Noble Blood

Chapter III - Hope

She sat up abruptly, out of breath. Pulled out of her vivid dream by falling onto the floor next to her bed with a loud thud, Lilianna groaned.

"Your Highness, are you alright?" Katheryn rushed into the room, still in her nightgown. "I heard a hard thud."

"I'm fine Katheryn!" the princess snapped at her sleepy lady-in-waiting. "What time is it?"

"An hour to dawn, I believe, Your Majesty."

"Go back to bed. I'll be fine."

"Good night, Your Highness." Katheryn curtsied and made her exit. Lilianna stood and got back into bed, arranging her ruffled covers. 

She had just had a breakthrough. She could be Queen if she could have an army to fight her brother and father. She would reign alongside William and rule over all the land her father had conquered. Of course, it would be a condition of their engagement that she make all the decisions even though he would officially be King.

First and foremost, Lilianna would have to find an army. That would be difficult for her, especially as she was a princess. Yet she felt like she had new determination that would serve as fuel in her veins to reach her goal.

With another groan, Lilianna fell back onto her pillow. Another hour of sleep couldn't do any harm.

-----

"Prince Dietrich! Breakfast is served!" William announced through the door in a stern loud voice.

"Ah, just the voice I don't want to hear this early in the morning... or ever." Dietrich thought aloud, "I'll be right down!" He shouted back to William.

Dietrich got up reluctantly and dressed himself. Today he was to accompany the ladies to the city. Lord Bernhart had advised him to make a public appearance and make connections with his people to win their favor.

The royal family had not been sighted publicly since the Christmas ceremony of past winter, and it was overly past due time.

The prince also wanted to buy new weapons for his future army, as he was only days away from being crowned King. The chance he would yet hear from the current King was minuscule and he was more than happy to rule. Dietrich planned on taking example on his father's iron fist, and having his way by force if needed.

He wanted to have a powerful army, and thus his visit to the city at the Spring Market would prove useful to his arsenal. The prince also hoped to find a moment to speak to Gwendolyn and make her aware of his affections toward her.

He reached the Grand Hall just as William was sitting down. No sooner was he himself seated that the double doors opened and a messenger entered.

"Again!" Lilianna shouted, her voice echoing through the vast room, "Have any of you ever heard of a quiet breakfast? I have had quite enough of meal interruptions!" She glared at the visitor.

"My deepest apologies, Your Highness." The messenger bowed to the visibly upset princess. "I come with urgent news!"

At his words, the entire assembly looked up from their meal with intrigue. "The old King of Ireland, father of Sir William and Lady Gwendolyn, passed away this past week from an unknown illness. It is with grave condolences that I give his last writings to his son." He announced, retrieving a parchment from his pouch.

William rose from the table, walking solemnly to the messenger to receive the precious letter from his father. Dietrich nodded to the intruder to leave the room, which he did very quietly.

The Irish Prince had a grave look on his face as he examined the envelope in his hands with his family's seal. With a small bow, he excused himself to retreat to his room.