Royal Dilemmas

Chapter 1

Anthony, Earl of Carria, stood with his arms crossed, his dark eyes glimmering in the candlelight as he stared at the map that lay upon the table. He is a young man of twenty three with thick, black hair and a thin, sensitive face. His trim build is immaculately dressed and he seems to possess a great deal more gravitas than a man his size and age should be able to project. Still, despite his youth and his looks, he is the Duke’s most trusted councilor and the greatest diplomat of the Duchy of Gronolo.

Beside him his mentor and friend, Thomas, Earl of Mariar stands, a frown growing upon his face. Thomas is middle aged, stocky in build with a face that reflects more years than it has seen. His gray/black hair is unkempt and his face is covered by a straggling and unkempt beard. His great dark eyes stare down at the map, his lips curled in disgust at what he sees, but as is his norm, he says little.

Opposite them both is their sovereign lord, Renaldo, Duke of Gronolo, a man of refined habits, tastes and appearance. In his early thirties, his dark hair swept back revealing an ever growing forehead, he stares keenly at the map, his dark eyes set above a large nose and a wide, thin mouth. When he speaks he gestures continuously with his hands, his voice rough, gravelly and low, while his words today are pointed.

If we do nothing, we will be swallowed in a gulp, he barks, pointing towards the top of the map in disgust.

Certainly the King of Darma would not think of moving against us so boldly, states Thomas, his eyes narrowing. An unprovoked attack against us will allow us to seek allies with a full justification of removing an invader from our land.

They will fabricate an excuse to attack, rejoined the Duke, and when they do, what shall we do? We have no time, none! We need allies now, the larger the better, or we will be a providence of the Kingdom of Darma before the year is out.

Darma grows stronger every day, they seek conquest of all of their neighbors, spat Thomas. They seek to rival Zambelia in influence…

I know what they seek, replied the Duke testily. I don’t care about their objectives, I care about our freedom!

We cannot fight them, stated Anthony calmly. At most, our men can only delay their armies.

We need to have the King of Zambelia sign a treaty with us, stated the Duke. With the Kingdom of Zambelia on our side, the King of Darma will never dare make a move against us.

We have nothing to offer Zambelia, milord, stated Thomas. I am sure that the Lord Albert would never sign a treaty granting us assistance for the pure pleasure of thwarting the Darmians.

We offer a buffer state between Zambelia and a growing threat to their northern border, Thomas, replied Anthony.

Do you think you can sell them on that idea, my dear Earl? asked the Duke, his eyes narrowing.

Anthony smiled; he was well known for his diplomatic successes and was more than a bit conceited regarding his abilities.

Leave it to me, my lord Duke, he replied. Allow me to meet with the King of Zambelia and I promise you that within five minutes, we will have a treaty and the Darmians will be looking for some other small nation to add to their bounty.

The Duke did not return the smile.

You and Thomas go, he replied. You take the fate of our nation with you. Go now and Anthony… Anthony looked up at his master with a serious expression. For the sake of our people, do not fail us Anthony. For the sake of all Gronolo, save our homeland…

***

Annalisse, the twenty one year old Princess of Zambelia and daughter of King Alex and Queen Marie, is well known for her ladylike deportment and kindness. In addition to her acknowledged refinement, she is known to be one of the most beautiful women in the entire kingdom, so the casual witness would find her behavior at the moment somewhat surprising. Princess Annalisse was running as fast as she dare from one balcony to the other along the second floor of the castle at Wharton, the King’s Palace, yelling with undisguised gusto as two horsemen raced past her upon the green in the garden below. Barely arriving at her station above the galloping riders, she cupped her hands about her mouth and called out loudly.

HE’S RIGHT BEHIND YOU! HE’S GAINING ON YOU! GO! GO! RUN!

A large brown horse thundered past the balcony, its rider drawing a bead on a target with their bow as a second horse and rider flew past the balcony mere seconds behind the first. Annalisse watched as the first rider raised the bow and fired. The arrow struck the bulls-eye of a target set upon one of the now barren autumn trees that stood just before the end of the course. The second rider fired a moment later, his arrow close, but just next to the bulls-eye as the two riders raced to the finish of the course.

