Heir of Beauty Read online

"So what do I need to do?"

  "We would like you to hold a conference at the town hall. The people need to know that the castle has the situation under control and we are willing to continue business as usual."

  I darted my eyes toward my mother who smiled back with the confidence I didn't have.

  "I don't think that is the best idea. The last time I addressed the public it did not go well. They all think I am a liar, I doubt they will even listen to anything that I say."

  The Council began a low rumble as they shifted in their chairs, my words hitting their mark. They didn’t want me as their leader as much as I didn’t want to be a leader. They were simply out of options and I was the best they could find on short notice. Fantastic.

  "Yes, that was indeed a disaster, however, the city is unstable at the moment. No one knows who is in charge anymore. The marketplace has been destroyed causing huge problems for our merchants trying to earn an income, and we received word this morning that many of our neighboring trade partners are refusing to do business with us. They feel that the economy is at risk the longer the castle fails to regain control. If this continues, the word will reach all the way to Draconis, and we will have no suppliers for gold." Lord Marchand glanced over at my mother, pleading to her best interests, but with a heavy glare telling her to fall in line. "Of course, you are free to do as you please even if it goes against the Council's wishes, however, we feel this is a necessary step to cleaning up the mess."

  My mother sat up straighter in her chair, clearly not willing to be talked down to by anyone. "I don't think that will be an issue, Bruno. I'm sure my son will do a phenomenal job. I doubt any of you would not have apprehensions with delivering news as delicate as this. Isn't that right, Fallon?”

  My chest tightened, the reality that I was not getting out of this settling in. "Of course. I'll do whatever you need."

  "Splendid." Lord Marchand clapped his hands and nodded until the other lords joined him. "I will make the necessary arrangements as soon as we have adjourned.”

  "Is that all you require?" I asked, hoping the answer would be yes and knowing it likely wouldn't be.

  "For now," Lord Anwar said.

  I exhaled and let the tension slide out through my mouth then rushed toward the door. As my hand gripped the doorknob, Lord Covington spoke again.

  “Before you go, can I just provide one word of caution. We know you have quite the reputation around the kingdom, specifically in regards to the taverns and some of the young ladies in the city. Stepping into the role as king requires an image of flawless decorum to help maintain the respect of your people. Anything less should be handled as discreetly as possible to avoid any more controversy. I'm not sure how much the kingdom would be willing to forgive during the Aldric reign.”

  "Noted." I nodded and twisted the handle, the air already lighter on the other side of the door as it wafted in from the hallway. I rushed out of the room and clicked the door closed behind me, then rested my head against the wall, the cool stone helping to bring my temperature down. I shook out the tension in my arms and shuddered as each of the new truths landed on my shoulders. The Council had already given up on finding my father and they confirmed the one thing I dreaded — I would be the king now. The kingdom would look to me and I would need to devote everything to them. My life would never be my own again.

  2

  28th May

  "And I'm certain that through working together we'll be able to overcome the recent events and build a stronger community in spite of it."

  I ran the speech over again for about the thousandth time since yesterday. My palms still sweating every time I said the words, but the rest of my nerves seemed to be held at bay. Somewhere between midnight and dawn, I'd accepted my new reality. Either that or practicing my speech put me under some kind of hypnosis as I repeated the same monotone words over and over again.

  Voices boomed on the other side of the curtain as the citizens of Mosa and likely half of the neighboring villages piled into the theatre. My mother thought the theatre may feel more non-threatening than another speech in front of the castle or the town hall that was suggested before. The large stone structure of the castle looming over them would serve as a reminder of the anger and resentment building through the people instead of fostering hope as we’d planned.

  Lord Marchand appeared around the corner, a glossy black walking stick in his hand and his long hair tied low at the back of his neck. Polished. Proper. All the things I tried to be. Needed to be.

  "Remember what we discussed," he said, “Your job is to promote calm and order. The rest can be dealt with another day."

  I nodded and rubbed my open palms over my thighs.

  "Thank you. I'll do my best."

  "I'm sure you will, son, but remember the future of the monarchy rests with you." He cuffed his thick fingers around my shoulder and pat twice before heading back into the theatre.

  I closed my eyes and dropped my head to my chest, my breath struggling against the tightness in my lungs. I concentrated harder. Oxygen flowed in through my nose slowly and out my mouth. In. Out. Over and over until my pulse finally eased. Showtime.

  I jerked my head toward the stage and the guards waiting for my entrance assembled into their predetermined formation to escort me. Disgruntled and unamused stares followed me to the podium from every seat in the theatre. Additional rows of chairs flanked the sides and aisles for the excess attendees, but even then people stood along the walls, arms crossed. A sudden hush fell over the room as I cleared my throat and forced my back straighter. The guards positioned next to nearly every row and at every exit glared at the patrons, but at least they provided for a more solemn and captive audience as my last speech attempt.

  "Good afternoon my fellow Aborians.” The rehearsed words rolled easily off my tongue. One small victory. I gripped the podium tighter and dared to look out over the audience. "Thank you all for taking the time to assemble here today. I know the last time we spoke it was not under the best terms, but I have come here today to ask for your forgiveness on the past and your cooperation for enhancing the future."

