Loyal

Copyright © 2019 by Tiffany Vegas.

ISBN:      Softcover   978-1-7960-5495-8

                eBook         978-1-7960-5494-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 09/16/2019

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Contents

Prologue

Chapter One    Begin

Chapter Two    Business of the Realm

Chapter Three    Negotiation Prep

Chapter Four    Lunch Meeting

Chapter Five    Negotiation

Chapter Six    Menace in the Making

Chapter Seven    Tour of the City

Chapter Eight    The Order

Chapter Nine    Ride

Chapter Ten    Grand Council Meeting

Chapter Eleven    Dinner Date

Chapter Twelve    Dinner Date Pt. 2

Chapter Thirteen    Rikard

Chapter Fourteen    The Night Before

Chapter Fifteen    Road Trip

Chapter Sixteen    Journey to Jokul

Chapter Seventeen    First Trial: Jokul

Chapter Eighteen    Healing

Chapter Nineteen    Press Conference

Chapter Twenty    Glacial Ball

Chapter Twenty-One    Glacial Ball Pt. 2

Chapter Twenty-Two    Captured

Chapter Twenty-Three    Battle Prep at Camp Rikard

Chapter Twenty-Four    En Route to Second Trial: Boreas

Chapter Twenty-Five    Second Trial: Boreas

Chapter Twenty-Six    Next Trial: Plan

Chapter Twenty-Seven    Rikard’s Arrival

Chapter Twenty-Eight    Arrival in Carrem

Chapter Twenty-Nine    Battle at Carrem

Chapter Thirty    Aftermath

Chapter Thirty-One    Home

Chapter Thirty-Two    Rikard’s Recovery

Chapter Thirty-three    Return

Prologue

All right. On my count, we make for the citadel. We’ll be relatively safe there, Ardis yells into the wind.

Are you nuts? That’s like— Doran is interrupted by a crash and boom of an explosion. Like, a hundred miles away!

Keep your pants on and help me over here! Octavius yells at them.

They scurry over the best they can without being blown to pieces. Chaos erupts all around them as their soldiers protect them the only way they know how. Still, they’re losing this fight.

Shit, this is rough. I take it back, Ard. I’d rather be at home in my nice, comfy bed playing video games, Kalleum yells over the booms of explosions.

Too late for that now! Doran shouts as he readies his pistols.

Dammit, we need to GO, or we’ll ALL be sitting ducks! On— Octavius yells but is interrupted.

THREE! Ardis shouts, and all four men come dashing out from the overturned vehicle they had been hiding behind. They run until they encounter body after body, swinging at them like there’s no tomorrow. These bodies have no life sustaining them, only bots that obey Rikard’s every command. Octavius plows through them with no effort at all, wielding his broadsword, and so does Kalleum, who appears to be flying through the air, taking their heads off, one after the other with his daggers. Ardis finds a spot to unleash a devastating blow of lightning bolts and electrocutes a large part of the botic army. And then he sees Doran practically surrounded by the bots and runs to his aid.

Oh, Gods! You’re just in time, Ard! he says after they slay each one, Ardis with his long sword and Doran with his upgraded pistols.

Doran, don’t forget! You’ve got the power to create a blizzard. That will help when taking out these bots, got it? Ardis reminds him in the heat of the struggle.

Right! Totally forgot, Doran tells Ardis, frantically remembering his newly acquired powers. How did he get all these bots? They’re super annoying! he says, feeling rather heated.

I don’t know, but they aren’t the problem. It’s them, Ardis says and points to the men who are hurling fire at them.

Just as they are checking the damage around them, they hear Octavius.

NOOOO! KALLEUM! he shouts in the distance. At first, the thicket of smoke and flame cloud their sight, but they quickly run, following Octavius’ voice, dodging the fireballs being blasted at them. In one fell swoop, Octavius stretches out a hand while cradling Kalleum, and unleashes a fierce earthquake, rattling the bots and men and bringing them down before they reach him.

