The Royal Curse

Three - Illegal Weaponry and Kace's Master Plan

Kace Holland

Years ago, my brother told me about Lord Idrice Astley and his son Rafe. How Rafe was in charge of the weaponry circle globally, and how Nicholyn had him "executed". He wasn't dead. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Rafe sat in front of me as he tapped his quill on the ink pot. "Your Grace, I'll happily aid once you sign the confidentiality contract."

A lump grew in my throat as I read the top of the signature line.

CONFIDENTIAL

All persons signing must agree to a no disclosure agreement. Information shared by both parties shall remain confidential if and only if signed together. The discussed information will not be shared with anyone, nor written down anywhere, for sake of nondisclosure.

And just to think Rafe couldn't get any smarter, he pulled a stunt like that. Honestly, I was proud of him for taking it out. He'd grown a lot since our last encounter.

I signed away.

"Excellent." Rafe took the paper, signed it, and placed it into a folder. "I don't sell illegal weaponry. Just the legal ones to the western world."

Leaning back, I sighed. "Oh, Rafe. I know you're not capable of something like this. It'd take a smart man to do this, and you're... you."

Rafe pursed his lips.

"However, you're well knit with others who may actually know what's going on, and I doubt they were smart. They probably thought it'd be a good idea to tell you."

"What are you suggesting, Prince Kace?"

"I'm accusing you of knowing illegal activities. Is that straight forward enough?" I said, narrowing my eyes infinitesimally.

He shrugged and sat forward. "I know a few people who sell illegal weaponry. What's the problem with that?"

"There's no problem. After all, your business does help the government. I'm simply wondering so I know who to go to for advice in the future."

"Advice on illegal weapons?"

"Advice on trade," I simply said. "Lumbar and coal from Thaeleck. Glass, gemstones, and petrol from Kandose. Weapons could be the next major export of Entorre. I need to know who to go ask."

Rafe let out a relieved breath. Good. "How do I know you're not going to leak information about the illegal weaponry?"

"The 'illegal' weaponry will soon be legal once I instate the new act."

"And how do I know you're going to do that?"

"Because I want our economy to thrive as much as the next person. Besides, have I given you a reason to not trust my word?"

Rafe glared at me.

"Fine, if you insist." I dug into my pockets and clasped around a royally sealed contract. Now maybe that would be useful. Whisking it out, I slid it in front of Rafe. "Take a look at that."

He glanced quizzically at the enveloped promise before slowly opening it. It was an eternity before he finished reading it.