World of Cypheria - Estaldo's Story - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

He woke to the morning light, the sheet tangled loosely around his legs, leaving most of him bare to the cool air. Still almost dreaming, his hand drifted to join the living warmth of the sun that caressed him so softly. His hand slid along smooth skin, and dozing pleasure subtly grew into arousal as his grip became firmer. The warmth of the sun became heat, joining his hand in touching him from desire to need. His rhythm quickened, until his hips rocked and the breath escaped his lips in a groan. His mind was drawn from formless dreams into focused sensation as the need broke through him, driving out in a crescendo of imagined passion, spent in the now sweaty sheets, alone again.

He sighed as the need left him, still not really satisfied. He had to admit he was awake, and it was time to rise and greet another stultifying day in the great court of Kahlzistan. He poured the tepid water into the basin, and wiped himself down with a linen cloth, enjoying the sensation of cool water washing away the night sweat. He donned clean clothes in his usual colors of deep purple and dark gray, and with another sigh and a shrug he opened the door and strode out to try to find some breakfast without too many courtiers interrupting the meal. He didn't hold out much hope of success.

Slipping down the back servant's stair, he passed a comely young maid, who smiled and turned after he passed to look admiringly after him. He was aware of the frequent glances cast his way, but knew that dalliance with the palace staff was not worth the displeasure it would bring from his father. The bottom of the stair opened into the back hall near the laundry. He would have to either cross the courtyard or enter the main salon to reach the precincts of the kitchen. Opting for the courtyard as likely to be the least inhabited at this time of day, he continued on his quest for food.

Rounding the north tower, he came up face to face with Renaldo, his father's seneschal. "I see you're finally up and about, Estaldo. Your father wants to see you. This morning." The man faced him expressionlessly, but his displeasure with the prince was well known to 'Taldo. He was well aware of what his father wanted of him, too. The anger began already, a heat in the pit of his stomach. So much for enjoying breakfast. Well, he didn't want to face his father on an empty stomach, either.

"I'll come to his office as soon as I've eaten," he told Renaldo, and brushed past him to continue on his way to the kitchens.

He passed a few of the minor nobility as he stalked on across the courtyard. But they were familiar with the black look on his face and wisely left him alone.

The breakfast cook, however, had no such reservations, having known him since he wore diapers. "After you again, is he young sir? Well, maybe you should just get it over with. Can't be all that bad, with them high bred folks that comes to visit. At least they most of 'em smells okay. Don't know what you're puttin' it off for, you know it'll have to happen sooner or later."

The cook handed him a half loaf of bread piled with goat cheese and ham, and an apple from last year's crop, withered from storage but sweet still. Estaldo mumbled back at him without answering any of the supposedly worldly advice. He took some strong tea and went to find a sunny spot by the wall to eat his bounty, a couple of dogs following along in hopes of scraps.

"You hounds are lucky. When you want some, you get it over with and that's it until next time! Wanna trade?"

The dogs smiled back at him, hopes of ham dancing in their eyes. He gave them each a last piece, and rose with yet another sigh.

The walk through the long halls to the King's private office allowed him to gather his thoughts before facing his father.

The King looked up from his huge mahogany desk, setting the paper he was reading back on the pile in front of him. Being a king was more about paperwork and secretaries than Estaldo wanted to think about right now. He should get a chance at being a Prince before becoming drowned in paper and duty!

"Father. It is good to see you this morning. Renaldo said that you wanted to see me."

"Yes. The Ambassador from Arbigahl is arriving tomorrow. You need to be current with our situation with them."

"I have already spoken with members of your staff and I am caught up," Estaldo smiled. "Also, I've prepared the banquet for the Ambassador. Patrick has agreed to sing and the normal guests shall be attending. The staff is preparing as we speak. I also thought that I would ride out on Alsvider and welcome them to our land and escort them to the castle in advance of the honor guard, which can greet us outside the city gates. Is there anything else?"

"No 'Taldo," King Ramone Kahl'Terres laughed, "you know how to throw a party. But there is another matter that I wish to speak to you about." The king leaned back in his wing chair, crossing his arms over his growing stomach.

"Tessia? The ambassador's daughter?" It came out flat in spite of Estaldo's best efforts.

"Yes. I wish you to stay close to her. Get to know her. Get married to her. And, if you wish, fall in love with her."

"Whoa. Slow it down please, father. I have not even seen her yet. She may not be fit to bed with our pigs let alone the very handsome Prince of Kahlzistan." He posed a little. Keeping this light would give him a much better chance to get through it more or less intact. "But I will do as you ask for the first part. Perhaps I will fall in love with her. But I prefer the loving of the city women. They are much less inhibited than the more noble ladies."

"Do not under estimate the sexual prowess of noble women. I remember this thing your mother used to do with..."

"FATHER PLEASE! I don't want to hear that. I have been thinking and I have a proposition for you. It seems to me that we could use some better relations with Marapal and Ozmaroc. I thought that I would take a small entourage and visit those places. Maybe meet the Princess Zabel. I hear she fancies herself a swordsman and rider. Our horse herd could use a few more fine animals for breeding also. And I thought that I might see what the deal was with the mines and the price of maresium."

"You are a treasure 'Taldo. You can take a personal adventure and make it sound like it is essential for the running of the kingdom. But it isn't . It's a very good try, but it is precisely because of Ozmaroc, among others, that you will not leave until you have fathered an heir. I did think of the daughter, as well." He looked up at Estaldo. "Why is it a good idea?"

Oh, oh. Test time. The old fart wasn't going to make this easy. "A child or children of Kahlzistan would likely some day sit on both thrones. It would, if not stop, at least encourage a serious decrease in border raids. Free trade might increase, and it would likely lower the price of lumber and a few other commodities on our end and have a similar affect on theirs. It would make access to the famous colleges more open to the young people of Kahlzistan. It might make obtaining up to date information on that court a little bit easier."

The far door opened and Renaldo carried in a stack of papers. "I have the information you requested sir."

