Regicide

Chapter Two

"Tonight during the feast, we'll have a decoy wagon staged to be filled with grain by all main entrances of the castle," Queen Melvina began. "Then within the insides of the castle exterior entrances, we will line-"

"Line the entrances with a few guards. When the crooked thief decides to steal again, we will advance towards him and have him imprisoned," King Ezio interjected, concluding his statement in a firm, objective manner.

Queen Melvina held her head in her hands. She was well aware Ezio would take credit of the idea, anything for the appearance of a righteous king. But anyone who simply paid attention knew it was always Queen Melvina at work. Regardless, Melvina perceived herself as an accessory to the king, solely for the presentation of a stable kingdom.

Sergio took ahold of Melvina hand and gave it a small squeeze before quickly withdrawing.

"Sergio, command your men tonight at each entrance. We are going to capture that thief who wishes to starve my people, and I want him imprisoned till further notice," King Ezio demanded.

The wooden doors to the dining hall opened simultaneously with guards flanking either side.

"You called for us."

"Prince Audric, Princess Lena," Sergio bowed before them.

"Lord Sergio, pleasure to have you amongst our presences," Audric nodded. "But since you are here, I'm assuming there is an issue at matter."

"Recently there has been-"

"A grain thief has been stealing the last two deliveries. I have conspired a plan to end his fugitive ways," King Ezio reported.

Queen Melvina sighed.

"We will have him captured tonight," he added.

"Grain?" Audric questioned. "That's completely ridiculous. He must have a proper reason."

"A reason? He's a thief, Audric," King Ezio remarked.

Audric crosses his arms. "Hear him out, Father."

King Ezio shook his head.

"Each village receives a cart of grain every two weeks. This man has been stealing the castle's deliveries twice. An entire cart can last at least a month for a village of families before rotting. Surely he must have a reas-"

"No," Ezio retorted. "Do not question your king!"

The dining hall grew silent; as Ezio's temper radiates within the air.

"Let's discuss the banquet," Queen Melvina proposed, breaking the tension. With a wave of a hand Melvina dismissed Sergio from the room.

Every month the King and Queen holds a banquet to ensure the relationships with their patrons and nobles. It is considered a long night inside the castle walls filled with intoxicated, arrogant men and gossiping, boasting women. Often times Audric and Lena would spectate the crowd, mocking each individual who made a complete fool of themselves.

"Tonight, we will have no unnecessary fooling around. Audric, I have a few suitors you will meet, ones we have been observing for you since their birth. All three are from kingdoms that will benefit Armea with an alliance. Your King and I will simply introduce you, and you will have to entertain your guests all night. Make an impression and remember your etiquette."

Audric scratched the back of his neck.

"Lena, you are coming of age. Has marriage crossed your mind?"