Ian, Aden, Erich, and Meena settled into the comfortable seats surrounding the cozy room, noticing the stranger for the first time.
King Frederich invited the man forward. “This is Lord Munney, from Chendas. He is a senior member of the Council of Five Kingdoms, and he is the official delegate to Iseldis to advise us during the Return.”
Lord Munney bowed again, then settled into the remaining chair.
Onric nodded again, this time with more welcome. That would explain the light complexion. Chendas was the largest of the five kingdoms, and at the center of the continent. While it did not border the sea, it had the wealthiest trading economy as it connected the four other kingdoms around its borders. The king of Chendas was the head of the Council of Five Kingdoms.
“We will hold a special session with all the advisors tomorrow to relay what happened at the latest session,” his mother cut in, “but we wanted to introduce him to the family as soon as possible and give him a warm welcome to Iseldis.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Lord Munney said.
“We are thankful you have come.” Ian spoke first, as he usually took responsibility for his siblings. “If there is anything we can help you with as you adjust to life here, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“What I have seen of your small kingdom is quite beautiful. I am pleased to be here.”
Onric was ready to move past the pleasantries. “Can you share any news of the Council tonight?”
“We do have one other important note that we would prefer to discuss with you privately first...” King Frederich turned towards his wife, his face uncharacteristically reluctant.
Queen Cara sighed, looking at Ian. “The Council has asked us each to take extra responsibility during this time of preparation.” She moved her gaze to each of her children before returning it to Ian. “For some of us, especially the older ones, this means taking on extra weight that might be uncomfortable.”
Ian’s face was impassive, but Onric knew his brother well enough to see he was leaning slightly too far forward. He was ready to perform whatever service would be required of him, but he was waiting for their mother to get to the point.
“The Council has asked that we hold a ball to help restore excitement and community amongst the five kingdoms.”
Onric watched his brother, seeing his eyes narrow. This still didn’t apply directly to him. Meena and Erich looked excited, but Aden appeared as bored as Onric.
“The ball will be an excellent time and place for Ian to choose his crown princess.”
So that was it. Ian’s face was still impassive, but his eyes had tensed.
“I know this is asking a lot, but you are well beyond the age to...”
Ian cut her off, nodding his head curtly. “I’ll do it.”
Onric wanted to box his brother across the ears. If he was too dutiful to fight for himself, Onric had no problem doing it for him. “The Majis are returning in three hundred days and the Council has commanded us to throw a party?”
His mother turned towards him, pursing her lips. His tone was not appropriate in front of their guest. If he was merely her royal subject, that look alone would have had him on his knees begging for forgiveness. It was not that her face was vicious—far from it. Rather, she carried such a confidence that it was impossible not to defer to her. But as her son, Onric had learned how to pick his battles with her. And this was a battle he was willing to fight for his brother.
However, his father intervened. Reaching out, he squeezed his wife’s hand and addressed all five of his children. “While we are preparing as best we can, if something should happen to your mother and I during the Return, then it is in everyone’s best interest to leave the kingdom in capable hands. You know Ian cannot take the crown without a princess.”
“That law is ridiculous.” Onric did not want to cede to his father’s good point.
“Taking the crown is too large a burden for any one person.” His father’s words were pointed, and he kept his hand firmly wrapped around his wife’s. His meaning was clear, and Onric could not argue against it.
“So that’s all the news you need to share tonight?” Ian interjected, his face still unreadable.
King Frederich nodded.
“I’m glad to see you back safely.” Ian stood up and bowed lightly to Lord Munney. “Goodnight.”
“I’m sorry that this is so abrupt, Ian,” King Frederich started, but Ian had already disappeared through the door.
Onric bristled with frustration for his brother. That was it? The Council had lasted for weeks, and the only defense plan they had issued was to throw a party? He reined in his frustration and faced the advisor. “What of the spelled defense that the king of Chendas promised us at the last session?”
“Unfortunately, our examiners are still working on a magical defense. They have had some promising results from studying the spelled items, but they are still working on a solution that is safe to be shared.”
“That’s exactly what they said a year ago.” Onric glanced towards his parents for support.
