The King's Court

II

The midnight glow of the moonlight shone through the courtyard. Most of the palace workers have gone to their chambers to sleep but the guards have been walking around. Ever since the incident, I have doubled the guards in the castle. Not because I fear the incident will happen again but because I have to remove the restlessness settling in the whole of Visaris.

"Sire—"

I held up a hand to stop Roylan from what he is about to say.

"I know what you're going to say, Roy. You can't stop me. Besides, we're already here."

I heard him sigh. "I was not going to stop you, sire."

I faced him. "What were you going to say?"

"Whatever this is, I think you should reconsider. Especially involving Prince Leon."

I stared at him. Roylan had been the head of the palace guards for years. My father appointed him right after he easily dismantled me from my horse in one of our annual competitions.

"You don't trust my brother," I said and he did not say anything. It was enough to confirm my statement. He didn't need to say it as I have known him enough to know even the slightest changes in his facial expressions.

"I thought I clearly told you to come here alone, brother. I didn't imagine you'd be bringing Roylan with you."

Roylan was quick to respond. One moment he was facing me and the next, he was facing Leon, sword drawn and pointed right under my brother's chin.

Leon was not even remotely surprised. I let out a sigh.

"Roylan," I called but he was not putting his sword down.

"Why did you call His Majesty here?"

Leon narrowed his eyes at Roylan as though finding it hard to believe that he just ignored my command. Ever since I sat on the throne, he'd been extra alert.  I couldn't blame him, though.

"I didn't realize I needed your permission to talk to my brother, Roylan," Leon answered, still narrowing his eyes at Roy.

"You're not answering my question, Leon?"

My brows raised at how Roylan replied but I clamped my lips to stop myself from laughing.

Leon saw my expression and rolled his eyes. "Nikolas, why is he here?"

I shrugged. "He insisted to come. And besides, even if I come alone, Roylan will still find me here."

Leon groaned and looked at Roy again before he said, "I am not going to hurt your precious king, Roylan."

Roylan was still not yielding and continued to point his sword at Leon. I stepped forward and clapped his shoulder.

"It's alright, Roy. Put it down."

Roy and Leon engaged in another staring battle before Roy sheathed his sword back.

Before anyone of them could say something, I faced my brother. "Well, what are we doing here? What were you going to show me?"

Leon looked at Roy.  "It's impossible to tell him to remain here, isn't it?"

"His Majesty will not be going anywhere alone with you."

Leon groaned. "Fine. Both of you come with me."

He started walking out of the courtyard until we reached the stables.

"And where exactly are we going?"

"To the woods," he answered and mounted on his horse. The stableboy gave me my horse and Roy's too.