The Call

Visitors

After the meal and her daily ride in the surrounding countryside, Serene stood at her window to watch a familiar sight.

Thundering toward the castle rode thirty armed men on horseback. Two regal figures at the front of the procession caught Serene's eye. The first was clothed in royal scarlet and violet and wore a crown about his head. The second rode beside him. He looked much younger than the first, near Serene's age, and was clad in deep blue. A band of gold was around his head, and his bronze hair was pulled back behind his neck.

"Prince Romeni," she muttered under her breath, despising the name. "Of course he had to come the day Felix left," she grumbled, as she exited her room.

The riders approached and passed through the open gates. Serene descended the stairs and met her father, and they continued on together to meet their visitors.

When they arrived, King Chazon, Prince Romeni, and a few others from their company had dismounted, and the stable hands were attending to their horses. King Chazon saw Imrah and Serene and walked toward them. When he was within speaking distance, the king raised his hand in salute.

"My lord and lady. Greetings."

"Your Majesty," Imrah returned, offering his arm.

King Chazon grasped it heartily as Imrah offered a slight bow.

The king turned to Serene. "My lady," he said, nodding in greeting.

Serene nodded back. "Your Majesty."

King Chazon looked to the young man beside him. "May I ask if you had the opportunity to meet my son, Romeni?"

Serene hesitated with a gracious smile. "I have, sire. I was very honored."

Prince Romeni also bowed in greeting, and Serene and Imrah acknowledged it accordingly.

King Chazon turned toward the light-haired youth who had come up beside Prince Romeni. "This is my youngest son, Cullen. Cullen, Lord Imrah and Lady Serene."

"I'm honored to meet you," he said respectfully, bowing low to each of them.

Imrah smiled kindly at the young prince before looking back to the Decian king.

"Welcome back to Levace. We are honored to have you. The stable hands will care for your steeds, and your men are welcome to visit the markets or remain here if they wish."

"Thank you." The king gestured his general to his side and nodded to his remaining aids. They returned to the entourage to relay Lord Imrah's words, while Lord Imrah and the king, accompanied by his commanding general, entered the meeting hall while Serene and the princes stayed behind.

Romeni approached Serene. "I'm glad to see you again," he said kindly, seemingly trying to start a conversation.

Serene returned the smile. "Yes." After a short pause, she offered, "Would you and your brother like to walk in the gardens?"

Romeni nodded. "Yes, I would enjoy that."

Serene led them to the gardens, and on their walk, Prince Cullen came up beside her. "Were you at the banquet last night?" he asked her.

Serene smiled. "Yes, I was. I didn't see you there." As she looked into his deep brown eyes, something within them intrigued her. She didn't know what it was, and, though she tried to ignore it, the light behind his eyes drew her.

"I wasn't there. Father wouldn't let me. He said I was too young."

Romeni interjected. "Cullen, don't speak disrespectfully of Father."

Cullen looked back toward his older brother. "I wasn't. I was only saying that I was disappointed that I couldn't go."

Serene glanced backward to see Romeni roll his eyes, and she laughed quietly to herself. It must be fun to have a younger sibling. Aloud, she asked Cullen, "Does your father allow you to travel with him often?"