Noble Blood

Chapter VI -Fortitude

One could feel the tension in the air at lunch on that unusually cold Friday, there had yet been no news from King Hendrick and if none came by midnight, Dietrich would take over the throne.

Lilianna groaned in frustration at her brother's jolly mood as he talked endlessly of the parties he would throw once he was King. Alyss hadn't touched her food, too busy worrying about her father and impending wedding.

Gwen was also rather sulky, knowing Dietrich would go to great lengths to have her as his wife. This would of course be much easier once he was the ruling sovereign.

"I think the dresses I ordered are ready in the city." Evie broke the tense silence, "we could perhaps go retrieve them today?"

"Maids can do that for you, sweetie." Lilianna replied without sparing her one glance, too busy staring down her brother.

"I know, but I would love to be in the dress shop once more before the Spring Market is over. The Spring Ball is in a few weeks!" The lady-in-waiting argued, putting on her sweetest most mature tone, she knew whining would get her nowhere.

"That sounds fun!" Alyss exclaimed playing along, realising why Evie wanted to go to the city. If her brother had received her letter, he would have sent a reply by now.

"I don't see why not." Dietrich stated, already assuming he was to give her permission for her outings, but that was enough for Evie.

"Oh yes, the Spring Ball, is that still happening?" Lilianna asked to no one in particular, looking up from her plate for the first time with a bored expression.

"Why wouldn't it?" Alyss asked her sister, her brows furrowed in thought. The Spring Ball was a traditional masked dance that happened every year where all the neighbouring courts would come to 'mingle', but it was always quite joyous and the masks became more intricate every year.

"We'd be too busy celebrating father's return to the throne." The princess answered her sister, glancing at her brother who sure enough had his word to say as well.

"Or my coronation," Dietrich added with a smirk, "Don't forget my coronation." He nodded to himself, obviously lost in his own arrogance, to which Lilianna could only roll her eyes.

"It'll still happen." Lady Anne affirmed, hearing their conversation as she brought another bread basket to the table. "It's a century old tradition, and strengthens our ties with our neighbors."

"Prince Dietrich," Sir Christoff cut in, "I thought perhaps a hunting trip was in order?" The prince grinned in response to the proposal right away.

"How's William doing?" The knight turned to Lilianna, knowing she had helped the Irish prince last night. Gwendolyn looked up hearing of her brother, remembering her brief conversation with the German princess in the middle of the night.

"He's doing alright. I think he'll remain in bed for another few days." Lilianna assured with a tight smile, catching Dietrich's eye roll as she said this.

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"Any letters for Evie of the Netherlands?" Alyss asked at the counter of the messenger's office, as he rummaged through different parchments and envelopes.

"Yes, arrived just this morning." The old man smiled, handing a sealed envelope to the princess. "You're welcome, young lady." She curtsied and exited quickly to return to her carriage where Evie waited impatiently.

The Dutch princess squealed at the sight of the letter, taking it the moment Alyss was back in the carriage.

"Open it!" Gwendolyn prodded, sharing in her friend's excitement. Evie delicately opened the seal, trying not to ruin the contents underneath. Before even reading the folded letter, she saw a tiny heart shaped locket at the bottom of the envelope.