The Seventh Prince

Chapter 9

"Excuse me, sir," the messenger said, walking into King Samson's office.

King Samson did not look up from his work. He did not want to be interrupted. "Is it important?" he asked the boy hastily.

"I'm afraid so, sir," the messenger said.

This caused the King to look up. "What is it?" King Samson said keeping a straight face and preparing himself for the news.

The young man spoke. "From King Henry." King Samson's expression changed slightly for a brief instant at this opening but quickly returned to neutral. The messenger continued. "It is with heavy hearts that Rachel and I inform you of the sudden death of our youngest daughter, Piper due to illness. Please visit us soon to discuss the changes to the wedding in May and the territories that were to be given to our children. Best wishes to you, Queen Isabelle, and your sons. King Henry."

King Samson took a deep breath and bowed his head in respect and sadness. After a moment he looked up at the messenger. "Thank you, sir," the King said. The young boy nodded and left the room.

He got up and went to find his wife. When he found her they quickly got into a carriage and headed east.

Later that night, Luke heard a knock at his door. "Come in," he said.

He turned to see his mother standing in the doorway. "Your father wants to see you and your brothers." Luke nodded and followed her down to his father's office.

King Samson looked at his seven sons standing in a row and thought of King Henry and Queen Rachel. He could not imagine the pain it would cause him if he were to lose any one of them. He said a silent thankful prayer and then proceeded to deliver the bad news.

"We received word this morning that Princess Piper has passed away due to her illness." He looked at Jack whose headed was bowed. "We have spoken with King Henry, Queen Rachel, and their daughters and there have been some changes made to the wedding plan in May." The sons looked at each other.

"The six princesses will each choose one week before the wedding which prince they wish to marry. The island's seven new territories have had their borders arranged to six that each princess and her chosen prince will reign over. Since there are six princesses and seven of you, this means that one of you will not be chosen and will not get a territory," the King explained. "Do you understand?"

The princes looked at each other, not sure what to think of this new plan. They slowly nodded in answer to their father's question. "Good," the King said. "We will be travelling to East Ostaria in two days. Good night." The sons bid their father and mother good night and filed out of the office.

As they walked upstairs, they one by one entered into their rooms until it was just Charlie and Jack in the hall. Jack's fists were clenched tight. Charlie noticed this and asked, "What's the matter?"

Jack's voice was shaky. "Piper's dead and now I don't get a territory."

Charlie knew what he was getting at but still he said, "You don't know that."

Jack ignored his encouragement. "I'm younger than all of them. None of them will want me."

Charlie had nothing to say except, "Good night."

"Good night," Jack said tensely and they both entered their rooms.

A few rooms down, Luke was ecstatic. He was sad that the princess had died but he couldn't wait to tell Scarlett about the new system for the wedding. He didn't care that it would mean not inheriting a territory. All that mattered was that he would have a chance to one day marry her. He looked out his window out on the town below.

"I've got a plan, Scarlett. I've got a plan."