Chapter 2: Alura (Patreon)

                                                     𝕼𝖚𝖊𝖊𝖓 𝕬𝖑𝖚𝖗𝖆

The Queen took her time spilling what she wanted to discuss with her son, she enjoyed the warmth of the sun instead; knowing soon the night would come and blankets would be ordered to her large bed. They would keep her warm from the mountains letting their snow drift off their peaks and down through her stained glass windows but she wished it stayed warm so she could walk through her garden to let off steam every day.

"Why did you call for me mother?" Nikolai asked looking around at the guards that stood at all entrances. He could never get used to the extra eyes and ears that were always around, it didn't seem to bother the Queen however.

"I caught wind of disappointing news." She finally answered stopping at the balcony and looking out at the cityscapes. It was built with the same materials of clay and wood which somehow warped to make every house visible seem unkept and dirty compared to her home.

"Gossiping mouths can never be trusted." The young prince knew what she was about to say.

"My gossiping mouths can always be trusted." Her aquamarine eyes turned to the young boy. "You know they will follow so why do you continue?"

"I am eighteen mother." He became exasperated as he grabbed onto the railing and licked his chapped lips. "Most men my age are fighting and working and I'm still looked at as a child."

His mother didn't interrupt but waited until he was completely done before responding. "You are not a child anymore Nikolai."

"Then why does going to a whore house cause you to look down on me?"

"Do not forget the difference between a man and a king." Her body turned to face the boy who immediately let his head fall to avoid her gaze. He took the chance to study the riches that decorated her long fingers as she let them dance across the marbled railing. The colors that reflected light into his pupils made him squeeze his eyes tightly. In front of anyone else, he felt like royalty but in front of his mother, he felt nothing but submission.

"Kings indulge mother."

"Normal Kings do but you are not normal Nikolai." She never forced his head up as she dusted dried mud off of his shoulder. "Our blood can not mix with that of commoners. You know this." Pausing she thought carefully about what to say next. "If I expect such things out of you I know it's only fair to give you responsibilities."

Furrowing his eyebrows, Nikolai looked up to study his mother's face; he could never tell how serious she was because her expression never changed. He swore a smile came from her as frequently as a fish breathing air happened. "What responsibilities mother?"

"Marriage."

He was disappointed but not surprised. Their bloodline was left in his hands and the importance of his bearing children was taught to him from a young age. There couldn't be much more delay in fear something dreadful would happen. Marriage wasn't something that spoke to him but he liked the idea of being more respected. He could still do whatever he wanted he was well aware of that, but it was certainly a positive thought of a princess around his shoulder making him look more equipped for the job he was bound to have. Who would look at him like a child if he took a wife? "Who's the lucky girl?"

The Queen didn't show her displeasure with his answer but she held her tongue for a few seconds. "The council will decide tonight."

He let his own tongue slip out of his mouth and lick his lips again before leaning back on the rail and studying the guard by the wall. "A princess..." he whispered out loud making himself aware of his situation. Someone who was probably far greater than any whore he spat on in the brothels.

"I do this for you so you must return the favor boy." The Queen's words grew soft again as she left the rail. "We need sons and daughters with our blood to carry us through future wars and tribulations." She waited until his eyes, for the first time in a while, glanced up to meet hers. "If I hear of you mixing our blood with that of peasants, I will hang them and your bastard children in the square."

The women's temper wasn't out of the ordinary, he knew it was nothing to mess with. "Yes, mother."

Leaving Nikolai alone on the balcony, the Queen waited for the guards to open the doors for her to get back Inside. There her handmaiden waited with fruit. "My Majesty." She bowed to the ground before offering the plate of sweets. "The council is seated and awaits your presence."

Letting the crunch of a sweet apple fill her mouth, Queen Alura stood still letting her workers take off the heavy parts of her dress. Nible was a master at making her dresses work in favor of her projects. She timed her meetings and work to coincide with fashion so it was easier. The last thing the Queen wanted was to spend her time changing into meaningless clothes while the men took charge and did things their way. "What were their moods Nibil?"

