Swords and Flowers

Ch.3: Royal Contracts

The Adventurer's Guild buzzed with excitement, and Caelann, fresh off his herb-gathering quest in the dark forest, was hoping for a quiet morning. But that peace was interrupted by a royal summons — his first one from the palace itself. Now, standing before the grand palace doors, flanked by the ever-stoic kingsguard, Caelann couldn't help but feel his palms sweating under their iron gaze. He'd been to the palace before, of course, but this time it felt different. This time, he wasn't here to help Elowyn plant roses.

Inside the palace, Elowyn awaited him just before the entrance to the throne room. "Ah, another contract from you, Your Highness?" Caelann asked with a grin, trying to calm his nerves.

Elowyn shook her head, looking as puzzled as he felt. "Not this time, Caelann. It was not I who had summoned you this time, but my father."

Caelann's smile faded, and he swallowed nervously as he whispered. "Y-you don't think he knows about the garden...?"

She laughed softly and patted his arm. "I don't think so. Besides, even if he did, we fixed it in time." Her warm smile was reassuring, and she looped her arm through his as they made their way toward the throne room.

Just then, a royal servant stepped forward to check if Caelann was prepared. Caelann wiped his palms against his tunic and gave a shaky nod, straightening up. Before he could take another breath, Elowyn slipped her arm around his for support, giving him a reassuring squeeze. He blushed, but the warmth from her gesture steadied him.

When the doors opened, they stepped into the room together, where an official herald's voice rang out. "Caelann of Elmsgrove, son of His Majesty's loyal servant, Reginald."

The throne room was grand, a vast hall lined with tapestries and banners of Valoria, with the Talassa eagle in mid-flight above the throne itself. 

At the end of the long hall, upon the throne, sat King Alaric Talassa, his presence as commanding as the gilded eagle on the Talassa crest behind him. Caelann walked forward and knelt, raising his hand in respect. The King nodded, bidding him rise.

He studied Caelann, his eyes deep and thoughtful. "Rise, young Caelann. Your father was one of my most trusted men, and I see in you the same strength and loyalty he once bore. Reginald served his kingdom with honor, and his sacrifice will always be remembered. As I live, you will always have a friend in this family."

Elowyn gave Caelann a small, encouraging smile from the King's side as Caelann replied, "Thank you, Your Grace."

King Alaric continued, his tone growing heavier. "It is precisely because of that loyalty, Caelann, that I have chosen you for a royal task. My daughter has entrusted you with her responsibilities in the past, and you've proved yourself a capable and loyal companion. I need you now to carry out a task of great importance to the throne."

Caelann bowed his head, ready to accept the charge. "Whatever you ask of me, Your Grace."

The King leaned forward, his gaze steady. "I would have you deliver this letter to the neighboring kingdom of Creathe, to Prince Samuel of House Anderdall."

The words sent a ripple of surprise through the room, not least of all in Caelann. His brows furrowed, his eyes darting to Elowyn, who looked equally taken aback. 

"S-Samuel?!" Elowyn would say, but the King held up a hand to silence her before she could interject further.

"It would bring me joy to see my daughter married to a man as skilled as Samuel, a noble swordsman and a poet," the King continued, his voice filling the hall. "This is an important matter of alliance between our kingdoms. And it must be delivered without delay." He leaned back, studying the young adventurer. "Well, Caelann?"