Love & War

Tension.

Apalusia, 1801

"Now presenting, the King of Ninevea — Nathaniel James Frederick II!" The Master of Ceremonies announced.

No ... it couldn't be, the King of Apalusia thought, turning from his conversation to see the entrance of the aformentioned king.

Jean-Claude had hoped that it was a mistake but as he watched Nathaniel walk in, his towering height causing him to duck through the entryway, his feeble hopes of it being an error were quickly dashed.

"Nathaniel?!" He exclaimed, feigning excitement.

"Jean-Claude," King Nathaniel responded in an even tone. "As I live and breathe."

"I had no idea you would be coming this night!" He practically yelled, having to raise his voice over the revelry.

Tonight was the Harvest Festival celebration in Apalusia. It was a grand celebration of the harvest for the year. There was food, dancing, alcohol, and general comraderie. It was all hosted by the king and queen at their palace and everyone from the lowliest peasant to the highest ranking member of society were welcome to celebrate. The king and queen held this party once a year, without fail, as a way to show the people their appreciation of all they do for the country.

"Well, I wasn't going to come as I have no interest in Apalusian affairs," Nathaniel said blithely, keeping his voice at a low volume despite the loudness of the party. "But I had it on good authority that you would be opening the Harvest Festival to other royals, sending out invitations and such, and I didn't want to miss the chance to see this famous celebration."

"Ah," Jean Calude replied, his tone wary — as it should be.

The invitations that Nathaniel was talking about were only sent out to two groups: those who lived in Apalusia and those few royal families from foreign countries that Jean-Claude carefully selected ... and Ninevea was not one of those countries.

Though Apalusia and Ninevea were technically allies, ever since the recent battle of Rappateau a year and a half prior, the relationship had become ... strained, to say the least.

And their relationship had already been hanging by a thread since the Orthrad War.

How on earth did he secure an invitation? Jean-Claude thought. How was he even let in? He came throught the top entrance which is only reserved for my special guests that had invitations.

Jean-Claude had no idea of what was going on but the tight feeing in his gut was enough to make him be on his guard.

Nathaniel was thoroughly amused. He and Jean-Claude had known each other since they were just princes so he could read him like a book. Jean Claude was so clearly suspicious of him — and rightfully so.

It took a lot of effort to get into contact with the Duke of Highbridge without anyone's knowledge. It took even more effort to torture information about the King's Harvest Festival out of the man as well as commandeer his invitation without getting caught.

Though, as a king, he should at least be able to do that much.

Nathaniel had been waiting patiently for six months for an opportunity like this one to arise. Ever since the battle of Rappateau, the countries of Ninevea and Apalusia had remained distant after Apalusia's crushing defeat by the Nineveans. Ever since their loss, Apalusia, Ninevea's supposed ally, seemed to be actively ignoring them — whether it be as little as withholding invitations to balls or as big as not including Ninevea in political gatherings.

Some ally, Nathaniel thought. But he shouldn't have been surprised anymore, the Orthrad War showed just how very little Apalusia viewed Ninevea.

"That fur coat ... Is it your father's?" Jean-Claude asked.

"As always Jean-Claude, you have an eye for details," Nathaniel laughed. "It is indeed my father's coat. I suppose I was feeling a bit ... nostalgic today."

At the mention of Nathaniel's late father, Jean-Claude swallowed hard, his face becoming somber.

"Oh, do cheer up," Nathaniel said to Jean-Claude with a fake smile, clapping him on the back jovially. "It's like you don't want me here, old friend."

"No, that's not it at all," Jean-Claude responded, quickly covering up his dour facial expression. "I'm just surprised is all."

"You are surprised that a man would want to commemorate his late father?" Nathaniel asked with a raise of his brow.

"No. No, of course not." Jean-Claude didn't know what to say. He couldn't read Nathaniel at all. He had no idea what the Ninevean king was thinking and he didn't want to make an enemy of Ninevea so he had to choose his worlds carefully.

"Well?" Nathaniel urged.

"I was just surprised because I know that you and the late king didn't have the same taste so I wasn't expecting it."

What a dumb response, Jean-Claude thought.

What a dumb response, Nathaniel thought. Could he make it any more obvious that he is walking on eggshells around me. I mean for goodness sakes what on earth has happened to you Jean-Claude?

Jean-Claude Philip Leonard I of Apalusia used to be regarded as the fiercest, most cunning, tactical War-King of his time. His first time going into battle was at the tender age of fourteen. While others his age were going to school, he was leading men to victory — killing, conquering, and pillaging if need be — doing whatever was necessary to grow Apalusia from the tiny region it was, to the admirable country it had now become.

This was a man who Nathaniel truly looked up to, for while Jean-Claude was only five years older than him, to Nathaniel it had seemed like a lifetime due to the many things Jean-Claude accomplished in his youth. So, to see Jean-Claude act so skittish and ... weak around him made him even angrier.

How did we let such a pathetic man do what he did to our people?

While Nathaniel was deep in thought, Jean-Claude used the time to gather his own bearings. Jean-Claude in his later years as king was often regarded as a very lenient and fun king but he was no fool. Apalusia had an army that was a fourth the size of Ninevea's. Honestly, it was a wonder they had not already been conquered. So, making an enemy of such a strong military and political power like Ninevea was not something Apalusia could afford right now...

Which was why the Orthrad War was still to this day, Jean-Claude's biggest regret.

"Well, I do hope you enjoy the party, Nathaniel and I'm so happy you could make it." He said, very much wanting to leave this conversation.

"Oh absolutely, Jean Claude, I wouldn't have missed it for the world! From what I've heard, it's ... to die for."