Black Crystal Part 1 - The Origin

Chapter Thirty Eight ~ A "Civilized" Compromise

December 20th, 1816.

Capitol City of Portland, Oregon Province.

Nicholas stood outside Lenora's room late at night, watching her sleep. A smile spread across his face as he did. "Oh, beautiful Princess Lenora," he whispered. "Maybe you'll come around. In fact, I do believe you have to, my dear. You have so few choices, if you cherish the lives of your friends and family, that is." Nicholas giggled a bit as he closed the door. After the mishap in the throne room, they decided to take a break until Lenora and Xander had gone to sleep. Nicholas met the Chancellor in the hallway outside Lenora's room on their way back to the throne room.

"Well, my son," the Chancellor began, "with the Prince and Princess both asleep, I do believe it's time to show the King and Queen that we mean business, don't you think so?"

"This is the moment I've been waiting for, father," Nicholas chuckled. "Oh, I can't wait to see the horrified looks on their faces when they realize that Lenora will no longer be theirs!"

"Or that the entire Province will belong to us," the Chancellor remarked. "Don't forget what our aim here is, Nicholas. Land, power, riches, and people to follow us!"

"Yeah, yeah, old man rabble babble." Nicholas looked to the distance in a dreamlike state. "I just can't wait to have Lenora all to myself."

The Chancellor rolled his eyes as they walked through the hallway. He turned around and saw their multitudes of soldiers. "Good."

"Are we going to kill anyone?" Nicholas asked with curiosity.

"It will all depend upon what the situation calls for," the Chancellor replied, looking forward once more. "If they try anything on us, then perhaps we'll kill the King. Wait... we'll kill the Prince first, force the King and Queen to watch us do it, and then we'll kill the King. How's that for a compromise?"

"I appreciate your plans like always, father," Nicholas chuckled a little. "That sorrowful excuse for a Prince deserves to die anyway for pulling a damn sword on me. Actually..." Nicholas went to unsheathe his sword, but the Chancellor grabbed his wrist and stopped him.

"We need to at least keep up appearances before the conference," he whispered. "But I promise you, there will be time for us to kill that Prince." Nicholas smiled and returned his sword to his scabbard.

"I love this plan so much," Nicholas said excitedly. "Let's do this!"