His Master's Wishes

Part Four

On the balcony looking out to the town down below, he sighed and watched for any new and interesting things. Children played in the streets, and the market was alive and busy. Antonio had been gone for a month, and he had heard nothing. It worried him more than anything. Running Spain wasn't a burden, as the Queen handled any business propositions. Daily, Lovino ventured out of the castle to visit with the locals. He thought it was important to get insight from the very people they were all protecting in the English countryside. In his spare time, he painted like always and wasn't worried about getting caught anymore. He found himself sketching Antonio more often, remembering the subtle details of his body and face. He had heard of muses before and seemed to find his. He didn't want to forget how his face looked, even if that was farfetched.

It took Lovino a long time to get to where he was now with his brush and paint pallet. His brother was always praised over him for his artistic abilities, and he vowed he would get better than him one day. Life always handed his brother everything he wanted, and he wanted to triumph over his fratello and be noticed for it. He did, of course. He didn't give up and practiced all the time, eventually getting to a place meters above his brother.

A tap on his shoulder brought him out of his fantasy and back to the real world. That wasn't a good thing, as Lovino felt like he was safer in his head.

"Sir? There is a letter here for you." He raised an eyebrow and read the front of the envelope; To Lovino Vargas; Ruler of Spain, Portugal. He was greeted with a long waited letter from Antonio. Hastily, he ripped it open and read its contents.

"Dear Lovino,

By the day, I miss you terribly. We finally got a proper base set up so it would be easier to write and do other things here. Afonso says hello, and that he can't wait to come back and see you. I know you've been probably busy, and don't let my letters let your mind wander too long. The English haven't advanced that far along yet, so we don't have very many worries. By the looks of it, I could be home in less than 6 months. I can't wait until then. Behave, and I love you -Antonio"

Lovino was mouthing it all to himself and his face lit up when he said he would be home in that short amount of time. 7 months away was his 16th birthday and that would be the greatest present of them all.

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Kneeling in the pews with the Queen and others from the castle, they listened to the preacher and gripped their rosaries tight in prayer. Stained glass windows were all over, and streaming a rainbow of colored light onto the worshippers. A large statue of Jesus was up in front, and an altar with bread and wine was placed in front of it. The railing blocking it off was where they were on their knees. Church had always been a part of Lovino's life because of his grandfather. He was baptized and was read the Bible as a bedtime story rather than the magical book it was made out to be.

The father drew a cross in the air, "O Holy Lord bless the princes and King in returning home safely. Bless that they may come back with everyone they had left with and more. Bless the Queen and Prince who have stepped up in this time of dire need. I hope you give them all strength to carry through and assist the kingdom. Amen." The man carrying the essence of Muir returned to the front and hung the carrier it was in while man people uttered out 'amens.'

"I need to talk to Father Frido, Your Majesty. Go on without me and send a carriage later."

"Alright. Just be back home before lunch. We don't want you to eat it cold," the prince helped her up and guided her to the wide double doors so she could go to her transportation back to the castle.