When Fallen Swords Collide

Chapter Three: Meanwhile

Soon after the sun rose, Prince Cassian woke up. It took him a few minutes to remember that his brother had left the night before. He knew for certain it wasn't a dream.

"It would be a big help if you could convince the staff and our parents, and everyone else, that I haven't left at all." The prince remembered his brother telling him this.

He might not know what is going on, or why his brother felt like he had to leave, but he did know that Prince Jare was counting on him. To not let anyone know he left.

He wasn't going to fail his older brother.

The younger prince quickly got out of bed and dressed, all he really needed to do with his har was shake it with his fingers a bit until his curly hair was perfectly placed on his head. With that, the prince left his chambers and headed for Prince Jare's chambers.

Before he turned the corner, he heard a voice and some knocking. When he peaked around, he saw Madame Rose-Maray, the head of the staff in the castle. She was accompanied by a serving woman, who was holding a tray of breakfast. The madame was knocking on the older prince's door.

"Prince Jare, kindly open this door at once. We have your breakfast and have been trying to reach you for five minutes! Prince Jare. Prince Jare!" Madame Rose-Maray kept pounding on the door. Apparently she had not tried to open the door yet, for if she did she would find the door to be unlocked and the older prince gone.

Prince Cassian had to do something.

"What is the matter?" The prince asked in an innocent voice.

"Oh, Prince Cassian. You certainly are up early today. Your brother is refusing to open the door and accept his breakfast. It's odd, he normally takes his breakfast immediately." The madame said. She started to reach for the door handle.

"Uh, Jare isn't here." Prince Cassian said.

"He isn't?" Madame Rose-Maray asked. She had a stern face, so it looked more matter-of-fact then questioning.

"Yes, he and his manservant, they went horseback riding! Yes, they left earlier this morning."

"Really? Without breakfast, or notifying their majesties or me?"

"Yes, he had planned to go so he could see the sunrise. However he woke up later than he wished, so he did not have the time to notify anyone. Also, if I can recall, I believe they grabbed a bite to eat from the kitchens before they left."

"Oh? And what were you doing up at such an hour as sunrise?" The madame questioned.

"Uh... I had some trouble sleeping. Something is going on in which no one will tell me about. It is kind of putting me on edge. Speaking of which, would you be so kind to inform me about that?" The prince hoped she would tell him this time.

"As I told you before, Prince Cassian, I am in no place to tell you, and that their majesties are the only ones fit to inform you. Besides, you are much too young to be burdened by such worries, and I'm certain this dilemma will never concern you."

The young prince's shoulders slumped a bit. Why wouldn't anyone tell him what was amiss? What exactly wouldn't he understand?

"Do you by chance know when Prince Jare will return?" The madame asked.

"Um, I believe he and Errin will return later in the afternoon."

"That late? Good gracious. Ah, very well. I suppose nothing can be done now. When you can kindly go to the dining room to eat your breakfast then. Your highness."

Madame Rose-Maray and the servant girl, who Prince Cassian recognized to be named Lara, bowed slightly and quickly, then turned to walk toward the kitchens.