Legends of Heretrua: Children of Light

Chapter Four

They didn't get far before Ty stopped a servant in the hall. "Could you tell Ren to meet me in the throne room?"

"Yes sir. And the princess?"

Ty turned to Aldyth. "Is this a matter that is going to need all of us?"

"I don't see any reason that it would."

"Looks like we'll only be needing Ren," he told the servant.

Aldyth wondered what Rosalie would think if she knew where her sister was right now. Really, it didn't matter that Aldyth was in the castle, but Rosalie would be very jealous that Aldyth was being led around by the prince. The whole situation had been a bit unnerving at first, but now, thinking of her sister, it just seemed funny. She tried to suppress her giggle, but failed. Ty didn't stop walking but did ask, "What's funny?"

"Oh. Nothing. I was just thinking about my little sister."

"What about her?"

Aldyth hesitated and Ty turned his head. "Come on, I like to laugh too." His eyes twinkled and Aldyth figured there was no harm in telling the truth. "I just realized how jealous she would be if she knew I was with you right now."

Ty did laugh at that. "You'll have to give my sister your regards. Actually, Ren will want to send someone to escort you home. I'd like to see your sister's reaction if I stopped by to say hello."

Aldyth grinned. "That would make her day, and I appreciate it, but I'll have to decline the king's offer if he does. I don't want my family to know I've been here."

"Oh really? Why not?"

"I'll explain it all when we see the king." Aldyth paused. "But I will tell her you said hello if it's alright."

"That is absolutely fine by me."

They reached the throne room and Ty stopped at the door. "I should tell Ren what's going on before I bring you in. It's a formality, but also..." the corners of his mouth turned up. "Ren's the kind to need a heads up before social interaction." He winked at Aldyth before going in.

Aldyth was learning already from her short time in the castle just how human their rulers were. When he was in public, there was no one friendlier or more easy to get along with than the king. It was nice to realize that she wasn't necessarily the only one nervous about how this meeting would go over.

Ty's head appeared through the door again. "Alright. You ready?"

Aldyth nodded and Ty opened the door all the way to let her in.

The king was not sitting in his throne, but rather seemed to be avoiding it, as he was no where near the platform, and Aldyth had never seen him so casually dressed, let alone in a one-on-one setting. She was glad he looked less like a king and more like anyone else she knew, because the nerves she had promised herself wouldn't make an appearance were kicking in now.

Ty swept his hands in a dramatic gesture towards Aldyth. It was easy to see he was putting on a show to amuse his brother. "Your Majesty, may I present to you..." he froze and turned back to look at Aldyth. "I knew I was forgetting something."

"Aldyth, Majesty," she filled in for the prince, dropping a curtsy.

"Ren."

She looked up. "Pardon me?"

"You can call me Ren." A smile tugged at one corner of his mouth. "There's no need for the majesty's and highness's when no one else is around."

"He's not fond of formality. Makes him uncomfortable," Ty muttered. Ren narrowed his eyebrows at his brother but the prince just grinned and wiggled his eyebrows and Ren broke into a full smile.