"Thank you Renaldo. Take a seat and we'll begin in a moment." The King turned back to Estaldo. "Good, for a summary. Now, what are the bad points?"

Mentally rolling his eyes, Estaldo continued his recital, glad he had planned this conversation. The old fart always pulled these pop quizzes. Estaldo's record was erratic at best. If it had grabbed his interest that day, he knew it well. But all too often the detail of it just bored him. He knew he had to learn it, and had every intention of it. But did it have to be today? "It would allow Ozmaroc's spies, who are devious enough on their own, easier access to Kahlzistan. It would shift balances of power with Marapal and Arbigahl, both of which have problems of their own to deal with. It could put us in an untenable position should Ozmaroc go after Marapal. It would allow easier access to the famous colleges for the young people of Kahlzistan."

Ah, he earned a satisfied smile with that last. Perhaps he would get through this after all. He lifted his eyes to meet Renaldo look and found it neutral. That was good, for Renaldo. His father said, "Finish your party plans, Estaldo. I leave the greeting of the Ambassador to you. We will talk again later." Estaldo hastily bowed and made his escape while the opportunity offered.

He strolled through yet more hallways, barely noticing the ornate trappings of the national seat of power, arriving soon to check in at the kitchens. One thing he had learned, growing up in the Palace. If you wanted something done, the best way was to tell the right servant, and get out the way. This had never kept him from being pressed into duty along with everybody else when needed. His father had seen to that. But a banquet was Cook's department, and he knew better than to try to tell her how to do it.

He poked his head into the steam and amazing aromas and gave her the chance to yell at him for a minute. It always seemed to make her feel better, and her assistants always seemed glad to see him. They smiled at him from behind her, while she extolled her list of grievances for proper penance by him and appreciation of the efforts she was being put to. He kept his eye on the spoon in her hand and let her run her course, then went on his way again.

The banquet would be, as always, excellent. Patrick would have taken care of entertainment, from among his minstrel friends as usual. He hiked back to his suite. Patrick sat in the room at the entrance to the west residential hall. Scattered chairs and divans, comfortable and positioned under lamps invited conversation or games of chess or cards.

Patrick glanced up from his book at the approach of the Prince. "Hey ugly. We going riding, or what?"

"Yeah. Definitely. I'll meet you at the stables after we change."

Estaldo had one more stop to make, checking in with the housekeeper. She had things well in hand, running down a dizzying list of problems and their pending solutions to him to prove it. He praised her, promised to arrange plenty of strong backs for her tomorrow after the noon meal for putting out the banquet tables and benches. He ducked out a side door and passed the mews to the back of the stables. Breathing deeply of the warm smell of horses he headed straight through to the front door, where Cook had mentioned the apple barrel was. The summer was far enough along for other fresh fruit now, so the last of them went to the stables. With a couple in his hand, he headed down the side corridor to the stallion boxes.

A dark man with long dirty hair pulled back and tied in a leather thong looked up from mending tack at a table toward the back. "I was hoping that you would be coming today. They're a bit edgy and could use a run." Estaldo grinned. "So are we!" He moved on down to a box stall and his own Alsvider, a magnificent black. Patrick was in the stall across the way with Nonnus, his bay. Estaldo tossed him an apple. "Sweeten that beast up! Raulle is complaining about him again!"

"Hah! Not quite what he told me! Aren't Princes supposed to tell no lies, or something like that?"

Estaldo stopped dead and turned to face him, a stunned expression plastered on his face. "You grew up with me, right? Around politics?" He broke into a grin as Patrick obligingly laughed at him.

He greeted Alsvider with a kiss on the center of the black head then gave his apple to the eager animal. "Alsvider. You great greedy beast. Shall we go out?" The horse backed up to let Estaldo enter his stall. He checked the horse over and took a moment to appreciate his sheer beauty. A finer horse had not been seen in his country. And from the comments of travelers Estaldo thought it likely that no finer horse existed anywhere.

Alsvider was a full seventeen hands and his jet-black color made him seem even larger. He was the only horse that made Nonnus seem inferior. They had been gifts to the prince from a rare delegation from the nomads in the deserts beyond the mountains to the east. There was no easy trade route with them, which made the desert horses extremely rare. Both Alsvider and Nonnus spent portions of their time serving stud duty. They didn't seem to mind!

Estaldo and Patrick led them out the back gate of the keep, mounted up and rode to the city wall where it circled behind the palace, and out into the royal parklands. The horses were as impatient as they were, and after a short trot they gave the horses their heads and just held on. The two stallions, trained for war not racing paced each other, slowly increasing speed to the full charge, stride for stride together. The great hooves pounded and the wind whipped their manes and hair together as the men crouched over the great necks, moving with them. After a while they slowed again, gradually resuming a walk down the shore watching the fishermen in their boats.

They stopped to let the horses nibble at some grass when they heard a voice from behind them. "So the two beautiful ones have come out to see the common folk." Turning towards the voice the two men saw a woman sitting on a roan stallion. It was one of Nonnus' get. The woman was good-looking though people would not call her pretty. Brown hair curled down past her shoulders and her brown eyes seemed to stare through a person rather than at them.

Estaldo sweeps his hat off in a mock bow to the woman. "Joanne. It is always a pleasure to see you. And thank you for the compliment."

"I was talking to the horses."

"You wound me."

"Not deep enough apparently. You still breathe." Her voice was musical, her tone light while she insulted him.

Estaldo gave Patrick an unsuccessful look to try to silence the laughter. "My dear. I breathe because you exist. Without you I would have no reason for life."

"A better argument for my demise could not be stated." She smiled sweetly.

Patrick, still laughing, trotted to the woman and gave a well-received kiss on the cheek. "How are you Joanne? Well I hope."

"I am Patrick. And you seem well. How about you Prince Estaldo? Are you well today also?" Joanne had a way of saying 'prince' so that it seems a degrading title. Not insulting but definitely not complimentary.

