Forked tongues lick the air,
Energy spirals in the dark,
hungry and agitated,
Empty, it explores,
in search of meaning,
Nothing but waste in its wake,
Death approaches,
once it has engulfed all.
“Madi, is that you?”
She peeked around the corner and saw Prince Antoine who hadn’t seemed to have spotted her yet and exhaled in relief. Standing, she quickly wiped her eyes and pinned back her stray hair. Coming out from the hiding spot, she smiled at him.
“Prince Antoine,” her voice was shaky. “There is no need to worry, Your Highness. I was not waiting long.”
He raised an eyebrow. “My Dearest Princess Madeleine of Andveltica.” He stuck out his chest and raised his head ostentatiously before bowing. “There’s no need to speak to me so formally.” She let out a weak laugh, grasping her left hand stiffly. His eyes softened as he looked her over. “Are you alright?”
She shook her head and smiled. “It’s nothing. There’s just a lot of memories here that I’ve been holding on to.”
“Memories?”
“Silly, I know. It was so long ago. What a ridiculous thing to remem—”
“No, it’s not silly.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “Oh my.” She followed his gaze down to her ripped skirt.
“Well, er I…”
“No,” he snickered, “it’s great. It’s just like old times, right?”
This time a small, genuine smile spread over her face. “Well,” Madeleine patted down her dress, “you know how those tall grasses like to grab anything and everything you’re wearing.”
He held out his arm to her and they walked side-by-side. “I do indeed, Your Royal Highness-ness.”
“Tony, I know you’re making fun of me for how I addressed you before.”
“That’s not it at all, thou Royal Majesty who so haileth from the Debois dynasty.”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s enough.”
“Well, I’ve cheered you up at least, haven’t I?”
She hesitated, then glanced away. “I told you already, I’m fine.”
He opened his mouth, then closed it. There was silence between them before he spoke again. “It’s so good to see you again, Madi. I really missed you, you know. Adrian did too. I often thought back on your visit.” He paused. “You changed our family. My father, Adrian—”
“Yes well,” she interrupted, “everyone is so different now, what does it matter what happened five years ago or whatever effect I may have had. You can’t give me much credit now.” He blinked at her curiously. “We can’t keep living in the past, can we?”
“No indeed.” He paused, kicking a rock. “Though, you’d be surprised how little has actually changed since you left.”
Adrian’s wet eyes and vulnerable features floated into her memory. “You haven’t changed,” she said kindly. “I’m glad you are still the you I remember. I wish things were like they used to be.”
“You missed us too?”
She stared at him, then nodded. “Of course. It’s been so confusing missing someone who was a child last, and now rules an entire country. I’m not entirely sure who I’m looking at.”
“You’re talking about Adrian?” It was more a statement than a question.
Her face flushed slightly. “Yes, I suppose I am.”
“He’s certainly grown up, but I still see him as the moody, dramatic brother I’ve always known. It was hard on him being crowned at nineteen and though he’s taken it so well, Madi, I can assure you he isn’t the stoic, pragmatist he always claims to be.”
“I see. Thank you for saying that.”
He smiled warmly at her, then grasped her hand in his, pulling her towards the spot where their horses were waiting. “Enough about that gloomy brother of mine. We came here for a reason, didn’t we?”
She went willingly with him.
A palomino stallion waited outside for her. The proud beast turned its head towards her, making her gasp. “Oh, Tony, he’s beautiful.” The horse seemed to shake its head in approval, allowing her to stroke the top of his long nose.
“This is Rafale. He’s very proud and a little saucy I might add. Knowing you, I’m sure you’ll be able to handle him.”
She took the reins in her hands, and without waiting for a stable hand or Antoine to assist her, she hoisted herself up into the side saddle.
“Woah, a little eager, aren’t we?” He was grinning despite himself.
A young man with a small beard appeared from the barn, carrying a riding crop in his hand. Madeleine watched him from atop the stallion in interest. “Thank you,” she said, taking the crop from him and shooting Antoine a questioning glance. “Whatever happened to the other stable hand, what was his name again…Justin Chevalier?” She tried to hide the waver in her voice.
