The Tigers Tale

Chapter Two: A Tiger in Lions Clothing

7 years had passed since Alastair was born, he was a fine boy with dark golden locks of hair, taking after his mother who's hair shined in the sunlight but the darkness of his fine hair he got from his black haired father. The boy was born into nobility but his heart was pure and kind, helping the servants around the palace when he could and he was respectable. His father kept his son by his side during court gatherings so Alastair could learn what it is like to be a King of lands. The boy may not be an heir but one day he will stand by his fathers side as a loyal guard... And should death take Ragnar then the boy would serve his younger brother Edward, Ragnars heir he had with his wife the lady Meredith.

At this very moment, Alastair and his year younger brother Edward were in the gardens of the castle, fighting with wooden swords like young boys do. Ragnar watched from a balcony overlooking the gardens, a smile large on his face as he chuckled from watching his sons. Edward may be a full noble and Alastair a bastard but the boys were true brothers, nothing being able to truly separate them no matter how much Lady Meredith tried. She hated Alastair, every time she saw the boy it was a cruel reminder that Ragnar loved another before she. Edward has a full head of black hair and held his fathers ocean blue eyes while Alastair favoured his mothers emerald green eyes. The two were so different but were loving of each other, as true brothers would be.

Alastair swung his wooden sword to the right of his brother who blocked it and barged Alastair with his shoulder, pushing the older and slightly taller boy back. He chuckled as he regained his composure "Good hit, try harder though and knock me on the floor so you can finish me" Alastair advised his brother the prince as they continued to duel with wooden swords, enjoying their youthful times. Down at the entrance of the gardens stood Elise who was now a servant of the castle so she would not have to leave her son and he would not have to leave his father. She smiled as she watched the two boys, she had grown fond of Edward who she saw as a son too, the boy was young and sweet and he adored Alastair.

This happy scene did not last long though as Queen Meredith walked past Elise in the double doorway to the garden. She saw her son with the bastard she despised and spoke loudly "Edward! What are you doing with the bastard, you should be studying with the Physician!" She called to her son. Edward and Alastair stopped their play duel and turned to look at the Queen of Weverchen. "Come now, do not ignore me!" She spoke loudly again to her son as she stared at him sternly."B-But mother I was-.." Edward began to speak, scared of his mother when she was angry like this and she was only like this whenever he was with Alastair. Thankfully for the boy, his big brother came to his rescue.

"I am sorry Queen Meredith, I wanted to practice my skill with a sword and asked Edward if he would like to train with me. I meant not to draw him away from his studies, I sincerely apologise" The boy said as he bowed his head to the Queen. Elise was angry at this display but also felt her heart warm at the scene. She was furious about how Meredith spoke to Alastair and even her own son? What kind of mother is she... Though she was proud about Alastair standing up for his brother his blood. She wished to the gods that he did not have to make excuses to protect Edward but he did so anyway and proudly.

Ragnar watched from above as his wife interrupted the boys playing, he sighed to himself as this was not the first time and it was beginning to get irritating. "Meredith leave them!" King Ragnar called out from his balcony, gaining the attention of both the boys and the women. "The boys are playing, allow them to be children just for this day before their lessons begin" He spoke with a calm tone though Elise could hear the hint of annoyance in his deep voice.

"THEIR lessons? You mean Edwards surely" She wanted to clarify as she had no knowledge that Alastair had been studying with Edward.

"No, Alastair and Edward are sons of the King and they will study together as brothers do under the Physician" He gave her the clarification as he stared down at her. The Queen's eyes were wide and just as she was about to say something, the king spoke once more. "Careful what your next words wield, you speak of my sons" He warned her, not wanting to hear the venom from her lips. And so the queen just huffed and walked back into the castle, barging Elise's shoulder in a very unladylike fashion as she walked into the palace. Ragnar shook his head then trained his eyes onto his sons "Well what are you waiting for my warriors? Continue your battle" A smile grew on Edward and Alastairs face as they turned back to face each other and continue their so called duel.