The Dragon and His Prince{ManxMan}

*Chapter 43

Zavian

The last week I spent on meetings, pushing my boundaries with each districts, weeding out trouble and enforcing my rule. My father had been absent and since the claim to the throne the people made for me the lords all saw me as the rightful ruler, the King even though I had yet to be announced. To them they saw it for what it was. The people standing together for one ruler was enough to guarantee my success even if my father ended up causing war to keep his throne, they knew more troupes would rally for me than they would my father.

This brought me more confidence, within that week, slavery was nearly gone, the law had been past however it took more than a law to be rid or bring something to light.

"While we have managed to secure most of our slave owners identifies and rehabilitate previous slaves, there is the call for those whose enslavement had not gone through legal channels. They are harder to find considering some where sold by their families, who can no longer recall anything about finding them."

"You have authorities investigating this?"

"Yes, your Highness."

"Harsh punishment shall be dealt to those refusing to give up slavery. Should it be an owner or even families who allowed it for the sake of their livelihood." He bowed and sat down.

We went on then until we had addressed every complaint lodged and struggles met with this change.

I looked to lord Tudor pointedly and as the lord left in hushed words, he waited along with me.

"Your Highness." I stood by the window, looking out at the courtyard. My sister stood beside the young lord De Beville's son.

"Any word?"

"Afraid not. His trace had been last at the sea, we've sent out numerous ships, non have come back with anything concrete." He sighed and his steppe echoed and I clenched my hands into fists.

"We must keep looking. I'll have the crown pay any expense."

"There is no need, your Highness."

I lowered my gaze and turned to him. He was tired and he had bags under his eyes.

"He is alive, that much I am sure." I licked my teeth and looked down.

"I should have never a-"

"Do not speak regret with me." I pursed my lips. "Like the sea, life takes many changes. It is calm for a moment and then it is rough, turning in need of soothing." He placed his hand on my shoulder. "Do not waste your energy worrying about a man whose destiny holds no tie to yours."

"He is my best friend-"

"Yes, and he would not want you crying over him. He is alright."

He gave me a smile filled with peace, a peace I wish I held. While I knew the kind who held my friend, I wondered from that smile alone what it was that made him sure he was well wherever he stood.

We gave each other a bow before I left then intending to go to the library, where Marius said he would be. I froze though at the sound of gasping.