The Prince Games

The Prince Games

By

Joshua Rouse

The Prince Games by Joshua Rouse

Copyright © 2016 Joshua Rouse.

All rights reserved.

1st Smashwords Edition

No part of this work may be reproduced in any fashion without the express, written consent of the copyright holder.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Ebook formatting by L. K. Campbell. Cover art © by Linda Patrick.

Chapter 1

There she was: her glowing, blonde hair blowing in the breeze, her gown billowing about her. Her graceful walk made it look as if she was carried by angels so as to not dash her foot against the unworthy ground. Her whole appearance was holy and glorious.

Prince Ronan’s heart was entirely conquered by Princess Julia’s beauty. She is the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen. Ronan thought. Ronan had known her since he was a young boy.

Their fathers, both kings of neighboring kingdoms, were good friends and got together every few months and had large parties that were famous throughout the land. These parties were the only times that Ronan got to be with Julia. They were best friends and spent a lot of time together but only during the festivals.

Ronan was currently at one of these parties, immersed in Julia’s beauty. He was watching her from across the courtyard in which the festivities took place. She was occupied at the moment with a game that involved tossing a ring onto the neck of one of the many bottles in the tent in which the game took place. Ronan casually walked up behind her, leaned close to her ear, and said, Don’t miss!

Julia was startled and turned to face Ronan.

Ronan! You scared me! She playfully pushed him away. Now if you had done that a few seconds earlier, I certainly would have missed.

’Scuse me your Highness; would you like to try your luck? the vender asked Ronan.

He smiled and said No thanks. I wouldn’t want to make her ladyship feel bad by outdoing her with my skills. Julia smacked him on the shoulder laughing.

Have you had dinner yet? Ronan asked, turning to Julia, It’s late in the afternoon. Come on, let’s go find something to eat.

I’ll be right there. Julia said I’m on my last ring…; actually I think I’ll let you try Ronan. Why don’t you show me your ‘skills?’

Alright, Ronan chuckled, taking the ring from her. But don’t feel bad when I do better than you. Ronan looked for a bottle that seemed easy to reach and found one towards the edge of the group. He aimed for the bottle. Just when he was about to throw, he glanced at Julia, who in turn looked at him.

For a brief moment, their eyes met each other as the old friends they were and talked for what seemed to be hours even though it was only a moment. Ronan turned back to the bottles, with a funny feeling inside him, and tossed the ring. It flew through the air and seemed to take forever to land, until finally, as if in slow motion, the ring clacked as it hit the top of the bottle. For a split second it looked as if the boy would win, but then the ring then fell to the ground. Ronan stood there for a few seconds, until Julia’s voice brought him back to reality.

Oh you were so close! I guess you do have some skill after all! Julia laughed. Come on Ronan, let’s go! Julia tugged at his tunic sleeve. I think I saw Mia and Eric in the crowd. Ronan followed in the direction in which he was being pulled.

The pair was pulled by the crowd, taunted by the smells, sounds and sights of all sorts of food baking. With watery mouths, they were gazing at steaming drumsticks, when Ronan heard his name being called out.

Prince Ronan! Princess Julia! Ronan and Julia looked for the person that was calling them, but could see no one in the crowd that was getting their attention.

Up here! the voice called again. Ronan looked up and saw a barefooted, sandy-haired boy sitting in the branches of one of the many trees that lined the main road of the festival. Ronan and Julia pushed through the crowd and reached the tree. The boy hopped down next to them and was soon joined by a brown haired girl.

Mia! Eric! How good it is to see you. Julia said. At once Mia and Eric bowed deeply to them.

Oh, stop that, Ronan said.

Sorry, your Highne… I mean Ronan. Eric said sheepishly as he stood up.

Force of habit with Me and Eric being peasants and all Mia added.

It’s all right, Ronan said sighing.

Have you been having fun so far? Julia asked.

Oh yes! Eric said excitedly. King Aiden and King Dane always have excellent parties.

Don’t you know how famous these parties are? Mia asked. Lords, Ladies, and all sorts of nobles come to the festivities. Everyone always looks forward to them. Mia glanced into the sky. And speaking of nobles, isn’t it almost time for the Night Feast?

Ronan smacked his head. Oh that’s right! I forgot! Father was hosting a feast for the nobles inside the great hall tonight. Come on Julia! We’ll be late!

Yes! Let’s hurry! Julia said. She turned back to her companions and said Goodbye Mia and Eric! Sorry for leaving you behind! Julia hurried off after Ronan.

She soon caught up to him while he was at the bottom of the stairs that led to the great oak doors, behind which lay the great hall. Julia lifted the bottom of her gown and ran up the stairs past Ronan. He was surprised how fast she moved. Her hair bouncing behind her reminded him of a cloud floating in the breeze. Once again, Julia seemed to gracefully glide across the stone stairs, glowing with a holy light. Then Julia turned her head to look back at Ronan. She flashed him a smile so beautiful and bright that it could clear up a storm in an instant and bring light to the darkest night. Ronan’s heart touched the stars. He was just about to wave at her when he tripped on the stairs and fell flat on his face. Ronan swore quietly to himself. I must look like ten kinds of an idiot.

Are you alright? Julia asked. Ronan got up and dusted himself off.

Yes, I’m fine, he replied. Just tripped is all. Let’s continue on our way, shall we?

The pair finished their ascent of the stairs and were welcomed by the guards. Once inside the hall, they were assaulted once again by the smells and sights of food.

Three long wooden tables lined the middle of the great hall. On each table were platters and platters of all sorts of foods. Servants were rushing from the kitchens to one of the tables, lading them with even more food. Along each side of the tables, nobles from all around sat talking, laughing, drinking and being merry. To the left of the entrance, a small band of musicians played a jolly tune featuring a fiddle and a mandolin.

