Chapter 3

Maddoc walked out of another council meeting feeling annoyed and exhausted. He believed he knew what was best for Calumbria, and he was tired of some lords and his uncle trying to fight his every command. He didn’t mind questions about his decisions, but when he knew he was right, Maddoc would not relent.

As he learned more and more about his kingdom by writing lords throughout his lands, he found food shortages and sickness were problems in much of the north of the kingdom. Housing was inadequate in the south, and some higher lords had been harsh with their tenants. It had made a very unsettled situation in Calumbria. When he brought it up to his uncle, the prince waved it off saying there were always problems in the land. Maddoc would not sit by and do nothing.

“You do not seem well, my king,” said Elias as he walked with Maddoc towards the entry hall.

“Were you not in that meeting, Elias? How can I be well when some of my lords refuse to see the challenges we face?”

“I imagine they have known of these challenges for some time and have ignored them. So far it has caused them no consequences, so why would they care?” Elias looked at Maddoc with an apologetic smile. “I had no idea about them and never would have if you hadn’t brought them up.”

“You should all care because many in our kingdom are suffering. I know the common folk may not be on your mind regularly, Elias, but they are important to Calumbria. Not only that but how can I just sit back and know my people are suffering and even dying? What kind of king am I if I do not see to the prosperity of my people?”

“Calm down, your majesty. You do not have to convince me. I am on your side, and I understand you. Just because I have not thought of them much in the past, does not mean I do not feel for the common folk when I become aware of their plight. Do you think me heartless?”

“I think you are spoiled as I was and like your easy life. I am not sure if I ever would have cared so much if I had not learned some valuable lessons.”

“Valuable lessons that were given to you by a very pretty princess,” said Elias with a laugh.

“Lessons I heard from a ruler who knows much more than me. She is an intelligent woman who has seen to her kingdom for years.”

“I am not doubting her skills or experiences. I am merely pointing out you were much more open to hearing what she had to say because you liked staring at those bright eyes and listening to words coming from those pouty lips.”

Maddoc shook his head. “You are much too descriptive about Princess Anwen for my liking, my lord.”

Elias laughed again. “Perhaps you will be in a better mood and more apt to receive my teasing next week. Once your princess is here for the Winter Festival, I imagine you will be much improved.”

Maddoc grinned. “I am looking forward to much of the festival, but there is still the problem with the Parvilian princess. I shall have to spend too much time with her. She and her court are coming early by my mother’s invitation.” They stopped walking close to the door, and Maddoc looked at Elias. “You should come with your mother and brother the first night they are here. Have supper with us. Perhaps you will find the princess to your liking, and you can charm her. You could win your crown after all. They do not have a male heir. Perhaps if you courted and married her, you could convince their lords to let your rule with her.”

Elias raised an eyebrow. “That is tempting. I shall have to meet her first and see what I make of her. I rather like my life and lands. It would take a special woman to make me leave them to my younger brother.”

“She is beautiful. I can tell you that. Come meet her and see what you think.”

“When shall she arrive?”

“In three days. You can come to supper that night, can’t you?” asked Maddoc.

“I know of no plans I have, and if my king commands it, I shall be there. Mother will be pleased to be invited for such a momentous occasion.” Elias took his cloak from a servant. “To think I could be the man who took the king’s intended from him.”

“I am not promised to the princess in any way,” said Maddoc with a frown.

“No one knows that. Many believe she is coming to complete your courtship from earlier this year. If I do like her and win her away, I will make sure all know I stole her from you.”

Maddoc laughed a little. “I have no objections to it. You and I both know I shall have the real prize.”

“Should I tell Princess Anwen you called her a prize like she was something to be won? I am not sure she would like it.”

Maddoc rubbed his hand down his face. “No, she would not, and we should not be talking so. We have done this too much with too many women. Not even the Parvilian princess deserves to be spoken of so. If you can win her affection in some way, and Princess Meira pleases you, then I hope you will both be happy.”