They come flying to his side, Ardis feeling the weight of this fight all once. In the distance, he sees a figure standing tall, fire blazing out from both his hands.

Rikard, Ardis says furiously through his teeth. Octavius releases Kalleum as Ardis takes his place. He stands to assess the area and is relieved to find that they are out of range for now.

Ardis! Raise a shield. Kalleum’s hurt bad! Octavius quickly says, panic in his voice.

"HE did this! Doran yells, frantically looking over Kalleum’s body. Oh, Gods, KAL!" he screams, almost to the brink of tears.

Don’t panic, Ardis says and tries to steady himself. Doran, I need Xyla. Summon her at once. Please! Kal needs her white light, Ardis says, panic coming through in his voice as well. And her shield will be a lot stronger than my own.

With no regard to where he is, Doran drops to his knees and closes his eyes, chanting the only way he knows how.

Ardis then looks back down at Kalleum while balls of fire and bullets are starting to once again pelt the shield that he has raised. Cradling his head, he’s whispering something that sounds like a chant of some sort. And then he speaks again. "Oct, Doran … extinguish as many of these men who are hurling fire at us. Please!" He’s sounding upset and frustrated now.

Then another boom hits too close to where they are. The shield that Ardis has raised flickers uncontrollably but remains intact for the most part.

Dammit, Kalleum! Do not die on me! Ardis yells, tears of anger streaming down his face.

But Kalleum lies still, lifeless, and staring straight up at the night sky.

Just then, Xyla comes running to Kalleum’s side. Without a word to the others, she places her hands over his heart, leans her forehead to touch his, and then begins to chant. A shield that looks like thick glass goes up around them, and the three men stand to form a barrier of their own around their fallen king. Breathing hard and taking a fighting stance, each of them ready themselves for what’s coming.

Rikard stares them down and slowly approaches. "Looks to me like your king … is dead. Not even that hapless priestess can bring him back. I’ve made sure of that," he says smugly, with a disgusting grin slapped across his face.

We will see about that, Ardis barks back, silently praying to the Gods he’s wrong.

Oh, it’s true, Lord Ardis, Rikard replies, and all three men turn to see that Xyla hasn’t revived him yet. "You see, that last blow he took … well, you might as well crown me king right now. The three bullets that pierced His Highness’s skin are made of the most deadly material known to man. He won’t be rising anytime soon …" Rikard trails off, then gives a maniacal laugh.

Hope plummets to the depths of Ardis’ stomach as they watch Xyla relentlessly try to revive their king.

Then Doran grabs Ardis’ hand, desperation overwhelming his expression. "Ard! This!" he says as he holds in his hand a tiny gold bottle.

Ardis looks up at Doran, wide-eyed, and says, "Yes … do it!"

Chapter One

Begin

For as long as he could remember, these halls have been his home. His safe place. A place where he could rest his weary mind when troubles seem to take hold. These past few months have been nothing short of turbulent, unfortunately, for Ardis. Being the king’s chamberlain, he attends to any and all matters involving His Highness. In all his years as chamberlain to the royal family, he can scarcely remember a time like this. Order and security have always been of utmost importance, and now it all feels threatened.

From a young age, Ardis has always had a sense of responsibility. He’s always loved his home, here in Idrris, and over time has grown to love it even more. He grew up with just his father, who had been chamberlain to their previous king, Regulus Davine.

Ardis’ mother passed when he was very young. His memory of her isn’t that clear, but what he does remember, he cherishes always. In those hard times, it was his faith and belief that his mother was watching out for him that got him through.

He’s been luckier than most—growing up in the palace, never really left wanting for anything. But, he’s never felt that he was privileged because of it. He grew up right alongside the king’s two sons, Rikard and Kalleum. Even though he is several years older than the princes, he has always felt close to them both.