Estaldo didn't like it but knew she did it to irritate him. He just wished it didn't irritate him. "I am fine Joanne. Has your father heard anything new from Marapal about the maresium?"

Joanne's father was the major importer of maresium. If anybody knew what was happening in the Marapal mines Reid Bruton would. "My father has been away for a few days but returns tonight. I hope he will have news then. I'm sure his majesty will be the first to know."

"With your father away I trust you received the invitation to the ball tomorrow. I hope you will be attending. I will save a dance for you."

"Yes I got your invitation. I hope Patrick here will be singing."

"Of course!"

"I am? I don't remember putting myself on the bill. And I wrote it!" He looked puzzled.

Joanne laughed and waved her hand at them. "I will be attending with my father. If you wish to dance with me Prince Estaldo, I will wear my wooden clogs to protect my toes. Good day gentlemen."

As Joanne rode off, Patrick turned to Estaldo. "I don't think I like how she says 'gentlemen'. Kind of grates on the nerves."

"Yes. It's the same when she says 'prince'."

"Well that doesn't bother me as much."

"Why not?"

"Because it's directed towards you, not me."

"Very funny Patrick." Estaldo smiled "We should go. You need to practice your Arbigahl songs."

---

A knock on the door brought Estaldo out of his comfortable sleep. "Yeah, what?" he asked groggily.

The door opened and Cerix and Mansel entered, one carrying a basin with heated water. The Cerix walked to the window and pulled open the drapes. "You wanted to be woken early Prince. Is this early enough for you?"

"Yes. You did fine thank you. But you could have made early, not quite so early." Estaldo got out of bed and stretched his muscular body. He washed his face and dressed in preparation for a workout. He stared out the window at the beautiful morning. "We have a busy day today. The castle will be a mad house. I, need you to do something for me, Cerix. Ride out and look for the Ambassador. I need you to get back to me in time so that I can ride out and greet them. Take some food with you. I'm not sure when they are expected. Also take these coins to Adelaide. She lives in the second farm on the right as you leave the city. You can't miss it. It's the one with all the flowers. Tell her that I would like a bouquet of flowers for the Ambassadors daughter and a single flower cut so that Tessia can wear it. She can cut them when she sees you ride back to the city so that they are fresh. I'll trust her judgment on the flowers. Mansel I'll be riding Alsvider out to greet the Ambassador. I need him cleaned and my fancy saddle prepared. Four guards in dress uniform. And check on the official honor guard, be sure they are alerted when Cerix comes in."

Cerix took the coin purse. "Anything else, my lord?"

"No. That should be all."

"Thank you my lord, I shall be glad to be out of the castle for the day. The kitchen is particularly uncomfortable today. Good day." Mansel grimaced at him.

Estaldo grinned, thinking of the escalation from yesterday's already voluble tirade. Oh, well. All in a good cause. He'd see Caitlin later for her periodic venting.

Estaldo went to the barracks courtyard and began his stretching and warmed up. He started his katas, and was well aware when an older man arrived and stood watching him. The man was in excellent shape and carried himself with dignity. His military training was obvious as he moved to watch the prince from different angles. Estaldo finished his first set of exercises and stopped to look at the man.

"Very good Estaldo. I would say there are few who could match you."

The prince smiled. "Do you wish to try me today Orrin? Or are you feeling your age this early in the morning?"

Orrin laughed and pulled off his jerkin, revealing a still well muscled body underneath. Estaldo was always amazed at the shape the old warrior kept himself in and hoped he could manage the same. Orrin pulled two wooden practice swords off the wall and tossed one to Estaldo.

The prince sheathed his blade and leaned it against the wall. He swung the practice sword a couple of times and looked at the other man. "Ready Orrin?"

For answer the old warrior leapt at the prince, who barely blocked and ducked away from the unexpected attack.

"Guess so."

The two men circled each other, blades probing. After ten minutes both were tired. Estaldo had several welts and the old warrior even had a welt on his side. Estaldo moved and tried a swing that would take out the old warrior's leg if the swords were real. Orrin stepped forward and was hit by the prince's arms instead, as he pushed Estaldo back while sweeping his legs. As the prince hit the ground, he felt a sharp pain as Orrin punched the practice sword into his exposed chest.

"As I was saying Prince. There are only two in this country that can match swords with you. Don't forget that I am one of them. Your father hires the best. And I, being the captain of his personal guard, am the best." Orrin stepped back and grinned. He offered his hand to Estaldo and pulled him up. "Good day Estaldo. I have security matters to see to for the arrival of the Ambassador. Thank you for the workout."

"Thank you, master sir, for deigning to instruct so lowly a student as myself, master sir!" Estaldo bowed low, and swept his hand near his feet. Since he now won as many of their matches as he lost, he had room to give the sword master back some of what he dished out! It was a good feeling when Orrin grinned and swatted him on the arm before stepping in the door of the barracks, headed for his rooms above.

Estaldo finished his workout then went to get cleaned up. He dressed in velvets, his personal gray with the royal purple accenting. Maybe if he was already in his finery Caitlin would be a little nicer to him? It proved a vain hope, as he stood in the kitchen doorway, with the kitchen assistants grinning at him over her shoulders while Caitlin told him of every culinary problem of the last two years. All of those problems were absolutely not going to happen to this feast solely because of her hard work and attention, and in spite of his lack of understanding of the true size of such an endeavor and his failure to properly appreciate the enormity of his requests.

"Sir, the Ambassador is coming. Mansel is readying Alsvider as we speak. The flowers will be ready when you arrive." Cerix's voice at his shoulder was a very welcome rescue. Caitlin's tirade turned into a shriek and a dive back into the preparations.

"Thank you Cerix." Estaldo took a deep breath to recover his wits from the encounter, then headed out the door.

Alsvider was ready in the courtyard. He mounted the horse and rode through the streets with his guards in attendance. Many people waved to say hello. He waved back and wished good day to all. After leaving the city behind, they approached Adelaide's farm.