“Oh, that’s a funny story actually.” He didn’t seem to notice her knuckles had whitened. “A week or so after you left, he decided to find work elsewhere. He was gone within a day with no intention of returning.”
Her eyes widened. Rafale started to shake his head nervously. “Oh,” was all she said. The stallion snorted and started to back up. Noticing his behavior, she loosened her grip on the reins and patted his neck.
“I told you he’s a little feisty,” Antoine remarked and soon enough the stallion relaxed and stood still. “But being you, he’s seemed to calm down immediately.” Antoine mounted his own horse and started into a trot, circling around Madeleine and her horse. “Isn’t it amazing how sensitive horses are to our feelings? Whether we are scared or anxious.” Madeleine looked around guiltily. “We seem to project our feelings onto them.” Antoine’s black horse whinnied. “See? Faudre just picked up on how excited I am to ride him.”
She laughed. “And will he still be happy when I beat you to that tall pine tree over there?” She pointed at the lone tree that grew inside the tall stone wall surrounding the castle grounds.
Before he could respond, she started her horse forward. Rafale flew into a canter in excitement, snorting loudly. The stallion seemed to have forgotten there was a small woman riding on his back, and charged faster and faster, pushing into a full gallop. Madeleine did not mind at all.
She glanced behind, wondering where Antoine had gone, but saw no trace of him. She whipped back around as a vicious laugh rang out. The prince rode up on her right side, inches from her horse. He winked and ushered Faudre faster.
The black gelding gained speed and passed the palomino. Madeleine watched in defeat as he rushed ahead, but Rafale had other ideas. Her horse cried in dismay at his opponent and pushed forward. He nipped Faudre on the shoulder and cut him off, forcing the black horse to rear and change directions.
Antoine held on and tried to direct Faudre back towards Madeleine, but it was too late. Holding her reins at the top, closest to the stallion’s mouth, Madeleine pulled back. It was her own horse’s turn to rear. Rafale struggled under her grip, but she was well in control, and he settled down soon enough.
Antoine came riding up, his mouth wide open. “Stars above, Madi, that was amazing! The way you controlled Rafale. You’re amazing and well…” He cleared his throat, not meeting her gaze.
She grinned. “I was expecting more of a challenge, Prince of Nebrasia.”
“Whatever. The horse did all the work,” he retorted, sticking out his chin.
“What was all that just now about me being amazing?”
He brought his horse right alongside her, taking her free hand in his. “I’ll just have to redeem myself next time.” He looked at her daringly as he placed her hand to his forehead in a casual version of the Elderian greeting.
“Erm…” was all she managed in reply.
“You mentioned your love for the castle library.” He released her hand as he spoke. “Do you think you’ll find yourself there often?”
“I do as a matter of fact.”
“We might bump into each other at some point then, because I find myself there often too.”
She held her head high. “I’ll have you know, I go there for research and writing purposes only, not to meet up with princes.”
“Even dashingly handsome princes?”
She rolled her eyes. “Only if we talk about politics, and only politics.”
He considered her. “In all seriousness, I would love that.”
She looked over at him, taken aback. “What? Discussing politics?”
“Yes.”
“Y-you don’t think it’s silly or impractical like Yvette said yesterday?”
“Not at all. In fact, I think it’s quite becoming for a woman to be learned in such things.”
She felt her cheeks grow hot for a reason she didn’t quite understand. “I see.”
“I’m really looking forward to these meetings with the council. It’ll be so exciting negotiating with some of the three most powerful countries in Elderian.”
She halted her horse and stared at him helplessly. “Oh, Tony!” The stray pieces of hair fell down into her face again and he pulled on his reins, slowing Faudre to a stop. “Is there no way I can attend the meetings? I so desperately want to be there. Is there nothing you can do?”
He blinked. “It would be fine by me, but you may try asking your father, King Abel about it.”
Her heart sank. “He’s forbidden me from attending any such meetings as I am not a member.” There was silence as she looked down at her hands in frustration.
“Well,” he said brightly, “how about you promise to meet me in the library, and I’ll inform you about what we discuss in the meetings?”