When he reached the age of fifteen, he was admitted to the Regal Military Academy, where he trained intensely for three years. There, he met Octavius Pendilum, and the two became fast friends. They trained together, ate together, and even studied together. So Ardis not only graduated in the top two percent of his class, but he also got a lifetime friend.

During his training at the Academy, he began taking steps toward becoming the new chamberlain to take over for his father one day. And also to be groomed for the new king when the time came.

In between his studies and physical training, Ardis spent all his spare time learning all he could about the Realm of Idrris, its history, and the Davine royal family. As chamberlain, he and his father were privy to any and everything relating to the king. Each king could not afford the luxury of keeping any secrets from his chamberlain, if there were any. In essence, he was to become the king’s personal confidant.

For Ardis, none of this has ever seemed out of the norm. It’s true that most young men his age just wanted to let loose and have a good time, with little to no responsibilities. Ardis, however, knew from a young age to differentiate between cutting loose and doing his duty.

And now, he has come into his own as chamberlain for the last few years of King Regulus’ life. For him, it was an absolute honor to serve such a magnanimous man. But at the same time, he had been taking care of the king’s youngest son, Kalleum, and grooming him to be the next in line to take the throne. This would prove to be a difficult task for Ardis since Kalleum is so young. He has yet to feel the weight of becoming a ruler, and Ardis can’t help but feel a little wayward.

Wracked with worry, Ardis fears the day his new king will be unceremoniously ousted as protector of Idrris. The king’s father ruled fair and just while still alive. There was no amount of threat from the outside world that His Highness couldn’t assuage. The new king has much to learn, as he is still coming into his own as realm protector. Kalleum is young and full of his own unique ideas about how to best guard their realm and how to run it. It’s Ardis’ job to make sure the transition goes smoothly with little to no effort. This is proving to be more of a challenge than he had hoped.

For the past six months, Kalleum has been getting his feet wet and running the country on his own. His father, King Regulus, had taken ill last year and passed on. In the few months he had with his father, Kalleum worked tirelessly to learn to do things as his father would. He spent every moment he could with King Regulus until the king could fight his illness no more. Word had been sent to Kalleum’s older brother, who had left the Realm of Idrris years ago with no permanent residence of his own. Reaching Rikard had been a challenge. One that Ardis took personal responsibility for. Once Ardis found him, Kalleum didn’t want the news of his father’s death to travel that far. But Ardis pointed out the dangers and consequences of leaving his only brother out of the loop. Especially when it came to their father. Though they hadn’t heard from Rikard in years, he still had the right to know what had befallen their king.

For months, there had been no word from Rikard, no attempt to reach out to his younger brother. Ardis didn’t seem that surprised. He can remember how spoiled Rikard had been. Until one day, word was sent from Rikard. He had settled on the other side of the world, in the province of Arrtesh, and made a name for himself. He became a business tycoon selling high-risk financial advice to high-risk investors and sharks of the trade.

This worried Ardis since he always knew Rikard to be jealous of how close Kalleum and their father had been. He knew that one day, Rikard would come back to collect his crown and ascend to the throne.

These thoughts weigh heavily on Ardis’ mind at the present. Regardless, a new day begins.

Chapter Two

Business of the Realm

Ardis walks the long hall to the throne room, his mind on the issues set for the day. Not paying attention to where his feet are taking him, his tall figure moves effortlessly through the halls. Ardis is a slender, toned type of man, with light brown hair and piercing green eyes that could shock you in a heartbeat from behind those thinly-framed glasses. He stretches one of his long limbs up to run a hand through his hair, thinking of the business of the Realm. His king, while still very young, is not a forgiving king. He is firm in his words, and even more so in his actions. A quality Ardis is proud to know that Kalleum possesses. Yet consistency hasn’t been his strong suit. He hopes every day that this will change.

He rounds the corner to the double doors where two men had been standing at attention. They open the doors in time to greet Ardis without missing a step. Ardis shifts his specs and straightens his jacket. His Majesty had been at an overly large table reviewing plans of some sort. He notices his chamberlain and greets him rather cheerily.