She came hurrying out with a bouquet of flowers, stems wrapped in a cloth. The elderly lady also handed him a short cut flower that was the most beautiful that Estaldo has ever seen. The prince didn't recognize the flower, but realized that he didn't have the time for a discussion with the nice but long-winded Adelaide. He thanked her and continued down the road.

A few miles out of town he stopped and waited for the Ambassador. He turned Alsvider to the side so that the Ambassador would see his magnificence as she approached. Wearing his blue and gold and with his sword strapped on, Estaldo was looking his very best, gorgeous even, to most women. The guards grinned a bit at his preening, and he shrugged at them. It was part of the job, after all!

---

He didn't have long to wait before the entourage came into view. It was extensive, a long train of pack laden mules behind the ladies, with a screen of guards, mostly women as well. Numerous servants, male and female, rode nearby. The head of the parade made it's way to Estaldo's position on the road, as was proper for the foreign party approaching the local ruling party. The foreign guards reined in and the Ambassador approached.  She stopped in front of Estaldo.

"Good day Ambassador. I hope your trip has gone well. In a few more miles there will be rest, food, and drink to take away the pains of travel. This must be your daughter Tessia?" Estaldo guided Alsvider closer to the second woman before him and held out the bouquet of flowers. "These are for you lady. Though incomparable to you they are the most beautiful in our land."

Tessia's dark eyes viewed him critically. It reminded him of the early days with Orrin. She motioned to a woman near her side. The woman nimbly kneed her horse forward to receive the flowers from Estaldo.

He handed her the single one, also. "For your sister, Lady." He smiled in the direction of the one that had to be Lady Lobella by dress and position. But she stared resolutely away from him.

"Who is this man that speaks to us before acknowledgment?" Without waiting for a reply, Tessia turned to the ambassador, "Mother, am I to believe this to be our greeting after the days and effort spent in travel? Is there not enough regard for our country and station that we are greeted with no more than a servant bearing trivialities? There's not even a proper entourage to escort us to the city. And I must lower myself to join with such an uncivilized and backward kingdom?"

Estaldo backed Alsvider by reflexive surprise at her reaction. The Ambassador's horse turned between them and pushed Alsvider yet further away. The stallion aimed a bite at the pushy gray's rump and Estaldo quickly backed him yet further. This was going oh so well.

"Tessia! Curb your tongue!" The ambassador hissed, glaring at her daughter. She lowered her voice to a harsh whisper, but Estaldo caught pieces of the short conversation between the two women. He puzzled it into something like, 'Their way is different than ours. Remember your history and take pity. We have discussed the...changes and the sacrifices needed. It is your duty to your station and country. Now employ the wits I know you possess and I shall see if I can rectify a possible catastrophe in relations. This man did not provide a title in greeting, perhaps some sort of test. You have no idea who he is. Although had you studied the portfolio, you would realize that he resembles the Prince.' In a lighter tone she added, 'and if all men in this country are such magnificent specimens...'

Turning back to the man on the horse, Lady Ophelia Drievt turned on all of her considerable ambassadorial charm. "My dear Sir," she began, voice weighted with an odd syrupy kindness, "please excuse our fatigue. The rest, food, and drink you promise come none too soon." A warm smile that didn't quite reach her eyes appeared. "Considering the scenery we've been privileged with and the flowers you bring, your country is indeed one of beauty. We are honored to be the guests of the royal family." Her head dropped a fraction, a tiny bow.

The ambassador motioned to a richly dressed servant behind her, just to the left. The servant's horse stepped forward precisely one step and the man formally intoned, "I present the gracious Lady Drievt and her daughters the Lady Tessia and the Lady Lobella."

Estaldo's attention was invited to the Lady Tessia, and then the finely dressed woman appearing on a gentle mare beside her. Was there a drop in tone when the Lady Lobella's name was given? Estaldo decided he had to have imagined it. After all, a servant in this society wouldn't dare offer a possible insult to a noble. The woman was mousy in appearance though it was hard to tell as her soft brown hair hung down around her face. She stared at her hands. The servant stepped back and the entourage waited expectantly.

"I apologize for my lack of etiquette. I am used to the people I meet knowing who I am," the prince says in a matter of fact way. "I am Estaldo Terra, Heir Prince of Kahlzistan. I recognize you and the ladies Tessia and Lobella from my briefings and my studies. You are welcome in my land, on behalf of myself and my father, King Ramone Kahl'Terres." He turned Alsvider to take a place beside the ambassador. "If you are ready Ambassador Drievt, I will escort you to the city, where a more extensive greeting has been arranged." He glanced back at Tessia to meet a cold stare, with some element of surprise in it, as if there is something she just could not understand in his actions. He didn't know what it could be, he'd been perfectly polite. Anyway, she wouldn't be able to fault the welcome to come.

They politely engaged in idle chitchat as they rode. The ambassador asked questions about the farmland and how it is managed, other goods and services of the country, and various wild creatures they had spotted along the way here. Estaldo found Lady Drievt aloof and slightly personally distant, yet commanding and knowledgeable, definitely worthy of respect. If only she wouldn't speak to him in that syrupy careful voice, as if she was trying to be nice to a child. Or a dog. He answered all the questions fairly well, finding himself actually grateful to his infuriating tutors. He ignored Tessia who was obviously unaccustomed to being ignored. She frequently interrupted them with comments designed to point up some imagined deficiency she observed. He explained each one to the Ambassador, enjoying turning her daughter's ignorance back on her while being perfectly polite. If she was stupid enough to criticize something she knew nothing about to somebody on his home turf, it wasn't his fault! Lady Ophelia looked increasingly angry, directing glances at her daughter that should have pierced the girl where she rode.

They approached Adelaide's farm and he finally turned to Tessia. "Lady Tessia. This is the farm from which your flowers came. The lady, Adelaide, will be pretending to work but I'm sure she will be watching us as we pass. She was most proud to supply your bouquet." Estaldo nodded toward Adelaide as they passed the farm and glanced back at Tessia. The woman rode as if at attention, the flowers were in her arms but not a glance was directed to the side. He fumed. This bitch was supposed to be his bride. Perhaps not if he could help it.