Madeleine’s mouth hung open. “But you took an oath. You can’t discuss politics with non-members.”
His face fell. “Ah, yes. How could I forget?” He sighed. “It appears we will have to find something else to talk about in the library then.” He winked at her, but she only stared back at him blankly.
“Wait. As long as we are careful not to reveal anything specific or confidential about the meetings, we could still discuss politics in general terms.”
“Yes, I suppose we could.”
“I would so enjoy that. I am not as knowledgeable about Nebrasia’s history and politics as I am Andveltica’s. I want to learn.”
He beamed at her. “If I agree, you must educate me more on Andveltican politics then.”
“It’s settled,” she said, extending her hand to him. “Tomorrow, in the library, before noon.”
He shook it firmly with his own. “Before noon,” he repeated, amused.
♛♚♛
Antoine entertained the company at dinner with childhood stories. “I used to climb the cherry trees that grew over the outer castle walls and throw the pits at the guards.” The prince stopped to let out a small snicker. “I never was caught,” he bragged with a glint in his eye. “They still talk about the infamous juvenile who terrorized the royal guard. I haven’t the heart to tell them it was me.”
Laughter filled the hall.
“You sound just like my little brothers,” Amabel the Bastard said cheerily. “They are the castle’s worst troublemakers in Cappeland. I think you’d get along well with them.”
“I don’t throw cherry pits anymore,” he said, chuckling. “I’m actually quite well-behaved now. You can ask Adi.”
“Somehow, I’m unsure he will vouch for you.” Amabel glanced at the king’s chair that was always left empty during mealtimes.
The prince laughed. “You’ve just barely arrived in Nebrasia and you already know the royal family so well, Amabel.”
Yvette raised an eyebrow. “You’re so unlike the king, Prince Antoine.” There was mockery in her tone.
“So kind of you to say so, Princess. That’s all I ever wanted to hear.”
She was taken aback by his smile. “The king shoulders so much responsibility. It must be nice, not having to shoulder much of your own.” The smile faded. “The king cannot even make it to supper, he is so occupied with important matters.”
“That is where you are wrong, Princess,” a voice boomed.
It grew quiet as all heads turned and King Adrian entered the dining hall. Heads bowed as he passed, and Madeleine stared down at her plate as he took his seat at the head of the table.
“Ah, Adi, you made it, and just in time for the porpoise.”
Adrian shot his brother an annoyed look. “Save me your foolishness, Tony. I just needed a change in scenery. Don’t make me regret my decision.”
Madeleine took in his large blue coat with white fur lining, and gold entwined on the front. His perfectly manicured blond hair hung loosely at the sides under a wide, blue hat. His blue eyes avoided her gaze.
“It is wise for a ruler to take time to enjoy the presence of others,” said Queen Nicole. “We are honored you could join us, King Adrian.”
He nodded to the queen in gratitude then looked over at Yvette who had cleared her throat.
“King Adrian, we are indeed honored to be graced by your presence.” Her proud voice carried across the table. “How exhausted you must be. What is it you enjoy doing when you are not consumed by your royal duties?”
The king’s face seemed to soften as he replied. “I will tell you once I have a free moment.”
The hall filled with laughter.
Once it died down, Adrian addressed the impressive-looking fellow who Madeleine had previously mistaken for the king of Cappeland. “Cardinal Vauquelin,” the man’s intelligent, brown-nearly-black eyes shot upwards at the mention of his name, “have you been feeling quite well? We almost did not begin the meeting earlier today when you did not appear.”
“Ah, then I take it you did not receive my message?” Vauquelin’s voice was deep and even.
“I’m afraid not.”
“Cappeland received news this morning of some minor insubordination within the Cappeland military, and King Jean could not have missed the meeting, obviously, so I was the one to take care of it. Like I said however, it was quite minor and nothing of concern. I should be present at all future meetings.”
Madeleine listened intently. Minor insubordination?
“King Jean must be very grateful to have you as a statesman and cardinal of the faith.”
The cardinal grinned, and King Jean, who had been laughing heartily at something his wife said, stopped suddenly to look at Adrian and his councilor seriously.
Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.
