The Curse of the Goblin Prince

Chapter ten A Meal

          

Sir Atlas knocked on the door and Dahlia skipped to open it. She curtsied and greeted her escort. "Good morning to you, good Sir Atlas." She stood up. "Did you have a nice evening?"

He rested his hand on his hip and scratched his chin as he examined her. "Hmm." He turned his attention to Clover who shrugged in response.

Dahlia had been in better spirits since her visit with Len. She could hardly contain how happy she was that he was no longer having to go through with those dreadful infusions. It was good to see him feeling better.

"You seem to be in a good mood," Atlas interjected.

"I am." She beamed at him.

He tilted his head slightly to the side. "Well, that's good. Are you ready to have your breakfast with the king?"

She bowed and extended her hand toward the stairs. "Lead the way, my good man."

He laughed at her chipper response and shook his head. "Looks like you are getting used to being here."

"You could say that." She smiled as she stole a glance at Len's door while they passed by.

Even though she thought she was being discreet; it did not, however, escape Atlas Caelum's attention. "Hmm. That's interesting."
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Ashvin tapped his fingers impatiently on the table. He wanted to know how Dahlia was acclimating to her new schedule. A harsh knock interrupted his thoughts. "Enter." He bellowed.

Dame Zella strode forward. "A word with you, your majesty."

He bit back a smile. Straight to the point as always. "What is it that you would like to tell me?"

She stood taller as she took a deep breath. "I have come to inform you that your son has refused the infusions again today. He is insisting that he drink the rose petals in hot water instead. He even bathed with them! I cannot stress enough how important it is for him to continue with the infusions."

Ashvin threaded his fingers in front of him. "I see. How has he been doing since he stopped the infusions?"

Her stern face briefly faltered; revealing a disapproving scowl. "He seems to have a bit more strength today."

A smile twitched on his lips. "So whatever he did yesterday seems like it is working better than what you have been doing for the past three years."

"Only slightly, your majesty."

A wide grin stretched across his bearded face. "Well then! It seems that my clever son has discovered a better way of taking care of himself. Even if it is only slightly better. He may continue to do as he pleases in regards to his own treatment."

When he saw the sneer pull at her features; he added, "That is as long as he is not regressing. Do we have an understanding, Dame Zella?"

"As you wish, your majesty." She bowed before she exited the room.

When the door shut behind her and the king was once again alone; he pondered over the good news. Why had Galen chosen now to change his treatment methods? Could Dahlia have"

A soft rapping sounded on the wooden door.

He called out to his little guest. "Come in." He could not keep the excitement out of his voice. He was in high spirits. For the first time in years, his son was finally making some improvement. With any luck, he would be back to his old self before his next birthday.
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Dahlia stopped in front of her seat. She quickly glanced around the room. Still no sight of the elusive prince. She was beginning to think that he might not actually exist.

Her eyes fell on Sir Atlas as he approached the king and whispered into his ear. She examined the change in King Lorcan's demeanor. He had looked to be lost in thought when she entered the room, but now he wore a sly smile as if he was privy to a safely guarded secret.

Afterward, Atlas took his leave while the king cleared his throat to compose himself. "Dahlia, my dear. How are your lessons fairing? Atlas tells me that you are acclimating well. Is this true?"

She studied his face for a moment before she answered. "I am ever so grateful for the lessons that you have provided for me, King Lorcan. Even though I haven't been here long, I hope to be able to learn more about your kingdom. From what I have seen of the castle and the grounds; everything is quite spectacular. The Azalea Kingdom is honored to be friends with the Lorcan Kingdom."

"Yes. Well, we are happy to have you here. If there is anything that you wish to have or do during your stay with us, please don't hesitate to let me know."

"Thank you for your kindness. I will not forget what you have said."

"Good. Now let's see what they have made for breakfast. Shall we?" His smile was warm and genuine and reminded her of her father.

Dahlia nodded and returned his smile.

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Len stood by the window. He could feel the cold seeping into the room through the cracks. The heat from the teacup warmed his fingers as he watched the small white flurries flutter down from the bright sky.

He hoped Dahlia was having a better time in her classes today. A knock came at the door. It startled him. No one ever comes to his room at this time of day.

He set the cup down on his dresser and quietly walked to the door. "Who...who is it?" He struggled to remain composed; while his heart pounded in his chest.

"It is I, Sir Atlas Caelum. May I come in?" His voice was low as he spoke through the wooden door.

Len slowly turned the knob and opened the door for the knight. He stepped to the side and let him in.

It had been three years since he had last laid eyes on Atlas. Len scowled at him after he closed the door. "What do you want?"

"I have a question for you, your highness."