The Lady Lobella had been drifting farther back in the procession. She turned aside and approached Adelaide. Estaldo stopped Alsvider. The Ambassador looked around, following his gaze and glared harshly at the young girl talking to Adelaide. "Lobella! Come away from there!"

Mortified, Lobella caught up to the group. A hurt look flashed across her face before she resumed staring at her hands on the pommel of the saddle. Estaldo thought he saw a flick of the hand from the ambassador out of the corner of his eye. Two odd-looking male servants moved to ride by Lobella, one on each side.

Lady Drievt turned her horse onward, "My apologies Prince Estaldo." The rest of the ride was silent, and blessedly short.

---

When they reached the city a more extensive greeting was indeed waiting. Knights lined the roadway to the city gates, and the street for a block inside. Sons and daughters of the nobility greeted them with flagons of cool drinks and damp cloths to refresh themselves with. The knights joined the column as they passed, the columns rolling back on themselves as they entered the city. Banners unfurled from the buildings along the route ahead of them. People waved and cheered from the side streets and buildings, and minstrels played in many balconies. Flower petals showered down on them.

Estaldo smiled, pleased with himself. Tessia gazed around with her head held high, the image of her mother as the Ambassador took her due from the commoners. Only Lobella gazed around entranced, finally making her face visible. Estaldo decided she really wasn't bad looking, just so withdrawn she was hard to see. Anyway, at least somebody was enjoying his show besides himself and the people giving it! Then her eyes flashed across his and he saw her realize he was watching her. Her head dropped back down. He sighed.

Estaldo dismounted when they reached the palace and offered his hand to the Ambassador. She looked slightly bemused and swung down on her own. He stepped back, kicking himself for forgetting little things with their strange culture.

He turned to the waiting servants. "Tell the King that Ambassador Drievt has arrived. Show the Ambassador and her people to their rooms." Let them get used to men giving commands! Estaldo smiled as he turned back to the ambassador. "Per your request, rooms have been made available to you for so long as it takes for you to arrange your embassy to your liking. When you are refreshed and ready to see the King there will be someone outside your door to take you to him."

The ambassador gave Estaldo a polite forward nod, accompanied by a half smile and turned to the servant. He made himself accept the dismissal, not wanting to push it until conferring with his father. The King would accept no such slight and opportunity would come to put her in her place. Here in the bailey was not the place.

Estaldo turned and gave a command to his horse, "Alsvider. Home." He watched as Alsvider walked around the building towarded the stables. He went looking for Patrick, heading for his friend's rooms. He sent a servant to his rooms for his clothes, and for some water and towels.

Patrick looked up from the book he was reading. "Knock knock. Come in. Oh, good to see you Estaldo."

Estaldo flopped down into a chair opposite Patrick. "Sorry about my rudeness, but I need your help. I am writing a poem for Tessia and I can't think of enough words that rhyme with BITCH."

Patrick laughed. "Trouble in your marital bliss my friend?"

Estaldo sighed, "I foresee no bliss in my life if I am forced to marry this uppity girl."

A knock on the door interrupted them. Patrick glanced at him. "See how that knocking thing works? Come in."

Mansel came in carrying clothes and bathing materials. Estaldo pushed himself out of his chair and let the body servant help him clean up and change clothes. Estaldo told Patrick of the meeting and the ride.

Patrick listened attentively and chuckled. "One daughter likes to wander off by herself and the other is a stereotypical noble."

"I was fortunate enough to have a friend take the uppityness out of me. Perhaps you could do the same for her. I'd pay you handsomely." Estaldo looked up hopefully.

"But your father would kill me. No thank you. I have an idea though. I'll have Seneea keep an eye on the other daughter to keep her out of trouble."

"Good idea! Any excuse to talk to Seneea is a good one! See you this evening." Estaldo, dressed in white with gold trim now, headed for the library. It was a good place to stay clean and easy to find when the time for the presentation came along.

---

Patrick went looking for Seneea. The maid was known through out the castle for her stubbornness and strong head. Hopefully she'll keep the daughter out of trouble or at least keep an eye on her. He found her checking inventories in one of the upstairs storerooms. Coming up to the doorway on the thick hall carpeting, he leaned against the frame to watch her appreciatively for a moment. He ran his eyes down her lovely mature figure that made even the staff uniform she wore seem becoming. It pulled snug across her breasts as she reached to an upper shelf to check the stock of clean linens, and he smiled.

"Master Patrick, did you wish something?" The voice made them both jump, Seneea whirling and caught his quick blush.

Oh, well, might as well brazen it out. "Yes, Mistress Witherspoon. Please re-assign Seneea to the Ambassador's suite. The Prince wishes her specifically to tend to the younger daughter, Lobella." He paused for her expected response.

The old woman didn't disappoint him. "And since when does the Prince take to ordering my staff? What's wrong with the ones as have been assigned? Is it my department to run, or ain't it? We'll see about this!" She wandered on down the hall, grumbling to herself.

Patrick felt a bit of remorse for Estaldo and the fast talking he was going to have to do, but not a lot.

"Ahem." Seneea laid a level stare on him, waiting for an explanation.

The uniform stretched disconcertingly over her breasts when she stood with her hands on her hips, too. Tearing his gaze upward, he caught a glint of amusement in her eyes and suddenly felt much more at ease. "Seneea, Estaldo needs your help. The younger daughter of the Ambassador, Lobella, seems to have an interesting position among her mother's retinue, and has already shown a tendency to wander from them, if not very far. The Prince and I thought you might be able to keep an eye on her, keep her from any trouble. An incident with her now could have some major repercussions! The last thing Estaldo needs now is more repercussions!" He grinned at her hopefully.

"You boys are incorrigible. But it looks like maybe you're finally showing a little sense! Sure, I'll keep an eye on her." She put down the armload of linens she had set ready by the door while she worked and stepped up to him. "But I want payment." She moved a little closer.

