Dancing with Death

Chapter Five

~Chapter Five ~

MATAYA

Cedric was perched on the window ledge, gazing out of the circular glass window of his chambers. He was dressed in his finest garments, consisting of rich velvet and vibrant colours. You could tell the personality of a man by his apparel. However, Cedric was only dressed so handsomely because his mother had requested it. The King of Alwin and his family were expected to arrive on this day. The young prince had to admit he was not looking forward to the occasion. Curiosity tortured Cedric and he was desperate to discover the meaning of his uncle’s visit. Or perhaps his mother was right, his intentions were to spend some quality time with his sister’s family? Cedric disregarded the possibility and continued to tire himself by trying to think of a suitable reason.  

Downstairs, Misanta struggled to keep everything in order. The servants were commanded and the chefs’ food was constantly assessed. Taram enjoyed watching his wife trying to make sure their home would be perfect. He and his son Jarime were in the sitting room whilst his wife was working hard; Cedric soon joined them.

‘Where have you been, son?’ Taram asked.

  ‘In my chambers,’ Cedric answered bluntly as he sat down on a chair.

  ‘With some girls,’ Jarime added and he grinned foolishly. Taram was not amused and neither was his father.

  ‘Not everyone is like you, Jarime.’

  ‘Oh, forgive me. I forgot you were a lonely virgin.’

          ‘That’s enough, Jarime!’ Taram’s almighty voice echoed. ‘I will have none of this behaviour whilst your family and family in-laws are here. You embarrass our family enough.’

          Jarime fell silent and Cedric felt himself smirk. His twin brother saw him and sent him a glare as deadly as a thousand daggers.

  ‘It will not be long now,’ Taram muttered as he glanced at his sons as they exchanged looks.

  ‘Why is mother so nervous?’ Jarime asked as he broke his stare with his brother by looking at his father. Cedric felt victorious in a way.

  ‘She would like to impress her brother for he is the King of Alwin. Mataya cannot match that kingdom but she wants to try make it seem better than it is,’ Taram replied, and then his eyes met Cedric’s. ‘None of you will disrupt her during the process.

  ‘Why do you look at me?’ Cedric narrowed his eyes slightly as he spoke. Taram moved his gaze to Jarime.

  ‘I know you will not, Cedric, but your brother…’ the words slowly died on his lips as he saw Jarime roll his eyes and look away.

          Cedric moved his gaze towards the window; he watched the drops of rain fall heavily from the dark thundering sky. A flash of lightning would strike; it’s faded golden colour stretching through the heavens. Followed by roaring thunder echoing across Mataya.