“I was only teasing, my king, but you are right. We are both too old to be behaving so. I will come to meet this princess and see what happens. I am not sure what good it will do if she is expecting a king.”

The next few days passed quickly. Maddoc wrote letters to lords throughout the kingdom. He arranged for supplies and medicines to be sent north. He sent out a few of the lords from his council who were willing to the south of the kingdom to see what they could find. Maddoc endured lectures from his uncle and talks with his mother about the Parvilian princess.

The afternoon of the Parvilian royal party’s arrival came, and Maddoc stood in the entry hall with his mother and uncle. He looked over at his head guard, Matthias who gave him a small, encouraging grin.

“Have courage, your majesty,” said his guard quietly. “You have already endured this enemy before and on their home turf.”

Maddoc chuckled. “You call the Parvilians my enemy, do you?”

“I apologize if I caused offense, but I believe they stand in the way of you getting something you want more than anything else in this land. If they are not enemies, what are they?”

“A complication,” replied Maddoc. “One I have already made plans to do away with.”

“King Maddoc, come over here and be ready to receive our guests,” said Prince Korben.

Maddoc nodded to Matthias and walked to stand between his uncle and mother.

“You will show the king and princess every attention,” said Prince Korben as he looked at his nephew.

“I will receive them as I would any other important ruler in our land who has long been friendly with Calumbria. Do not worry, uncle. I know my duty.”

“Do you really?” asked his mother. “If you know it, then you will pay particular attention to the princess. If you would put aside other fascinations, you will see Princes Meira is the perfect woman to be your queen.”

Maddoc sighed and thought of Anwen. He was fascinated with her, but that was not all. His thoughts about her were constant. He felt wrong without her near him. He didn’t know how he could go through life without her by his side. He loved her. He had not understood what love really was until he met her, but now that he knew he loved her and had earned her love somehow, he would not waste it.

“Maddoc, did you hear me?” asked his mother.

“I believe they are here,” said Maddoc walking towards the door. “We should go outside and receive them.”

Maddoc walked out the door, and his uncle and mother followed. They stood together at the top of the palace steps on the large landing. Three large carriages came into view surrounded by many guards and others on horseback. The largest carriage that led the way stopped in front of the palace steps. Two servants hurried over and opened the carriage. The king of Parvilia stepped out. He held out his hand to help his only child, Princess Meira out of the carriage.

She looked up at the palace and stared at King Maddoc. He admitted to himself she was very beautiful. Her blonde hair was piled on her head with a few curls framing her face. Her blue eyes were clear and large. She had a serene smile on her small pink lips. As she walked up the steps towards Maddoc, she was very graceful. He could tell her tall figure was very womanly under the light pink gown she wore.

Still with all her allurements when she curtsied before Maddoc showing off her ample cleavage, he felt nothing for her. As she stood up and adjusted her skirts, Maddoc longed to see a small princess with bright honey-colored eyes smiling up at him. The princess held out her hand with her long slim fingers. Maddoc took it and kissed it quickly, wishing he was holding the small, warm hand of Anwen.

“Welcome, King Brone, Princess Meira,” said Maddoc. “I am very pleased you are here. I believe you have both met my mother, Queen Evalin, and my uncle, Prince Korben?”

“Yes,” said the king coming forward. “We were very flattered to receive the queen’s invitation to come a few days early. It will be nice to settle in and spend some time with such good friends before the rest of the throng descends upon us for your festival.”

“Indeed,” said Maddoc glancing at the princess as she gazed up at him. “You and your court must be tired from your journey. Please come in. My servants will show you to your rooms. I have asked that you be placed on the fourth floor. It has the best view of the fields and river from there.”

“You are too kind, your majesty,” said the princess as she looked expectantly at him.

Maddoc suppressed a sigh and held out his arm. The princess took it, and he led her into the palace.

“I was very sorry to hear of your troubles on your journey back from our kingdom,” said the princess as she glanced at him. “I am glad to see you are well.”