Ardis, my good man. Well rested, I presume? the king asks his chamberlain.

As much as to be expected, yes, Ardis says.

Glad to hear it, the king replies. Before we go any farther today, I’d like you to meet someone who will be working with us for the time being.

Certainly, Ardis says. Standing at attention, yet relaxed, he waits as a young woman is escorted into the room. At first, he can’t imagine what work she will be doing; but the Realm is vast, as is the king’s many needs.

Ardis, I’d like you to meet Elia Edlestien. She will be helping us with a few upcoming events here at the palace.

There isn’t much in this world that catches Ardis’ eye, but upon this meeting with Elia Edlestien, something in him changes. He has never been one to wonder what his life would be like any other way than it is now. Ardis likes his life, attending to the king and his matters are all he needs.

That is, until he lays eyes on Elia Edlestien.

Pleasure, he says and offers a nod of the head. He extends a hand in good faith of their meeting, and she takes it.

Thank you. I’m looking forward to working with all of you here at the palace. It’s very exciting, she says with a tiny bounce in her voice.

He can tell that she is young, maybe in her mid to late twenties. He gives her a once-over, trying hard not to stare. But he is captivated by her flowing dark-brown hair and eyes so enticing they could pierce his soul. And before he can say anything, the king interrupts.

So, Elia, we can discuss the details of our next event later today. Would that be all right with you?

Oh, yes. That will be fine, Your … Majesty, Elia says, a little hesitant at the formalness of her choosing. I apologize. I’m not very used to being in such magnanimous company.

"No need for apologies, Elia. Please, call me Kal," the king says after a bit of a chuckle.

Oh, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with such an informal reference to Your Highness, she says. I may not be from this country, but there is definitely a distinction between formal and informal.

Ardis takes note of this and thinks that this young lady is wise beyond her years. She possesses the skills of a courtesan in this modern day, and he thinks that she must have been raised properly. This intrigues him, and makes him want to get to know Elia just a bit more.

Elia looks his way, and then at the king. Well, I guess I’ll be off and let you attend to the business of your day.

Ardis’ curiosity about this young lady grows more. Without thinking, he feels his mouth open, and he hears his own voice come out.

May I escort you out, Ms. Edlestien? he asks, slightly shy, slightly forward. Careful not to give himself away, he waits patiently for her answer.

Noticing the hint of his British accent, Elia smiles since she thinks it’s becoming on him. Sure. That would be nice. Thank you, umm … She trails off, realizing she hadn’t gotten his name.

The same thought dawns on Ardis, and he quickly recovers. Ardis. Anglewood. I apologize for not saying so before, he says, just a little embarrassed. As he’s looking at Elia, he notices how her eyes seem to light up when the smallest touch of a smile plays on her lips. He feels that he has what seemed to be a smile dancing on his own.

They look at each other, and after a brief moment, Ardis extends an arm to indicate, Ladies first. His smile widens as she glances back at him.

Shall we? he asks Elia.

We shall, she answers.

As they leave the throne room together, King Kalleum says to Elia, You’ll be in good hands with this one.

Elia glances back at the king. Oh, I don’t doubt it, Your Highness.

So far, Ardis is very impressed with this young lady; and to think he had woken up thinking about the displeasure and distress of today. You see, today is the day that King Kalleum’s brother comes home. Expectations of a crown and a throne are all that is on the agenda for the time being. The Immortals only know it’s all Ardis had the brain power for today. Ms. Edlestien couldn’t have picked a worse time to come into their lives, yet this could present a welcome change for Ardis. A welcome change for them all.

Though it would appear that all is well in the kingdom, discourse has been plaguing this house Ardis calls home. But for now, his mind seems to be elsewhere, and he takes this opportunity to know a little more about Elia.

