Peacefall: Book Two of The Fourpointe Chronicles

Chapter 2

"Brothers . . . Kings . . ."

Gerry scarcely heeded the rest of his brother's words. His concentration ebbed and flowed like the tide beneath Siren's Cavern. Now and then, he caught an expression of interest before returning to his original thought. That is until Dawkin uttered the one mention to capture his full attention.

"Princess . . ."

Gerry perked just as Ely slammed his hand on the table.

"Why not me?" Ely insisted. "I drew the longest straw. It should be me!"

"The straws were not for that . . ." Dawkin replied.

That? What was 'that'?

"But I –" Ely said.

"They were for who among us goes on to Ibia for the royal wedding. You three chose the longest straws, while I selected the shortest, so I will stay. The matter of who stands in for the wedding and the wedding night will fall to another drawing entirely."

The wedding night?!

"Aye," Symon chimed. He shifted in his seat to focus on Ely. "You know this, Ely. On all the voyages we took with Father in our youth, we always chose straws for who would go. And then we always did another drawing for who would represent the Prince in important matters. Like for banquets, royal tournaments, and the like."

"But this is different," Ely continued. "Or so it should."

"Why is that?" Dawkin asked.

"Because I won."

Dawkin and Symon shared a look, smirking. Even Gerry could not help but to respond with a sly grin.

"Need we put it to a vote?" Dawkin asked.

"No, no," Ely responded, throwing his hands up, exasperated. "I know how the lot of you will decide."

"Very well. Then it shall be. The one to attend the wedding will be determined by another vote, the time and place of which I will leave to you three."

Gerry's heart fluttered. I still have a chance. To stand in as King Jameson for the entire length of the ceremony. To say the vows before the High Bishop, to be toasted and congratulated. To see her to the wedding chamber for –

His breath caught in his throat. He nearly choked as the blood drained from his face. His pulse fluctuated, becoming erratic.

Her . . . I . . .

He came to, returning from his anxiety to the present moment. Only then did he notice his brothers staring at him, with even Ely expressing a look of concern.

"Are you well, Geremias?" Ely asked.

Am I? "I, I just considered, that, when one of us is with Taresa, Princess Taresa, after the ceremony, that night, when all the festivities, the toasts, everything, have concluded–"

"Oh, for the love of Mar!" Ely interrupted, his impatience returning. "Out with it!"

"I just wonder if Taresa will take notice of us."

The other three looked to each other, confused.

"Us?" Symon asked.