We The Kings: Book Two

Chapter 34

"Pardon me, Orion. Daniel, will you assist my training group until I return?"

"Of course, your highness." He bowed.

I went inside the castle to meet Mavis. She was sitting at the long table of the strategy room with Charles. I closed the door behind me.

"What's going on? Also, shouldn't you be training?" I looked at Charles.

"I needed a rest day. Have to let the muscles relax, you know. Plus, me and Mavis were talking about the people of Belmonte."

"What about them?" I asked Mavis.

"I think it's time we rally the people to join our side. The castle gates have been closed since Samuel invaded and there are rumors of a dragon. My people are terrified, and I haven't comforted them.

"They are your people, you know them best. What do you suggest we do?"

"I think the best way to start is to gather all the noblemen and woman here for a dinner and get them to agree to fight with us. Then, the people will most likely follow. It'll expand our army and resources. After that, we reach out to other kingdoms that have not allied with Vendov."

"I think it's a solid plan. We can have invites sent out immediately." I said.

"Good. I want them all here. The sooner, the better." Mavis stood up.

"All of them? As in my father as well?" Charles eyes grew wider.

"But of course. He's Belmonte's Duke of Taxes and a close friend to the crown. Plus, I'm sure he'll be delighted to see you." She said.

Mavis left the room to write out the invites, leaving me and Charles alone.

"We have to stop that dinner!" Charles exclaimed.

"Because of your father?"

"Yes! I cannot see him! That invite cannot be sent?"

"This dinner is important for the support of our side of the war and our kingdoms. We can't not have it because you don't want to see your father."

"He said he never wanted to see me again. He disowned me."

"Perhaps if you explain to Mavis what happened she'd understand." I suggested.

"No. Mavis can't know. She would be offended if she knew her best lover was into men, especially commoner men."

I held back on rolling my eyes the best I could.

"I don't think she'd be offended by any means." I told him.

"It's embarrassing. She can't know. No one can. Perhaps I shouldn't have even told you. I thought you would understand." He said.

"Charles, this dinner needs to happen. But I will be there to support you in whatever you need. Who knows, your father might not even come."

"I hope you're right."

The invitations were set out immediately. The dinner was scheduled for three days away. It was time for Belmonte to be rallied for the war.

I was soon summoned to the back gardens. Johnny had returned home with her special ally. She requested to see me, and only me.

Johnny stood near a marble bench in the flower filled garden. Next to her stood an individual I did not recognize. Their skin was dark, their hair was long and hung down to their chest. Their body was slender and slim. I struggled to identify their age.

"Johnny, I'm relieved to see you have returned to Belmonte safely."

"As am I, your majesty. I think I have someone that can help us with our dragon problem."