Thread: The Weight of the Crown (JellyFish & Greeneyed23)

Aretha's departure left the entire court silent for quite a bit. During this period Hama settled himself by assuring his robe was on straight and getting his thick hair, which had vanished when his head had become that of a full dragon, back into it's place in his hood. Finally Agatha hissed to her mother. that's the first time I've ever seen anyone get the better of Aretha... Hama sighed. Well i have made my point I think. You all have much to discuss with your armies, and in many cases your leaders. i wish you well. I shall be in my Embassy. he took up the Eye and carried it to Patis. you may use this to contact me safely. he dropped it into the king's hands then walked to the embassy, followed yet again by the Jade Dragon, and went inside both doors slamming and locking from within. Nila sighed. oh dear.... i had never thought about it...but we do tend to mistreat the dragons...and they have helped us many times in the past.... Patis nodded. still Aretha made a valid point... Nila nodded again. i know...but she let her tongue carry it too far....I hope she is alright. Duncaan laughed at the idea was stunned by a sharp slap to the back of his head from his mother. Your sister was thinking of the safety of our people! You will show her proper respect! her eyes blazed and he nodded. His brother started to smirked and received a matching slap from her other hand. Their mother was not in the mood for their little games. I want all of you out of my sight. Agatha go take care of my grandson. Go! Her children fled the table. they had never seen her like this. Patis waited. The delegates had left when Hama had so they had not seen the little scene between the Royal family, but he was still concerned. He leaned toward her. Nila my love... Perhaps you need to talk a bit of walk about the gardens? Clear your head? She turned her fuming glare on him but he simply looked back clam and patient. I could join you if you wish. We have not walked together in some time. She tried to hold onto her anger. She wanted to be angry. her children had embarrassed her, the Dragons had finally called into question the supposedly noble acts of her own family, and the were the bloody Rezda coming to kill them all. The trouble was was that Patis was so damned reasonable. She had loved him since they had been children and she still did. As if the twelve children were not enough proof. But she lover her husband. more than she could ever say. She sighed releasing a small part of her fury and nodded. Very well. but no misbehaving. he smiled. i would not dream of it My queen. She sniffed not buying it. Soon they were alone amongst the flowers and plants and she did indeed feel so much better. She still needed to vent though. My own children squabbling before the other nations like toddlers!! this was what truly infuriated her. She had trained them to be polite and respectful at all times but they just wouldn't listen. Patis gently stroked her hand and arm. I shall talk to the boys my love. Agatha and the girls were exquisitely well behaved,. And Aretha was a champion for our people. Nila sniffed again. true. I am very proud of my girls. Especially Aretha... Her eyes watered. I felt so bad for her...The Dragon's fury....and he has the right...As he spoke I saw it...everything he said...I saw it. Since the Souled came they have sought only peace and yet we have attacked them, destroyed their young, hunted them, and hounded them into hiding...and now....I wish Aretha hadn't spoken... Patis nodded. Aye....but still it had to be asked... I say we make her a more key part of these talks. her mind is far too sharp to be wasted... Nila nodded in agreement her eyes far away. he smiled and leaned in kissing her cheek making her jump. I told you no misbehaving! he grinned. i merely kissed my beautiful wife. is that a crime now? Her eyes narrowed. i know how sneaky you are Patis Redsword. His free hand went to his chest. My Queen wounds me. She shrugged. it's the truth. After a moment they both laughed as they came upon the Palace of Roses. Planted by Patis' great grandmother, High Queen Rena to celebrate her son's return from a lost quest, the Palace was a huge series of rose bushes that had somehow grown together to form a domelike structure that had roses and other flowers scattered about everywhere. the other flowers offset the roses and made it actually quite pleasant. Patis looked around. Nila...i have an idea... She looked over at him and started to back away. What....? He shook his his head. not that. What if we move the discussions here? There is just as much room but it is far more pleasant. And it would free Hama from having to look at the throne. that must be so painful for him. She looked around. well we could... he nodded. And you've had your cooks making dinner all day. Give us time to prepare everything and let everyone get their rest then come here have dinner then resume discussions. by then we should be able to get Aretha calmed down and where we need her yes? Nila nodded and clapped her hands. Within minutes servants were bring in chairs and the magical table, which they found rolled itself up and made it far easier to carry, and they also began to arrange place settings and silverware. Patis noticed this and called out. Where is that which Hama supplied? The servants shrugged. it vanished Your grace. Patis looked at his wife. Well this will give us a chance to apologize. Do we have enough raw meat for him? She nodded chewing her thumb. Patis smiled and took her arm. Come my love. you need rest as well. She tried to argue but Patis was still a strong man. And she was so very tired. Patis noticed and began to recall how a woman he once knew had fire like his own daughter's. it had been quite enticing. She did not catch for a moment but when she did she nudged him