Ripe for the Picking

The Conclave Confession

The following morning was unusually calm for Joshua. He had awoken from the sound of someone knocking on his bedroom door. While laying in his bed, Joshua couldn't help but to think about his entanglement with the witches yesterday afternoon. After a minute of listening to the persistent knocking, he eventually got up and made his way towards the door.

Upon opening, his mother's assistant greeted him with a welcoming smile on her face.

"Your grace." she bowed, "Your presence has been requested in the dining hall as your father is holding a small feast before our guests arrive."

"Trying to put on a show I see." commented Joshua as he smiled at the assistant. "Tell them I will be there shortly."

After excusing the assistant, he closed the door and sat back onto his bed. He kept thinking about what Rayne had told him last night. "Everything I have been told is a lie?" he said to himself. "And what did she mean by father's intention with the castle? He already told me it was going to be my castle when he passes away."

Standing up, Joshua put on some decent attire and made his ways towards the dining hall. Upon opening the front doors, he saw a large table full of delicious food that was well prepared for him as he made his way over towards his seat.

"Glad for you to join us." Greeted King Gerard.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, father. "Smiled Joshua. "My...everything looks amazing!"

"Eat up!" cheered his mother as she continued to enjoy her breakfast. "We have a big day ahead."

"That's right, we will be having honorary guests coming to our home." smiled Joshua.

"Indeed." added his father. "Our guests are expected to arrive around noon. The meeting will commence over lunch and if everything goes well, then we will have a bright future ahead for our family."

"Wonderful!" cheered Joshua. "I shall be looking my best for the meeting then."

There was an awkward silence as Joshua's parents stopped and glanced at each other. The assistant turned her head and quickly stepped away as if Joshua had said something he wasn't supposed to. After letting out a sigh, King Gerard had broken the news to him.

"You are not going to be attending the meeting, Joshua."

"What do you mean?" Joshua asked. "I am your son. I am technically a prince although you never call me one. Hell, I even killed the witch that many men have died fighting. I have every right to be there!"

"YOU ARE NOT COMING!" shouted King Gerard.

"Joshua sweetie..." intervened Joshua's mother as she carefully reached her arm out between them to de-escalate the situation. "We just think it is best to let the kings handle everything."

"Kings?" Joshua asked.

"Our main guest coming over is none other than King Aron." his father announced. "It is of great importance that you stay out of this as I don't want you to screw things up."

Joshua was livid. He and his father proceeded to have the shouting match while his mother made poor attempts to resolve the conflict. The assistants remained away from the dining hall as they wished to not partake in the argument. After repeatedly asking his father why he wasn't able to attend the meeting, Joshua quickly stood up and stormed out of the building.

He marched towards the watchtower as he wanted some time alone. Cursing under his breath, Joshua paced back and forth, ruminating and fuming over his father's decisions.

"What if she was right?" Joshua thought to himself.

His mind was racing. He felt an unsettling feeling in his gut that Rayne may have been on to something. "But Why?" he asked himself as he looked out towards the landscape. His hands were on his hips as he took a few moments to unwind.