Keditha's Beloved

Chapter Nineteen

The Kleinhaus castle was much bigger than I assumed. Way bigger. Obviously they were doing well for themselves.

After a long sufferable trip, we arrived just a couple hours shy of Julian's party, just like my father claimed.

King Cyril and Queen Maxima came to meet us in the court yard. It was almost shocking, I know Julian looked nothing like his father or brother but he held a uncanny resemblance to his mother.

I didn't see Julian or Brynjar anywhere. I was slightly relieved though I don't mind Brynjar's company.

Maxima curtsies, grinning widely. "I'm so happy you could make it." She says cheerfully. "I hope your trip faired well?"

My father nods. "Very well, thank you."

"I apologize for not being able to make it to your daughter's engagement ball. As you know my health hasn't been the best the last few months." Maxima says.

Mother smiles politely. I know she didn't really care for Maxima. Maybe it's because she just doesn't care for all of Keditha in general. "We understand, we're just glad we could make it today." Mother says.

"Well, enough talking. I'm sure you all are very tired from your trip and would like to rest before the party. Why don't we show you where you'll be staying." Maxima gestures to the servants standing nearby. "And we'll see you later tonight at the ball."

I frown, hopefully this night won't be as long as I assume it would.

              ____________________

This dress didn't look terrible but it was definitely missed Emilie's touch. Nevertheless I'm sure I'll get many compliments on my beauty as I usually do at social gatherings.

A soft knocks sounds at the door. I pick up my skirt, careful not to trip over it as I go answer the door. "Brynjar!" I say surprised. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the party?" I ask him.

I can see Brynjar slowly smile under his beard. "Yes, so you shouldn't keep me waiting." I raise an eyebrow. "I'm here to escort you there Princess." Brynjar says, offering his arm.

"Oh! You didn't have to." I pause, then slowly move to take his arm. "Thank you." I blush.

Brynjar shrugs. "Well, my brother's out wondering somewhere."

"Plus Philip." I add.

"Ah yes and him." Brynjar chuckles. "Speaking of which, did your father ever break off that treaty? I've heard rumors."

I shake my head. "I haven't heard anything, so as far as I know, it's still on."

Brynjar doesn't reply. He takes me outside to the garden where the party was being held. I gasp. It was absolutely beautiful.

They had tables set up with a dance floor next to it. The sun was starting to set so they had set up lamps everywhere. "It's incredible!" I say.

"It does look nice, but Julian isn't happy about it. This is all what mother wanted." Someone catches Brynjar's eye. "Excuse me Athena, I have to go say hello to some people." He bows before leaving my side.

I frown. What now? I see my parents talking with people of high status. But I didn't want to engage in whatever boring conversation they had going on. I spot Julian standing awkwardly off to the side, much like me. Cyril walks up to him, saying something to make him laugh. I smile warmly, he was really cute when he laughed.

"Well well dear, it's been a while." A deep harsh voice says making me freeze.

"Philip! I didn't think you'd be coming..."

Philip smiles, looking me up and down. "Apparently My father took a liking to King Cyril and was more than happy to come to Julian's party." Philip glances around the garden. "Speaking of which, why aren't you with your love? Trouble in paradise?" He questions, grinning. He clearly already knew the answer.

"Please leave Philip." I say, feeling uncomfortable about the way he was looking at me. I felt exposed.

Philip shakes his head. "Come on, let's dance." Philip grabs my arm, pulling me towards him.

"No! Let go!"

He glances up, his smile slowly fading as he looks behind me. He releases me, nudging me back.

Philip clears his throat. "Brynjar." He nods.

Brynjar frowns down at him. "Philip."

Philip awkwardly glances away. "Nice party. Very bright." Philip rubs his neck, desperately looking for a escape. "I should go see my father now. Good day." Philip moves past me, keeping a comfortable distance away from me.

I raise an eyebrow. "I've never seen him act like that." I say.

Brynjar narrows his eyes at Philip. "Cowards are all the same." He says. "They pick on people smaller than them to get a sad sense of power, but when someone bigger challenges them, they shirk away faster then you can snap your fingers."

I think for a moment. "Would you consider my father a coward?"

"My father says he is." Brynjar looks down at me. I give him an eager look. "But personally, no Athena, I don't think he is. Staying away from battle isn't about being afraid, it's about knowing your strengths and your father does. He isn't being scared, he's being smart, winning this war the best way he can."

I smile, staring lovingly at my father. "Thank you Brynjar, I needed that." I hesitate slightly. "Julian called him a coward."

"Julian listens to much to our father. He's the kind of person who needs their parents to be proud of them, to the point he'll adopt their own views."

I frown. "That's sad."

Brynjar chuckles. "My brother is a sad man." He says, shrugging.  "I kid of course. But it's easy to lose yourself doing that."

I nod slowly. "I understand."

Brynjar pauses, glancing around. "You know since we're just standing around, why don't we-"

"Would you shut up!" A familiar voice yells. I spin to see Julian shove Philip. Philip only laughs. "Don't talk about her!" Julian snaps.

"What are you going to do about it?" Philip straightens, glaring at Julian.

Julian raises his arm, punching Philip in the face. Philip stumbles back, covering his right eye. "You little-"

Brynjar smiles, shaking his head. "I'll be back princess." He says as Philip swings at Julian.

Brynjar grabs Julian's arm, holding him back while Nicholas comes to hold his son back.

Brynjar mutters something to Julian causing him to calm down and stop fighting against Brynjar.

Philip spits at Julian. "I kill you!" He snaps, struggling to get to Julian but his father continues holding him back.

Julian watches Philip, his face emotionless. He follows Brynjar back to me. "Julian! You forgot to say hello to this young lady." Brynjar says, slapping Julian on the back.

Julian pales when he sees me. "I didn't." He says shortly, walking back to the castle.

I frown, staring down at my feet. Brynjar only sighs. "Just give him time, he'll come around."

"What if I don't want him to come around? No matter how I feel, he betrayed me because of one little lie. I don't care if I never see him again." I snap.

Brynjar only smiles. "Of course Athena, I believe you." He offers me his hand. "Perhaps we should dance instead of focusing on all your drama."

I laugh, taking his hand. "That definitely would be less stressful." I pause before looking up at Brynjar. "Thank you."