The Last Seer

Chapter One

The salty scent of the sea came drifting through the open window. The warm breeze rustled the white shear curtains, and felt soothing on Daniel’s sleepy face. He could faintly make out the sound of waves crashing against the cliffside beyond his balcony. Before the crown prince even opened his emerald eyes, he knew it was very early.

The Royal Academy of Gaines has been Daniel’s home away from home for the past six years. The responsibilities of being the crown prince of Amadeus meant devoting nearly every waking moment to his education and preparation for the day he would ascend the throne. While in Gaines, Daniel had studied everything from sword fighting and battle strategies, to politics, economics and, most recently, medicine. The last of which was his choice, and by far the subject which most held his interest. In Amadeus, it was custom for members of the royal family to select a workable skill. His ancestors, who began the tradition, believed that should the monarchy unexpectedly end, royalty should still be valuable to society in other ways. However, Daniel’s father, the reigning king, was surprised his son chose to study medicine, instead of law, as did the past several generations of Gordan men. Surprised and disappointed, because it kept his son in Gaines two years longer than originally planned. But now that Daniel’s training and education were complete, he would soon be returning home to Amora, capital of Amadeus, to begin the final preparations for kinghood. Although he longed to be home again, Daniel knew once he returned, he would long for the sights and sounds of the coast that he had come to love.

As Daniel lay in bed drawing the salty sea air into his lungs, he felt the gentle breathing of the person lying next to him. He instantly remembered the amorous, and slightly inebriated, events from the previous evening. Ah, Colette, he thought. He smiled without opening his eyes as he attempted to return to unconsciousness. It must have been very early, as she was usually gone before breakfast.

Daniel met Lady Colette not long after he moved to Gaines. As the crown prince, he was quite accustomed to a considerable number of noble ladies throwing themselves shamelessly into his path. It was no secret that he remained blissfully unattached. He suspected his mother had a hand in the sudden increase in female attendees at nearly every social event on his calendar since arriving in Gaines. Lady Colette was the first girl he met at the Royal Academy who didn’t go out of their way to impress him, so naturally, she caught his attention. What started out as merely a friendship, accompanied by harmless flirtation, quickly escalated into a physical liaison. Whenever Daniel became burnt out from the endless training and studying, not to mention the tireless burdens of princely duties, he would seek the company of Lady Colette.

The previous evening, it was Lady Colette who sought out Prince Daniel, after hearing that he would soon be leaving Gaines for good. After a private dinner in his chambers, and more than a few glasses of red wine, the evening became somewhat of a blur of skin on skin and tangled bedsheets. As far as Daniel was concerned, it was the perfect ending to their little dalliance.

Daniel had been nearly retaken by slumber, when he heard a faint knock on the door. He sat up, and peered over his shoulder, ensuring his companion remained sleeping soundly. He gently rolled out of bed, attempting to leave her undisturbed. He drowsily ran his fingers through his chocolate-brown, wavy hair, and wrapped himself in his dressing gown, before quietly opening the door a c***k to a timid footman. “Yes?” He cleared his throat and continued, “What is it?”

“Apologies for disturbing you so early, Your Royal Highness, but this letter just arrived for you from His Majesty.” The mousy, young footman handed Daniel an ivory envelope.

“Thank you,” Daniel replied automatically, to which the footman responded with a slight bow, before retreating.

Daniel curiously eyed the object in his hand, as he silently closed the door. Sure enough, it must have been from his father, as the envelope’s cerulean seal depicted the rearing stallions of the Gordan family crest. He walked out onto the balcony, as he read the letter in his father’s familiar script.

My Son,

I hope this letter finds you well.

I was pleased to hear Master Armand praise your skills so highly. It is rare for him to speak of a pupil with such esteem. Not that I can say I am surprised, you have been impressing me since you were a small boy, so I can easily say I am as proud of you as I have always been. It is good to hear the ocean air of Gaines has not distracted you from your training. It is also comforting to know you will soon be joining me in ruling our great kingdom. Council meetings have grown tedious of late. I hardly have the patience for them. Of course, you have undoubtedly heard by now that Winston passed away last week. I greatly miss his council and friendship. I am quite pleased to report, however, that I have a new royal advisor in mind. Nothing is official yet, but I have written and expect a response any day now. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised by my selection, which is more than I can say for the council, who will assuredly question my sanity. Which, between you and I, is how I know I am making the right choice.

In other news, I am troubled by the rumors that have reached me regarding the safety of the main road between Gaines and Amora. I know a man of your skill has nothing to fear, however, it would put my mind at ease if you would take the northern coastal road on your journey home. I know it is a longer trip, but if you leave at first light tomorrow you should still arrive by midday, and I know you wouldn’t want to miss the masquerade ball, it is my birthday after all.

Safe travels,

Dad

Daniel smiled to himself as folded the letter back up and returned it to the envelope. “Daniel?” He heard Colette’s sleepy voice behind him. He turned to see her stepping out onto the balcony wearing nothing but the bedsheet. “Did I hear someone at the door?” she asked.

