Havoc of Betrayal

CHAPTER 4 - Intentions

CHAPTER 4

Mathias stood in the same spot he did the day before, watching a carriage being pulled into the yard, but unlike the other day, beside him stood Eloise, smiling as she waited for her father to finally arrive. Once he did, stepping out of the carriage, laughing the moment his eyes fell on his daughter, making his way to her before wrapping his arms around her. She chuckled softly, holding her father back as he kissed both her cheeks before pulling back, holing her chin for a moment as he looked at her before he said, "My sweet, how have you been?"

"Well, father. How about you? How was your journey."

"Lovely. I will tell you all about it later." He said, turning to Mathias with a wide smile, "King Mathias, it is nice to finally meet you."

"Welcome to Thutruix, King Renolds."

"I am happy to be here, King Mathias. So happy. It has always been a dream of mine to visit your kingdom."

Mathias smiled widely at him as he said, "I am glad then, that you get to be here." He then turned to one of his knights as he said, "Perhaps later Helix could take you around, if you wish. You see I am tethered to this castle for a while."

"That is too bad." King Renolds said, "I wished we could get to know each other more, since you will be my son soon."

"We will be having a feast in your honor in a few days, but we could have dinner before that, if it pleases you."

"It does. It will be my pleasure to dine with you, king Mathias."

Mathias nodded, saying, "It would be mine, King Renolds. If you'd excuse me, I need to meet with my council." His arm went around Eloise as he said, "The two of you have a lot to catch up on. The lounge has been set with everything you might need, and your chambers are prepared if rest is what you prefer. Detrick here will be at your command, anything you need he will take care of for you. I will see you at dinner, your grace." The king said with a gesture of his head as he turned to walk away, his knights following closely.

"Busy man." King Renolds said as he watched the king leave.

"You too, father, but you seem to not care." Eloise chuckled, seeing him shrug guiltily.

He wrapped an arm around her as he said, "Ah, dear. I've missed you."

"I did too, father." She said, walking with him as they followed Detrick to the lounge, "Mother has too. She's worried about you. Have you not been writing her?"

"I got a bit distracted." He laughed, "I found this city, Eloise, at the very edge of Malora. It is beautiful, sweetheart. You'd love it. It even has the perfect place to train, just at an edge of a cliff, overseeing the ocean."

"Sounds wonderful."

"It is, honey." He said, just as they were close to the lounge. "My dear, this is a wonderful castle."

"I've noticed." Eloise said, "The entire kingdom is. The view from my chambers is breathtaking."

"I'm glad you are enjoying it here." He said, "The king seems very hospitable."

"He's been very welcoming."

"Have you gotten along?" The king asked.

"We are getting there." She nodded.

"Quite handsome too." King Renolds said, making her swat at his arm, "What?"

"Father, that is inappropriate." She scolded.

"Ah, he is to your liking after all. And after all the fuss you made when I told you about this." He laughed, making her frown.

"Father, enough, please. I am doing this for you, that is all."