King Alfred lay in bed, his chest still heaving with exertion, after a long marathon session of love making.
Queen Cordelia lying on his chest, began to draw lines on it, skillfully playing with his n**ples.
"I sincerely want to thank you my lord for the wonderful banquet you threw for our son."
King Alfred's eyes locked on Queen Cordelia's smiling face.
"You're welcome, my love," he said, his voice husky. "I wanted to make it a special night for Arthur. He's a good boy lately, hadn't been found wanting in any trouble. Besides he deserves it, because he's my son, King Alfred's son." he boasted.
Queen Cordelia smiled, snuggling closer to him.
"He certainly does. And you've made him very happy, husband of mine."
"Hehe....you...."
Just as King Alfred was about to respond, a knock on the door interrupted them.
He groaned, annoyed at the interruption.
"Who is it?" he called out, trying to keep his voice calm.
The reply came from the other side of the door,
"It's Teftler, Your Majesty."
King Alfred's expression turned annoyed.
"What is it, Teftler? Can't it wait?"
Queen Cordelia suddenly nudges him gently.
"Go, my love. Attend to your duties. I'll rest here."
"What is it that can't wait till tomorrow morning..." King Alfred grumbles while getting off the bed.
"It's okay my lord. You go handle your affairs." Queen Cordelia urges gently.
King Alfred quickly got dressed, his mind already on the problem at hand.
He opened the door to find Teftler, his trusted advisor and castellan, standing in the hallway, a look of concern on his face.
"What's the matter, Teftler?" King Alfred asked, his voice low and urgent.
Teftler bowed his head.
"I'm so sorry for disturbing you so late at night, Your Majesty."
"But am afraid there's been an incident, Your Majesty. After Prince Derrick left the stocks, Queen Jasmine went to Prince Arthur's chambers a few minutes later, probably after being informed by her son about the whole issue at the ball. Reports reached me that she slapped him, Your Majesty. Princess Crystabel tried to intervene, but..."
King Alfred's face darkened with rage.
"That woman is a menace!" he thundered, his voice echoing down the hallway.
"She's been getting on my nerves lately with her demeaning ego. It's seems like I will have to teach her a lesson or two."
He stormed off, leaving Teftler and Queen Cordelia who had suddenly rushed out upon hearing him roar, watching him go with concern on their faces.
This night was bound to be anything but peaceful.
King Alfred stormed into Queen Jasmine's chambers, his face red with rage.
The maids and guards, familiar with the king's temper, quickly scattered to avoid his wrath.
Queen Jasmine, lounging on a velvet couch, looked up in surprise as the king slammed the door behind him.
"How dare you, Jasmine?!" King Alfred thundered, his voice echoing off the walls.
"How dare you hit Arthur? He's my son, and you're his stepmother! What kind of example are you setting for your children and the rest of the kingdom?"
Queen Jasmine's expression hardened, and she rose to her feet, her eyes flashing with defiance.
"I'm only teaching him a lesson, Alfred," she spat.
"And what lesson if I may ask?" King Alfred asked, his anger rising bit by bit.
"A lesson about the unfair treatment my son, Derrick received all because of him. Everyone in this palace is always so quick to praise Arthur, and what about Derrick? He's your son too, but no one ever gives him a second glance."
King Alfred's anger intensified, his face growing darker.
"Derrick's situation is not Arthur's fault, Jasmine. It was his own actions that led to his punishment. I caught him red handed bullying Arthur, trying to intimidate him and undermine his authority, and in front of the whole kingdom for that matter. And here you're encouraging him, supporting his tantrums and feeding his jealousy. It's got to stop, Jasmine. You're a queen, not a commoner, and it's time you started acting like one."
Queen Jasmine sneered, her voice dripping with venom.
"You're just blind to Derrick's faults, Alfred. You're always so quick to excuse Arthur's mistakes, but when Derrick does something wrong, it's always 'Derrick, you must do better.' It's unfair, and I'm not going to stand for it anymore. Arthur needs to learn his place, and I'm just the right one to teach him."