So has His Highness set you up with quarters of your own? Ardis asks as they make their way down the long hall.

Uh, no. She pauses, then continues, Well, yes. I guess he did. Only I’m not directly on the premises. I have an apartment just outside the gates. His Highness has been more than accommodating, she says.

Good. And has he set you up with a car, transport?

Of course. A car service. I’m not used to being driven around. I kinda like driving, but since this is all under contract, it’s fine. For now.

Pleased with her answers, he gives her a smile and tries to think of a way to get to know her better. He doesn’t want to seem too pushy. But they have arrived at the front doors of the palace, so their conversation will end here.

Ah, there’s your car, he says upon seeing the black sedan parked alongside the palace entrance. Here is where I’ll take my leave.

Thank you, Mr. Anglewood. It was a pleasure to meet you, she says while extending her arm for a good-bye handshake.

Ardis takes her hand, and as he does, a spark shoots through him. This didn’t happen when we first touched, did it? he thinks to himself.

"The pleasure is all mine. And it would be safe to call me Ardis," he says with a soft, kind voice.

Ardis it is! she exclaims. I look forward to seeing you again. Imagine all the fun we’re going to have! she says with a sparkle in her eye and a toothy grin.

He smiles back at her as she gets settled into the car.

Bye, Ardis.

Ciao, he says in response, and watches the car drive off and out of the gate. Curious young woman, he says to himself. He can’t quite put his finger on it, but he knows that something is there.

Walking back into the palace, he is greeted by a house messenger.

Pardon, my lord. The commander of the guard is waiting for you in the Lux Room.

Thank you, Jaxx, Ardis says grimly. A visit from Octavius, commander of the Royal Guard, can only mean one thing: definite trouble. Or he’s just stopping in to pay his respects to one of his oldest friends. Doubtful.

He takes the shortcut to the Lux Room, hoping he won’t run into any more messengers carrying pressing messages. But just before he reaches the Lux Room, he is cut off by another house messenger with a note from the king. He stops in his tracks and reads it. Ardis is pleased to find that it is not of utmost importance, so he folds the note and tucks it into his coat pocket.

Thank you, Marx, he says, then enters the Lux Room to find Octavius at the window with a glass of whiskey. Tall and brawny, Octavius is a brute of a man, with hard features and a rough connotation. He pops muscle everywhere, but deep down, he’s a teddy bear of the tenderest kind. Still, he is not a man you would like to be on the opposing side of.

Oct, what brings you here? he asks of his oldest friend. This … can’t be good.

Ardy-boy! How ya been? Octavius greets him. Poured myself a glass. Hope you don’t mind. He raises the glass to show Ardis.

Not at all. You know Kal, what’s his is ours.

Yeah. ’Tis true, Octavius says with a smile and a look on his face like he could recall the good old days.

You bring us news, I suspect? Ardis asks, curious as to Octavius’ visit.

Right to the point. That’s what I like about you, Ardy. Octavius takes a swig of his drink. Things have been … relatively quiet on the front. On all sides, actually. With Rikard’s return, I have to say, I expected a lot more resistance.

Well, the day isn’t over yet. Let’s not count our chickens before they hatch.

I know. We’re well prepared for … Octavius hesitates. Well, for anything, he goes on to say. If it comes down to a fight, we got this.

Let’s hope it does not. Last thing I need is to be stepping between two brothers trying to rip each other to pieces. I’m on the verge of a meltdown myself, Ardis confesses.

Octavius reaches out a hand and claps him on the shoulder. Don’t worry, my friend. This will all be over soon enough. Then we can take a much-needed break. Hell, maybe even go on vacation.

Ardis takes his glasses off and rubs the spot between his eyes. He breathes a sigh. It’s barely nine in the morning, and I’ve already got a splitting headache. He looks to Octavius, then puts his glasses back on. But if there’s anyone I can count on to be my sounding board, it’s you, Oct.

