The Call Of Destiny

Chapter 25

The Ballroom,
The Vessiye Palace,
Jeruvael,
Illearia.

        
         Malij sat down in a damask chair at the far corner of the room sipping from his glass of wine. He was trying very hard not to show his disgust at the fact that the Chestie prince had chosen a mere commoner as one of the privileged Illearians to travel to Chestland tomorrow.
What was that damned Aric thinking? It was a spit on his face. He hadn't bothered to inform him (Malij) before making such an important decision. He had merely told him afterwards, expecting him to be alright with it. And he had acted like he was, there was no other choice. Illearia needed Chestland.

         "Long live the Vessiye."
His oldest son greeted as he took the seat beside his father.

         "Peace unto your soul Timore."

         "Father, you look troubled."

For a minute, Malij observed his son, thinking that he looked quite ridiculous in the Chestie outfit. He wore a dark green jacket, a cream shirt and black trousers. His, rich, black curls held back in a low ponytail.

            "Lija, you're frowning."

Malij took a deep breath to calm himself as a servant rushed over to refill his now empty glass.

            "It's the commoner. His presence here sickens me."

            "I understand. It's the law that commoners cannot mingle with royalty."

            "Yet Prince Aric has broken this very important rule."

           "Unknowingly Father. I'm sure he did not mean any harm."

          "I know. That is why I am silent. But what is wrong, is wrong."

            "Long live the Vessiye." Governor Ezrin greeted his best friend as he sat in the other chair beside him. He was dressed in full Illearian army regalia of red and black.

Malij smiled.
            "Old friend, what took you so long?"

           "My apologies. I had some urgent issues to attend to in Jehumem. Hence, I sent my wife ahead of me."

            "I see."

            "And where is the pauper that the Prince chose to go with our boys?" Ezrin sneered and Timore tried not to roll his eyes.

The boys were now receiving medallions from their mothers. It bore their respective family crests.

          "That boy, standing on his own." Malij pointed briefly.

         "He is quite tall for a commoner." Ezrin appeared pensive.

Malij waved his hand in a dismissive gesture.

          "It doesn't matter. Perhaps God created him for nobility and unfortunately, he was born to a merchant instead."

The two friends laughed, while Timore who had gotten uncomfortable, excused himself to go and meet with his mother.

                    ~