King Alfred's eyes narrowed, his anger seething just below the surface.
"You're not teaching him anything, Jasmine, except being cruel and heartless towards him. Now let me warn you, if you ever lay a hand on Arthur ever again, you will have me to contend with in this castle. Queen or no Queen I would have you whipped. I need not remind you that you're not the only Queen in this kingdom, and you're certainly not the most beloved. Don't test me, Jasmine. Don't you dare test my patience. I'm not a man to be trifled with."
Queen Jasmine's eyes blazed with fury as King Alfred stormed out of her chambers, slamming the door behind him.
She paced back and forth, her hands clenched into fists, as she seethed with anger.
"How dare he," she muttered to herself.
"How dare he side with that insipid Cordelia and her stupid children. They think they're so much better than me, don't they? Think they're so much more deserving of his attention and affection."
Her anger boiled over, and she swept her arm across the room, sending vases and ornaments crashing to the floor. The sound of shattering glass and pottery was music to her ears, a satisfying release of her pent-up emotions.
"They want to play games, right?" she sneered, her voice dripping with malice.
"Well, I'll show them what it means to cross Queen Jasmine. I'll show them what it means to underestimate me."
She stopped pacing and stood still, her eyes narrowing as she formulated a plan. She would not be ignored, she would not be silenced. It was time to take matters into her own hands, to teach Cordelia and her children a lesson they would never forget.
"I'll deal with you, Cordelia," she whispered, her voice low and menacing.
"I'll deal with you and your precious little brats. You'll pay for what you've done, I swear it."
.....
A few day later.....
The great hall of the king's court was filled with tension as the nobles and advisors gathered around the throne.
King Alfred, his expression grave, sat on his throne, flanked by Prince Erics and other ministers of his court.
The air was thick with concern, and the weight of the kingdom's problems hung heavy on everyone's shoulders.
Lord Henry, the minister of finance, stood before the king, his papers shaking slightly as he presented his report.
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid the situation is dire. The kingdom of Decresh has indeed blocked the trade route, citing boundary disputes. We've tried to negotiate, but they refuse to budge. As a result, our trade has come to a standstill, and our finances are suffering greatly."
He paused, his eyes scanning the room before continuing.
"We've lost over 300 lives, sire, and our treasury is depleted. If this continues, we'll be facing a severe economic crisis. The merchants are suffering, the people are restless, and our military is stretched thin."
The king's face darkened, his jaw clenched in anger.
"How dare they," he growled.
"We've had treaties in place for years, and they've never raised an issue. What's behind this sudden change of heart?"
Lord Thomas, a wise but aged advisor, spoke up, his voice calm and measured.
"I believe, Your Majesty, that Decresh is looking to expand its territory and assert its dominance. They've been building up their military, and this blockade is just the beginning. If we don't act swiftly, they'll only grow more aggressive."
The room erupted into a cacophony of voices, with nobles and advisors arguing and shouting their opinions.
King Alfred slammed his fist on the armrest, calling for order.
"Enough!" he roared, his voice siling the room.
"We will not be intimidated by Decresh's aggression. We will not back down. I want a plan of action, and I want it now. Who among you has a solution?"
The room fell silent, the only sound the rustling of papers and the heavy breathing of the nobles.
Prince Erics, who had been quiet until now, spoke up, his voice confident and clear.
"Father, I believe we should consider a diplomatic approach. Let us send an envoy to Decresh, to negotiate a peaceful resolution. We cannot afford to go to war, not yet, at least."
The king's eyes narrowed, considering his son's words.
"And what of our military, Erics? Are we prepared to defend ourselves if Decresh refuses to negotiate?"
Prince Erics nodded, his expression serious.
"We've been strengthening our defenses, sire. Our military is ready to defend our kingdom, but I believe it's best to try diplomacy first."
The king nodded, his decision made.
