The Cost: A Regal Romance

Chapter 2: Young Heart

Theodore smashed his wooden sword against the dummy repeatedly, laughing as the roughed up dummy spewed hay all over the ground. An older man in armor laughed as Theodore laid on the ground, his energy spent.

"You will never win a duel if you lie down, my prince." Theodore chuckled.

"Bartrum, a dummy will not be the end of me. My fighting is beyond reproach." Bartrum nodded, a glimpse of patronizing acceptance sparkling in his eye. He had been training all of the children to fight since they were able to stand upright. Theodore stood, tossing the wooden sword into a large barrel. He turned and smirked at the young ladies who watched him practice. His eldest sister of age 18, Emelia, was amongst them. She rolled her eyes as the other girls all giggled with delight and shuffled away nervously. Theodore shrugged and smiled at Emelia as she huffed away frustrated. He shook his head humorously before Bartrum gave him a gentle shove towards the castle.

"Come, lad. You must ready for supper." Theodore sighed heavily and made his way to his quarters, where he found his younger brother.

"Oliver, what are you doing here?" Oliver spun around, his smile wide and genuine.

"Big brother! I wanted to walk with you to supper!" Theodore rolled his eyes and smiled lightly as the servants helped dress him. Oliver looked up to his older brother whether Theodore wanted him to or not. They had been inseparable since they were younger, as they grew the same love and care had managed to stay. Oliver, of age 12, adored his eldest brother, constantly following him when he would sneak out of the castle or stealing his garments to make himself feel older. Theodore, currently age at 16, though cold to the majority of people, was still kind to his younger brother. "Come on, brother! Father will never let me have pie if we are late!" Theodore laughed at his brother and grabbed his hand. Though they weren't too far in age, Theodore felt a strong need to look after his brother.

"Let us go then." Oliver smiled widely once more and they made their way to the dining hall. When they arrived his sister along with the King and Queen were already seated. The two boys scurried to their seats quietly. Edmund shot a look at Theodore and mouthed 'you're late' to which Theodore lowered his head embarrassed. Oliver dug in quite ravenously, causing Emelia to shake her head and laugh lightly. The room buzzed, full of noise from all the patrons of the court seated in the hall. The children ate and listened to the lords at the high table discuss the latest news of the land, though nothing of marriage proposals which Edmund was silently grateful for.

As the night carried on, patrons began to retire, as did the King and Queen. The children however had decided against their Governess' wishes and thought an after-supper adventure may be in order.

"We'll have to be quick." Theodore spoke softly as he watched the Governess intently from across the room. Emelia grabbed Olivers hand and ran as Theodore kept look out running behind them. The three young royals ran until their chests pounded in their ears. They had ran through so many corridors they had ended up the castles dungeons. They slowed their breathing and crept through the cold dark halls, Oliver held Emelias' arm so tight she thought it may go numb. There was a rattling that caused the children to stop in their tracks. Theodore stood tall and walked ahead of his siblings. The rattling came again, only louder. The three jumped back when a disheveled, grimy looking person threw himself against the cell door.

"Please! Please let me out! I did nothing wrong!" The man wailed, his voice hoarse from dehydration. Theodore was the only one who replied.

"You are down here for a reason, sir. Might I suggest you understand that thoroughly before requesting to be freed." The man began to laugh at Theodores word. Emelia grabbed Theodore's sleeve lightly.

"Brother, I warn you. We do not know him. Speaking to him could anger our father." The jailed man laughed again.

"Your father is a half-wit! Acledium will rise again! You will all be slaves to the will of the dark heir!" Oliver began to cry, fear washing over him. Emelia pulled him close, shushing him softly.