“I suffered no long-term ill effects, your highness.”

“I believe you had an escort on your journey?” asked the princess as they stopped by the stairs. “Did I hear correctly?” The way she said it implied she had heard a bit more about his escort than she led on.

“The Princess Anwen of Lucidala saw me safely to my palace,” said Maddoc. “I doubt I would have made it here without her.”

“She is coming to the Winter Festival, I believe?”

“She is. She will come with her mother, Queen Eira, and her court.”

“Then I shall have to thank her for keeping you safe,” said the princess as she ran her hand up his forearm before taking it away. “I would not like to lose you, my king.”

Maddoc looked at her and took a step back. “Of course, when it came down to it, it was people from your own kingdom seeking to end my life. They endangered the princess as well. When you thank her, perhaps you should apologize to her too. She suffered at their hands much more than me.”

“I will apologize to her and you,” said the princess. “My father and his lords have worked tirelessly to root out all those who would seek to hurt you. There was much misinformation running through our kingdom, but the truth has been made known. When you and I marry, I know you will be much involved in Parvilia, but we will not lose who we are.”

“When we marry, Princess Meira? You assume very much,” said Maddoc.

She smiled. “You know my father and your mother have already decided we shall marry.”

“But I have not, your highness. I mean you no disrespect, but the final choice of my bride and queen will come down to me.”

She laughed. “I see what you want, your majesty.” She turned from him and started for the stairs. “By the end of your festival, I will see that you want no one but me for any reason at all.” She looked up the stairs to see servants directing people to rooms. She gave a quick curtsey to Maddoc before walking up the stairs.

Maddoc shook his head watching her go. He didn’t know what she had planned, but he had a very good idea that it would not work. He continued on to his room to rest.

Maddoc walked into the dining hall to find much of the Parvilian court already present. The king stood to one side talking with Maddoc’s mother. When he saw Maddoc he walked over to him and bowed.

“I have been wanting to speak with you, King Maddoc. I want to apologize for the troublesome subjects in my kingdom have caused you. I had no idea such a thing was happening amongst my people.”

Maddoc wanted to tell the king perhaps he should pay closer attention to his people and their concerns, but he held his tongue.

“No true harm was done,” said the queen who had walked over with King Brone. “My son is very safe as you can see. I don’t believe he was even injured much. Besides an unnecessarily long journey, there is not much more to apologize for.”

Maddoc looked at his mother angrily. “I was almost killed at least four times. If it was not for Princess Anwen I would for sure be dead. She was also gravely injured by protecting me, and then was taken by a Parvilian subject who acted as if he was truly loyal to me. He tried to frame my most trusted guard.” Maddoc looked at the king. “I will take accept your apology for my part, but there are others who are owed your regrets.”

The king looked surprised, but he nodded. “I am sure I will have an opportunity to state my regrets to the princess and queen from Lucidala. I do not know them well, but I know of no harm in them. I am sure it will be met with graciousness.”

“I am sure it will,” said King Maddoc. “I have not met a more gracious and forgiving person than Princess Anwen. Her mother strikes me as a very good woman and queen as well.”

“You seem fond of the rulers from Lucidala.”

“Of course, he is,” interjected Queen Evalin. “He owes his life to the princess, and she is a very charming young woman. I am sure she will make a very good queen to her own kingdom someday.”

“Well, I shall seek them out as soon as they arrive. I would like to say that I have done much to assure you are safe from any threats from my kingdom, King Maddoc. I have worked to assure my lords that you are no threat to our way of life. I do not have a true male heir, but that does not mean there is not one who will be king. I shall name one soon, and that will take the pressure off of you once you marry my Meira.”

Maddoc shook his head. “I don’t believe any promises have been made to you or your daughter, King Brone. You should not presume so much.”

The king looked at Queen Evalin. “Oh, your majesty, you know these young people,” she said reassuringly. “They like to have their time to court and get to know each other. Give the king and the princess time, and I am sure we will all be satisfied by the result.”

