Her Royal Pen Pal

Chapter 11 [His Royal Evil-ness]

(Copyright) © 2011 Candle_Ice

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[A/N: Pic at the side is of John Glover as Leonidas' Grandfather]

Chapter 11

It was the worst of bad days he's ever encountered. It was worse than the day the public servants decided to strike, and the day their Ambassador to Calista was arrested for underhand crimes, all rolled into one. And this day had nothing to do with his state affairs. The problem Leonidas was facing was his grandfather: His Royal Elder, Erland Owen De van Wells was a major thorn in Leonidas side.

Arriving earlier than scheduled, he was causing mayhem in his demands for a private audience with his grandson. Just what Leonidas didn't need: A run in with his grandfather just as Elise was meeting his parents and siblings this afternoon. More than likely, his grandfather would want to meet her also, and Leonidas knew that Elise wasn't ready for that.

The public image of who King Erland was, and who he really is, are two completely different scenarios. He was a great pretender. Only his family and those close to the royals knew what a cold, calculating, heartless prick he really was. This was not something Leonidas wanted to share with Elise right now. He was hoping for more time. He had had every intention of canceling their meeting of the royal elders on Friday, and just introduce her to them later. But this impromptu arrival threw his plans out the window.  

Erland Owen De van Wells was his grandfather, but Leonidas hated the man with a passion. Just thinking about him had his hands curling into fists painfully. As a royal Elder he was still respected, but the King had more power and authority over him. The laws and decrees that were declared by him during his rule as king were binding, and could not be broken by the present king, though the King could add new terms or conditions. But that is the extent of his power now, a weak old man, feared or respected by most but not loved by any of those who are related to him. How can one love someone so heartless? Memories Leonidas tries hard to keep buried threatened to overflow, but he closed his eyes and pushed them aside, not wanting to go there. 

Re-opening his eyes, Leonidas looked up from his desk and saw his father standing in the door way, dressed in his usual suit, sans the tie.

Getting up from his seat Leonidas bowed to him and remained standing until his father took his seat, and then he sat down. He was king, after all, and he needed to be treated as such by others, including his son. His wife, as his equal, is the only one excused from this showing this act of respect.

“Did you meet him yet, Leonidas?” the King asked.

“Not as yet, Father,” he replied, not needing to ask who his father was referring to.

“I can’t say I blame you for putting it off. I never wanted to cross paths with him, myself, and he’s my father.” King Grisham said.

“You are the better father, and the better king. He knows that and he hates it!” Leonidas said honestly, “I don’t see why we should be under his control till now and why I must run to him every time he barks.”

“Still, it is best if you get through it now. Knowing my father, he’ll put you in a foul mood, and the sooner you get it over with, the sooner you’ll cool off. No need for you to be in a foul mood when we meet Elise.” His father advised.

Seeing the wisdom in his father’s words, Leonidas arrived at his grandfather’s chambers five minutes later.

“So, his Royal Highness, the future king decided to finally grace me with his presence,” his Royal Elder chided mockingly.

“I don’t have time to waste, old man. What is it? What is so important that you summon me like one of you puppets?” Leonidas couldn’t help the bitterness in his voice.

“You watch your tone of voice with me, young man! I am the King’s father!” he bellowed.

“And I’m the King’s son! The future king,” Leonidas replied, feeling his anger rise up in him

“Your father was too lenient with you. You deserved a sound whipping for your insolence through the years, but he always spared you. Now you do not know your place with your Elders!” His grandfather’s anger was also evident.

“Oh! King Erland has to abuse and ill treat others for them to bend his way!! Tell me, grandfather, do you have to belittle everyone else and make them feel worthless, so you can feel good about yourself? So you can feel powerful in your hold over others?” Leonidas was shouting now, fury running through his veins.

“Why you ungrateful, little—“He raised a fist to cuff Leonidas’ face, but was cut off by the king’s royal guard.

“Don’t you dare raise your hand to my son!” Both men were surprised by the King’s appearance.

“It seems both father and soon, has no respect for my authority, when I request a private meeting with my grandson.” Erland said menacingly.

“What authority? As king, and Leonidas, future king, we have more authority than you!” King Grisham reminded him in an equal tone, “We only tolerate you because disowning you and casting you aside as a royal elder would mean shining the light on what happened years ago, and the people of Elyria do not need to see what a beast their King was!”

His Royal Elder King Erland was enraged to have his actions thrown against him.

“I owe no one an explanation! You understand me!” he practically shouted at his son.

Both the King and his father stood staring at each other. Leonidas knew his father was never one to lose his temper easily, but his grandfather just pushed all their buttons.

“I don’t have time for this. I have documents to approve, and you are wasting my—“ Leonidas was about to leave.

“There still some things I have to discuss with you, Leonidas,” Erland reminded him in a stern tone.

“Then make an appointment with my assistant for tomorrow. I’m booked today. My hopefully future wife is going to be here this afternoon, and I want to finish my work load by then. AND no! You can’t meet her!” Leonidas said in definite tone.

“I’ve already met your future wife boy,” Erland said smugly.

“You’ve met Elise? When?” Leonidas was confused.

“Who’s ‘Elise’? I’m talking about Catalina Del Gado.” Erland said smiling.

“Old man, you have completely lost your marbles!” Leonidas said, “My girlfriend’s name is Elise, not Catalina, and she’s the one I’m going to marry one day, hopefully, one day soon.”

“But my dear grandson,” Erland said in a mockingly sweet voice, “Catalina Del Gado is your betrothed!”