The Crown

Chapter Ten

The pair walked in quiet conversation. Tobias spoke of his fondest childhood memories, and Beatrice teased him for his misfortunes.

"You seem to be a rather reclusive man," she noted. "You don't speak of any friends."

He shrugged. "I am fortunate to have a best friend in my life. Zeke Pedrad. He has been by my side since we met in the academy. His brother often accompanies him, so the three of us became close."

"And before the academy?"

"I was rarely allowed any outside contact as a child. My father is very prideful of his name and his reputation, so unless my friends were beneficial to his image, I was denied further gatherings," he sighed. "The vetting process turned me off entirely at the idea of keeping friends."

"That sounds awful," she empathized. "At least you have Zeke."

He nodded. "And you?"

"I am grateful to have my best friend work in the castle, actually," she smiled. "She is a Sous-Chef in the kitchen. Christina. She's been by my side through thick and thin."

He chuckled. "I have not had a single complaint about her cooking, then. I am ashamed to say I never memorized any of the names of the servants in our staff. It truly did seem entirely unnecessary."

"Perhaps not entirely," she smirked, looking up at him.

Tobias laughed. "I will surely remember yours, Beatrice Prior. I will have to if I am to say it from now on."

Beatrice boldly leaned her head against his shoulder.

They stopped at the edge of the mountain. Tobias helped her sit down, following suite beside her. They looked out as the sun began to rise, the sky illuminated different shades of orange and red.

"The sunrise is so different here," she amazed.

"I must confess I never watched it before," he said quietly, trying not to distract her from the moment.

Beatrice turned to him and smiled, reaching for his hand once more. "I am honored you chose to spend it with me, then."

As the sun shined on the two of them, Tobias' heart beat fast. He reached out for her once more, holding her head in his hand. He leaned in and kissed her, unbothered by the heat of the sun cast on his skin.

When the sun finally etched into the sky, Beatrice and Tobias separated themselves from the public eye. 

With a final, private kiss, Tobias watched Beatrice hurry inside the castle for her shift. He smiled at the memory of their night together, his skin tingling from recalling how soft hers was against his. 

Not walking by her side pained him as they departed separately, but he knew he would be risking her life more than his. It was difficult to remind himself of how different their society pitted them to be. He wished for nothing more than to be able to hold her and walk by her side, as they had done through the night.

Beatrice walked into the castle, her steps slowing. She raised her fingers and touched her lips, smiling at the memory. Her heart beat twice as fast as she remembered how softly he spoke to her, how tenderly he held her.

If she were not careful, she would squeal out in excitement. 

As she walked through the halls in a trance, she barely paid attention to the sound of royal footsteps headed her way. It was not until too late when Beatrice lifted her head, her smile wiping away at the sight. 

King Marcus towered above her, a sneer smeared across his face. 

"Are you blind, servant?" he asked amused. 

"My King," Queen Evelyn chuckled beside her husband, patting his arm. "Do be careful not to scare the poor girl."

Beatrice lowered her head quickly and scurried away, rushing behind a corner. She leaned against the wall and caught her breath, her hand against her chest. That wretched man; how terrifying it must be for Tobias to stand up to him, she told herself.

Evelyn glanced behind her and pitied the servant. "Will Tobias be joining us this morning?"

"Not until his marriage arrangements are finalized," Marcus answered as they entered the dining hall. 

She sighed, slowing her steps. "I do wish I can be able to see my son during meal times, Marcus. The little time I spend with him is recently restrained within this hall!"

Marcus shook his head. "He needs to learn his place in my court, Evelyn," he told her. "His ungrateful attitude and despicable behavior to his courting princess is unacceptable."

"Do not take my son away from me," she said again.

"You are more than welcome to join him in his punishment," he responded.

Evelyn watched her husband walk away. She pressed her hand to her heart, taking a deep breath. She looked behind her and noticed her son walking past the dining hall, paying no attention to even attempting to try and join them.

She walked toward the guard posted at the door. "Please bring my son his breakfast in his bedroom," she looked down, glancing at the table where her husband sat. "And do start bringing him all his meals to his bedroom until further notice."

"As you wish, my Queen," the guard nodded, walking into the kitchen to relay the orders.

Evelyn slowly made her way to the table, sitting in her seat. As with every meal, a servant brought her the drink she had each time. She rose the glass and rejoiced at the feel of the alcohol run down her throat. As she finished the drink and the servant prepared the next one, she relaxed in her chair, allowing her mind to loosen. 

Tobias walked past the dining hall and rushed to his bedroom, hoping to catch Beatrice cleaning once more. His punishment to no longer be invited to mealtimes began to reveal it's advantages. 

A sudden commotion restrained his path, forcing him to turn around to address it. He watched as his parents exited the dining hall, feuding. 

"Tobias!" Evelyn called out, walking toward him. 

Marcus walked by her side, fueling with anger. "Evelyn, I told you I have no interest in speaking with him!"

"This is unlike king behavior, Marcus!" She countered, her words slightly slurred. "How do you expect our son to become a great king when you lead by this example?!"

Marcus looked at his wife wearily, realizing her distressed state was caused by the drinks she had consumed earlier. He slowly reached for her wrist, lowering it. She complied, relaxing in his touch, as he guided her to lean against his chest. 

"Please, my son," Evelyn whined. "Do not anger your father as you do. Listen to what he tells you."

Tobias cringed, looking away. 

"It is alright, Evelyn," Marcus said slowly. "Your son does little in recognizing his place. If it were up to me, he would be stripped of his birthright," he chuckled, noticing his wife had passed out against him. "If I had the power, I would have wished for you never to be born."

Tobias watched as his parents walked away. His eyes prickled as he stumbled into an adjacent room. His hand covered his mouth as he leaned against a wall, sliding down. 

All alone, he buried his head in his hands and felt the tears flow out of him.