At the head of the table, facing the entrance to the great hall, King Aiden and King Dane sat in two great chairs.

King Aiden, Ronan’s father, was a large, jolly man. His eyes and mouth had wrinkles around them from laughing so much. His brown hair had streaks of gray. He also had a bald spot that was hidden by his crown. King Dane, Julia’s father, was equally jovial. His beard was a mix of blonde and gray. His gold crown sat slightly crooked on top of his head. Both of the kings’ eyes shone with a glow that gave off a feeling of light heartedness, and yet looked as if they hid a fierce demon inside them.

The two kings burst into new fits of laughter after hearing a joke from a servant, when they noticed their children coming towards them.

Well, look who’s finally arrived! King Aiden said We’ve been waiting for you.

Everyone was just about to leave! King Dane said jokingly.

Ronan and Julia sat on either side of their fathers. Servants appeared at their sides and laid food out in front of them.

Shall we begin? King Aiden asked King Dane.

We shall. King Dane replied.

King Dane started banging his spoon against his glass, but no one quieted down. King Aiden tried banging on the table but everyone was still talking. So finally the two kings stood up, took in a big breath and yelled, OI! OVER HERE!

This immediately got the nobles’ attention. Once they were sure that everyone was looking at them, the kings began their speech.

We would like to welcome one and all to this merry feast! King Aiden began. We are pleased that all of you could make it tonight.

Once you leave here, tell your friends. King Dane said, Invite them to join us in the festivities. The more, the merrier. There’s plenty of food and wine to go around!

And speaking of food, King Aiden added, I think it’s about time we get eating. I’m sure all of you are starving, right? Tuck in!

The hall was filled with the sounds of silverware clinking on plates, the thump of cups being set on the tables, the chatter and laughter of the nobles as they conversed and consumed the delicious feast that lay before them.

Ronan filled his plate with meat, and vegetables, and filled a bowl with soup. A servant came and poured him a cup of wine. He leaned forward a little bit, and looked down the table. He could see Julia eating happily and talking to the nobles that were near her. She glanced over in his direction. Ronan quickly moved back in his chair, out of Julia’s sight. He continued eating again. Ronan’s father noticed and leaned over to his son, whispering in his ear.

My little boy fancies a sweetheart, does he? King Aiden chuckled.

What are you talking about? Ronan replied. He avoided his father’s eyes and started blushing slightly.

It’s as plain as day that you are interested in Princess Julia. It’s one of the many things I hear the servants and nobles talking about. Ha! You can’t hide anything from your father. Ronan didn’t say anything more and continued to feed himself as Aiden gave a hearty laugh.

The feast continued until the dessert was brought out and then began the indulging of tarts, custards, cakes, and other desserts. Once everyone had eaten their fill, King Aiden and King Dane stood up once again to give another announcement.

I’m sure everyone has eaten a hearty amount. King Dane started. Now for the next-

Before King Dane could finish speaking, the doors to the great hall swung open. A page rushed in and sputtered an apology.

I’m so sorry, your highness, he just appeared in the middle of the party and started a ruckus…

There was worried muttering of whom the page was talking about, when the answer came in the form of a large beefy man stepping into the great hall. He had bushy black hair that grew into a big mustache and beard. His silver crown was adorned with green and red jewels. His eyes were brown, with a glint of mockery. The newcomer looked around the great hall. His eyes landed on the two kings and he cracked a large smile.

King Aiden. He paused, and then addressed the other king. King Dane. Having another of your wild parties are we? The man walked toward them, greeting the nobles and gulping down scraps of food from the table as he neared the opposite end. King Aiden and King Dane looked at each other and muttered something. The two seemed to have reached a decision, for King Aiden spread his arms wide and said to the man,

Welcome to my hall, King Lerik. I wondered when my invitation would reach you. Did you bring your son with you?

King Lerik stopped swigging a bottle of wine he had grabbed and looked at King Aiden.

Why yes, I think he tagged along, ‘ang on. King Lerik turned towards the open doors and yelled outside, BOY! GET IN HERE!

Another person entered the great hall. He looked to be a little older than Ronan. He had black hair like his father and had eyes that showed no emotion. The boy was well built and had a sleek look to him. His eyes glanced around the hall.

What is it father? Why’d you drag me here? the boy said. King Lerik grabbed his son by the collar of his tunic and pulled him over to the kings.

Now listen here, boy, we are invited guests to this party. King Lerik whispered to his son. So don’t go trashing the hosts’ name or property all right? Now I plan on being here for a little while, so you run off and find some fun somewhere. Ronan saw the boy roll his eyes until they fixed on Julia. A spark of lust flashed through the boy’s eyes as they swallowed Julia’s beauty into the dark pits of his pupils.

Oh yes, father. I think I’ll easily be able to find some fun here. The boy said. Ronan felt a twinge of jealousy and fear in his stomach. I won’t let him even come near Julia. Ronan thought. His attention was then turned back to the three kings as his father started speaking.

Well, I’m glad you and your son were able to make it to our festivities. King Aiden said, In fact you’re just in time for the evening ball. King Aiden clapped his hands twice. At once the servants came and removed the plates, silverware and cups from the tables. All of the nobles moved out of the way as the servants pushed the tables and benches to the walls of the great hall. The musicians began to play a tune as the nobles separated in to pairs and started to dance.

Ronan seated himself on top of one of the tables and watched the dancing. He scanned the crowd for Julia. He could see her dancing with one of the lords, when her father, King Dane stepped forward and started to dance with her. Good, at least she’s not with that son of Lerik’s. Ronan thought.

Lovely party don’t you think? A voice