So we find ourselves at another Wednesday and here I am flashing my briefs. As to this week's promt? Kudos to those who can guess :D
My heart
breaks that my prince should doubt me so. It breaks double that he should doubt
himself. His loss of trust in me is hardly surprising as I kept from him an
important secret, especially as I knew it would hurt his confidence when he
discovered it. His lack of faith in himself is not only entirely unfounded but
might very well be disastrous for us all. This is a crucial time for relations
between our peoples and strong leadership is vital. I have no idea what went on
within the Counsel chamber but I have no doubt my prince showed strong
leadership. I saw it still in the way he dismissed his sister.
And yet… I
cannot say it was a façade because I do not believe for one moment that it was,
but it is a side of my love that has been cruelly crushed and will take time to
nourish and heal. Time we do not have.
castien’s
glance shies away and he will not meet my eyes. I pull him close and embrace
him tightly.
“You are a great man, and you will be a great leader. When you doubt
this, I will always be at your side to remind you.”
For the
longest time, castien pressed his face to my shoulder and his slender body
trembles with the force of the struggle I know goes on within him. So many conflicting
emotions. He wants to trust; I know he does – me and himself.
“No more lies.
No more secrets,” he says, his voice muffled.
“I swear it.”
castien raises
his face. I had expected to see tears but there are none. He searches my eyes,
then gives a deep sigh. “I believe you.”
We sit and I
try to tempt castien to eat. He steadfastly refuses. He seems deeply weary but
he will not return to his chamber.
“They will
come,” he says, “and I will be ready, not roused from sleep and standing before
them in my night clothes.”
“Who will
come?”
castien shakes
his head and wilts, his hands hanging between his knees. It hurts to see him so.
I lay my arm across his shoulders and pull him close. He does not resist.
It takes an
hour but, as my prince predicted, they come. Their voices reach us first. I
hear them approach from a distance, which says much as the castle walls are
thick and the tapestries also dampen the transmission of sound.
castien rises
to his feet. I do not miss his slight sway before he rights himself and straightens
his back. I rise to stand at his side and lace my fingers with his. He glances
at me and smiles. His complexion is very pale, and his eyes bright. I fear this
day will prove too much for him. jandra’s words haunt me. Better she would
listen to her own advice.
The door
bursts inwards and the king strides in followed immediately by his daughter.
“What in the
name of all the Gods did you think you were doing?” the king roars at castien.
The prince’s fingers twitch in mine but this is the only sign of his alarm.
“What had to
be done.”
“Reckless
fool. You could have wrecked months of careful negotiation.”
“But I didn’t.
They will posture and complain but the will fall in behind whatever plan we
make. I have made it impossible for them to do otherwise.”
“Stupid
child,” jandra spits at him. “How could you imagine for one moment you were fit
to speak before the High Counsel? Not even I would dare do such a thing
uninvited. And you disturbed a crucial meeting. How could you have embarrassed Father
so? If I were he I would have you flogged for your insubordination.”
castien’s
fingers tremble and I can tell that it is only rigid control that prevents his
body from visibly shaking. I doubt he could speak now. His hand has turned icy
and his face waxen. I have seen men look like this before and I am mindful of
his delicate condition. I promise myself that if his lips turn blue I will take
him from this place and these people who would so badly hurt one of their own
when they know he struggles with his constitution.
jandra was not
finished. She took two quick steps forward before the king put out his hand to
stay her. It did not stay her words though. “Do you know what you have done?
From what I overheard you not only spoke, you commanded; demanded. They were furious;
outraged.”
Words fail her
and silence falls, into which I resolve to pour my defence. castien must not
believe he stands alone. I am a prince too. It is time I began acting like one.
Before I can
open my mouth the king begins to laugh. It would appear that everyone is as
shocked as I.
“They were,
weren’t they?” The king spluttered, laughter quite overcoming him. “I was
concerned chancellor badbury would have a fit. And lord grace.” Laughter robbed
his words again and I an quite puzzled as to why he would consider the
situation amusing.
“They’re a
load of old goats and it was time they were shaken up.” The king sobered. “You
have done me a service today. You have opened my eyes to the power of words
over swords. I have…not been entirely fair to you, it seems.” The king’s entire
demeanour changes and his words soften. “Well done, lad. Well done.”
“Father?”
“Be silent jandra.
The time comes when all need think long and hard on our misconceptions. This
family is no exception. Remember, it takes courage to grow up and become who
you really are.”
“You’ve gone
insane. castien was a little brat and he gets praise?”
“We all get
what we deserve sooner or later.”
“I….” castien
whispers, his grip on my hand tightening, then he crumples to the ground in a
dead faint.
Now check out the other flashers. There are some gems this week
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