Leander became aware of a new presence and he paused in his story briefly to glance up, meeting the eyes of Prince Jarryn himself, who had joined the group and was listening with his arms crossed across his chest, leaning against an archway. Jarryn smiled. Reinvigorated by the silent fortitude from the prince, Leander continued his fable to the children.
“Intrigued, the animals listened attentively, their imaginations running wild with thoughts of magical abilities they could gain if they drank from this pond. The more Felix spoke, the more enchanted the animals became. However, there was one old tortoise named Jack who harboured doubts about Felix’s story. Jack decided to investigate the matter for himself. He ventured into the depths of the forest, following Felix’s detailed directions. To his surprise, there was no magical pond to be found.Jack knew that Felix’s tales were nothing more than a web of lies.
“Jack returned to the council and shared his findings with the other animals. They were angry at Felix for deceiving them. The Wise Owl, known for her wisdom, called a meeting to talk about the issue of Felix’s lying. In the meeting, the Wise Owl spoke sternly to Felix about the consequences of his lies. The animals decided to give Felix a second chance, but he had to prove himself by performing acts of kindness and truthfulness.”
Leander glanced around at the faces of the children staring up at him. The ones who were still awake stared wide-eyed as they drank in every word he spoke.
“Felix, feeling very remorseful, took the opportunity to mend his ways. He started by helping other animals, telling the truth even when it was difficult. Slowly, he earned back the trust of the community. This was a valuable lesson for the forest animals. They learned that the consequences of lying could damage relationships and trust. From that day forward, Felix became a symbol of atonement for those who were willing to change their ways.”
Finishing his story, Leander smiled, noting that about a quarter of the children had fallen asleep, including the little girl in his lap. So much for being full of energy, like the chairman had said they would be.
Gently, Leander lifted the little girl as he stood and, guided by a nurse, took her back to her bed and tucked her in.
Turning, Leander realised that Jarryn had approached, so the demigod smiled. “How are you feeling, Your Highness? Recovered from your injuries, I hope?”
The prince nodded with a smile of his own. “Yes, thank you. That was a great story, the kids loved it—even the ones who fell asleep,” Jarryn praised.
Leander laughed. “I’ve never told a story to a room of avid listeners before. To tell you the truth, it was quite nerve-wracking.”
“You’re a natural, Leander,” Jarryn said. “You should come by more often. The children would enjoy it.”
“And what of you? I’m given to believe that you are a regular visitor to the hospital.”
Jarryn shrugged modestly. “I did the same back in Eslirie, I thought to myself ‘why stop?’ Just because I am a guest here, I couldn’t spend every day in the palace eating Caisa’s food when there are people in Saeren suffering as much as they are in Eslirie. I can still be useful here, I still have some influence.”
Nodding, Leander glanced around. “Maybe I will come back. I have had a good day today. This has been far more enjoyable than the other public duties my father has sent me to carry out.”
“Why did your father not come for his own glory?”
Leander laughed. “Because he has Verin and me for such tasks.”
“Not Venser?”
Leander shook his head. “He’s far too busy with the military for public duties. But I would much prefer doing this rather than being conscripted into the military, so I am putting in some effort to stay in my father’s good graces.”
“You really think your father would do that?” Jarryn frowned, more than a little sceptical. “You would be eaten alive in the military.”
“You’re telling me.”
“And it would be a mistake for him to pull you away from duties you are so aptly capable of.”
“My father doesn’t see it that way. I am a liability to him. I am sure he regrets the day a goddess seduced him.” Leander realised they were being watched by expectant faces. “Anyway, I have a tight itinerary and you are, unfortunately, not part of my busy schedule.”
Jarryn smiled lightly and took a step back. “By all means, I don’t want to keep you from your tour of this marvellous facility. I look forward to seeing the good your family’s money will undoubtedly do for this hospital. Until next time, Leo.”
Bowing appropriately to Jarryn, Leander said, “I hope to see you again soon, Your Highness. Perhaps I will come up with another story to amuse you with.”
Chapter Twenty
The Talius family rarely came together for a meal. Their schedules varied so much that they ate when they could, which was invariably alone.
Regardless, Leander had a proclivity to enjoy certain activities that were typically reserved for the darker hours of the day, right when dinner was being served.
Each argument with his father (of which there were many) only seemed to help Leander find more and more creative excuses as to why leaving the house and performing any duty, noble or otherwise, was as essential to him as the air he breathed. Evening meals spent in his father’s company were not a priority for Leander.
Tonight was different, however. It was not planned, and they had not been summoned. It just so happened that, at the eighth hour after the sun had reached its apex in the sky, Flavian Talius and his three sons were all in the premises together, just as the slaves were serving dinner.Siri and Faye were absent, but Verin’s wife and children were present as always.
They congregated in the large dining room, Flavian at the head of the table as usual, his twin sons taking a seat on either side of him, and the rest of the family filling other seats further down the table.
