The Mage Wars

Home Sweet Home

15 Celeste of the year 13006

Upon my arrival, Neirin fell to his knees and thanked the spirits—an over-the-top performance by my cousin. He then left with Guinevere for the temple in the lower town. Sir Haedyn said my cousin had a sack of gold in hand when he went.

It's been nearly twenty-four hours since our arrival. A banquet will be held tonight to welcome us home properly. I'm looking forward to the festivities. A long night of dancing, good food, wine and company.

"Eve, you wanted to see me?" Neirin calls out as he pushes into the throne room. His voice jolts me out of my thoughts.

"I do. I figured we could talk before the meeting begins," I gesture to the balcony. It's one of my favourite spots in the whole castle. From its location, I can see all the way to the harbour. And if I really try I can just about see the lords quarter in the northern section.

My cousin joins me on the balcony and rests his palms against the railing. He waits for me to speak. A formality. Something that will be squeezed out while in private. He's my cousin, not an unfamiliar courtier. He knows better.

"You know why I asked you here before the meeting,"

"I do," My cousin states. I can tell a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. Me being here and taking back the responsibility as Queen has lifted years off of him.

"Then why don't you begin?"

"How was my father?" That's not exactly what I mean, but I suppose it's a start.

"He was well. Thankful Sharrn was fitting in with High Mage Bryren," I flick my hand, and a letter appears held between my thumb and forefinger. It bears the seal of Evanath. "He gave me this, to give to you,"

My cousin takes it from my outstretched hand. He stares at it as if it could hold his death. Perhaps it does, in a way.

"I urge you to read it. It may answer your questions better than I can,"

"Before I do, I understand why two monarchs are supposed to rule one kingdom,"

Good. With two royals working in tandem, it eases stress and strain. And it makes life at court easier for those around the royals. "It makes it easier,"

"You're right,"

I smile at my cousin and walk over to the round table to check it over. I may have been away for nearly three months the staff have gotten used to Neirin's way of ruling. It's best that I look over what has been brought out to correct it if it needs to be. Perhaps I'll like the changes Neirin has made.

As I look over the seating arrangement, paper put out, ink, quills, and the hand-held foods to be eaten, my cousin reads the letter. He was pacing the length of the balcony. Then he stopped and glanced at me.

Neirin sighs and asks why his father changed his mind. Then he backtracks, asking what it was I said to him that made him change his mind.

"He never changed his mind, cousin. He simply explained himself poorly, to begin with," It's true. I read several of my uncle's letters to Neirin. They did not convey the proper message. Liron, at the age of six, could do better.