Annalisse flowed down the stairs from the balcony and out into the garden, her long, curly blonde hair trailing behind her in the wind as she ran towards the two riders who had crossed the finish line a moment before. The riders slowed their mounts to a canter and then coaxed them gently back towards the final bulls-eye to examine the placement of the arrows.

Racing up to the first rider, Annalisse called out happily, YOU WON! YOU WON!

Her mother, Queen Marie, smiled down at her daughter and offered her a gentle laugh, Annalisse, we must be gracious winners.

Her father, King Alex, lowered himself from the second horse, still examining the target with a frown.

Turning to his wife, he offered her a faint smile, I concede, my dear; you have defeated me.

The Queen offered him a growing smile, You did very well my love.

Not as well as Mama, but very well, agreed Annalisse, unable to control her laughter as her father advanced upon her.

Alex is a very tall, large and muscular man with neat brown hair and a matching beard that was speckled with gray. Scooping his daughter up into his arms, he laughed as she dissolved into a fit of giggles, her father kissing her face and chanting quietly, The loser gets to kiss the Princess, the loser gets to kiss the Princess!

Put her down, my love, laughed Marie. You are all sweaty and dirty.

Alex put down his daughter and drew closer to his wife. Gently reaching up, he placed his hands about her waist and drew her from her saddle, holding her above him a moment, lost in her beauty and then slowly lowering her to his chest. Marie was dressed in her riding clothes, mud spattered upon her tunic and leggings, her hair wild, her face devoid of any makeup and Alex knew he had never seen a more beautiful sight in all of his life.

Put me down, she said softly, a slight blush rising upon her cheeks.

Alex shook his head and drawing her close, he kissed her tenderly.

It is the winner’s job to console the loser, he smiled, delighting in the feel of her body close to his.

Leaning closer, Marie giggled, Later…

With a smile, Alex gently placed her upon the ground and then reached over, taking the reins of the two horses and began to lead them all back towards the barn.

Annalisse stepped beside her mother and placed her arm around her, walking together with her and teasing her father.

Perhaps Mama should become the King’s Champion, she laughed. She could protect you and represent you in tournaments.

Your mother wearing armor, mused Alex. I might like that…

I do not think that I would, replied Marie, running a hand through her unruly hair.

Turning back to her, Alex smiled, And what WOULD the winner like?

Marie shook her head, The winner would like a nice warm bath…

With a bow, her husband handed the horse’s reins to one of the guards keeping watch nearby.

As the victor commands, he stated. I will draw milady a bath. Does the victor’s daughter require anything?

Annalisse considered it, Nothing comes to mind at the moment, but I will be more than happy to let you know as soon as I think of something.

With a laugh, Alex headed towards a doorway leading inside, Of that, I have NO doubt!

***

Prince Jonathan, Heir to the Throne, rode his favorite mount, Gold Pillar and gave a brief sigh of happiness. An extremely handsome young man with dark hair and soulful eyes set above high cheekbones, he was glad to be drawing closer to home. He had been away for almost a month upon a diplomatic mission for his father, representing the King by attending the funeral of the Sultan of Chanra and was glad that his journey was almost over.

Riding between his two friends, Lord Wilton and Sir Edward as they followed their escort through the town of Wharton he could not help but reflect upon his journey as a mix of success and failure. He maneuvered his horse expertly, his trim, muscular figure, a familiar and welcomed sight throughout the village. Beside him to his right, his friend Wilton cantered along upon a large, gray horse, a happy smile on his round face. Heavyset and strong, Wilton had recently married his love, the Lady Ellen, one of the most renowned beauties in the kingdom. Wilton had taken advantage of the Sultan’s untimely death and had used the trip as an excuse to prolong their honeymoon. Returning to Zambelia, Wilton had reluctantly left his new bride back at his estate a short time before, it being but a short ride away on the road to Wharton.