  A loud snicker echoed in the hall. The nearest guard stomped at attention and snuffed it out, leaving an awkward silence.

  "As you have all seen or heard, the king is not well and has taken on the unfortunate form of a beast. I understand this is upsetting news as my father, King Ezra, meant a lot to this kingdom and was… I mean, is, loved by many of you. The details of his transformation were kept quiet as a concern for public safety and to provide some privacy for His Majesty during this difficult time. Unfortunately, that decision has led to tragedy and for that, all of us in the royal family are deeply sorry."

  A few people wrestled in their seats, and I tensed, expecting some sort of assault but they remained sitting. Another deep breath. So far, so good.

  "Today I've come to assure you that we will do everything possible to bring my father home, and rebuild the things we have broken. The—“

  A hand jut into the air about four rows away from the stage. The practiced speech reeling in my head halted, distracted by the five fingers gesturing desperately for attention.

  "You have a question?” I pointed at the older gentleman waving his hand in the audience, the silver flecks of his hair picking up under the theatre lights.

  "Yes, Your Majesty. My question is simple; after you have already lied to us and put us in danger, why should we believe you now?"

  Bile rose in the back of my throat, just as I'd anticipated, yet it still came as a shock as the burn raged against my vocal cords.

  A noblewoman in a fancy green dress stood in the front left row. “And what about our children? Are they not still in danger with a monster on the loose? What about them?”

  Third row from the back, right side. “Who will fix the marketplace? I’m losing money every day I can’t sell my produce.”

  “How do we know there are no other monsters that you’re hiding?” Fifth-row centre.
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  By the back door. “What good is the monarchy anyway? Maybe it's time for something new."

  The questions kept coming, each one smacking me in the face and forcing me back in defeat. I wasn't finished yet. Why hadn't they let me finish? My knuckles flashed white as I held onto the podium, using it as a crutch to keep from crumbling to the floor.

  Towards the back of the room, a small hand flew in the air as the body attached tried to make its way forward. Two guards immediately surrounded the asker with their hands poised on the hilts of their swords.

  "I also have a question for the prince." The voice cut through the rest of the noise, familiar and calming, like a stillness running through my blood. Veda, her hair pulled back and her unmistakable gray on gray uniform.

  “Yes, ma'am." I waved my hand and made a shushing noise, some of the chaos ending with the gesture. “Please let the lady speak."

  The soldiers eased back, still in attack mode if necessary. Veda straightened her stance.

  "I wanted to know how deeply difficult is it for you to deal with your family's pain and still try to address the kingdom with decorum and a smile? How traumatic has this whole ordeal been, and yet you’ve still managed to come here trying to help all of those who might be affected, without having the chance to grieve your own misfortune?"

  The crowd silenced, all of my contenders dangling from her every word. Strength reignited in my shaky legs. Her confidence providing bricks of courage, each one stacking on each other to build my platform.

  "Thank you, miss. It has been exceptionally hard, traumatic even, but I understand that being royalty comes with certain sacrifices, even if my own happiness and well-being are some of them."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty. I've often wondered how many times the people in this room have been helped by your family without any concern for what it may cost you. King Ezra was a strong leader and there is hope for him to leave a good legacy behind."

  The rest of the horde lay silent, but it didn’t matter. Even through the flood of people, all I could see was her and her kind face cheering me on. Standing behind me, even though she too had her doubts about my family and their rule. But instead of joining the burgeoning rebellion, she gave me a chance. The one I needed if I was going to make things right.

  "As I started to tell you all, there are plans in place to address all of your concerns.”

  Those who remained standing finally took their seats as order fell back over the theatre.

  "Security has been increased in the castle, the woods, and all of the surrounding areas of the city and nearby countryside to ensure there are no more casualties from the beast. Funds have been diverted from the castle’s operating expenses to cover the restoration of the marketplace. We want to ensure that it is up and running as soon as possible, but we are taking suggestions for improvements in a special session of court later this week so we can remain the prosperous pride of the kingdom.”

  A few cheers and positive comments rippled through the crowd. Not the overwhelming response I'd hoped for, but definitely better than the alternative.

  "And for those who fear that the castle is still harboring threats to your safety, we are opening our doors to everyone for guided tours whenever you feel the need. We want to show you that although we know we have made a mistake, that it will be our last and all decisions are made to make this kingdom the strongest in all the land."

  Feeble applause echoed through the theatre. Veda locked eyes with me through the sea of faces and smiled, my lips curling upwards in response.

  “I might not be my father, but I intend to make you all proud to be Aborians. Together we will rebuild and be stronger than ever.” I nodded and released my grip on the podium. An ache rippled through my fingers from the strain of holding on so tight, but I welcomed the release. “Thank you.”

  The guard to my left nodded his head toward the curtain and I quickly rushed offstage before things could swing out of my favor. A rumble of voices flowed behind me, but without the sharp contempt of my last speech. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start. A new beginning.