“Ah yes,” the Cappeland king squeaked, holding a goblet in one hand. “I simply do not know what I would do without dear Vauquelin. He is a most trusted friend of mine.”
Glancing away, Madeleine turned to her sister but remembered Courtney was not sitting next to her. She had been absent for their dinners the last few days. This happened regularly in Andveltica and Madeleine sighed.
“It’s a shame Courtney could not make it this evening,” she directed her comment to Antoine after he had finished talking to her father. “I hope she’s doing quite alright.”
“I’ve had the Nebrasian doctors look her over,” Antoine replied, “and her condition is quite peculiar. Her health seems to rise and fall with time.”
“I haven't seen her at all today.” It was Amabel that spoke next, tossing a strand of long black hair over her shoulder. “I do hope she is doing alright. She looked so sickly when we first met.”
Queen Nicole halted her conversation with the queen of Cappeland to look over at them. “I’m afraid the trip took quite a toll on Princess Courtney,” the queen said. “She’s been confined to her room all day.”
“Oh, that is awful, Nicole,” the queen of Cappeland spoke. She had pale skin and blonde hair like Yvette and the same intrusive green eyes.
“There’s nothing to worry about, Adele,” the queen assured, though she didn’t sound convinced. “If Prince Antoine is correct in saying her health rises and falls, I’m sure she’ll be ready to join us again soon once she’s taken the time to rest.”
“I’m honestly not surprised she has had difficulty recovering due to all the diseases that exist in Andveltica. I have no idea how you live there on a regular basis, Nicole. I would have grown tired of the bug bites already.”
Queen Nicole’s expression tightened. “If you grow up there, the bugs tend to leave you alone. As for Courtney, she was weakened from the sweating sickness from several years ago and is susceptible to any illness whether it’s minor or serious.”
“Courtney’s condition is most unfortunate,” Adrian said, and Madeleine was surprised by his gentle and solemn tone. “She already has the best doctors in Nebrasia though, and they are very skilled in their practice. She’ll be up and going in no time. I am sure of it.”
Madeleine found herself meeting his eyes and was surprised to see them filled with concern. She searched them for a moment then looked away.
“Oh, that’s so kind of you, Your Majesty,” Yvette remarked. “You really are a compassionate ruler.”
He waved his hand. “I can’t invite guests into my home and not do what I can to fulfill their needs.”
A pit formed in her stomach as she watched the king and princess. They talked freely without tension or quarrel. Swallowing hard, she wondered what she was even doing in Nebrasia, as she could not be a part of the council meetings, and the man she thought was a trusted friend felt like a stranger.
Her eyes wandered until they fell on Antoine. As he talked with whoever was willing, she thought more on the political meetings and his promise to her. She imagined herself speaking out boldly to a room of bewildered, highly ranked men and her father being flabbergasted by her knowledge and excellent points of discussion. She grinned as an imaginary Adrian complimented her on her diplomatic abilities.
“Madeleine, you seem quite pleased,” her father spoke, and she jumped slightly.
She stared at him blankly. “Er, yes, King Abel.” She looked desperately around the room until she saw a tray of pastries in front of her. “I’ve been looking forward to…the dessert. Pineapple pastries are in fact my favorite.” And sure enough, her favorite pastries were being served and she silently thanked their presence.
The king gladly took one and looked back at his daughter. “Then we must be related, Princess, for I love them ever so dearly myself. I had pineapple imported here just for that reason. Though, I do believe I am round and stuffed like a pastry because of it.”
Queen Nicole let out a short laugh and glanced at her husband, grinning. She put one of the pastries to her mouth before continuing her conversation with the queen of Cappeland.
None of this went unnoticed by King Abel. He smiled brightly, watching his wife with one hand under his chin and the other holding a second pastry.
Madeleine was unsure what bothered her more: her father speaking directly to her, or the flirtatious exchange with the queen. Furrowing her eyebrows skeptically, Madeleine too stuffed a pastry in her mouth.
♛♚♛
Long stained-glass windows poured morning sunlight onto the floor, desks, and bookcases of the Nebrasian library.