"I heard them laughing while I retrieved your nourishments, my Queen." Moving the leftover fabric away she handed the blonde woman another slice of fruit before continuing. The oversized white and gold dress became lighter and skinnier, her figure showing through the personally embroidered fabric. "Except Lord Lancher."

Chewing slowly the Queen huffed looking into the distance. "Such an odd man Marath Lancher is." Refusing another offered sweet, Alura smoothed out the wrinkles and continued walking down the hall. Her handmaiden handed off the half-eaten fruit and fabric to her helpers so she could run to catch up. The door opening to the council's room was immense and discernible. It caused chairs to squeak immediately as all the men stood awaiting their Queen.

Alura was used to the respect so she utilized the time to study their faces before finding her chair at the end of the wooden table. She sat immediately and looked down at the scrolls left out for discussion as the council took their seats after. "Father Vaster, please ask the Gods to bless this committee and its decisions."

The High Priest did so by standing once more; he was shorter than everyone else and used the chair to stand on as he clutched his hands in front of his closed eyes. The three other men seated around the round table joined in by closing their eyes and listening to prayer while Queen Alura sipped the wine Nible put in front of her and looked at the men's faces to make sure their eyes stayed glued shut, the only one that ever dared to peak was Marath Lancher, the spymaster.

Of all the men she had surrounded her with council and intelligence, she distrusted Lord Lancher the most. He was a sneaky man who held no moral or ethical values. She was not one to bring that against him but his pale skin and dark greasy hair did nothing but upset her stomach whenever the thought goes him entered her mind, having him physically in front of her was even worse.

"We have to excuse the absence of Lenal this evenfall. He is working tirelessly to continue his streak of wins at the Arena and also our treasurer Neill for he is still in recovery from the fever." Vastor commented sitting back down. His big wrinkled face squished as he brought his own scrolls up to his old eyes. "Any news on the escapee Lord Shanbert?"

The dark cold man only shook his head. His interest in politics was as intent as his interest in clothing. "A team has been sent but we are counting on the whispers of Marath." The council moved their eyes to the thin pale man who slouched.

"With a heavy heart, I can say there have been none." He peered over to the Queen who sat tall and proud. "I have heard wedding bells."

She cleared her throat. "That is correct, we need a princess chosen to wed my son."

"So early my Majesty?" Dras Woodbourne leaned forward spinning his quill between his thumbs. "We have no need to form an alliance and he is far from interested it seems."

Alura respected Dras the most, he was an honest man with good intentions. Most of them being to keep her looking good in the public eye and making smart decisions when her temper turned red. "The prince has needs and his immaturity can lead to problems in the future. We need a secure line of succession."

Marath didn't hide his snicker. "Chasing tail is he?"

The Queen stared him down until his smile went away. "We need to find an eligible girl to become his princess." She turned her head to look back at Dras. "How can we benefit?"

He took a moment to contemplate his thoughts. "We could always use more support from Westile. They never run to prove their allegiance, my Queen."

"The Maddox's." Marath threw his head back. "A bunch of rich Pricks." Looking up at the ceiling for a few seconds he furrowed his brows. "Taking one of Conroy's daughters would be a superb idea."

Alura watched him for a few minutes not wanting to agree but nodded knowing it was in fact a good plan. Of all of Pentad, Westile had always been the one wavering on loyalty. When war was plaguing the lands they were the last to join and when they were to get gifts for being allies they were first in line. To have one of their daughters in the castle with her people's watchful eye would be nothing but positive. "Send a messenger at the earliest convenience."

Getting up from her chair the rest of the council immediately followed to be respectful. "But my Queen..." Dras shifted the weight on his feet. "Which Marquess should we ask for?"

"Whichever one they love the most."

Bowing as Queen Alura left the room with her handmaiden following, the four men stayed silent until they were sure she was gone.

"A royal wedding. The treasurer will be pleased to learn of this news." Marath grinned gathering his things knowing the rest of the council flared at his sarcastic words.

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