“Just a footman. I’ve received a letter from my father.” He approached her, and tucked a piece of her honey-colored hair behind her ear. He pressed his lips to hers for a brief moment, before turning to take a seat in one of the metal chairs that furnished his balcony. Still somewhat fatigued, as he usually was in the mornings until properly caffeinated, he leaned back into his chair deep in thought, as he nibbled the corner of the envelope. Being as close as they were the past few years, Colette recognized this as something he did whenever he was in a contemplative mood. “What does the king of all Amadeus have to say that couldn’t wait until you have returned home?” she asked, as she came to stand next to him. Looking out into the distance, he replied, “It’s not so much what he says, it’s what he implies.”

“Which is?”

“He wants me home tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? What could be so important that can’t wait a few more days?”

“His birthday.”

“Are you serious?” she asked in surprise. He smiled and looked into her hazel eyes. “He’s always been a fan of his own birthday.”

“A little silly, don’t you think? I mean, for a man of his age?”

“Not at all. Just look at it from his perspective. His father died young, his father also died young, and so on and so forth. Therefore, he feels old age is a gift people shouldn’t take for granted”

“What do you think?”

“I think he simply loves an excuse to throw a good party.”

“Now that I can relate to,” she replied smiling gleefully.

There was a short moment of silence before Daniel suddenly sat up straight in his chair. “Come with me.” He noted the instant hesitation in her face and continued, “You said you’ve always wanted to see the palace of Amora.”

“I don’t think that is a very good idea, Daniel,” Colette replied uncomfortably.

“Why?”

“Don’t you think it will give people, particularly your mother, the wrong idea about us?” His excitement vanished as quickly as it had come. “I suppose you’re right,” he admitted. “I’m just a little disappointed to be parting with your stimulating company sooner than anticipated, and leaving all this behind. I simply liked the idea of taking a little something home with me,” he said flirtatiously as he winked at her. She smiled softly at him and replied, “I’ll miss you too, Daniel.”

“At the risk of being serious for a moment, I hope you know how much your friendship means to me. You have certainly seen me through some tough times the last few years.”

“Mmhmm,” she said doubtfully. “Now you are just buttering me up.”

“Whatever do you mean?” he replied feigning innocence.

“Are you sure it wasn’t merely our extracurricular activities that saw you through the tough times?” He stood to move behind her, wrapped his arms around her, and leaned into her ear, as he replied, “Come now, Colette, you know that is simply not true. If our relationship was purely platonic, you would still be my favorite part about coming to Gaines.”

“That may be true, but I still think you use me as a distraction.” Daniel pulled away and turned her to face him.

“And you don’t do the same with me?” he asked her.

“No … I use you for entertainment, there’s a difference,” she told him with a sly smile and continued, “Besides, I don’t need distractions the way you do.”

“Just what is it you think I need distracting from?”

“Commitment. The pressure your parents put on you to find a suitable wife.”

“I thought we agreed not to discuss my love life, or lack thereof.” Daniel took a step back, clearly uncomfortable by the turn the conversation had taken.

“You asked,” she pointed out.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t intend to be short with you, it’s just too early in the morning for this kind of talk, especially without coffee first.”

“You are forgiven.”

“Will you visit me in Amora sometime?”

“Certainly, but not in the way you are hoping,” she said flatly. Puzzled, Daniel replied, “What are you suggesting I’m hoping for?”

“You know what, Daniel.” Realization hit him that she thought he intended to extend their liaison. Before he could reply she continued, “We agreed we would put an end to our proclivities when your time in Gaines came to an end.”

“Ah I see. Actually, that is not at all what I meant at all. I agree that last night should our last … escapade.”

“Hmm, that explains it,” she replied.

“Explains what?”

“Why last night had sort of a ‘grand finale’ feel to it,” she giggled and went on, “Leave it to you to end our physical relationship on a high note.”

“You weren’t exactly slacking off yourself.”

“I aim to please,” she said with a grin.

“I just meant … I hope we see each other again… as friends,” Daniel said while looking at her affectionately.

“Of course, Daniel,” she assured him. They exchanged a few looks of affection, before she turned towards the door and said, “I’d better get dressed before the footman comes in with the breakfast tray.”

“Aww, stay as you are. I’m sure he could use a little perk to his day,” Daniel said with a chuckle. She lovingly smacked him on the shoulder before disappearing through the glass balcony door.