The reflected light created colored shapes that danced inside the large room. Many portions of the walls were made of tiny mosaic tiles that formed images of ancient monarchs, castles, horses, and flowers. Dark, oak beams stretched across the ceiling with twirled, knobbed ends. The bookcases climbed to the top of the room where the highest books could be reached from either the second floor by two twisted staircases on the north and south entrances of the room.
Madeleine rested her chin on one of her hands. Slumped over a desk, her uncovered hair fell down one shoulder, resting on a leather notebook. She wore a blue gown trimmed with white lace accompanied by a brown belt about her waist. A white ruff was tied around her neck as well as two smaller ruffs around her wrists.
She stared at something for a long while before jumping up and seizing her quill. Brushing long strands of hair out of her face, she wrote furiously, her tongue sticking out of her mouth. She stopped for a moment and listened, hearing footsteps approaching. Quickly, she closed the notebook, pulling a large volume titled, Nebrasia’s Long History towards her when Antoine stepped into view.
She was surprised by his apparel. “You weren’t inspired to wear that color were you, Tony?”
The doublet he wore was a brilliant blue, the same color as her dress. His dark blue over gown had split sleeves, so the lighter blue from the doublet peaked out from underneath. A dark cloak was draped around his shoulders, and he wore a bright smile on his face.
“Perhaps you were the one who was inspired.” He posed dramatically, showing off his outfit.
She snorted.
Antoine looked down, noticing the open book on the desk. “You weren’t actually reading this old thing were you, Madi?”
“Well…” She glanced down sheepishly. “Yvette may think politics are a silly subject for women to learn, but I do not think that.”
“Madi.” He pulled up a chair beside her. “I’m pretty sure all genders equally dislike this book. It literally has ‘long’ in the title.” She shrugged. “Not to mention it’s upside down.”
She looked down quickly. The book was indeed upside down. “Ah.”
“What were you doing before I came in?”
“Er…” She touched her hair self-consciously, hesitating.
He raised an eyebrow. “Well, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t—”
“No, that’s okay.” She closed the ancient text’s massive cover. “This is what I was really working on. I don’t usually show it to anyone, but well, I suppose you are the exception.” Decidedly, she grabbed her notebook and flipped to the page she’d been working on.
Antoine slid his chair closer to hers and looked at the journal wide-eyed. “Oh, wow. It’s your diary! I am truly flattered that you would allow me to lay my eyes on such a sacred item.”
She poked his side with her index finger teasingly and he flinched. “It’s not a diary, Tony. They’re poems. I write poetry in my free time. I-It’s a way for me to express myself.” She suddenly felt very exposed and moved her hand to close the book, but Antoine had placed his own on the right corner.
“That’s amazing.” His eyes sparkled with interest. “May I?”
She let out a strange sound of confusion. “You want to read it?” She searched his eyes. “As in, the whole thing?”
He laughed. “Oh, well I just meant the poem you were working on,” he poked the book with his finger, “so this page, but I’d be much obliged to some light reading for the next week, if you wish.” She was touching her hair again. He placed a hand on her shoulder. “I really would like to read all of it, if you want me to,” he added.
“Don’t worry about that,” she said quickly. “I’d like it better if you just read this one. I’ve been told my poetry is too dark anyway. Apparently, it can be somewhat disturbing. I’d hate to…”
He gave her a look that made her stop talking. “You know I come from the darkest, moodiest, and most disturbing family in all of Elderian, right?”
She snorted. “That’s a bit of an exaggeration.”
“Just a bit.” He bit back a grin.
There was a short silence in which they both stared down at her book and she tried to think of something to say.
“So can I read it?” he finally asked.
“Of course!” She picked up the journal and handed it to him.
The trees cry out,
brushing away his hair,
She beckons tenderly,
He blinks ignorance,
The gesture is lost,
Breathing one last note,
she dolefully fades away,
taking her faceless devotion.
“Well,” he finally spoke up, causing her to jump, “is this about the wind?”
She took the book from his outstretched hand. “Er, yes. That’s the simpler way of looking at it.” There was a pause, so she continued. “If you read it again, you may be able to decipher the deeper meaning.” She handed the book back to him.
