The Forgotten Kingdom

Chapter 5: Marci's Medicine

Brielle was taken back to the room she had woken up in. The room was dark except for the roaring fireplace that warmed the space. She heard the door close and locked behind her. She sighed and went to sit in front of the fireplace.

After that disappointing interaction with the King, Brielle felt defeated. She was saddened by her Father and wondered if he was even alive. It dawned on her that he may be dead, and the King may just be stringing her along. She hugged her knees before the fireplace, then drifted off to sleep.

She awoke to the sound of knocking, which could not have been much later because the fire was still burning fervently. She turned to see the door opening and the Prince quickly walking through it. Brielle stood hastily at the sudden intrusion, holding her hands before her. Her cheeks blushed as she was reminded of the previous events.

The Prince entered the room and saw the warmth it already held. He was glad she felt comfortable sitting next to the warm fire. He faced the Princess, "I beg your forgiveness for the actions of my Father." He scanned the room and noticed she was stripped of her outer layer of clothing. "And please forgive my actions as well. I was not aware of how late it was." He stared down at her as she contemplated his words.

Brielle then realized he was referring to her sleepwear. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she did not remember making herself that comfortable. She turned to grab the quilt hanging off her bed and wrapped it around herself. The Prince was now looking very intently at the wall, trying not to see the Princess out of the corner of his eye.

"I will commission my servants to supply you with whatever you need tomorrow. Please, sit." He motioned for her to sit on the couch across from him. Once she walked to the couch and settled into it, he sat. She quietly responded to the visitor, "Thank you for your apology and your hospitality. It will not be necessary for your servants to dote on me, though. I am sure my Father and I will be leaving soon."

The Prince did not respond immediately. Instead, he tensed under the Princess' words, and she noticed, "My Lord, I will be seeing my Father soon, right?" She gazed up from her hands that rested on her lap and looked at Valor. He looked from the fireplace to her, "Yes, you will see your father again." But Brielle noticed his demeanor still had not changed.

"What is the problem, then?" The Prince was taken aback by her sudden straightforwardness. He met her now intense and curious eyes, "It seems like your Father may be needed awhile longer in our court to discuss... political affairs."

"I do not see an issue with seeing Him in that process. And with the urgency of my Kingdom's state, there would be no probable reason for a prolonged stay. In fact," Brielle stood looking at Valor, "I wish to see my Father now." The Prince stood, taking a stressed breath.

He knew the state of Claudius was less than desirable. When first arrested, he was taken to the Royal court and intensely interrogated. King Romar had Claudius struck multiple times throughout their discussion. Valor also knew Brielle was willing to run, so He took it upon himself to prolong their reunion, "Your Highness, your father still faces unfinished business. It does not seem a favorable time to interrupt-" He stopped when He noticed Brielle's face drop.

Tears began welling in her eyes, and she tried to keep her composure. "I understand," she whispered as she wiped away a falling tear. She sat back down, and the Prince still stood. He contemplated telling her of Romar's proposal of marriage, but he decided against it. He left the room with a quiet "Good night" and left Brielle with her thoughts.

After some time, she walked to her bed and attempted to get some sleep. She felt the pressure of the day's events flood her mind, but she eventually fell asleep nonetheless.

_______

Claudius swept in and out of consciousness, only stirring when pain in his side or head forced him awake. He had been shackled in this dark dungeon since He met with King Romar. Who did not deal with him lightly.

He tried to pursue the King in an alliance, but Romar saw an opportunity to gain more power instead. Now, Claudius was at risk of loosing his crown to two nations instead of one. Sleep crept up on him, which He was thankful for.

Hours later, He could feel rays of warm sun in his eyes. He opened them to find himself still in the same dungeon, but with the window allowing in some warmth. As he basked in the sun as He heard large gates open and multiple people pour into the hallway.

He turned to see three men standing outside of his cell, one being the Commander, Denco, from yesterday's events. He unlocked the door to see Claudius laying on the floor.

"Marci, you can come in." Denco spoke behind him. And a small woman with medicinal supplies entered. Without any words she kneeled next to Claudius and began applying ointments and oils to his injuries. Denco continued, "I am sorry for your treatment here thusfar."

Claudius just winced at the pain of Marci's ointments and looked to the man in the doorway, "What is the state of the daughter?" He had heard that Brielle was found and taken by the Kings gaurd's during yesterdays intergiation with the King. The rage he displayed upon hearing that news landed him his first blow.

Denco quickly responded, "She is completely safe. I swear no harm has come to her. Yeesterday the King met with her and-" Claudius shot up upon hearing thiss.

"The King requested her? For what reason?" Claudius felt anger in his bones at the thought of the wretched King even looking at his daughter. Denco stated, "I know, my Lord. But she was truly unharmed entirely."

With that Marci layed the King back down to continue recieving treatment. Denco continued, "The King is requesting your presence once more. I believe he has a solution for your Kingdom." Claudius just huffed in response.

King Claudius eventually got to his feet with marci's help, and signaled to Denco that he was prepared to go. and with that they set out to the throne room.