Patrick swallowed hard. "Ah, what would that be, exactly?"

Her hands came to rest on his arms, and she stepped closer yet. Her breasts were touching his chest and he could smell the honest clean working smell of her. She raised her face to his, reaching to whisper in his ear. Her hair smelled of cinnamon. "I want to ride on that beautiful horse of yours." She stepped back to look at his face.

"I think that can be arranged. Very soon!" He grinned at her.

She met his eyes and grinned right back. She grabbed her linens and departed.

Yes, that ride would be very soon! Right after Trina left town again. Did Seneea's skirt sway just a little more than usual as she strolled down the corridor? No, it had to be all in his head. He shook it and made his own way down the hall. He headed eagerly for the rooms behind the ballroom.

The musicians and entertainers were assigned rooms near the public areas of the palace, for convenience and to keep them separated from the living quarters.. Here was the banquet hall, the grand ball room, the music room where guest performances were held, as well as sitting rooms for conversations and more private rooms for meetings and business. Amazing amounts of business took place at these affairs. Running them properly took space as well. Entertainment was assigned its own suite of rooms for props, costume, staging and practice.

Patrick stepped around trees and shepherds' crooks, rocks and music racks, and piles of cases to make his way to the short hallway with private dressing rooms along it. Number 4 was locked and he rapped his knuckle on the smooth wood.

"Who's there?" The female voice was rich and smooth.

Patrick smiled. "The music director. Come to collect his bribe!" He heard the lock click and pushed his way in, locking the door behind him.

She grinned and tossed her thick honey colored hair back, posing for him. Her short silk robe pulled up high on her hip. The belt was loose and the shadowed curve of her breast was visible as she raised her arms above her head, exaggerating the pose for his enjoyment. He reached out for the belt of her robe and pulled her to him, untying it as she stepped forward. She moved up to him, her curves seeming to bend to meet his hands as they moved under her robe. She inhaled, and he smiled at her habit of filling her lungs with his scent when they were together. He bent his head, lifting her hair out of the way to find her lips. They met his urgently, and he gave into the wild desire he always shares with Trina.

He helped her pull his clothes off, then he picked her up and sat her on the counter behind her. It was exactly the right height, as he knew well. He stepped between her spread thighs and nestled the tip of his cock between her lips. She was already wet and ready for him, as he'd known she would be. He thrust himself into her in one slow, smooth motion.

She moaned and clutched him to her, legs wrapping his waist to pull him deeper, and mouth seeking his for a hungry kiss. He pushed completely into her, feeding on her tongue as he enjoyed the heat of her pussy. Then he drew back out and began a steady rhythm, in and out at the same speed, never pausing. She moaned and arched her neck and back, tipping her head out of his reach.

He dropped his mouth to her breasts, one hand cupping the right globe, lifting it up to his mouth as his other arm pulled grasped her lower back. He drew her nipple and more into his mouth and savored the warm flavor, then he sucked hard. She groaned and he felt the walls of her sheath tighten on him. Her fingers wound through his hair, holding his head tight to her breast. He maintained the same steady rhythm and matched his suckling to it.

Her hands suddenly moved his face to her other breast, insisting he give it equal attention. He cooperated with his mouth and togue, while continuing to thrust into her steadily. He felt her begin to tighten down on him with every penetration, trying to draw him in with each forward motion. Her legs added power to his own. He felt tension move through her as he pushed her closer to orgasm. Another stroke and then he stopped, pulled out of her and lifted her from the counter.

He pulled loose from her arms and turned her against the counter. She bent eagerly, placing her elbows on the counter and lifting her ass to greet him. With one hand he guided himself into her from behind as his other hand caressed her bare hip. She arched her back to raise her ass in the air, and tighten down hard on his cock as he moved in and out. He reached forward and grabbed a handful of her hair, pulling just enough to let her feel some tension.

She began moaning with every thrust. She rocked her hips hard to put pressure on the underside of his erection as he moved through her soft warm body. It tightened as he felt the bottom of her canal with the head of his cock, and milked him as he pulled out. She moved with him, moving her head from side to side to feel his grip on her hair. He reached forward with his right hand and eased his thumb into her mouth. She took it eagerly, laving it with her tongue, letting him feel what she'd do to his cock, if it wasn't already busy. He withdrew his thumb well lubricated and straightened. Looking down at their union, he watched as her lower lips clung to his shaft when he pulled out, then he slid back into her.

He put his thumb on the small pink opening still visible and began massaging the ring of tight muscle he can felt there. She gasped and he felt her muscles pulse inside. She arched her ass even further, encouraging him, and after a moment he felt a loosening in that little ring. He worked the tip of his thumb into it, using a circular motion to encourage it to keep relaxing. His eyes follow her arm as she reached under herself to finger her clit. His thumb was into her now to the first knuckle, and she began to drive herself back on him.

He smiled and obligingly picked it up the pace a little, his grip on her hair steady as he thrust hard into her pussy. His thumb moved in her ass at the same time. She cried out with each thrust, bucking harder and harder under him until she arched up, all her muscles spasming on him. He waited the half beat until she relaxed then continued driving into her, making her thrash under him, seeking something to grip and pushing wildly to meet him. He held hard to his own response while she climaxed, keeping her going with thrust after thrust. Finally he felt her motions become more controlled, and her cries decreased.

His focus changed. He moved his hand from her ass to her hip and dropped her hair to grip her other hip. He steadied her as he drove into her for himself. She responded, meeting him squarely and angling to give him the best sensations as he penetrated her.

Trina encouraged him, "Yes, baby, come on now. Oh yeah, I feel you swelling in me, getting even bigger. I like you deep inside me!" She pushed up on her toes and arched her hips farther yet, allowing him another small bit of depth. She moaned with him, and kept talking. "Harder baby, I want to feel you fill my well. Yes, yes, oh, you're getting close! Give it to me!"