Madeleine didn’t notice as her hair fell over his left arm as his eyes poured over it again.
He looked up at her after a while, and she was surprised to see a softness in his eyes. “This reminds me of the loneliness that only comes with being spurned by the one you love.”
She stared at him in surprise, then nodded. “That’s kind of what I was going for.”
“Who is this poem about?”
She avoided his gaze. “No one,” she said quickly. “It’s just a poem. It doesn’t have to mean anything.”
“That’s not what you said before.”
“Before?” She hesitated. “I just said poetry allows me to express feelings that can only be explained on paper. I never said they were my feelings specifically.” She could tell by his face that she was not being very convincing. She closed the book stiffly, clearing her throat.
“I see.”
There was a short silence.
“Um, Tony.” Madeleine’s voice was barely audible.
“Hm?”
“Were you going to tell me about the meeting?”
He raised an eyebrow. “You mean the confidential meeting I’m sworn under oath to not tell anyone about?”
“Oh.” Her face turned pale. “I mean, were you going to give me the generalities about Nebrasia’s politics so as to not break your oath?”
“Ah, yes.” He clapped his hands together, grinning. “Let me see. You already heard the cardinal at dinner speaking of the ‘minor insubordination’ that occurred in Cappeland?”
She placed a hand under her chin thoughtfully. “About that; do you think there’s something off about the cardinal?”
Antoine raised an eyebrow. “I’d say he’s quite the pompous boor who never stops talking about nothing and is usually the cause of the meetings going late.”
“But is it not strange that he talked about having to miss the meeting to deal with business instead of the king?”
“Not really. As you may have already noticed, King Jean of Cappeland is not exactly the most energetic ruler for lack of better words. Cardinal Vauquelin handles the more serious and complex responsibilities.”
“When I first saw the cardinal, I thought perhaps he was the king of Cappeland. He plays the part so well.”
Tony laughed. “Everyone thinks that when they meet him. Some rulers have a hard time accepting their roles, and King Jean has always seemed to struggle with his own.”
“That makes sense. Well, anyway. The recent insubordination?”
“Right. The majority of raids that have occurred are from Venwick, and the country may be preparing for all-out war, according to a spy report. But of course, that is top secret—” His eyes bulged as he realized what he’d said.
Her eyes were wide as well as she stared in shock. Deep down she was trying to hide her excitement. “Venwick,” she repeated quietly. “I knew they were always an unstable nation, but war…Are we going to be at war with them?”
Antoine looked very uncomfortable then. “Madi…” he paused for a moment, sighing. “That’s kind of the whole point of the triple alliance and the negotiations that follow. It’s to secure support from our more powerful allies. Some say it is a matter of when Venwick will declare war, and not if, since there was a dispatch of small armies forming in some areas outside the border.” She sat stiffly, unable to respond. Realization spread over his face. “I didn’t mean to—oh dear.” He covered his face with his hands. “That’s all I am able to tell you. I can’t risk leaking anything else.”
She nodded. “I understand. I will speak of this to no one.” She stared at her hands thinking. “King Abel mentioned raids and aggressive talk, but I just assumed they were minor. To think it’s more serious is quite alarming. I hope we will be safe here in Nebrasia. Andveltica is much better protected, and we never received threats from Venwick before.”
“Not to worry, Madi. There have already made preparations to keep all royalty safe.” Antoine’s face was red then as he held his breath. He looked around quickly, then motioned her closer, about to whisper something.
Madeleine placed a hand over his mouth quickly. “Tony, no! You are terrible at keeping secrets!” She removed her hand. “You’ve already told me too much and now you’re going to tell me more?”
They looked at each other for a moment, then he let out a laugh. “I suppose you’re right. I think that should be all for today.”
“Yes,” she agreed. “Let’s stop before you spill anything else.”
His smile melted quickly. “Madi, I implore you to never mention this to anyone.” She blinked. “Can you do that?”
She thought of Adrian and the secret they already shared that she had never divulged. “Yes, I believe so.”
He nodded, the color beginning to return to his face. “Let’s meet again tomorrow. I promise I won’t let anything else slip.”