Attaboy! Octavius exclaims. Now, sit your ass down and have a drink with me. It’s been too long.

Are you mad! It’s too early in the AM for that.

Whoa, whoa! It’s never too early to self-medicate, Octavius states, and they both laugh.

You have a point there, he agrees. Go on and pour me one too. I have at least five minutes before chaos ensues.

Ever the optimist, aren’t you, Ardy?

Practical and very real. Is there any other way? he asks, half joking but mostly serious. Octavius hands Ardis his drink.

I really don’t know anymore. The world is such a different place than when we were younger, you know? he says and pauses a moment before continuing his train of thought. Remember when were at the academy, and we got caught sneaking a keg into our dorm? You nearly shit your pants—you were so scared!

In all fairness, I was against that plan the whole time, Ardis says with a chuckle.

Octavius lets out a robust laugh and slaps his knee in amusement. Oh, man. I miss those days, he reflects. Seems so simple. A different time. He takes another swig.

Indeed, Ardis says as a brief feeling of nostalgia comes over him. But as soon as the good feelings come, they fade even faster. Feeling older and older these days, Oct. I’m not going to lie to you. He takes a big gulp of his drink.

Octavius notices the heavy look on Ardis’ face and finishes his drink. Guiding the new king is a major responsibility, Ard. You need to take it easy once in a while, though. Seriously.

True. It’s what I’m good at.

That’s for damn sure! King Regulus would stake his claim on that, no question.

Ardis looks at Octavius; a momentary look of appreciation flashes across his face. You’re a good friend, Oct.

At that, the two friends stand and give a tight hug. Thanks for coming by, Oct. Keep me posted. If you hear of any movement at all … Ardis trails off.

You have my word, Ard.

Good.

In his mind, Ardis knows that he can count on Octavius. Ardis claps him on the back, and they head toward the double doors.

The two men leave the Lux Room and go their separate ways. Ardis finds himself alone with his thoughts for the first time since he’s awoken. Usually, they linger on pending business, events happening in and around the Realm and the like. But at the moment, his thoughts drift toward that young lady he met this morning. Elia.

What are you thinking, Ardis? he says to himself. There are more pressing matters at hand. Probably won’t see her much anyway. He pauses a moment longer, trying to remember her face. It isn’t difficult, but what proves to be a challenge is taking his mind off her. So he absentmindedly heads toward his office, which is in the southeastern corner of the palace. The trek there is a long one, leaving a few moments for his thoughts to linger on Elia.

Chapter Three

Negotiation Prep

Upon reaching his office, his cell phone rings. It’s a number he doesn’t know, but he answers anyway.

Hello. Ardis Anglewood here, he answers.

Ardis, hi. This is Elia Edlestien.

Elia, hello. This is a surprise, he says, a little embarrassed since he had just been thinking about her. Like she could read his mind or something.

Yes. I’m sorry to bother you. Is this a bad time?

Not at all. What can I do for you, Ms. Edlestien? he answers.

I just wanted to know when His Majesty will be available to discuss our upcoming event, she says, sounding a little bashful. Since I’m new here, I kinda wanted to plan my day around it.

Pleased to hear from Elia, and even more so by the fact that they’ll meet again, he stops in his tracks, and smiles. Certainly, my dear, he says. I’m heading to my office as we speak. Can I give you a call back in just a few? I’ll need to look at His Highness’s schedule.

"Absolutely. Thank you, Mr. Angl—Ardis," she says and lets a giggle slip.

Not a problem, Ms. Edlestien.

Oh, please call me Elia, or El for short. Whichever you prefer, she says. I’m babbling. I’m sorry. I’ll stop. Now, she’s feeling a little silly.

Ardis chuckles, thinking about how this conversation that started as business turned slightly comical. I will be in touch in just a moment, El. Just as he said it, he finds that he immediately liked calling her El.

Great. Thank you, she says and ends the call with a Tah!