Over the months he'd become convinced she really could feel his orgasm building, her words always mirrored his sensations. He held her hips hard now, pistoning into her again, again, again and it was there, swelling through him. She yelled with him and clamped down on him again, climaxing again as he pulsed and spewed his seed inside. She pushed back to him, making him move to drive forward once more, and again. Then his arms went around her and he leaned into the counter with her, his last couple movements gentler aftershocks. He felt tremors run through her and smiled as they brought answering shivers from him.

She wiggled under him and he stepped away, sliding out of her. She went to the wash stand and passed a wet towel to him while she grabbed another. "Patrick, it is always so good to see you!" Her blue eyes twinkled as she smiled at him.

They'd been sharing music, among other things, for about a year and a half now, when she was in town and was available. Knowing she'd be here for the royal banquet, he'd arranged a private dressing room to surprise her. There were only a couple and they were quite a status symbol among her friends.

They talked music for a while, and planned to meet later that evening, when both their duties were done. She gave him some interesting snipet sof information from other places around the realm, too. Then Patrick continued about his business, arranging the rest of the entertainment, although the other arrangements were not nearly so enjoyable to make!

---

Estaldo stood with Patrick and watched the dancers at the ball. It had been an interminable evening. Estaldo and Patrick's preparations had gone off without a hitch, despite the frequent lectures and tirades from those involved. Tessia had blossomed among the female society of Kahlzistan. It seemed to be only the males that she couldn't be civil to. They had danced the obligatory number of dances, prescribed by one of her mother's servants according to some book of protocol that seemed to be somewhat rigid and out of date. She seemed to treat it as much like a duty as he did, and seemed offended when he asked others to dance. He didn't think it was because he was dancing with others, but because he was inviting them! She's going to have a very hard time fitting into Kahlzistan life, Estaldo thought, as he watched another would be dance partner quail at her look when she saw him approach.

Finally he saw one of the noble women approaching, leading her nephew, a well built lad in training with his father in diplomacy. The boy bowed low, and the daughter of the ambassador nodded her consent to dance with the unfortunate lad. After that she was kept occupied, the women of the court finally putting their book learning into practice regarding Arbigahlan customs.

Estaldo sighed. "I need some air, Patrick. I'll be in the garden for a few minutes."

Patrick gave his friend a sympathetic look and stepped sideways to cover his retreat. "I'm the one that has to get up and sing to all of them!"

Estaldo wandered through the gardens, finding his way around patterned shrubs toward the back, where trees were allowed to grow a little more wildly and bushes grew up to hide a small grotto, with an even smaller waterfall and pool. It was one of his favorite retreats on the palace grounds. He turned the final corner and stopped, hearing somebody within. After a moment, he identified the sound of sobs, very feminine ones. He peaked around silently to ensure she was alone, and found a girl seated on the bench, her back to him, face and hands buried in her lap as she cried. He cleared his throat and stepped out onto the path. The figure jumped up and spun, and he was startled to realize he was looking at Lobella, the second daughter of the Ambassador.

She gazed at him with terrified eyes and looked quickly around. Her eyes widened even further as she realized she was trapped.

He spread his hands instinctively in front of him, to show his peaceful intentions. What was this girl doing out here bawling in the bushes? "It's okay, I don't mean to scare you. I won't hurt you. What's wrong?" He moved carefully and slowly to one end of the long bench and seated himself, hands peacefully in his lap.

She glanced once at the now open path, then seemed to collapse into herself. "It wouldn't matter if you ravished me, Prince." Her eyes glinted briefly through her hair as if she checked quickly to see that he wasn't doing just that.

He wondered what stories of Kahlzistan men she had heard. Judging from the stories he'd heard about Arbigahlan women, they were likely to be doozies.

"You should return to your party Prince. I am not worthy for your presence. Even a male's presence. I apologize for disgracing us earlier today with the flower seller. I never meant to cause a problem, I just wanted to know if she'd planted them herself. Mother is furious with me for that. She will be furious that I'm not at the party, too. Oh, why couldn't I have just stayed home, where they were used to me?" She burst into tears again.

Estaldo stared at her in a quandary. He didn't dare touch her, as his instincts told him to do. "It was no disgrace, Lady Lobella. It was the only honest thing I saw done out there! I don't know why your mother is upset, but I certainly am not. Come, dry your tears. You are quite lovely in that dress, you should repair yourself and join us. I'm sure some music would help your spirits."

She slowly calmed as he continued to talk. "Your music is lovely. I do like listening. But the people are all so strange. I don't know who I may speak to and who not, or what to say. I tried to study what they gave me, but it just wouldn't seem to stay right in my head. All I ever wanted to do was have children and raise them, in some nice little estate where I should be left alone to be me."

"That sounds like a very nice goal, my lady."

She gasped as she realized she spoke aloud. She was used to speaking more or less to herself around the male slaves, but they never answered. A brief smile flit across her face and she reached to take the handkerchief he offered her, half wet from the waterfall. "My mother will never allow it. She expects me to grow up and begin learning to manage some portion of the family estates. I am the eldest daughter, and expected to inherit. I hate it though! And I'm not very good at it."

Estaldo watched her face blush yet again as she realized how much she was telling him. He offered her his arm when she was done cooling her face with the cloth. He led her back toward the balconies, where he can see Patrick, still lurking in the shadows outside the door.

Just as they approached, Joanne stepped up to his friend. Too late to back out now.

"Patrick, my dear! Where is, oh 'Taldo!" She caught sight of him, and of who was on his arm. She dropped a quick curtsey.

"Hello, Joanne." He turned to Lobella. "Lady Lobella, this is Joanne Bruton, daughter of one of our leading men.

Lobella looked briefly confused, but gamely smiled at Joanne. "I am pleased to meet you."

Joanne's eyes passed over the withdrawn girl once and she drew her away, shooting dirty looks at Estaldo over her shoulder as they left.

"What did I do now?" Estaldo gave Patrick a wounded look.

Patrick smiled back at him and shrugged. "Does it matter?"