“I see Lord Bennington is here. I must go greet Elias,” said Maddoc as he gave a slight bow and walked away.

“You do not look pleased, my king,” said Elias as Maddoc walked up to him and his mother.

“I am just tired from this afternoon. We received a large party after all. Thank you for coming, Lady Rowena. You too, Avery. I am glad to see you both.”

“We are honored by your invitation, your majesty. I am very pleased to help welcome the visitors from Parvilia.”

“You should walk towards my mother, Lady Rowena. She can introduce you to the king, and I am sure she would be happy to do it. I know he would like to meet such a charming, beautiful woman.”

“You are too kind, your majesty. I am long past any thoughts to my own looks, but I should greet the queen. Come along, Avery.”

Elias and Maddoc watched them go before Elias turned to his king. “So where is this princess I am to meet and charm?”

“Actually, here she is now, coming this way,” said Maddoc. “As you can see, she is quite lovely.”

“That she is,” said Elias as he put on a smile.

The princess walked towards them, her long blond hair curled and resting down her shoulder. She wore a tight blue gown that was low cut. Around her neck was a gold chain that held a golden pendant that rested alluringly just above her cleavage.

“King Maddoc,” said the princess as she curtsied before him. “I hope I am not late for supper.”

“Not all, your highness,” said Maddoc with a bow. “You are just in time to meet my oldest friend and the highest lord of our kingdom. Princess Meira this is Lord Elias Bennington.”

Elias bowed low and then took her hand. He placed a soft kiss on it before letting it go. “I am very pleased to meet you, your highness. I have heard rumors of your loveliness, but they did not do you justice.”

“You are very charming, my lord,” Princes Meira said with a laugh. “I am very pleased to meet any friend of the king.”

“We have been friends for a long time, your highness, and I can tell you many amusing stories about him. Why don’t I escort you to the table so I can begin entertaining you?”

She laughed again and took the arm he offered. “I would be happy to let you fill my head with as many stories of King Maddoc as you would like, my lord. Perhaps you should join us, your majesty?”

“I will in a bit. I need to greet a few more people first.”

The princess frowned for a second, but then let Elias led her away towards the table. Maddoc found others in the room to speak with including a few lords from Parvilia. He asked about the state of the kingdom and found there had still been a few uprisings. Some were still scared for their kingdom’s future. More than one lord wished the king would choose an heir soon to settle things.

At the table, Maddoc sat next to the princess who sat between him and Elias. She tried to speak with Maddoc most of the evening, but Elias was very good at diverting her attention. Maddoc paid her enough attention to have his mother stop throwing him angry looks, but not enough to know what she and Elias were actually speaking of.

When the supper was over, it was decided it would be an early night. The king was tired and took his daughter with him when he went upstairs. Maddoc stood in the corner of the large parlor with Elias.

“So, have you made a conquest of the princess yet?” asked Maddoc as he drank some wine.

“Not yet, and I am not sure I will be able to or even want to for that matter.”

“Why would you not?” asked Maddoc. “She is beautiful and comes with a possible crown.”

“She does, and she is fairly intelligent and elegant.” Elias took a drink of his wine. “She is very snobbish and a bit catty at times.”

“Why does that matter? You are as pompous as they come. A snobbish, catty wife would match you very well.”

“I think I want a sweet, good wife. I don’t think a woman like Princess Meira would do me any good,” said Elias. “Besides, I doubt she has any interest in me.”

“You are already admitting defeat? I thought you prided yourself on charming any young lady.”

“This one is different,” said Elias. “You know how we both admitted we should not see young women as prizes to have any longer?”

Maddoc took a drink and nodded.

“Princess Meira does not have any qualms at seeing people as nothing more than objects to be won, and she will only settle for the highest prize she can win.”

Maddoc groaned. “What higher prize for someone like her than the man who wears the crown of the most powerful kingdom in the land?”

“Indeed, my king. She is determined to win you, and in no uncertain terms has told me she will let nothing get in her way.”