Toymaker

Chapter 21

Never in his life had Dendron been as daunted as he was when he entered his aunt's study and saw the mass of books and ledgers waiting for him. Since the Harvest festival two weeks ago, the Duchess of Everrun had taken him under his wing. She had said it was to ensure he kept up with his studies. After all, as Crown Prince, there were things he needed to learn if he hoped to be a wise and just ruler.

And while a Duchy was quite a bit smaller in scale, Aunt Phodel said it would serve well as a practice run. Especially if something should befall his father when there was so much unrest in the capital.

It was practical advice although Dendron hadn't much liked to consider the thought. Father was going to be coming to join them soon.

What did it matter that Adiolus had already been well-versed in statecraft at his age? Since birth, his older brother had been groomed as the future heir. Dendron had simply been the spare. It wasn't fair to compare themselves, but Dendron couldn't help it. At just seventeen, Adiolus had already brokered several favourable trade deals with neighbouring countries. Dendron, on the other hand, was barely scraping by in his Academy classes. He'd also been poisoned over the summer and had nearly died.

Why was it he only ever seemed to come in second every time to Adiolus? Perpetually trapped in the shadow of greatness?

Dendron was pulled from his thoughts as Aunt Phodel looked up and peered at him through her half-rimmed eyepieces. "There you are Dendron. I thought today we could go over the quarterly tithes. Admittedly, it is not the most riveting work one must do, but it is essential to the effectual running of a nation. Where else can you see the market in action and get a clear understanding of where one's riches come from?"

Dendron bit back a groan. The last thing he wanted to do was go over boring numbers when the sun was out.

In Everrun, the days had grown shorter and colder. He ought to be outside, perhaps going down to the shops with Anais at his side. He would buy her a rose and confess the feelings that had blossomed in his chest from the very moment they had met...

"Dendron!" snapped the Duchess. She impatiently beckoned him closer. "This is no time to be daydreaming. This is important work and you will learn. Given that you will be of age within the year, it's important you have a firm grasp of the basics before you take the throne."

Reluctantly, Dendron stepped up his aunt's dark walnut desk.

"Are you sure this can't wait until tomorrow, Aunt Phodel?" he said. "I mean, the sun is out and it would be a shame to spend it all cooped up inside."

The look she threw his way sent a chill down Dendron's spine, brooking no argument.

"You may gambol and frolic as your heart so wishes once your work is done. A King is beholden to the people, not to whatever whims take their fancy. Without the people, you have no power. As such, it would behove you to comprehend the inner workings of what makes a nation tick. To know what your people want and how best to keep them pleased."

"Seems a little unfair for me not to rest on the odd occasion," Dendron replied grumpily.

"Despite what you may think, being King is not simply a matter of waving ones hands and then doing as you like for the rest of the day. Honestly, what has my brother been doing, indulging you so?"

"But isn't this kind of work what my advisors are for?"

The Duchess let out a suffering sigh. "Yes, I suppose you could certainly rely on them for the normal running of the kingdom, Dendron. However, doing so exposes oneself to risk such as corruption among your ranks and discontent among the masses. Believe you me, nephew, blind trust leads only to betrayal. It would be in your best interest to remember that."