Shaking his head with a grin, Estaldo caught sight of the King. His father signaled him to meet in the side room. "Oops, gotta go. I wonder what's up now?"

Patrick shrugged and left to arrange for the next set of entertainment, a performance troop up the hall in the cleared banquet room, for those who enjoy such things. The orchestra continued to play in the ball room.

Estaldo made his way around through exterior corridors to the side room. It was nearby, as a room always was, but it isn't always good for a group of people to suddenly leave the party at once, headed the same direction. Let the gossips and spies work a little harder for their stories. He found his father seated, hot robes of office open and draped off his shoulders onto the chair. He was studying a rod. It was smooth, appeared to be a dark wood, about a foot long. The king looked up at Estaldo and pointed the rod at the fireplace, empty now. "Fire," the Kings says in a normal tone of voice. A ball of flame shot out of the slender rod and blasted into the fireplace, causing a backdraft that ruffled their clothes.

Estaldo opened his mouth, closed it again, opened it, and still found nothing to say. Magic! It had to be! But even in the bedtime stories magic hadn't been around in five hundred years! But what else could it be? He stared at his father, seeing something in his eyes he'd never seen before. Uncertainty. It shook him like the fireball hadn't.

"This changes everything and nothing. You are right, we must visit our neighbors, in person, and soon. But now more than ever it is imperative that the succession be secured. You will marry the Ambassador's daughter, then you will ride for Ysalor to see what you can learn about this." The King's voice was final.

Estaldo's mouth opened to protest anyway, then he stopped. A thought struck him and he took a second to ponder it, turning it this way and that in his mind. "Yes, father," he finally said slowly.

The king's head came around in surprise, at the agreement and at the strange tone. Renaldo looked at him sharply.

"I will marry the ambassador's daughter, but I will marry Lobella, not Tessia."

He watched his father's face darken, then hesitate. He held his breath as his father thought it over. "I can't blame you for that choice, in all truth. I haven't seen much of this Lobella, but Tessia would scare any man out of the wedding chamber. I'll talk to the Lady Drievt. It may be possible."

Renaldo said nothing, and turned back to his interminable books.

Estaldo left the room, sending in a page. A moment later he saw the boy running toward the ballroom. He returned via his previous circumspect route and found Patrick dancing with the lovely but snide young woman who chased him at every party.

Estaldo approached Joanne, who still had Lobella in tow. "Lady, might I request of you a favor? Would you be so good as to ask this lovely young woman if she would be so kind as to dance with me?" He indicated Lobella with his glance, and enjoyed the muted amusement in Joanne's look.

Lobella, head down, consented and he led her out on the floor. It was a sedate melody, perfect for reassuring the woman. He guided her through the steps expertly. "My Lady, it is considered good form here to look at your dance partner."

Her head slowly rose and she actually had the ghost of a smile on her lips.

"My Lady, this may shock you a bit, but I believe you should hear it first from me." Her eyes looked questioningly at him, and he took a moment to organize his thoughts. "You know that one of the reasons you are here is that I'm to marry your sister?"

She nodded, her fine brow creasing slightly in puzzlement. They whirled a couple more turns to the music, and he tried again.

"Lady, in our land, it is customary for those who are not princes and princesses, or high nobility, for a man to choose a girl he likes, and to court her. He will bring her flowers, take her for picnics, and escort her to parties. When they are sure they are good together, he asks her father for permission to marry her, then he asks her. She has the right to say no, but at this point they usually know their minds well enough that it doesn't happen very often. For royals, that chance is rarely given. It has been a source of contention between me and my father for some time."

He realized he was wandering, and took a deep breath. She still watched him, curiosity on her face, something he doubted he would ever see on her sister's. That decided him and he turned her out one of the tall doors onto a porch. He stopped, but kept his arms on hers. "Lobella, my father is now asking your mother's permission for me to marry you. Not your sister, you. I want to ask you first. Live here and you can have as many babies as you want. I will do that for you, and do no more to you than you wish me to. You can live quietly as long as you wish, I can arrange your own estate for you and the children, or whatever you wish. Just save me from your sister!" He dropped to one knee. "Lobella, will you marry me?"

She stared at him. The color drained from her face. Then she did something he had heard of but never actually seen a woman do. She fainted. If he hadn't already been on one knee before her he never would have caught her.

Of course, that's when Patrick stepped out. "Ah, I don't remember that being part of the plan, boss. What'd you do to her?"

"I proposed, you idiot! Now help me get her up!"

They lifted her to a nearby bench and arranged her. She was beginning to rouse as they hastily stepped back and took up properly concerned positions before her, footsteps sounding behind them. "My Lady, are you well? Should I summon somebody for you?" He gazed earnestly at her, willing her to pull herself together.

She looked past him, and her eyes widened. Then she looked at him. She searched his eyes, looking for what he didn't know.

"What is this! Lady Lobella, what's wrong?" his father's voice, just behind him, then skirts swirled beside him where his eyes were still locked with Lobella's.

"Stand up, Lobella. There's nothing wrong with her, Your Highness. I will have her attended to. You can see my point, however. The Prince must have a strong woman beside him. Tessia is a much better match."

"No. I will marry Lobella, if she'll have me, or nobody." Estaldo stood, the wide dark eyes still locked on his. He tore loose from them and turned to the Ambassador. "Lady, I am sorry to cause you this embarrassment, but I do believe that this is best for all. Tessia is much more the type to succeed you in your business. Lobella is exactly the type to bear and raise royal children. And I'm sure Tessia can find somebody much more to her taste back home."

He glimpsed Tessia over her mother's shoulder, young face a mirror of the older. They were studies in frozen astonishment, unable to decide on indignation over one of them being refused by a man, anger at having their plans disrupted, or simple amazement that Lobella was at the center of it all. He realized Lobella still hadn't spoken and he turned back to her.

She looked again in his eyes, then took his offered hand and stood, albeit somewhat shakily. "I accept your proposal, my Lord. I will marry you."

Continued in Chapter 2

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