away giggling. They went to their chambers and commanded to be left at peace until Aretha returned from her ride. they had to rest. Of course her maid servants were not at all surprised that it was quite some time before the two old lovebirds finally fell asleep. Giggling they went about their duties. The Royal Couple's lovelife was still the favorite gossip amongst many, even though it was so boring as they did not sleep around, rarely fought, and of course were still so clearly in love. Still it served as a fine example and many dreamt of a love like their's. Especially Agatha. The brunette beauty had grown up watching her parents together and had longed for a love like theirs. But Kurtis' 'father' was nothing like her own. Cresin Fatal had been a devilishly handsome man but had also possessed his own devil. he had slept with two of her handmaidens the night before the wedding, and then had forced her to endure similar humiliation by bringing them into their marriage bed during their honeymoon. her shame had been absolute. he had forced her to leave her home and live in his dismal little castle while he went out whoring and drinking and she wept herself to sleep every night. Finally one night he had come in and though she had had his dinner prepared, he had no servants, their rooms were spotless, and she had obeyed his every command he had grown violently angry and beaten her. That night she had seen the blood from her womb and she knew. He had killed her child. So she had begun to coat his drink with a strong sleeping draft so he would be to sleepy to touch her or beat her. And it worked. but she grew lonely. One day a very kind and handsome bard had come to her home while her husband was away with his whores. His name had been Greco. He was such a sweet man. and he sang so beautifully. Finally she had given in to temptation and had convinced him to join her in her bed. the next dya her husband came home in a towering rage. Greco was at the inn and had mentioned that he had passed the castle and was curious who the lovely lady there was, as he would like to play for her and her husband, and for some reason Cresin had become angry at this. He had beaten Greco to death with his bare hands and now planned to do the same to her. And had nearly succeeded. He had chased her, badly bleeding, into the kitchen. there she had managed to throw oil into his face making him trip and fall into the fire. She had not left the kitchen until two days after, when she was found still staring at the charred remains of her husband hating him. her mother had come to visit, thinking she would have been in time to meet her new grandchild. She had been shocked to find the truth. The whole incident had already gotten out, though only the the royal family knew about Greco. Nila had brought her home and nine months later Kurtis had been born. A simply wonderful child he was a sweet as honey and and was unfailingly polite, and loved his aunts, uncles, and especially his grandparents more than life. Though only two he was also quite bright and he had his father's beautiful singing voice. Agatha was watching him sleep just now thinking of these things and of course of the Rezda and the Dragons. Cresin had won his fame, and right to marry her, by destroying a Dragonhold mountains that bandits had been using a fortress. he had claimed to have destroyed many eggs. She looked at her son and wondered. Did he? did he destroy innocent little lives like my own son just because he could? she brushed back his hair and sighed again unsure of what to do. Kurtis wriggled and opened his eyes and seeing her giggled and held out his hands. Mommy! Smiling as she always did when he spoke to her Agatha lifted him from his bed and settling on it. Come my little prince. You have to meet a Dragon. He gurgled. Ok Mommy... Mommy? yes dear? She lay him on her bed and to change him. She never let the servants do this. Cresin had been good for that much. He had made her self sufficient. What's a dwagon? She smiled. He was at that stage where he questioned absolutely everything. She reminded him of the bog dark man with the green eyes he had seen for a minute before falling back to sleep. Remember him? His name is Hama. Kurtis wriggled as she tickled his tummy trying to remember. Yes Mommy i member. She then showed him one of the big dragons in one of his picture books. Well this big Dragons needed friends. So they made friends like Hama to help them. he considered it for a long moment then nodded. ok Mommy... why? She giggled and tickled him again making him squirm. So The Dragons could talk to people instead of eating them She mimed eating him making him giggle. when she stopped he looked up. Mommy? Yes my love? Why is the Dragon here? She sighed. because some very bad creatures are coming to hurt people. he is trying to help us. So You are going to help us. His face took on an awed tone. I am? She nodded. Yes. You are going to be a real prince today. He nodded hopefully. Ok Mommy..what do i do? you just stand straight and tall like grandpa and you bow like grandma taught you. And i will tell you what to say alright? He nodded again. Yes Mommy.. he bit his lip with his still new teeth. Mommy? She took a moment to answer as she was struggling with his shoes. he was growing so fast they were already getting tight. Once she had then one she wiped her brow. Yes dear? What if the Dragon gets mad and eats me? She looked up at him. he would never. but if you are really scared I want you to do this. I want you to look him right in in the eye and tell him you aren't scared. She was taking a chance and she knew but she also had a secret only she knew. She had looked into the Dragon Eyes at the Embassy and had survived it. it had been the same day she had come home from Cresin's evil and she had been at her lowest. She had wanted to die. So she had taken the only