To Jonathan’s left rode Sir Edward, the King’s advisor and councilor, a thin man with dark hair and a thin, serious face who was becoming one of Jonathan’s closest friends and confidants. Edward had become closer to the Prince over the last few years, his advice on a wide variety of matters always welcome.

Jonathan looked past their escort and glanced up at the enormous walls of the castle, his face breaking into a slight smile.

It is good to be home, he said softly. I just hope father will not be disappointed…

I think it more likely that the Lord Albert will be disappointed, replied Edward, his eyes sympathetic. He was hoping to make an announcement upon your return.

It was not the right time, stated Jonathan quietly. How could I even discuss the possibility of courting Princess Caroline? We were at a funeral…

Mind you, the former Sultan of Chanra would have had no problem if the situations had been reversed, laughed Wilton.

Hopefully Lord Albert will be more interested in how events occurred in Chanra and with our reports on the new Sultan to think much of the matter, stated Jonathan hopefully. Besides, the Princess and I had very little time together...

Privately, stated Edward. Remember, milord, that when we speak of the matter, we must stress the idea that you were unable to get the lady alone for any length of time.

Jonathan nodded, Still, I think the trip in every other aspect a success…

I wonder how Randy is doing, mused Wilton.

Randy was his and Jonathan’s childhood friend. He would have made the journey with them but was forced to decline Jonathan’s request because his wife of less than a year, Lady Heather, was with child. Prior to their leaving, Jonathan had learned that Lady Heather, another very close friend and confidant, was not enjoying an easy pregnancy and since the event was in its earliest stages, it was thought judicious that her husband remain at home.

I hope that Heather is feeling better, stated Jonathan.

For Randy’s sake, continued Wilton.

It did not seem that the lady’s mood was very good prior to our departure, stated Edward tactfully.

Wilton laughed, I was afraid she was going to kill Randy and gut him like a fish, never mind her mood not being very good.

Jonathan chuckled, You have a gift for understatement, Edward.

It is hardly my place… began Edward.

When Lady Heather is in a mood, there is no safe place, interrupted Wilton. I am afraid that our friend might be wishing about now that he could trade places with the late Sultan.

I hope that I do not feel the same after I speak with my father… said Jonathan softly.

Chapter 2

With his eyes closed, Alex enjoyed the feeling of the warm water and the serenity that he always felt lounging in the stone bath tub that was housed in a room next door to the royal apartments at Wharton. Lord Albert had created the bathing chamber, a large, stone room with a sunken tub large enough for several people that could be filled by a warm water tank at any time of day. Relaxing in the tub was a pleasure Alex enjoyed rarely; usually he bathed quickly prior to starting his work day. Today, however, he stretched out in the tub, a large smile upon his face.

Floating up beside him in the softly steaming water, his beloved wife snuggled up to him, placing her head upon his chest and sighing contently.

I wish we never had to leave this place, she state softly, unable to contain her smile at the slight echo her words caused in the stone chamber.

It does feel wonderful, grinned Alex, and to share it with you, my love, is pure heaven.

Still, stated Marie, cuddling closer and closing her eyes, we have work to do; we cannot stay here all day.

A knock at the door caused Alex to shake his head before calling over his shoulder.

YES?

I am sorry to disturb you, your royal highness, called the voice of the captain of the guard. His royal highness, Prince Jonathan, has just entered the castle gates. He has returned, your highness.

VERY WELL, replied Alex. I WILL ATTEND THE PRINCE SHORTLY.

As my lord commands, replied the captain, his footsteps audible as he drew away down the hall.

Turning his attention back to his wife, he pulled her closer, kissing her and gently kneading her breast. Marie looked up, passion in her eyes, but she pulled away and smiled at him.

This is the third tub of water I have enjoyed this morning and I have consoled the loser twice already, she laughed. We should go and see Jonathan, my love. He has been away for a month and there is a good chance that we will be able to make an announcement this evening concerning his courting the Princess Caroline.

