Joey's P.O.V.
For a month I have fought. Not with swords and shields, but with discussions and promises. I have been traveling around the country to all the Highlords in order to convince them to support my claim to the throne and my right to change our law. I cannot possible win the throne back without the lords on my side. I am of course technically king now as well, but I need the power to change our laws freely if I am to protect Daniel.
While the prospect of a King without heirs is not be a favourable one in the Highlords eyes, I know power is what lords care most about. If I swear lands, marriage prospects for their daughters, and virtuous brides for their sons then I know they will obey. I have already convinced some lords in this manner. Lord Clywater of the Southerlands who controls our millitary fleet, all he wanted was a young bride as his wife has passed away. While I dislike making these types of deals I managed to find a good match with the daughter of Lord Marriot, for while they held a lot power as one of our woodlands they lacked money as a noble house and Lord Clywater was one of the richest in the Kingdom. I had also found a good allience with Lord Dawson, an old friend of mine whom I had lost contact with. He himself supported my right to love freely and therefor bent the knee easily at the promise of me changing our law. I wish he had found the courage to speak on my behalf earlier, but based on the treatment of myself and Daniel, I can not blame him for keeping his silence.
Now my goal today is to convince the Duke of Greywill, unfortunatly the Duke greatly disliked me after I refused to marry his daughter, Lady Viola. However he controls most of the grain supply in our Kingdom so he is an important ally. With Connor commanding our national guard, Lord Clywater controlling our fleet, Lord Marriot controlling our main woodlands and hunting grounds, and the Duke of Greywill controlling our grain, they Kingdom would have no choice but to bent the knee to me once more unless they wanted to die from armed forces, frostbite or hunger. I of course wish that it will not come to that or even threats of it, but if it is needed to free my country from another tyrrant than I will do it.
I feel my carriage slowing down, informing me that we have arrived at Greywill. I step out of the carriage as the door is opened for me. The Greywill estate is like a fortress, almost as large as the summer palace, two dark towers combined by a bridge piercing towards the sky like arrows. It is impressive, no one can say otherwise, impressive but terrifying and unwelcoming.
"Your Grace, what a pleasure." The Duke says with a tone that tells me he is far from happy about my arrival.
"The pleasure is all mine, Duke." I reply trying to keep cordial.
"Have you come to beg for my Viola? I hear Lady Victoria is no longer a marriage option." He says with a smug look. I see his attitude now also starting to annoy Sawyer who stands by my side, a hand on the handle of his sword.
"No, however I do have a proposal regarding the young Lord and Lady that might interest you." I state, not bothering to elaborate further as the man has yet to invite me in.
"Very well then, I hope we can find a properous agreement. Please, come in, your Majesty." He states leading the way into the dark fortress. For a district filled with grain there was little yellow too be seen, hardly any color at all actually except the dark grey of the castle walls. But then again I suppose that is how it ended up being called Greywill.
He leads us into a large hall with large windows and black velvet curtains, a glorious chandeleir in the ceiling, many long tables with benches, and a large dining table with handcarved chairs at the end. We don't stay in this room for long tho as we walk through it and into a smaller study connected to the hall. This room had grey tapestries with golden trees, the sigil of Greywill, going all the way around the room. In the center was a table similar to the one in the great hall with the same types of chairs only these also had a painted golden tree on their backs. I sit down in the main seat at the end, as a King should, and the Duke sits down on the other end. Next to me is Sawyer and next to him is Lady Viola and his son Lord Frederick whom he called upon moments earlier.
YOU ARE READING
Beyond Castle Walls (Janiel AU)
AcakDaniel never expected much from his life. He was born as an eight, his life therefor destined for no greatness. Eights were practically slaves, it was the lowest position you could have. Some were miners, some were servants. Daniel was the kitchen h...
