The feast had ended without any major occurrence but that alone had put the whole kingdom in alert, and when wariness starts creeping in schemes come along with it. Fear of the unknown was the best phrase to describe the situation.
The eastern wing had always been the most quiet, perhaps it was by design as it was like a corner of polished marble and veiled balconies away from the weight of prying eyes in public corridors and the pressure of noble ambitions.
Princess Allena of Virellia stood in the arched window of her chamber, the long sleeves of her silver nightgown trailing like spilled moonlight against her arms. Her eyes were fixed across the courtyard , towards the rooms that had once been vacant , the eastern wing which was now re inhabited by the kingdom's latest most unsettling mystery; the returned prince.
She had felt her heart fluttering the moment she had laid her eyes on him. The mystery that surrounded him pulled at her like a mot pulled towards the light.
Her fingers brushed the stone ledge. She did not realize she was murmuring to herself until it had escaped her lips. "There is something about his eyes and the way he gazes at people, I feel like I could get lost in his gaze for eternity." Behind her a servant who had been sent to summon her to prince Aaron's chambers paused and her breath caught. The princess' words were not meant to be heard, but they were and by morning every chambermaid, page and chamber harpist would be whispering it: the Virellian princess watches him at night. And worse,, she wishes to be lost in his gaze for eternity.
The princess turned to find the maid bowing , unaware of the forth coming storm. "What are you doing standing there, do you not have any chores to do."
"I am sorry milady. You have been summoned by the second prince to his chambers." the maid said as she tried to keep the disdain taking root in her mind down.
The princess did not bother to give the maid another glance and left to meet prince Aaron although deep down she wished to drive a knife through his stupid heart instead.
Just before dawn, Kael stood at the edge of the royal garden. The air still held the blue hush of the night but the sky was pale enough to betray his silhouette. He moved with careful steps not stealthy, but quiet in a way that made those who were watching him doubt whether they truly saw him at all.
The garden had not changed at all. Its sculpted hedges , glassy reflecting pools and white stoned paths all remained frozen in their curated elegance. But to Kael everything seemed to have changed or rather he had changed and it reflected on his surroundings.
He paused beside one of the pools and the water mirrored the dim morning sky, flat as silver.
From a distance one of the men he had come with stood half shrouded in vines, eyes steady. The other stood behind him but close enough to be heard. "Our time in this palace is going to be as eventful as we thought. I can already smell the lousy schemes." said the paler one his voice quiet but his eyes filled with an amused glint.
"Let us hope their thinking will be high enough to feed your amusement. But don't rejoice too soon, I have a feeling they will not be able to meet your expectations, Michael." Kael replied calmly.
"Then I will just have to get the amusement out of them myself." the man named Michael replied.
" I would love to see you disappointed." the always silent man said.
"Don't be a kill joy Alex then I will just have to get my amusement through you." Michael lightheartedly replied but Alex simply gave him a silent glare.
"Regardless of everything keep your eyes open and we must be cautious." Kael said and the men nodded.
He reached into his sleeves and withdrew something small. He crouched and placed it into the water, the ripples barely moved.
He said nothing more and neither did the men.
Queen Rina's Private council gathered behind the painted doors of the strategy hall . Present in the room was Prince Theron, slouched on the couch and with an untamed expression on his face, he seemed like an uncaring man with no worries whatsoever but deep down his soul was in turmoil. Princess Seris sat next to him and seemed to be lost in deep thought.
Right across them sat Minister Vahlon and Minister Isir both older men with eyes which held untold secrets and unfathomable treachery. Queen Rina sat on the head couch staring at the people within the room gravely.
"If Kael seeks power," she said folding her hands, " he must not find it here."
Vahlon cleared his throat and stared at the queen, something a noble should never do. "He has shown no interest in governance, your majesty."
" That," she replied , " is precisely what concerns me. He is silent and that is far louder than any war cry. "
Theron smirked " a dog will always be dog, whatever happens it can never turn into a wolf, I do not think there is a cause for alarm ,,,yet."
" But we cannot sit here and wait for him to take us by surprise. The best option we have right now is to force him into a marriage and force responsibilities upon him. " Minister Isir said worry evident on his face.
" To whom ? " Princess Seris asked. " No one I the court would hold him. You don't domesticate an unknown persona. "
Rina ignored the comments. " The men with him, watch them closely perhaps one is foolish or fond of coin. "
Minister Isir blinked " Which one of them your majesty? "
Queen Rina's eyes narrowed. " Start with the elegant one. The one who looks like he is used to velvet. "
The great hall was flooded with the sun and musicians strummed the same refrains for the fourth hour. Nobles stood in calculated groups, laughing at nothing as they awaited court proceedings to begin.
Kael entered the courtroom on strong and confident steps.
Conversations stalled and heads turned. No one greeted him but several watched as he moved towards a random seat and sat down.
A young lord, nervous and overeager approached. " Your Highness, " he said while offering a too quick bow . " Welcome back, we have missed your insight . "
Kael calmly stared at him. " Are you trying to be kind or clever? " he asked him while holding his gaze. "Try neither next time . " Then he turned to calmly gaze around the court room.