"Very well, Erics. Prepare the envoy. We'll send a message to Decresh, and we'll see if they're willing to listen to reason."
As the room began to disperse, a soft voice spoke up,
"Sire, may I suggest something?"
It was Prince Arthur, who had been quiet until now.
The king's eyes turned to him, a hint of surprise on his face.
"Yes, Arthur? What is it?"
Prince Arthur took a deep breath, his eyes locked on his father's.
"I believe we should consider sending a smaller, more... unconventional envoy. One that can navigate the politics of Decresh and gather intelligence. Someone who can get us the information we need to make a stronger case."
The king's eyes narrowed, intrigued.
"Go on, Arthur."
Prince Arthur's eyes sparked with determination.
"I propose that I lead the envoy, sire. I'll go to Decresh, and I'll find a way to negotiate a peaceful resolution. And if that fails, I'll gather the information we need to prepare for war."
The room fell silent, the nobles and advisors staring at Prince Arthur in shock. The king's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and pride on his face.
"Arthur, you're just a..." Prince Erics began, but the king cut him off with a raised hand.
"Silence, Erics," he said, his voice firm.
"Arthur, I believe you've had a brilliant idea. Prepare yourself, you're going to Decresh."
"Yes father." Arthur replied.
"And Erics.." the king called out.
"Yes father." Erics replied.
"Get yourself prepared, you're leading the delegation to Decresh."
"As you wish, father."
"Very good. This meeting is hereby adjourned." King Alfred said.
The meeting immediately came to a close, with King Alfred's decision echoing through the hall.
Prince Erics nodded, his expression determined, as he accepted the responsibility of leading the peace negotiations.
Prince Arthur, on the other hand, couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement as he was tasked with leading the intelligence team.
This was his first official assignment.
He was so...so...he didn't even know how to describe his feelings at the moment.
As the nobles and advisors filed out of the great hall, Prince Arthur caught up with Prince Erics, who was deep in conversation with Lord Thomas.
"Erics, congratulations on leading the negotiations," Prince Arthur said, his voice low and sincere.
Prince Erics turned to him, a hint of a smile on his face.
"Thanks, Arthur. You're not so bad off either, leading the intelligence team. Congrats on your first official mission."
"Thank you brother." Arthur replied back.
"You're going to have to be careful, though. Decresh is not a place to take risks." Erics suddenly chimed in.
Arthur grinned, his eyes sparkling with determination.
"Don't worry, Erics. I'll be fine. I've got this."
Lord Thomas chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"I have no doubt you will, Prince Arthur. You're a clever young man. Just remember, the key to success lies in gathering the right information."
"Thank you Lord Thomas, I will keep your words in mind."
King Alfred at this juncture approached them, his expression serious.
"Erics, Arthur, come with me. We need to discuss the details of your mission."
The three of them followed the king to a smaller chamber, where a large map of the world was spread out on a table.
King Alfred began to explain the plan, his voice low and urgent.
"We need to move quickly, before Decresh has a chance to prepare. Erics, you'll lead a small delegation to Decresh, with a message of peace and negotiation.
Arthur, you'll sneak into the kingdom, gathering information about their military strength, their defenses, and their plans. We'll need to know everything if we're to have any chance of success."
Prince Erics nodded, his expression serious.
"I'll do my best, Father."
Prince Arthur's eyes locked onto the map, his mind already racing with possibilities.
"I'll get the information, Father. Don't worry., no cause for alarm. I will definitely put in my all in this mission."
King Alfred placed a hand on Prince Arthur's shoulder, his eyes filled with pride and concern.
"Be careful, Arthur. Your safety is paramount. We can't afford to lose you."
And he was right, as he wondered how to face Queen Cordelia if something truly happened to Arthur.
Prince Arthur smiled, his determination unwavering.
"I'll be fine, Father. I'll make sure of it
...
Prince Arthur slipped into his mother's private garden, the scent of blooming flowers and fresh greenery enveloping him.
