sbi royalty

wilbur's move

Wilbur and Techno briskly walked through the castle, eventually arriving at a large T-shaped staircase with a red carpet and far too many chandeliers than necessary. Wilbur always kept thinking of these little things, vowing to sort them out- he was in charge after all- yet he never found an opportunity to actually change anything.

'This room really doesn't need to be like this, we definitely save some money here; it makes way too much of a statement... I can't believe i let this stuff still stay...'

Wilbur had always been the frugal one, he knew fancy halls and pretty chandeliers made a statement to other nations: power and prosperity. That's what Phil would always teach him anyways, he'd say that you can't show weakness. Wilbur would generally take his father's advice seriously, but he would never - could never even - try to keep a brave face at all times like his brother.

Wilbur glanced at Techno as he walked: 'How does he do it?'

Techno spotted Wilbur's slightly worried glanced and returned it with a curious one of his own.

"Sorry, I'm just thinking about stuff, I've got quite a bit on my plate, right now. Though Dad should be home in the next few days so that should help."

"Wait, Phil's coming back already? Why? H-how come nobody told me?" Techno stammered briefly, completely baffled by Wilbur's impromptu announcement.

"Oh shit. That was a secret, uh oh. Uhhhh, alright, so, you can't tell anyone that. Well, you can once his forward messenger arrives; if we're going to prepare for his arrival we'll have a day at bare minimum."

"Okay, that still sounds sketchy, why so soon? I thought he was out surveying the nation, or at least that's I was told. I'm now beginning to question a lot of the things I've been told recently..."

Wilbur began to fiddle with the hem of his jumper as he suddenly realised the many things he'd been keeping from his younger brothers as well as the palace staff and the country in general. Phil kept his secrets to protect his family, and Wilbur wasn't about to let his tongue slip so easily.

"I can only be so honest, Techno. I really try to be, but there are some things I can't tell you. Now that I think about it, maybe it's time me and Dad tell you and Tommy some of what you might call 'state secrets'. "

"Ok, so I tuned back in when you said state secrets, I would like to hear some, but we probably shouldn't do yet, your study is just along this next corridor..."

Wilbur looked at Techno with surprise and replied, "Woah! Don't get ahead of yourself! When Dad gets back we can talk, maybe. I would have to convince him. Honestly, it's about time we had a nice family reunion."

"Fine, fine. No state secrets for me yet. And I do think a good get-together would be nice."

They turned a final corner and reached the study, a guard turned the handle of the large oak door and the two men got themselves comfortable inside. Wilbur slouched over his desk that was littered with paperwork, suddenly reminded of his workload. Meanwhile, Techno perched himself on one of the ornate armchairs.

"Speaking of family, I suppose it's time to talk about Tommy?" Techno inquired.

"Yes, we've definitely done enough stalling. Alright, I'd like to hear what happened before I jump to conclusions."

Techno proceeded to tell the tale of him spotting Tommy, talking with him, then sparring him.

"Ah, I can see you were trying to do a good thing, doesn't make it the right thing to do though..." Wilbur pondered for a moment, he could really see no wrong in letting Techno do this more often, what's the worst that could happen? (oh nononono)

"I mean, the kid deserves a break, he's not one for learning chess or studying or reading. He wants to get out there and live his life; can we really blame him?"

'Am I being too harsh with Tommy, I don't remember Dad being like this with him so maybe I am... though, Tommy never rebelled this much before...'

Wilbur always second-guessed his decisions, and this was certainly a prime example of that. Although, after a short moment of thinking, he made up his mind.

"I've decided. Tommy will be allowed out for training purposes only, no visits out to the city, no sneaking onto the palace walls or anything else. He will have to be chaperoned, if he can prove he's matured, then he can have more freedom until the-"

However, before Wilbur could finish his sentence, a footman knocked hurriedly on the heavy door.

"Excuse me, Your Royal Highness, but I have an urgent message for you." He spoke quickly, and sounded slightly out of breath.

"Come in."

The man scurried through the door and a look of shock plastered his already worried looking face as he realised Technoblade was there too. He bowed and silently handed the letter to Wilbur before leaving as quickly as he arrived.

Wilbur popped open the wax seal and began to read.

Techno dutifully watched Wilbur's eyes scanned the long handwritten note with him only reading out loud the interesting parts:

"Uhhh... negotiations turned sour... wait, dissent in the north? Goodness, the more I read, the worse it gets, wait, the King is home in two days?! Uh oh."

"Uh oh indeed." Techno calmly replied. "Also, did you say negotiations? Who are we negotiating with, and why? I need answers."

"Not now, we've got preparations to sort out!"

yup, i'm leaving it there :)))