He hangs up and stares at his phone a few seconds more. Lost in thought, he could barely take notice of a couple of palace staff staring at him with slightly concerned looks on their faces. Once he does, he quickly regains his composure and moves on.

Arriving at his office, he is greeted by a rather noisy and bustling bunch. He passes the small conference room from which all the noise is coming and figures they can do without him for just a little longer. So he walks through his door and rounds his desk to sit in his chair. He leans back for a moment with his eyes closed. Before he opens them, he senses someone has come to his door, and puts a hand up to stop them from going any farther. He opens his eyes.

I am not here yet, he says very firmly. Until I come to the conference room, no one has seen me. Understood?

Yes, sir, says a young man dressed in a black suit.

Good. He sighs and shakes his head slowly. Feeling that he can no longer put off the day’s business, he gets to work. Considering the king’s schedule for today, there doesn’t seem to be a good time to fit Elia in. He is about to dial her number when he has a thought. Lunch. That could work. He hardly ever does a lunch meeting, but in the case of seeing Ms. Edlestien again, Ardis would make an exception.

The phone rings twice before she picks up.

Hello? Elia greets.

Elia, this is Ardis Anglewood.

Hi, Ardis! Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.

Of course. His Highness is available today for a late lunch. Say, around one o’clock?

That sounds great! Gives me enough time to explore some of the city, she says.

Touring the city? That sounds delightful.

As soon as he says it, he can’t help but feel like wanting to take the tour with her and forgetting his troubles. Better yet, give her a guided tour of his beloved city. He has a thought to ask her, but he didn’t want to be so forward. Yet something told him to try anyway.

"Might I be so bold as to offer my services in that area? This is my city, and I’d be honored to give you a personally guided tour." He waits for her response, gritting his teeth in hopes that she might say yes.

Well, I wouldn’t want to take you away from the king. I know how busy you must be … She trails off.

The king can certainly survive without my service for a few hours, he replies. Plus, there are these great little things called cellular phones. He can’t help but chuckle.

I don’t know what to say. It’s very generous of you to offer. Well, I guess I could catch up on some work, then meet you and His Highness.

Does this mean you’ll take me up on a tour? he asks with the slightest bit of hope in his voice.

Sure! she exclaims. When can we do this? Soon, I hope. I’m dying to see it all! You really do have the most beautiful city.

Suddenly, he feels elated. It’s not often he feels this way, and never because of a girl. Splendid! How about the day after tomorrow? Early in the morning. Around eight?

That will definitely work for me, she says with a smile in her voice. As long as the first stop is coffee.

Absolutely, he says, feeling his spirits lift.

Great. See you later, Ardis!

You certainly will, El.

Ardis hangs up, and puts his phone away. Before he can lose himself in what had just transpired with Elia, he gets up from his chair and makes his way to the conference room just to the left of his office. He walks in, and everyone immediately stands to greet him.

Carry on, he says, barely even noticing the gesture. Are we ready for the meeting with Lord Rikard’s counsel? Our offer polished and in place? he asks his team.

Yes, my lord. Just finalizing the last of the details, sir, says the young man in the black suit to his right.

Good. Now let’s all take a seat. I want to go over the strategy for this negotiation. I have a feeling it will be a short one.

That’s good, isn’t it? Short will mean we’ll get our way, hopefully, the young man interjects.

Not necessarily. If things go the way I think, short will just mean another meeting at a later time. It will mean our terms need to be considered for as long as they might take, he says calmly. They are looking to make us nervous and uneasy. Lord Rikard wants the throne, and I believe he’s well prepared to do anything to get it. He glances around the room and notices the uncertainty playing on their faces. Let’s not lose hope. King Kalleum is resilient, and he is getting stronger in his position as realm protector every day. Besides … He pauses and gives them all a hard look. I won’t let it happen, he finally says. His words resound with each of them, and most are able to recover their strength in their king.