Alex considered it, trying not to pout as his wife eased herself away from him and headed for the stone steps that led out of the opposite side of the tub. Rising out of the water, he watched, fascinated, as the water slithered down her beautiful skin. She moved slowly, seductively out of the water, enjoying the feeling of his eyes upon her. Marie was in her fifties now and knew that there was a tinge of gray in her auburn hair. Gazing down, she saw that her breasts rode slightly lower than they once had, that her waist was perhaps a smidge larger, but glancing over her shoulder she saw the longing in her lover’s eyes and knew that none of it matter to him.

Rising from the water, Alex made his way towards the stairs, his large muscular frame causing the water to scatter before him. Rising up onto the stone floor that surrounded the tub, he wrapped his lady love in a towel and kissed her tenderly.

Alex smiled, I love you, Marie…

As I love you, my Alex… said Marie softly, reaching up to kiss him softly upon the lips and then retreating to wrap her robe about her.

Alex’ frown grew deeper behind his beard, Let us go and see our son…

Wistfully, Marie watched him slide his robe on, Very well, my love, my one and only.

***

Randy grasped Jonathan into his arms, hugging him happily.

It is about time you have returned, he stated, reaching over to pat Wilton on the shoulder.

Randy was the tallest of the three friends, thinner in build with bright red hair and a long, happy face. Soon to be a father, he seemed content and settled with his new life, something that Jonathan hoped to speak to him about in the days ahead.

Looking about the study, Jonathan could not contain his surprise at having found his friend here instead of Albert or his father.

Lord Albert will return shortly, stated Randy, reading his friend’s expression as he stepped back. Taking a chair, he motioned Wilton and Jonathan to join him. He has gone in search of your father; he thought it would be easier if you made your report once.

How is Heather? asked Jonathan.

Randy frowned uncertainly, I suppose she is well. She is rather moody; I suppose it is the morning sickness. Some days she is very pleased to see me and then there are other times when I fear for my life…

It does not sound as if she is any different to me, laughed Wilton.

And how are you now that you are an old married man? asked Randy.

It was Wilton’s turn to frown uncertainly.

Ellen is very beautiful and I love her dearly, but she does like things…

Things? asked Randy.

Wilton looked to Jonathan, who spoke in a low tone, On our trip, the Lady enjoyed shopping a great deal.

I had to borrow money, stated Wilton, a perplexed expression overtaking his features. I had brought three times what I thought the journey would cost and she managed to spend it all and then more. I must say, I had no idea that marriage was such a costly proposition.

Once you have settled into your new estate, I am sure that things will settle down, replied Randy, glancing at Jonathan and surprised to see that his friend appeared not to agree with his assessment.

Wishing to change the subject, Randy smiled, And what is the news concerning you and Princess Caroline?

Now it was Jonathan’s chance to appear uncertain while Wilton answered.

The Princess appears even more beautiful than when last we saw her, he stated happily. Mind you, we were all supposed to be in mourning, so it was a little hard on Jonathan to speak of anything…romantic…

She is very lovely, agreed Jonathan. She is kind and considerate, but the venue did not allow me to…well, it was the wrong time to say anything.

But what about on the journey home? asked Randy. Surely the two groups traveled the same route at the beginning…

No, replied Jonathan. The Albrians left two days before our party left and we did not overtake them. The situation in Chanra required that we linger after the funeral to ascertain certain facts.

And what facts were those, your royal highness? asked a voice at the door.

Looking up, Jonathan smiled as Albert entered the room, a large smile upon his handsome face. Albert was of medium build, his wavy hair having turned a beautiful silver/white. He was Jonathan’s surrogate grandfather and teacher, advisor and friend to all three of the boys. Entering the room, he was soon surrounded and hugged by each in turn. Taking a seat at Jonathan’s desk, he watched as the door once again opened and Edward joined them.

His majesty will be with us in just a moment, he stated.

It seemed that immediately the door again opened and Alex and Marie both entered, crossing to their son and embracing him and then the others in turn. Giving their seats to Alex and Marie, Wilton and Randy stood behind Jonathan as Albert repeated his question.

