King Gavin’s POV
After preparing for the day with the usual morning bath and grooming, Ellyn and I walked down the grand oak stairs and made our way to the dining table where we would break our fast with our son Relic. As always we sat together every New Year morning to start the day as well as the year beside each other. 3 of our best chefs set a mighty feast before us. In front of me sat plates of cinnamon buns glazed with a sweet honey, porridge made of oats, sausages, boiled eggs, goat’s milk and freshly picked grapes. A glorious way to start the day. My son Relic sat at my right while Ellyn sat at my left. We said grace and sat as we were each served enough to fill our plates. Once all was done we tucked into our meal with great pleasure. All was quiet and peaceful and as I glanced around I couldn’t but smile in amusement as Relic looked at his cinnamon bun with longing that he knew he couldn’t have unless he finished every morsel of his porridge which he seemed to distaste. After a few more minutes of contemplation, I couldn’t help but tease him.
“Relic my boy, it seems you have had your fill”, I said to him, “Perhaps the rest should be cleared off?” By the look of sheer panic at the thought of not being able to eat his cinnamon bun, he hastily replies “No father, I’ve not yet had my fill. I’m still as famished as ever” with that being said he eats the remaining porridge with no hesitation and looks up at me for approval before reaching for a steaming hot bun. “That’s a good lad” I say to him as he beams with pride even though his mouth is full of the bun. My beloved Ellyn simply smiles, fond of the times we bond through the simple things. Once we all finish, I rise from my share at the head of the table and bid my family a good day before leaving for my study chamber. As usual, my wife would attend to the duties within the castle before going to her sewing class in the late morning while Relic spends his time reading and writing with the royal nannies and teachers. At his age, it seems he is a very bright child and is very respectful of the elders around him even when his patience goes thin and wary.
As I sit behind my grand desk, I ask my squire-Jason- to search for books based on the landscape of Ventirer. With a New Year starting, the island must be searched through for any problems with the land or brewing wars happening among my people. As I am deep in thought over the rivers that run along the island, Jason hands me a letter with the royal emblem from Etherstine. I thank him for the letter before opening it with ease and read the personal handwriting of King Leofrick. With a fond smile I realise, the king and queen would like to visit Ventirer for 3weeks. The youngest of us all, Princess Elena will be joining them as well. It’s been 12 years since I last saw my youngest and only sister whom must be married at her age of 20. I would know since king Leofrick and queen Allys arranged my own marriage when I turned 20. I thought about it pleasantly, remembering the first time I saw my beloved, 10 years later and here we are.
I write a letter which will be sent back to Etherstine to let them know all would be prepared for their visit and we would welcome them when they arrived. I looked forward to telling Ellyn and Relic about this good news but first had to continue with my duties as a king before the day was over. I continue my work throughout the morning and have a small lunch in my study chamber so that I finish before late afternoon. Once I believe all is looked through for the day, I leave the room and walk outside to meet Ellyn and Relic. They were waiting for me by the royal carriage made of dark wood and silk black seats accompanied by a few guards on horses. I make it a possibility to have a horse ride outside the castle and into the Forest of Normdale which rest a few kilometres away from the castle and village nearby. A road was made while I built the castle during my first year as king and 20 of my best guards came along with us to ensure the safety of my royal family. a few rode in front of the carriage while others rode at the back and along different points of forest.
Once we came to our usual opening, the carriage stopped and we all got out to stretch our legs, talk and laugh by the pond nearby. As usual, Allys had a maid prepare a few things to eat as we sat in the warm sun. Everything was peaceful and calm. Some guards rested while others stood on watch for any danger. Ellyn and I sat underneath a tree while Relic quietly fed a baby rabbit that one of the guards caught for him. We both watched him fondly, our special little prince who managed to stay alive as long as he had. I turned to Ellyn and told her about the letter from Etherstine. “It would be pleasant to see them again, they are welcomed as always. Maybe Elena is betrothed now.” She said with a worried tint in her eyes. Her and I both thought alike regarding my sister, who neither of us have seen most of our marriage. “Do not worry about her, I’m sure there’s someone asking for her hand. If not then the king will find someone suitable. After all she is the heiress to the throne since neither I nor my brothers wish to give up our kingdoms”. She pondered upon what I said for a minute before agreeing.
As the sun was about to set, we made our way back to the castle worn out but happy. Relic was barely out of the carriage before he started sleeping. The lad ran a great deal throughout open space by with a guard and his rabbit in his hand. Maids came and cradled the prince with care while my wife and I went to our chamber. Back in bed, I thought about the entire day and had no regrets whatsoever.
