Secrets - Book 7 - The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter 5

Luke explained the situation to Jobyna as they walked. Pausing in the sun-filled clerestory, both looked out over the city of Frencberg. The young king saw the woman, further along the road, still facing the castle, kneeling, her palms raised, meeting together, again, it seemed she was begging God for something.

Turning to Jobyna, he asked, "So, Little Sister; what do you think of your brother now? I'm holding monarchs, heirs and others from four kingdoms; five if you count Uncle Dorai; like prisoners, in the Frencolian Throne Room!" Closing his eyes, he shook his head.

Jobyna's fair brow creased to a frown. "I can't remember Prince Haroun," she said in dismay, adding, "but I'm finding that I've blocked out some things..."

"He was a prisoner in Baltic Castle and was present at Czar Kenrik's coronation. A quiet fellow —prince —somewhat aloof, or haughty; he sat at a distance as though at variance. But we must keep our minds upon the fact that both Konrad and Haroun have vowed to duel —you should have seen their faces, Jobyna. I still can't believe it. Konrad was as hostile as Haroun; it was as though he changed personality. Swords, Konrad said —the first to draw blood will win your hand, Jobyna. I commanded that there be no duel. Now, because I deny a duel, it seems we'll have a war..."

"No! You're right, Luke. They mustn't duel. Konrad lost the sword-fight with Elliad, he almost died. His strength hasn't returned. He could have been killed. I'd rather not marry him, at least he'd be alive!" Tears formed in her eyes. Konrad; her love; he could be killed if there was a duel. It was all too much. "How can Prince Haroun suggest such a duel? Konrad agreed? Kingdom Law? Where's God's law of love and peace?" She sobbed into her brother's broad shoulder and he turned her gently, leading her back to Minette's quarters.

The King of Frencolia felt the momentum of his impending decision. He'd been captured, twice, threatened both times, beaten unconscious once, incarcerated in two different dark, damp dungeons; yet nothing seemed so bad as the resolution he already made, that there be no duel. How easy it would be to permit the duel to take place. Everyone in his throne room would be pleased, that is, until the outcome.

As he left Minette's quarters, Luke spoke to his three companions, "If Konrad draws blood first, will not Prince Haroun be angry? He came here believing he can win. And if he does win, where does that leave Konrad with his openly proclaimed love for Jobyna? What is my Uncle, Prince Dorai, thinking of? —not about Jobyna's future. He didn't think of her when he allowed her to travel to Baltic Castle, like bait for a bull! Why should Kingdom Law come before my sister's happiness?"

He stood firm as his companions flattened themselves against the wall. Two women approached; one, a servant-girl, carried a silver tray with a jug and a goblet on it. An elegant lady, dressed in the clothes of a noble-woman, curtsied elegantly before him. The girl stopped and stared at the king, trembling, attempting to curtsy. She stumbled and the lady grasped the tray.

"Lady Victoria," Luke said, bowing his head slightly, adding, "you're taking juice for my sister. She said you massaged her back and made her feel better. I thank you." In the short silence that followed, Luke felt pleased he'd remembered the lady's name, 'Victoria'.

"Sire," she said, bobbing a curtsy, adding, "you're most kind..."

"I've not met you before, Lady," Luke said, for want of what else to say. His eyes circled the young lady's face. She seemed very aristocratic with her long thin nose attached to her long face. He remembered seeing a face something like this before. It was the length of it, from her forehead to her chin, which made it more distinctive.

"I'm from Bruis, Your Majesty," she said. "I came representing the gift for Princess Jobyna and King Konrad. Reeve Giles could not attend as he's not well..."