𝙎𝙃𝘼𝘿𝙊𝙒 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙁𝙇𝘼𝙈𝙀

𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲

Maven

Cal and I stand outside the Coms tent waiting for the Officer to call us in. I've never been summoned here before, but I can speculate why we have been now. Really, there is only one possible explanation: a message. And not just any message, or else a letter would've been delivered to our tents, like mum's letters are to mine. It's a King's message. Has to be. Those letters are treated more carefully and are handed personally, or read to privately, depending on what Father's wishes are. I just hope it's not the latter. I would hate to have his words read to me like a child. Especially in front of my brother.

"Do you think Father will summon us back to Whitefire?" I ask him now.

"Well, it's been a few months already," he answers. "I can't see why not."

I nod. Surely, I've proven myself enough. Though I haven't returned to the front, thankfully, my training hasn't been as wearing as it used to be. I have improved. Lerolan doesn't yell at me as much as he used to and I feel stronger and more confident in combat. I even made a friend. At least, I think that's what Thomas is. I'm not exactly sure.

"Your Majesties," a man emerges from the tent flaps and bows at us. "Please follow me."

Cal takes the lead and I catch up to walk beside him. We enter the Coms tent behind the man and are then greeted by the Officer inside. He's a short but bright man with a loud voice. Around him, workers move within the large room to attend and register messages and transmissions. They all have a red band or other form of marker to show what they are. It makes me think of honey eyes and dark hair, but he isn't here.

"Come, come, please. Make yourselves comfortable," the Officer says as he guides us deeper into the room. Some of the Reds gape at us and others avoid our gazes. I don't know which is less preferable.

We go through a flap that grants us privacy and silence. The man secures the entrance and moves behind a desk. Cal and I wait respectfully before him. He opens a drawer and takes out an envelope. Just as I suspected, it bears the royal seal of the King of Norta.

"We have received this letter from His Royal Majesty, King Tiberias Calore VI addressed to His Majesty Prince Tiberias Calore VII and His Majesty Prince Maven Calore." The Officer goes through the protocol and shows us the envelope before opening it. Cal and I glance at each other. "Here it is."

He hands my brother the letter as I stand beside him, straining my neck to read with him.

             Dear sons,
             I hope you find yourselves well and adapting. Recently, I have received word from your trainers about your performance at the Choke and am most pleased. Cal, I couldn't be more proud. I'd like you to involve yourself more with the Generals and Officers to overview their organisation and team-making. Maven, I'm glad to hear about your improvement as well. It is great news for the citizens to know that the Princes fight alongside them and I appreciate the effort you put into your image as such.
             As you know, there will be a ball in a few weeks to celebrate my birthday, but I would hate to distract you from your duties. Do not worry about your duty to me, but rather focus on your progress there. Later we will have time for pleasantries. I only write to let you know that I wish you the best and we will see each other soon for your birthday, Cal.

Your Majesty,
King Tiberias Calore VI

"Soon?" I voice. Cal's birthday is more than half a year away.

He folds the paper and bows to the Officer in front of us. "Thank you, sir. We will take our leave now."

"Of course, Your Majesties."