Hallow Crown

Chapter Four

Tyson

I stalled outside of the door to My Lady Mother's private residence.  I noticed the guards shift.  They were both armed and ready, draped in Her colours. Their breastplates were varnished bright red and the cost of which could have armed over 50 knights.  My eyes were drawn by the bejeweled daggers they held, an expensive decoration in the hands of a novice. 

My hands ached, those daggers shouldn’t be here, they should be in the hands of a master who could actually use them. 

“Your Highness, you need to calm down.” Carlos reminded me.

“Yes, you are right.”   I unfurled my fist and walked up the guard. 

“I was told My Lady Mother requested my presence.” 

“Yes, Prince.”

A look passed between the pair and stone formed in my stomach. 

“Her Majesty is currently entertaining another guest.” 

“If that is the case why did she send for his Highness?” I could see what Carlos was doing, he squared the guards up, “who is so important?” 

“I believe it was the visiting Princess.”  the guard smiled and Carlos backed away. 

“I see, then me entering should be fine. After all, I was summoned.” I walked to the door and tried to look at the guard with all the royal authority I could muster.  It apparently worked. One of the guards banged on the door and it flung open.  

I kept my head high as we walked past. This was not the first time My Lady Mother had done this, and it was not likely to be the last. 

“I hope your princess is okay?” Carlos whispered. 

I could only nod in response. I wanted to pick up the pace but the eyes in the walls watched everything. I headed towards My Lady Mother’s private tea room. There were even more guards stationed at the door. 

The move to block my path was a feeble attempt.  I pushed through the horde and entered the room unannounced.   

Nothing ever prepared me for the sight of her tea parlor. The walls wrapped in gold had the same effect as staring at the sun and the smothering smell of rose and lavender incense that eternally burning was a nauseating combination. 

“Oh, Tyson what are you doing here?” honeyed words dripped from her tongue

“I was informed that you summoned me, My Lady Mother.” I bowed slightly. 

I tried not to stare but it was hard. I chose to focus on Oriana. She sat opposite My Lady Mother, in the same dress she had been wearing earlier.  She looked rather uncomfortable, still fidgeting with the short sleeves.  I noticed her constantly correcting her posture.

“Oh did I?” My Lady Mother turned to Oriana, “he is such a loyal dog, always comes when he’s called.” 

Oriana and I made eye contact while she calmly sipped her tea.  And though she hid it well I could see her nose crinkle from the taste.  

“You shouldn’t have any problems with this one.” My Lady Mother continued.  “He is so well trained now, he used to be a bit wild.” 

“I see,” Oriana replied, still calmly sipping her tea. 

It appeared my concerns had been unfounded.  

“Then again, what else could one expect when raising a mutt.”

My lady's mother continued to chatter but her tirade of insults and scorn washed over me as I contemplated how quickly I could make it over the table and draw my knife. It was a fantasy I had had all too often. 

“Enough with the pleasantries, we have some serious matters to settle. The dress is nearly complete. We only need to do the last alterations and you already have a suit that will suffice.” My Lady Mother paused taking a long sip of her tea, “the church is ready and we have the witnesses prepared.” 

“I thank you, Your Majesty, for completing the preparations.” I bow slightly, “if that is all I will take my leave.” 

I turned to leave. I had nearly reached the door when a guard placed his hand on my shoulder. 

“I was not finished, Tyson.”

I turned back to face My Lady Mother. She was still calmly sipping her rosehips tea.  

“I apologise.”

“The courts will be holding an engagement ball tomorrow evening, I expect you to guard Randal for the duration of the ball.” 

“Yes My Lady Mother, I will protect My Lord Brother with my life.” I bow again. “I will be leaving, would Princess Oriana do me the honor of escorting her back to her residence.” 

“Yes, that is very kind of you my Prince.” Oriana finished her tea in one mouthful before rising and bowing to My Lady Mother. 

“Farewell Princess, I look forward to the next time.” 

“ Thank you, Your Majesty.” she bowed again.

Before one of the attendants could pull the chair away, Oriana pushed it back with her legs. She skirted through the small gap, knocking her cup in the process. The mistake did not seem to affect her. She joined my side and I held out my arm for her to take.  

Oriana did not move to take it. I could feel My Lady Mother’s readying herself to say something.  

“Goodbye.” 

I directed Oriana towards the door and followed behind her.