Protectors

Chapter 22: A Glimpse of Eternity

Servants bustled around the busy halls of the palace, small chatter echoing around the corridors as the ballroom sparkled to perfection, preparing for the many royal and noble guests alike that would be attending the coronation and the royal ball that followed. Though the kingdom still mourned the passing of their beloved king, the coronation was necessary to protect the kingdom, lest neighboring countries attacked in their moment of weakness. Christopher took a deep breath, walking through the hallways with Luke, trying to sort his feelings about everything that was to come. After his father had passed, the ascension court had assembled declaring him no longer the crown prince of Cordovia, but it's rightful heir, the king, till his dying breath. Today's coronation ceremony would mark that day forth for all of Cordovia's people. And that wasn't the only thing... He felt the weight of his mother's ring in his pocket, having carried it in its box daily since it had been given to him. When was the right time? He had all the proper words to say, but was it too soon?

"How are you feeling?" Luke asked him, pulling him from his thoughts as servants whirled by on either side, trays balanced with place settings, silverware, and plates of the most intricate pastries, desserts, and delicacies the kingdom had to offer.

"Honestly?" Christopher asked, clasping his hands behind his back, looking at his brother. "Absolutely no idea." He sighed, "I never thought I'd do this without father."

"I know." Luke sighed, "But you're going to be a great king. One that stands right up there with father. For Cordovia, for our people, for mother." He nodded, giving Christopher a reassuring pat upon his back.

Christopher took a deep breath, nodding, "I'm just worried I'll stuff it up somehow." He admitted, with a laugh.

"You?" Luke scoffed, lightly smacking him on the arm. "You were practically born for this."

"Well..." Christopher trailed off, a faint smile playing at his lips.

"Okay, you know what I mean." Luke rolled his eyes. "Nevermind the literal meaning. You were always better at the formality, the dinner parties, speaking with the nobles and diplomats. I'm not the least bit concerned."

"Thanks." Christopher nodded, offering his brother a small smile, the anxiety still clear upon his face.

"Yes that's quite convincing." Luke teased. "We've got to take your mind off it."

"How do you suppose we do that?" Christopher asked, intrigued.

Luke chuckled, plucking a bonbon off one of the passing servants trays and tossing it at Christopher. "Once more for old time's sake?" Luke asked, raising an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.

Christopher caught it with ease, popping it in his mouth as Luke quickly snatched another for himself, a smile spreading across his face as the rich chocolate flavor burst forth from the thin shell, coating his tongue with the familiar sweetness. "What did you have in mind?"

"Oh nothing too dodgy." Luke laughed, "Well...I make no promises."

"We were quite the rambunctious little tykes." Christopher shook his head laughing.

"Race you to our old spot." Luke chuckled, taking off down the hallway, startling some servants and nearly making them drop their trays.

"Blimey!" Christopher exclaimed in surprise, helping a servant catch one of the trays stacked with mini quiche and other canapés. "My apologies." He nodded to the servant, carefully steadying the tray.

"Greatest thanks your highness." She smiled, bowing her head as she rushed off.

Christopher shook his head laughing before racing after Luke, knowing exactly where he was headed. Dashing out the palace doors, he raced through the gardens, past the pavillion to the small secluded corner they had discovered many years ago. Pushing aside a few stray branches and ducking under the cover of the large willow tree, he felt the end of the rope ladder they had constructed with their father as children. He took a deep breath, swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat at the thought of his father, and grasped the ladder, slowly pulling himself up till he reached the top, hoisting his legs up through the hole in the center of their own miniature castle. Emphasis on miniature now that they were grown.