His mother, Queen Cordelia, sat on a stone bench, surrounded by his twin sisters, Princess Sonia and Princess Sofia.
The three of them looked up as he approached, their faces etched with concern.
"Arthur, we've heard the news," Queen Cordelia said, her voice laced with worry.
"You're going to Decresh, on a mission?"
Prince Arthur nodded, his expression reassuring.
"Yes, Mother. I'm leading the intelligence team, gathering information to help us navigate the situation."
Princess Sonia, her brow furrowed, spoke up.
"But, Arthur, it's so dangerous! What if something happens to you?"
Prince Arthur chuckled, sitting down beside his mother.
"Don't worry, Sonia. I'll be fine. I'm going with Erics, and he'll have my back. We'll be in and out, before anyone even realizes we're there."
Princess Sofia, her eyes wide with worry, asked,
"But what about the Decresh people? Aren't they, well, hostile towards us?"
Prince Arthur smiled, his eyes sparkling with confidence.
"I'll be careful, Sofia. I promise. And besides, I've got Erics watching my back. He's got a few tricks up his sleeve, you know. He's not sitting in the position of Crown Prince for nothing."
Queen Cordelia's expression was still worried, but she nodded, her eyes filled with pride.
"Be careful, Arthur. You're our youngest, and we can't afford to lose you."
Prince Arthur hugged his mother, then his sisters, and reassured them once again.
"I'll be fine, I promise. I'll come back before you know it, with all the information we need to secure our kingdom's future."
As he stood up to leave, Princess Sonia asked,
"Arthur, what's it like? Being part of the mission, I mean?"
Prince Arthur grinned, his eyes shining with excitement.
"It's... exhilarating. I mean, it's not every day you get to be part of something bigger than yourself, something that could change the course of history. I'm just glad to be a part of it."
With a final hug and a reassuring smile, Prince Arthur left the garden, feeling more determined than ever to succeed in his mission.
Meanwhile, Queen Jasmine wasn't finding things funny at all.
She stormed into Prince Erics' chambers, her face twisted with anger.
"Erics, how could you?" she spat, her voice venomous.
"How could you let that... that... Arthur go on this mission with you? Why didn't you stand up for your brothers, for your own flesh and blood?"
Prince Erics, who was on his writing desk, looked up at his mother with a mixture of disdain and disappointment.
"Mother, Arthur is not worthless," he said, his voice calm and measured.
"In fact, he's far more capable and intelligent than Derrick and the others. He's got the kingdom's best interests at heart, unlike some others who are only concerned with their own pleasures."
Queen Jasmine's face reddened with rage.
"How dare you!" she shouted. "You're defending that... that usurper? He's a threat to yours and your brothers' futures, and you're just letting him walk all over you!"
Prince Erics' expression hardened.
"Arthur is not an usurper, Mother. He's a prince of this kingdom, and as such, he deserves our respect. And as for my brothers, they're to be blamed for their own shortcomings. They're too busy enjoying themselves to even care about the affairs of state."
Queen Jasmine's eyes narrowed.
"Where is this coming from, Erics? You're turning against your own family, against your own brothers? That witch Cordelia has bewitched you, I swear it!"
Prince Erics stood up, his voice rising.
"Enough, Mother! Arthur is my brother, and I'll not have you speaking ill of him. He's a better man than any of our brothers, and I'll not stand idly by while you insult him. Also this issue has nothing to do with Queen Cordelia, so please put her out of this."
"Besides, where were Derrick and the others when we were at the court? Any reasonable royal prince who had come of age would have been present at matters like this, but they were obviously not present. And you talk about standing in for them, giving them a part in missions!"
Queen Jasmine's face fell, her expression twisted in anger and disappointment.
"Fine, Erics. You go ahead and believe that. But mark my words, you'll regret this. You'll regret ever choosing that... that Arthur over your own family."
With a final, venomous glare, Queen Jasmine stormed out of Prince Erics' chambers, leaving him feeling drained and troubled.