option. but she had lived. And she hoped that the same protection would be on her son. he bit his lip again. But I am scared Mommy. Kurtis did not lie. He couldn't even keep a secret about a new toy or bug. She cupped her face with her hands. i am too my love. but courage is not the absence of fear. it is doing what is right despite the fear. Do you understand? He thought for a moment. Like grandpa and Aunty Aretha!? She smiled. Exactly like them. you stand tall like a prince and make your Aunty proud. Kurtis worshiped Aretha. She wasn't afraid of nothing. Agatha smiled as he straightened himself on the bed trying to look like a prince. She sighed a bit as she watched him. he would only ever be a prince. he was technically a bastard and and there were more than a dozen others in line before him, including herself, but he was such a sweet boy. She found her ceremonial circlet, a gorgeous silver piece with a large inset diamond and then she found his matching crown. Each member of the royal family had had to at least three crowns or circlets. one for daily use, one for official use, as occasionally they sat in their father's place, and their ceremonial one. She put her's on first then carefully put Kurtis' on his head. now what are the rules about the crown? He squeezed his eyes shut trying to remember. Don't touch it! Don't run with it on...and... and...and.. He opened an eye sighing. Mommy I can't member. She smiled. i always forget the last one too. Stand straight and tall and when you bow or curtsy keep your head up and level so it doesn't fall. They actually couldn't fall but it was about the dignity of the thing. He nodded and practiced the bow. that his Grandmother had worked with him on and he did it perfectly. She smiled proudly. Alright my little prince. let's go meet a Dragon. The Dragon Eye was still in the throne room, actually on the Throne itself. Kurtis obediently froze ten feet from it. he was not allowed any closer to the throne unless Grandpa said so and he knew it. Agatha smiled and moved to it the Throne alone touching the Eye. Hama's voice filled her mind. Who calls? She breathed out slowly. My Lord Hama Tritail, I am Agatha, first child and daughter of Patis Redsword, King of Ethlberg, and Nila Goldenhair, Queen of Ethlberg. i request an audience my lord. Hama did not answer bur a moment later the doors opened and he walked into the throneroom. before she could speak he bowed both to her and her son. it is an honor Princess Agatha. And to you Prince Kurtis. how may i assist you? Agatha looked at her son . On the way she had coached him in what to say and he had been nervous but had remembered. Hama looked back down at the boy an eyebrow arched. Kurtis spoke with the soft pallet of the young but he spoke clearly and slowly to be ensure understanding. My lord Hama. Dragon and fwiend. As a divine weader of the human race i humbwy apowogize for the actions of my people. he bowed then knelt before the Dragon who blinked and looked at the boy's mother. She startled him as well. my lord i also express our apologies. We cannot repair the past But it is my sincere hope, for the sake of the children and hatchlings, that we can find a way to overcome this ordeal. together. She gave a beautiful curtsy then also sank to her knees. Kurtis spoke again. We offer oursewves as objects of wevenge if you wish it. This part made him very nervous. the Dragon could eat them. Hama was stunned. And impressed. he moved to the two and squatted before them. kurtis' eye fidgeted for a moment but then he looked up into Hama's eyes. Are you not scared boy? Kurtis shook his head his eyes steady. No sir. I'm brave like my Grandpa. And my Mommy. and my Aunty Aretha. Hama smirked and looked at Agatha who after a moment looked into his eyes as well. He smiled after less than a moment. Ahhh...a survivor. Very clever princess. Very clever indeed. He looked back at the boy. tell you what Kurtis. I won't eat you or your mother or anyone else here for what's been done in the past. But you have to make me a promise. Kurtis nodded. Hama smiled. Take up the lute. Not the sword. Kurtis grinned. He hated swords. They were so heavy and they hurt! His loved the lute. it was fun! he nodded. Hama held out his huge hand. I may not be a man but i expect a man's handshake to be binding. is that of true of you Prince Kurtis? The boy's head was swimming now. A man? him? He was only two. His uncle Duncan said he wouldn't be a man until he killed his first enemy. But Grandpa said men weren't made. They just were. He considered, studying the Dragon's hand. It looked like a man's... Finally he looked back up as his tiny hand gripped Hama's. it is twue. i don't like swords anyway. Hama nodded and helped the boy and his mother to their feet. Good. he took the Princess' hand and kissed it. My lady your son is a marvel. much like yourself. keep him close and safe. And away from the blade. That path will lead only to his doom. With the lute he will bring happiness to thousands. She blinked but did not question it nodding. I shall. Hama nodded and looked at the boy again. You would have made your father proud. Greco was a fine man. Kurtis knew his true father's name, but Agatha was shocked and hissed. How- Hama held up a hand. There are far too many ways for me to have known my lady. Now you had best go rest my lady. Take your man of a son. i expect him at the discussions this evening. I need a friend there. Are we not friends Kurtis? Kurtis looked at his mother who gave a nervous nod and Kurtis nodded only just managing to keep his crown on his head. We're friends! Hama nodded. Good. i shall see you both tonight. he bowed to to them both again then returned to their embassy. Kurtis chattered all the way to their rooms and Agatha praised him proudly but she was still badly shaken. How had he known? They had told no one. she was sure of it!