Nya, were you able to secure the necessary quarters outside of town for their party? he asks the woman sitting across the table.

Yes, sir. We’ve reserved five rooms, one being the Season State Suite, since we aren’t sure if Lord Rikard will be showing up. She pauses, then continues, There will be enough transport for all their party, including whatever baggage may be in tow. Continental breakfast will be provided, as well as vouchers for their lunches and dinners, should they decide to make use of them.

Good. Dodd, how are we on security detail? Do we have enough men to supply their party should they need it? he asks of the man in the gray suit sitting next to Nya.

Yes, my lord. All guards have been put on notice to be ready as we need them.

Outstanding, he says, as if mentally checking them off a list. Tech, where are we on their tech support? I recall there were more than a few bugs to be fixed.

Anton, the lanky young man in the corner speaks up. Sir, we’ve fixed all broken links and have secured their own private IP address for them to use while they’re here in the kingdom. I’ve included a copy of the code with instructions for logging on in their welcome packets.

Very good, Anton, Ardis says, sounding grateful. "I want Lord Rikard and his people to know the true us. I want them to feel welcome. I want them to see how well the country is being run by our king."

After a momentary silence, Andle, the young man in the black suit, raises his hand for permission to speak.

Ardis nods his head, signaling that it’s all right for him to have the floor.

With all due respect, sir … His Highness couldn’t have done it all without you, Andle says and looks to Ardis with great admiration.

Though he doesn’t show it, Ardis is touched by this young man’s words. He knows that this comes from all of them. This is why he puts so much faith in his staff and tries his hardest to treat them well.

For a moment, he can’t speak since it seems too heavy a feeling for mere words. But he knows that he needs to say something. I can’t take all the credit. It’s my uncompromising staff that makes this all possible, he says, feeling a sense of pride in them. I know it hasn’t been easy of late, and I want to express to each of you how grateful I am that you are all here giving the Realm your very best. His Highness, as well as myself, can’t thank you all enough. With that, he gives them a nod in gratitude, and his gesture is met with smiles from all around the room.

Now, back to strategy. Once we are able, we will need to lay out our plan in great detail for Lord Rikard and his counsel. Is the report detail ready? he asks Andle.

Sir, I have it here, Andle says.

Great. I should like to give it a final review. Any changes, I will make myself. Don’t worry. You’ll be briefed on it before we go, he assures Andle. More than likely, Lord Rikard will have a set of terms he would like met as well. We will listen, and compromise as I see fit. I don’t expect there to be much he wants, other than the throne. Still, he could surprise us. But at the very least, I am confident that our terms are reasonable enough for them to at least consider, he concludes. Let’s try to avoid any unnecessary bloodshed, he says, half joking, half serious. His comment is met by a few laughs around the room.

Feeling a little less uneasy, he concludes the meeting and takes the report handed to him by Andle. He stops short, and Andle turns back to get Ardis’ attention.

Sir? he asks.

Andle, when we go in there today, you will be my point man. When our terms are laid out, I want you to explain it. You’ve been on this detail since the beginning of this upheaval, so I feel you’re the best man for the task. Understood?

Of course, sir, he says, feeling his chest bloat with pride.

Wonderful, Ardis beams back at Andle. Nya and Dodd will be there too. So you won’t be out of sorts.

Thank you, sir, Andle says and then leaves the room with a slight skip in his step.

Ardis heads back to his office, lays the report on his desk, and takes out his phone. He dials the king. It rings a few times before an answer.

Talk to me, Kalleum says by way of greeting.

Ready to go over details for this meeting later today? I’ll come by in ten, Ardis plainly says.

Great. You know where to find me.

Right, he says, then hangs up. Ardis sits at his desk and flips through the report. Just a few things catch his eye, but nothing major. After a little while, he decides no changes need to be made, so he heads out the door, report in hand. The king will want to see it and put in his two cents.

On his way to the throne room, he is greeted by two house messengers. It’s a long walk. He