The Heir In Glided Cage

The Palace Discussion.

Chapter 2

The King sat upon the golden throne of Avalore, adjusting the Robe of Sunwoven Gold. The solar crown of Avalore sat heavy upon his brow, it's amber germs catching the pale light from the stained glass windows.

Before him, his subjects sat in rigid silent, all contemplating the crisis that had befallen the kingdom.

The air was thick with distress and barely contained anxiety.

"Your Majesty" , Lord Varric Elmond, said rising from his seat.

"pretending not to know about the situation and keeping it from our people is not advisable".

A murmur ran through the hall.

"Yes, Your Majesty, Lord Treasurer, Coren Hale, cut in, his voice sharp

" The kingdom of Noctherra is waiting for the slightest opportunity to start a war with us. Long ago we shared our resources with them, and they used it against, us letting our people suffer and died of hunger.

He paused, the silence in the hall grew heavier.

"Now , they are requesting for something that Is very precious to you, your Majesty".

The King's jaw tightened. He did not answer.

" The Crown Prince has arrived", a guard from outside announced.

Caius, walked into the palace, but the atmospher was heavy with dread.

" You sent for me, Your Majesty" he said bowing down in courtesy.

The King gaze was fixed on Caius, the Crown Prince. A flicker of relief crossed his face at the sight of him.

The Kings subjects were all silent, watching Caius.

"Pardon me, My Crown Prince, Lord Verric Elmond said, his voice dripping with disapproval, You should be actively involved in matters concerning the kingdom and your people. For you are the next heir to the throne, instead you choose to ignore your duties".

"That's enough, the King said with a loud voice. I'm still on the throne, lord Verric mind the words you spill"

He fixed a stern gaze on lord Verric.

Caius gave lord Verric a cold unreadable expression and turned to the King.

"I had a reason to forfeit the meeting, your Majesty. I had an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister earlier today, forgive my negligence, Your Majesty."

The King leaned forward on the throne.

"The kingdom of Noctherra is planning to create a war between us. I need you to go sign a truce with their kingdom, but they have a demand we must meet" the King said.

"What demand, Your Majesty?, Remember, the people of Noctherra are traitors". the crown Prince said, his jaw tightening.

" That's why I'm sending the crown Prince and Lord Treasurer Coren Hale to Noctherra" .

Coren raised his head sharply surprise flickered across his face, quickly marked by a quiet thrill at being chosen for the task.

The king rose from the iron throne. At his rising,all present knew the council was concluded. A tide of bows swept the Palace hall, and silence took the air.

Without a word, he departed, and his subjects followed in his wake like shadows cast by the crown.

Caius stood there like a marble bust, trying to figure out what Noctherra was demanding.

"Whatever it is I know it won't be good. And I won't let that happen" His expression darken, he left the hall with measured furious steps.