The King's Messenger

Chapter 20

Eden opened his eyes to a grey morning- it would rain later, from the look of the clouds. He struggled to sit up, wanting nothing more than to surrender to the clutches of sleep that were still clawing at his mind. Forcing himself to his feet, he bounced on his feet for a moment in an attempt to bring some wakefulness. It worked. Somewhat.

He was supposed to meet Torre and Sen before courty, so he couldn't waste time. A servant had already brought him a light breakfast of several exotic fruits and fresh bread. Eden's court wardrobe was significantly nicer than his riding clothes; he wore black pants paired with a deep purple jacket, embroidered intricately with gold stitching, over a white shirt. Since returning home, he'd honestly forgotten his crown much of the time, but it was a good time to start remembering it; he placed the gold crown, a circlet, really, on his head. He wore the same jewelry as before, of course lacking the explosive ring that met an early doom.

Torre was waiting outside his door.

"Morning. Messenger should be bringing Sen around now," Eden said. "Shall we go meet them at the gate?"

"As you say, Your Highness," Torre said. They started walking. "I have a glaive for you, Your Highness."

Eden had forgotten he'd asked for one, truthfully. "Excellent. Keep it in the guards' armory, if you will."

"Yes, Your Highness."

As planned, Messenger and Sen met them at the entrance, Messenger in his white garb. He'd likely used his supposed status to make it past the guards, even with a stranger in tow.

"I'll be going now," Messenger excused himself, "unless you have something for me."

Eden didn't, so Messenger left.

"Kaeda, was it?" He spotted a glint at her ear and raised an eyebrow. "I see Ry's given you jewelry already."

"It's artificed," she explained. "Sharpens your hearing."

"Yes," Eden agreed. "That is what I made them to do."

"...Oh."

"I hope it works to your liking."

Kaeda touched a finger to the earring. "It's incredible, Your Highness. I've never experienced anything like it."

"That's good to hear. Now. Your job here is simple: I want to know everything that happens. There may be lords here plotting against me and servants spying on me; I want to know who to be wary of and who to avoid."

"I can do that, Your Highness," Kaeda said with a nod.

"Good. Captain Torre will get you situated." He paused. "Thank you for doing this."

"Ry told me a little of what you and he are trying to do. I... would very much like to help."

"I'm glad to have it," Eden said. "Captain, Kaeda, I'll see you later." He nodded in farewell. Two guards fell into his flank; it seemed Torre couldn't bear to leave him unguarded. Eden knew it was his job, and after yesterday's events, he had to admit he did it well, but it didn't mean he couldn't wish for a bit more... privacy.

In court, Eden had a seat by his father. He recognized several of the faces there; Lady Mirene, Lord Bahk, Adrian, Lord Eirrich, Lord Lassic, Lord Riennan, and many others.

"The first order of business for today is the issue of debt slavery," King Richar started without preamble. "It is my belief that Valina would benefit from it; debtors, as they are now, only drain money from Valina without contributing anything. This contract of debt slavery would at least force debtors to be productive while giving them an avenue to pay off their debt. The floor is open."