The Forgotten Kingdom

Chapter 9: The Beckoning King

Valor slept on the couch adjacent to his bed. The sun began to rise, prompting him to awake to the bright rays in his eyes. Brielle was still sleeping away in the comfortable bed that engulfed her.

After some time of sitting and eating some porridge Marci brought in, the prince saw Brielle sat up, rubbing her tired eyes.

"Good morning, your Highness." The Prince smiled at the awaking Princess. She looked over to him, growing fearful, "Oh my Lord, forgive me, I did not mean to intrude and-"

"Sit back down. It is quite alright. I placed you there. In my defense, it was too late to carry you all the way to your own quarters." Brielle relaxed upon hearing this but tensed again as the door to the room flung open with great force.

Denco ran in, talking directly to the Prince. "Romar is expecting you in court now. He is not... Oh, my apologies. I did not realize..." He looked to the bed and back to Valor. "Be down soon." He left as quickly as he entered, slamming the door behind him.

Brielle flushed, hoping Denco did not suspect anything inappropriate had taken place. Valor stood, rubbing his eyes. "Do not mind the Commander. He is incomprehensible at times." He rose to grab garments, and Brielle threw her blanket overhead, avoiding any chance of peeking at the changing prince.

"How long will you react like this to the man you are betrothed to?" the prince laughed, and Brielle groaned. "Once I am not betrothed, then I will modify my behavior accordingly."

"Something tells me that is not true." The Prince smirked and walked over to the bed, "You may look now." Brielle pulled down the sheet as Valor sat beside her, but when she noticed he was shirtless, she threw the sheet back up, "Prince Valor!"

She blushed, registering the attractive body sitting right next to her. His muscles were intense, and she realized she had not often seen a man exposed this way. "I never said I was decent, your Highness." He stood and began out the door, throwing his shirt on.

"Your torture is unbearable!" Brielle smiled a little under her sheets, and Valor laughed, closing the door behind him.

_______

Valor walked happily, almost running into Denco while lost in thought, "I did not see you there."

Denco gathered himself, and they continued walking, "Christ, man. Is her chastity that metamorphic?"

The Prince smiled, "No, no, saving that for the wedding night, my friend."

"Good to know," Denco said blankly as they rounded a corner. They were about to enter the court when Valor pushed his commander into the wall. "What is that supposed to mean?" he breathed.

Denco had the same look on his face but put his hands up in surrender as much as he could, "I did not mean anything unsavory, my Lord."

The Prince released him, adjusting himself, "Good." He entered the court without giving his commander another look. Together, they entered to find King Romar and his advisors discussing with him.

"As soon as everything is prepared, we will send half over, telling them it is the entirety—oh my boys!" Romar smelled of alcohol even at this great distance. "Are we finishing up the offensive plans?" the commander questioned, unshaken from the previous encounter.

"Yes, and as soon as the wedding is complete, we will commence. That should take place in a day or two. So have you boys decided yet?" the king slightly slurred as he headed to his throne.

Confused, the Prince looked at Denco, but the commanders face was transfixed straight ahead. "Decided what, my Lord?" Valor asked, now looking at his father.