Noble Blood

Chapter V - Melancholy

"Goodmorning Sir Yann," Lilianna looked up from her bowl of milk to the knight as he took his place at the table.

"Goodmorning Your Highnesses." He greeted the entire assembly to which they all mumbled a response, before grabbing a piece of bread from the basket.

"If I may," He spoke louder, earning the attention of the group, "I would like to state that I shall be returning to Toulon this afternoon."

"I trust your stay here was pleasant?" Dietrich asked, more out of politeness than curiosity. He wouldn't normally care to be polite, but he wanted to make a good impression on his guest. Germany and Toulon did not have many ties, but a word in his favour at a foreign court could do no harm.

"Certainly! Though brief I have enjoyed it immensely." He replied with a tight smile, not exactly knowing how to respond.

"Good! Now, I also have something to say." He said in an authoritative tone, trying to commend the group's full attention onto himself. Lilianna and Alyss were most intrigued, wondering if it concerned their father.

"When we were in Hamburg two days ago, I ran into a few friends of mine. I invited them to stay here tonight, they will arrive this evening." Lilianna rolled her eyes, she didn't care for her brother's friends. They were all knights or barons who spent their lives either drinking or fighting.

"How pleasant." The princess said sarcastically, "Any news from father?" She asked more seriously, asking what everyone had been thinking.

"No." He replied nonchalantly, of course he was more than happy to take over the throne. This would allow him to marry Gwendolyn without asking his father's permission. He could even imprison William if he wished.

"Who will be there?" Sir Christoff asked his friend, trying to break the tension in the room.

"I'm unsure whether you know all of them or not, I expect there will be seven of them. With both of us that makes nine." Dietrich replied, taking another bite of his stew.

"Oh and William, you may join us tonight. It'll make an even number for our game of tug-of-war outside." He added, not caring to look up at the Irish prince. The Crown Prince didn't like him much, but knew William's impressive strength would help him win every time.

"Of course." Came the reply, followed by tense silence as they all ate.

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"Sir Christoff, how pleasant of you to join me." Gwendolyn looked up at him with a warm smile and curtsied.

"Milady, it would be my pleasure to escort you on your stroll around this flourishing garden." He bowed and offered her his arm, which she gladly took, holding her skirts with her other hand.

They both walked in a comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the peacefulness of the garden. The knight then turned to the lady, and after admiring her delicate features for a few moments, he addressed her.

"If I might ask, Lady Gwendolyn, how long have you been here?"

"Oh," she exclaimed wide eyed, thinking back for a moment, "five years now."

"Five years?" He asked shocked, "So I take it you are a permanent lady to Princess Alyss?" The only explanation for a young lady to remain so long at court was if she was accorded a permanent position there.

"My situation at present doesn't permit me to leave, so, yes."

"Your situation? Please enlighten me?" He prodded, his curiosity now peaked.

"I was the Princess of Ireland." She stated, a small smile briefly gracing her face, "But King Hendrick has wished for me to remain here with William, my brother, ever since he took over the Irish Kingdom."