Jonathan grimaced slightly and with a glance at Edward, began.

We believe that the Sultan was murdered by his second wife and his second son, he stated softly.

Marie could not contain her surprise.

Murdered by his son?

I am afraid so, milady, stated Edward. Upon our arrival, we found that the Sultan’s second son and second wife had been imprisoned. A trial was held one night during our stay. We knew nothing about it until later and by then the two unfortunates had been executed by the order of the new Sultan.

It took some time, but we were able to piece together enough information to obtain the story, stated Jonathan. It seems that the second wife and second son had decided to remove not only the Sultan, but his first son and his first wife and seize power. They ended up killing not only the Sultan but several of his guests at a banquet where they had poisoned most of the food. Unfortunately for them, the first son and first wife had displeased the Sultan earlier in the day and he had forbidden them to attend him that night, which spared their lives. Upon learning the facts, the new Sultan immediately had them put to death along with several accomplices.

It was very disturbing, your majesties, stated Edward. The new Sultan is, as you might imagine, rather suspicious and uneasy. We offered him your most sincere condolences and reaffirmed the friendship of our kingdom to their own. I believe he trusts us at the moment, which is to say, as much as he trusts anyone at the moment...

How horrible, stated Marie, glancing at Alex, who seemed lost in thought.

Perhaps it would be best to send a special envoy to the new Sultan, murmured Albert, glancing at Edward as he spoke.

I would agree with your lordship, he replied. I fear that the situation is…unstable.

What did you think, Jonathan? asked Alex.

Jonathan considered it and then spoke, I think that we need to reassure the new Sultan that he has friends. I think it would not only strengthen our friendship, but would help to protect our merchants who have business dealings with Chanra. I cannot imagine what being betrayed by your own family in such a manner would do to a ruler, but it cannot be anything good…

Alex nodded, Very well. Albert, do you have anyone in mind?

Albert shrugged, I would have chosen our old friend Bartran in the past, but he has made it clear that he no longer wishes to leave the kingdom for any reason.

What about Lord Chester?’ asked Jonathan. He would seem to be a good choice…"

All eyes turned upon him, making him feel uncomfortable. Jonathan hated being the center of attention, had learned to live with it, but would never enjoy it.

Why Lord Chester? asked Alex softly.

Well, began Jonathan, he is one of the most beloved men in the kingdom. He has an international reputation and is known for his intelligence and humor. If I were the Sultan, I would think that I would want someone intelligent around me now and having just lost his father and having been betrayed by members of his own family, we know that there is a dearth of humor in the palace.

Alex chuckled slightly, There is no more companionable man I know of and certainly no one more intelligent or diplomatic. What do you think Albert?

Albert smiled, I think that our young Prince has a good head upon his shoulders. I think Lord Chester would be an excellent special envoy!

I will send a request for Lord Chester to join us immediately, smiled Edward.

Leaning back against his chair, Albert’s smile grew, Now, milord, what about that other matter we had discussed prior to your departure?

Jonathan grimaced slightly and looked down at his hands.

I am afraid, Lord Albert, that I did not have the opportunity to speak with the Princess Caroline beyond the exchanging of some pleasantries during the funeral.

Albert glanced at Marie and then Alex, his face dropping into a frown.

You had NO opportunity?

Jonathan continued to look down at his hands, Once the three of us understood the situation, there were inquiries that had to be made. As you can imagine, Albert, we had to be far more diplomatic and tactful than normal, given the circumstances. Honestly, there was never a good time for the lady and I to have the conversation, milord…

Is there a problem son? asked Alex, certain that Jonathan was not saying all that was on his mind.

I am not sure, father, replied Jonathan softly. I mean no disrespect to the lady, certainly. It is just, well, it is just difficult to know… he gestured vaguely with his hand, lost for words.

She is a fine figure of a young woman, coaxed Albert.

Quite beautiful, agreed Randy.

Very lovely, stated Marie softly.

She seems very pleasant in her manners, continued Albert, searching for what was bothering his Prince.

She is a wonderful young woman, Albert, agreed