Arrangements

Chapter 5

Konsi Capital City of Ariox

Prince Zargot POV

The morning following my discussion with Serina, I go to our daily family breakfast. Father is eating some seal meat set out by the servants and water. Mother is having fresh polar bear meat. The dried penguin jerky settles heavy in my stomach. "Ah, Zargot, good morning, how was your rest? Better without that dependent sister of yours, yes?" my mind flashes to his rough grip on her wrists yesterdays, the slaps for poor behavior, the...I tighten my fists, that disgraceful excuse for a man doesn't deserve a daughter like her. Anyone who can go through everything she has and still smile as if the world isn't crumbling at her feet, is beyond brave. Of course, I wouldn't risk saying such things aloud so I settle for a non-committal noise.

When he leaves to his adviser's chambers for today's agenda I can't suppress my growl. Mother squeezes my shoulder in a gesture of peace. I sigh, "Why does he hate her so much?" mother too lets out a sigh, "You know your father, always so set in his ways. I think when it became clear that Serina no longer hung on every word your father said as though the spirits themselves told her, his resentment started to bloom." We both know the day that started and it is not one any of us care to remember. I suppose now that Serina has more approval than father could ever hope to gain, his hatred flares brighter than ever.

Mother leaves the dining room not long after that. Father's meeting with the adviser should go for at least another hour. No way will I be able to make a copy of the union agreement in that time, but maybe I can figure out who the scribe was? Father never writes documents himself, maybe they have a copy?

It doesn't take much effort to make the trip. No one questions me when I walk down to the study and barely spare me a glance when I enter. It is hardly uncommon for me to come here. I often like to read some of father's old books or overlook some of his work in preparation should I ever become king. Gaining such a title seems inevitable now. I rifle through his desk, but find nothing. His desk top is as immaculate as usual so that leaves only one obvious place. His cabinets are overwhelmed with a series of knickknacks and documents. I scour the shelves as quickly as possible for the Union Agreement, but it proves more difficult than I originally believed. Just when I am ready to give up I find it in the top left shelf.

I carefully scan each page for the scribe's name. it is written in small print on the bottom of the sixth page where someone is least likely to look: Sakorra. Why does that name seem so familiar? I pace in the limited open space of the room. I know I've heard it before, where. Nicorav! General Nicorav's daughter.

The man didn't say anything last night, but he's as loyal as any of those men, perhaps his daughter is the same? I leave the study, slowly; haste is the tell of a guilty conscience. I link with Nicorav as I return to my room. Nicorav?

What is it my prince?

You have shown your stance on current affairs, but what of your daughter?

May I ask what brought on this inquiry?

She was the scribe for the Union Agreements, I need a copy, and I need it without my father's knowledge.

Right away, she is no stranger to secrecy, I'm sure I could convince her to silence.

He doesn't reject my empathy link and I can feel his sincerity.

Wonderful, I'd like it as soon as possible, tonight preferably.

She shall bring the document to your chambers by evening.