Daniel returned to his seat, as well as his pensive mood. The uncertainties in his world had drastically increased over the last few months. It wasn’t just from approaching the end of his education and beginning a new and unknown chapter of his life, but also his instincts were telling him the world around him was changing. The long peace his father and grandfather had worked their lives to maintain was by no means an easy achievement. It could crumble in a moment unless it was fought for. The grand alliance of the four sub-kingdoms, which made up Amadeus, was a delicate one. He often felt unsure of his abilities to keep it going as his father seemed to do so effortlessly. As good as things were in Amadeus, it was no secret that they were deeply hated by the kingdom of Cassia. King Malik was merely the latest in a long line of Cassian kings with no other desire than to annihilate Amadeus. It was no easy feat to keep them in check. Despite the signs that everything in the world was just as it should be, Daniel couldn’t ignore the feeling in his gut that told him things were shifting, and not for the better. Raids, mysterious deaths and disappearances were usually extremely uncommon, yet lately freak events seemed to be occurring more frequently and without rhyme or reason. His father reassured him that even during times of peace, sometimes bad things just happen, and as hard as it is to accept, it is simply the way of the world. However, Daniel couldn’t help but think of what happened to Copperwood mere months ago and wonder if it could have been predicted or avoided. Thinking of the little town’s fate overwhelmed him with dysphoria. He forced himself to think of something else.

As a young boy, Daniel dreamed of taking the throne and becoming the greatest king Amadeus had ever seen. As a child it is easy to dream dreams with absolutely no fear or self-doubt. Adulthood brought a hard dose of reality, and suddenly those days of dreaming of his own greatness, were taken over by fear of failure. At this point he could only hope to become half the king his father is, with a royal advisor as loyal and intelligent as Winston was. Again, Daniel became overwhelmed with grief. Winston was like family to him. He had been his father’s most trusted companion since before Daniel was born. Yet, his father seemed optimistic his new appointment would be as suited for the position as Winston was. Daniel looked down at the letter still in his hand and skimmed over his father’s words for a second time. He found it odd he didn’t mention his potential new advisor by name.

Daniel contemplated the future for a few more moments before following Colette back inside. “Zip this up please, Daniel,” Colette said as he walked back into the room. She stood still, facing the front door, as he obliged her request and slid the zipper up on her form fitting, deep blue cocktail dress she had worn the previous evening. While standing still, Colette noticed something she had never seen in Daniel’s room before. “What is that?” she asked, pointing to the object sitting on his desk.

“What’s what?” Having finished with her zipper, he looked up following her gaze. She walked over to his desk where a small chest lay open. The chest was beautifully handcrafted cedar wood with leather straps. “D.A.K.” was carved into the lid. The box was overflowing with letters. “Who are all these letters from?”

“One of my best childhood friends.”

“I never pegged you for a pack rat, Daniel,” she commented while in awe by the number of envelopes.

“I’m not, I just like to reread old letters when I haven’t heard from her in a while. Sometimes she doesn’t write for weeks at a time. I’ve seen my other friends when I’ve been home on holidays, but I haven’t seen Alaya since I originally left home six years ago.”

“Where is she?”

“She left Amora around the same time I did. She moved to some kind of special school in Athaiah to finish out her education. I don’t think she likes it much, she hardly speaks of it. It worries me sometimes, thinking of her far from home somewhere she is unhappy. I’m hoping she returns to Amora when her education is complete … whenever that is.” Daniel spoke of his old friend with great affection and Colette noticed.

“I didn’t realize you two were close,” She noted as she peered inside the chest attempting to estimate how many letters it contained. Daniel walked over and stood next to her. He plucked a letter at random and looked at it fondly.

“We were extremely close growing up together in Amora. I hope you meet her one day, you’d like her. She’s a sweet kid.”

“Kid?” Colette repeated in surprise, “How old is she?”

“Well, she’s not really a kid anymore, I just got into the habit of calling her that because of our age difference. She’s eighteen… wait no… she’s nineteen.”

“I can’t imagine having a close friend with that many years between us,” she said. Daniel shrugged his shoulders and replied, “Our age difference never really affected our friendship. She hardly acts her age anyway. She’s extremely mature and quite clever. Luc used to comment she was at times more responsible than I was.” Colette giggled softly as Daniel continued, “Besides, she is more like family. We’ve just always … been there for each other,” Daniel struggled to put into words the nature of his relationship with someone so much younger than he. “She was only three years old when her mother became the royal dresser, and they moved into the palace. Her mother died unexpectedly when Alaya was only ten. Afterwards my father took responsibility for her, and she became like a part of our family.”

“What happened to her dad?”

“I don’t know anything about him. Only that he died before she was born.”

“How tragic,” Colette replied genuinely.

“I don’t remember what my life was like before she became a part of it.” Colette turned to face him and with a sweet smile said, “I’m sure she would say the same thing about you. I can tell you miss her.”

“I do ... I mean, I miss all my friends from home, but I think there is something about not knowing when I will see her again that makes me miss her so much more.”

“I know what you mean,” she said, looking into his vibrant green eyes. He understood she was referring to him when she said this. He hugged her and said, “We will see each other again soon, Colette.”

“I hope so. Gaines won’t be the same without you.”

“I know. I’m one of a kind.”

“Humble too,” she replied sarcastically. He chuckled.

He held her several more moments enjoying a silent goodbye. There was an unspoken understanding between them that even though their romantic involvement was at an end they would always remain friends.