after staring for a good couple minutes at the
stranger Harry announced: “I came to see where the noise was coming from.”
“Did we wake you darling?” Jolenta continued to rock him
in her arms and run her hand over his hair. He nodded, but not in a pitiful
demand for further “coos” of compassion but rather in simple affirmation. “Actually
Harry.” Roldan crouched before his new son, however the boy gazed at his
step-father with blank eyes, and he held tighter to his mother. “King Brandon
has a question for you.” Once again the prince examined the stranger, and took
an immediate dislike to his appearance. Although his new father was certainly
no great man in his eyes, even this King Brandon whoever he was, failed in comparison
concerning appearance to his parents. The boy opened his little mouth to say
something, but checked his remark as what would not perhaps be regarded as
proper and polite and instead said, “Hello
your majesty.” “Hello your highness.”
Brandon smiled and crouched too, attempting to appeal to a child as he best
knew how. “Did you know I have a daughter?” The boy slowly shook his head. “I
do. Her name is Princess Heloise and she is ten years old.” Harry
bit his lip thoughtfully and counted along his fingers before replying, “She is
older than me.” “Yes,
though not by much.” He looked towards Queen Jolenta for affirmation and she
nodded respectfully for him to continue. “I was wondering if when you grow up,
you would like to marry her.” Harry’s eyes widened in amazement and all
meekness vanished from his voice when he replied in a confounded tone, “Marry her?” “Not
for a long while.” Jolenta comforted. The child was a little swayed when he saw
his mother’s approval but when his step-father smiled his feelings reverted
back to their previous state. “But what for?”
Jolenta took matters into her own hands. “Harry, if you
marry Princess Heloise, you will be doing a great thing for your kingdom. Do
you remember when you were a very little boy, how Alavare and Zadith went to
war?” “Only
a bit.” He mumbled. “If
you were to marry Heloise, that would never happen again! We would be always
peaceful. No more wars, and battles, everybody would be happy.” Harry looked around for a moment,
attempting to absorb this new information. He did not fully realize the
significance of such a choice, and no child could be expected to. Finally
tilting his head and folding his hands in a business-like manner he stared thoughtfully
at Brandon and inquired, “Is your daughter pretty?” All adults present
stifled a laugh and the king replied. “Many have called her beautiful.” Harry was swayed, but not convinced.
“Is she smart?” “I
think so.” “Hmm.”
He clicked his tongue against his cheek in disapproval. “I suppose you would say that. Does she want to marry
me?”
Brandon fidgeted with the buttons on his shirt, nervous
under the scrutinizing gaze of this competent prince. He considered lying, yet
when he did a nervous bead of sweat broke out upon his forehead. “To be honest
your highness…she is not very keen on the idea.” That
settled it. Harry bounced up from his mother’s lap, his curls swinging as he
did so. “And I don’t want to marry her either.”
“Harold,” Roldan kneeled before the boy, gently grasping
his shoulders. “Perhaps you should take some time to consider this before
giving a final answer.” His step-father’s entreats only confirmed his impulses.
The prince shook his head. “No.
That is not how I want to marry. And that is probably not how Heloise wants to
marry.” Roldan rose
with a sigh and whispered into his wife’s ear, “Perhaps we should agree anyways…you
could make him come around to the idea.” But Jolenta stood and shook her head,
gazing upon her one and only son. “No
Roldan. I could not risk him being unhappy. I want our son to marry for love,
and I’m sure Heloise would wish the same.” Both
kings sighed and Roldan ran his fingers through his hair. “Please don’t tell me
that is your final word?” She shrugged her
shoulders, but her eyes did not display regret. “Unless you convince him
otherwise, yes, it is.” Harry
remained still on the carpet, batting his eyes expectantly, anxiously running
his blanket between his hands. King Roldan tried once more. “Harry…I know it
might seem scary making this kind of promise but…perhaps you will feel
differently one day. Take it from someone much older than yourself. Hearts
change--people change.” The prince’s large eyes welled with
tears and his plump lip trembled. “You want me to be unhappy for Alavare? I
don’t want to think about this…I shouldn’t have to think about this! ” He
rushed from the room shoving Roldan out of his path, and Brandon turned to
Jolenta with one last hopeful gaze. She sternly shook her head. “If the boy does not desire it, neither
do we.” Now
relinquishing all gracious attempts Brandon stomped his foot and declared, “You
will regret this one day! But if you choose to throw away the answer that will
save your kingdom…your quarrel is not with me. Goodnight.” Roldan
shuddered at the sound of a slamming door and Jolenta rushed towards her
husband, cupping his face in her hands. “I haven’t disappointed you terribly
have I?” “No…you haven’t.” When he sank back into the chair, his face buried
deep in his hands, Jolenta let him alone and went to tuck Harry back in bed.
Written by: Karoline Kingley
Sorry I've been a terrible commenter. ;P I was on vacation and haven't had time to catch up much.
ReplyDeleteThis was very well-written, although a little confusing for me, but maybe it's just me. I always have a hard time keeping up with dialogue between kings about official stuff. It's always so formal and fast-paced.
I think I liked the first chapter better, but I like Rosy, so it's just my preference. ;)
Thanks for the feedback! Honest opinions are ESSENTIAL. The dialogue may very well be confusing, but as the writer it is sometimes hard to pick up on that in my own work since I know what I'm trying to say. But I'll be sure to ask others about that!
DeleteAnd I'm glad you like Rosy, (because I do too) and that is perfectly okay to like the first chapter more! But don't worry, the book will focus more on her soon. :)
Yay! :D Looking forward to it!
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