The King's Ransom

So the Party Begins

Outside of the palace ordered chaos ensued, as they waited Brigetta's partner let out an exasperated sigh. "The last of the light has seeped from the sky! Our king must be starting now!"
Brigetta, in a fit since their early leave from the square, scoffed. Is that the only thing you care about? Our Young King has many more speeches he will give in his lifetime."
"You know nothing," he retorted.
The eldest sister's eyes widened. "Sir Ghidek, I appreciate your concern for his Majesty's health, but that tone is unprecedented. If it is of such consequence we may leave on foot," she scolded.
He began to mock her, instead opening his door and exiting the carriage. "The audacity," she hissed, stepping out of the car herself and holding the door open for Brigetta. "Where did our father pick up this man? He has the manners of a pig."
Her sister's eyes shone with pride. "Thank you for standing up for me," she turned to the eldest's
un-intimidating partner. "Will you come with us?"
"Uh, no. Thank you, I should calm him down," he nervously replied, shaking still as he stepped out of the carriage.
"Another funny man," Brigetta remarked. "We'll walk ourselves to the entrance hm?" She extended her arm.
"We must find them first. Father paid good money for their company tonight," she patted her sisters arm, walking towards the palace's entrance herself.
They found the two men waiting at the foot of the steps leading up to the palace entrance. Sir Ghidek apologized for his behavior and they were able to rejoin as passable consorts.
Upon entering the throne room they found it filled with royalty. It was of no surprise to them, usually when all were invited it meant those who could afford to eat with the king. The immaculately dressed men and women chatted in separate groups, divided by status.
The two thrones at the other end of the room were empty, and the eldest saw her sister's once wondrous expression evaporate into boredom. Brigetta fussed with the material of her dress as they searched for the proper group to join.
"My legs are tired from walking. We should stand in front of the dais, that way we can see the king," Sir Ghidek suggested roughly.
"Are you not aware of the rule?" The eldest reminded, her eyes roaming from face to face in each group, calculating the best fit.
"I heard the king has not entered yet, and no one will care until then. Look, no one is there, it doesn't make a difference." Sir Ghidek swayed her reason, and they went before the dais.
Now that they weren't moving they could enjoy the grandeur of the throne room. High vaulted ceilings carried enormous diamond chandeliers that refracted light across the room. An exuberant amount of candles decorated the court, lighting the stained glass positioned between the thrones when the sun could not. A few waitmen wandered between groups offering refreshments, but avoided their corner of the room.
Utter silence fell upon them, becoming heavier after they were done taking in the room itself. The eldest sister listened to the faint murmurs of small talk to pass the time.
A low tune started to play. "What a lovely song," Brigetta offered in replace of the silence.
"It's the King's Anthem." Sir Ghidek said somewhat ominously.
A stout gray-haired man appeared upon the dais, and cleared his throat to catch everyone's attention. "All pay your respects to King Nicademis of Alastha. And his Queen, Medara." He added the second as an afterthought, but still lifted his hand in the direction of the King. Quiet swept across the room.
Everyone turned towards the palace entrance, where at the top of the steps a young dark man in the fine robes of a King presented himself. His head held up the royal crown, nearly blinding us with the light reflecting off of it.
Horns bellowed, rumbling the bodies of their listeners. At their start he descended the steps, and slowly his face became more visible. He was profoundly handsome, and the eldest found herself not the only one to enjoy his looks. His eyes stared straight ahead of him, his posture perfect.
When he reached the last step the crowd parted down the middle like Moses splitting the sea. He walked through the room, reaching the dais where the Queen was waiting. They held each others hand, and from the exclusive spot they were at Brigetta could see the relieved expression on their faces.
It was at that moment that they realized no one cared that they were the closest to the dais, the King's entrance was too distracting.
The King resumed a passive expression before turning to his guests. "My people, I welcome you and hope you have enjoyed this reception. For those who traveled far I pray your fare was suitable and thank you for going such lengths to join us during this joyous occasion." He paused to give a reassuring nod to his wife before continuing.
"Among the many reasons we are here today there is one that I am the most proud of and excited to share with you all.
"My father did many things for this kingdom, he carried on his father's creation and ended the war that has lasted for 10 long strenuous years. I, his son, have provided the Kingdom of Alastha a full blooded heir. A son, who will carry on my name and be the next in line to the throne." He smiled at the Queen, guiding her to his side. She looked down at the top of her shoes, growing bashful.
A few seconds of silence followed this, then cheers erupted in the room. The eldest sister turned to look at Brigetta with a triumphant smile, but the look on her face made her heart drop.
"No!" Her little sister yelped before jumping in front of the advancing Sir Ghidek. Her sister saw the dagger in his hand, and rushed to save her before being constrained by her skinny consort.
"In the name of Prince Anuj Gein Alstha." He whispered menacingly in her ear.
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