The Strings in the Shadows

Chapter Four- In which two days have passed

     Edward shifted uncomfortably outside of the small throne room in the Upper North Wing of the Castle on Friday morning. The King and Queen had two throne rooms, the biggest one in the center of the castle. The smaller one was used for more private audiences, secret meetings, and battle strategy. It was the only time Edward got to talk to his father one on one, but he didn't always enjoy it. Usually the King had some critique that was unnessesary or a pearl of wisdom to offer him that Edward found obivious or tedious.

In other words, Edward had a overbearing father who was raising a future King and wanted his son to be perfect.

It would have been slightly better if Luke had been allowed to accompany him, but the King had sent specific instructions that his Shadow was not invited. Thinking about Luke reminded Edward about their secret getaway plan, and for a fraction of a second Edward felt guilty. Then he remembered why he needed to get away in the first place, and the guilt ceased. Forcing his uncomfortableness down deep inside, Edward took a deep breathe and opened the double doors of the throne room, striding boldly in, as any Crown Prince should.

His father, King Geophrey the Second, sat regally in the large golden throne set with precious metals and stones in elaborate swirls and patterns. The King himself matched his throne. His doublet of purple satin was sewn with perfect pearls and small rubies and diamonds, his belt was wide, golden, and ornate, he was even wearing a purple silk cloak edged with fur, which Edward thought was probably too hot for the first month of summer. The King's crown's only decoration were large emeralds, the Royal family's chosen gem, set in the gold and silver circle.

"Your majesty," Edward greeted, bowing his head slightly.

"Prince Edward," the King's deep voice rumbled,"why have you not come to dinner this past week? In less than a fortnight you will come of age; it is odd for you to not show your face in public."

And so it begins, thought Edward, supressing a sigh. He didn't even say hello. Outloud, Edward said, "I have been recently unwell." He felt no need to explain anything more, he always gave his father short answers.

"Recently? Have you recovered?"

"As you see, your majesty."

"You recieved my letter from several days ago," the King said, changing the subject. "The Ball is to held in four days time. You will be there for it."

"But of course, sire," said Edward, slightly puzzled. The King would rather send a letter than talk face to face with his son, and had in fact already done so, so why call an audience to repeat himself?

"The Ball signifies you are ready and mature enough to be an adult, and while there you will act according to your station. You will not, for instance, chit-chat with your Shadows in a corner and ignore every distinguished guest who has been invited. That is a valid oppurtunity to offend someone and start a war," the King ordered, dashing Edward's hopes against the rocks. He had survived some very unpleasant balls by pretending he wasn't there with Luke and Kaira. But then Edward remembered that after a few hours of socializing, he'd be free for a week, and smiled inwardly.

"Have you given any thought to who you think would be suitable for Larendi's Queen, Prince Edward?" This question caught Edward off guard.

"I was unaware that I had a choice in the matter, your majesty."

"Oh, you don't, but it would be a sign of thinking for yourself and for the wellfare of our Kingdom, which, as this question reveals, you haven't done," the King replied. "Well, I had figured that to be the case, and as such, every elegible lady for marriage at the ball will be wearing green, as befitting of a royal bride. You will dance with every one of them."