  As the noise of the crowd fell away, I loosened the two coat buttons near my neck and breathed deeply as the oxygen sparked life in my veins. I'd done it. I'd given my speech and without anything being thrown. No fruit juice, or worse, staining my dress clothes. No mob of angry citizens waiting by the door. Maybe I did stand a chance at this after all. Except, of course, I hadn't done it all on my own.

  I signaled to one of the guards and he came at my command. "The girl from the theatre, the one who stuck up for me during the question period, I need you to rush out front and find her. Tell her, no ask her, to wait for me near the entrance after everyone else has cleared out."

  "Of course, sir." He nodded and quickly disappeared, weaving through the remaining guards and out the side door into the sun.

  A lone steady clap echoed beside me.

  Lord Marchand appeared with a smile beaming across his face. "Well done, Your Majesty. We all had faith that you would rise to your new station. I'm glad we were not wrong."

  I grabbed the back of my neck and gazed down at the scuffed and peeling boards of the backstage area. "I'm glad things worked out well. But I'm still afraid that I may not be ready for such a large undertaking. Maybe we should employ more forces to search for my father. I'm sure the people would be pleased to know he wasn't running loose.”

  Lord Marchand narrowed his stare and grasped tighter onto the top of his walking stick, twisting it against the floor. "Perhaps. Or perhaps you should get better at taking a compliment and stop being so modest. Being king is your birthright, and by refusing you are risking everything your parents have built."

  "I'll try harder." The last of the voices died in the main theatre. I glanced at the side door, but Lord Marchand stood still.

  "Now if you could please excuse me, I have another meeting to attend to."

  "Of course. However, before you go I would like to remind you about how important appearances are in your position.” He pointed his index finger at me as his pleased grin dropped to a grim line. “I’m not sure how you bewitched that girl to come to your defense, or if you even know her at all, but she doesn't seem like the kind of girl befitting a future king. A little too plain. A little too…vocal.”

  I smiled back, my teeth grit tight enough to shatter. "Thank you. I'll have to remember that.”

  I rushed around to the front of the theatre. A few remaining guards still stood by the doors, but no Veda. My shoulders dropped along with my spirit.

  "That should be all gentlemen." I waved my hand. "Thank you for your service and feel free to take the rest of the afternoon off.”

  The guards nodded and then marched in perfect time into the city. As the last guard passed, he jerked his head backward. "Maybe try the fountain, sir."

  I rushed across the open square toward the large fountain. Cool droplets splashed my skin as I approached, a nice relief in the early afternoon heat. On the far side, Veda sat on the edge, just below the goddess of the fountain and her ever full jug of water, twiddling her fingers along the surface of the pool. I stood back and watched the serene look on her face as she splashed in the cool blue. I ached to feel that kind of peace. The last week bore down on my shoulders, sometimes like the universe was holding my head under that fountain water and I couldn't fight my way out. Eventually, the dark shadow of me lurking in the corner disrupted the air around her. Her nose scrunched up as she scanned the empty square, her eyes finally falling on my face. The sour look dissolved into a warm smile and she stood, flicking the last few drops of water from her fingertips.

  "I thought we were meeting by the entrance?"

  She shrugged. "You took so long that I got bored. Besides, it's such a beautiful day I figured I'd cool off a bit."

  She flicked her hand toward me, and I flinched, except no water hit me and she laughed.

  “Sorry for making you wait, but I needed to make sure that everyone had already left." />
  "Oh, I get it. Meeting me in secret?” She arched her eyebrow, playful, but the words stung in my chest like darts.

  “No. Of course not." I snapped. Lord Marchand’s warning burned bright in my head. Veda may not have the poise or upbringing as the noble girls, but what she lacked in grace she gave back in fire.

  "Easy, prince. Plus it probably took you forever to change out of all that royal garb."

  "Yeah. I couldn't wait to get it off. It's so hot and constricting."

  "You mean you didn't want to keep the crown?" She ruffled her hand through my hair, the skin of her fingertips still cool from the fountain. I closed my eyes for a second, reveling in her touch and using it to try to push down my toxic thoughts.

  "The crown is what I hate the most.” I shoved my hands in my pockets and jumped up on the edge of the fountain walking around, one foot directly in front of the other and my arms outstretched for balance. "Are you hungry? Because I'm absolutely starving."

  "I could be."

  I jumped down from the fountain stomping my feet in front of her and she giggled, a playful smirk breaking across my own face. "Great. I know a place that makes the best hand pies in the kingdom."

  She slid her arm to the crook of my elbow. "Then let's go. I can't miss out on the best hand pies in all of the kingdom, now can I?”

  We turned the corner, leaving the theatre grounds and back into the narrow streets of Mosa. People in their colorful dresses and perfect jackets scurried down the narrow sidewalks. Lines of candy-colored window shutters stood open to let the fresh air in. The beauty of a typical day in the city under the warm heat of the afternoon sun, but something seemed off, broken, as it lacked the same buzz and magic it used to. The incident in the marketplace had fractured the spirit of the city and even though they tried to continue on, as usual, the dark cloud of my father's sins hung over them.

  "Thank you for your help in there. You really have a way with words, don't you?”