She snorted. “Next time let’s talk about Andveltica. I did promise you we would.”
“That you did.”
They both jumped when a messenger popped his head around a bookcase, addressing them while bowing. “His Royal Highness, Prince Antoine is requested to see King Adrian in his study.”
The prince and princess exchanged glances, exhaling.
“I’m afraid I have to leave,” Antoine said, standing up from his chair. “I’m sure whatever Adi wants me for, it can’t be nearly as exciting as being in your company.”
She stood as well and played with one of the rings on her fingers. The messenger turned and left. “Well, you shouldn’t keep him,” she said.
He snorted, taking her hands in his. “I can keep my brother waiting as long as I want. I am the esteemed Prince Antoine after all.” He placed his forehead gently to the top of her hands, then turned to leave.
“Wait.” She placed a hand on his arm. “Take this, b-but only if you want to.”
She held out her notebook and he took it graciously. “Of course, I want to read it, and I mean all of it.” He winked, then left the same way as the messenger.
She stood there for a moment, then sunk into her chair, staring at the enormous book and the words, Nebrasia’s Long History.
“What did I just do?”
♛♚♛
A few days later, Madeleine stood outside the doors to the king’s council hall.
She was far too excited to wait in the library for Antoine and decided to stake out the private meeting as it was ending. Realizing that she might look suspicious being right outside the entrance, she hid herself behind one of the large stone columns that lined the hallway. She grasped a leather notebook tightly to her chest. Any minute now.
Soon enough, the doors burst open and men in costly apparel wandered out into the hallway. Peeking around the column, Madeleine scanned the entrance for a head of messy brown curls. She breathed in quickly when Antoine stepped out but then realized she would have to discreetly get his attention all the way from her hiding spot.
She looked around for a solution. Remembering that she was still clutching the notebook, she opened it and ripped out a blank page. Antoine had stopped to speak with one of the council members right outside her hiding spot. Once they had ended their conversation and he took a step forward, Madeleine threw the now crumpled up piece of parchment at him.
She was surprised when it actually hit his arm and he turned her way. She popped her head back behind the column and waited. After a few anticipated seconds, the prince appeared.
“What in Elderian are you doing?” he asked in a hushed voice.
“It’s a good thing you stopped to talk to that duke,” she whispered with a small grin. “I never would have gotten your attention.”
He leaned against the column with arms folded, cocking his head to the side. “Why didn’t you just wait in the library? Did you lose faith in me?” She shook her head and was hugging the notebook to her chest again. “What’s this?”
“To take notes so I remember everything of course.”
He raised an eyebrow. “That’s a lot of pressure on me to be a good teacher. I hope I’m up to the task.”
“Shall we discuss Nebrasia’s military first?” Her large eyes sparkled, and he looked surprised.
“M-military?”
She furrowed her eyebrows at his nervous tone. “Is something wrong?”
“It’s nothing. It’s just that we discussed just that in the meeting today. You nearly stopped my heart from beating.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, I didn’t know. Let’s choose a new subject.”
“No, that’s alright. May I ask why the military of all things is what you brought up?”
“I know at least that Nebrasia has the smallest, least-threatening military, and this is one of the reasons the triple alliance is so important. I thought Nebrasia was a very wealthy country, however, so I’m not entirely sure why the military would be so small.”
“It’s not small,” he said. “It’s just small compared to those of Cappeland, Andveltica, and Venwick. It may also be that Nebrasia pools its resources into mostly agriculture and trade, and not its military.”
“It also seems geographically that Nebrasia is at a disadvantage since it borders every country and consists of flatlands and small forests.”
Antoine nodded. “Yes, that’s right, so even if we did have an amazing military, it’s difficult to cover all our borders. It doesn’t help that Venwick spans the entire northern border of Nebrasia, and there are so many little towns and cities in Venwick, there really is no way to tell where exactly they would be attacking from.”
“Perhaps with a well-planned Nebrasian defense though, they could fend off a large army,” she offered.
“The problem is we have no geographic strong points to mount a defense. We could easily be cut off from any resupply if the battle turned into a siege or worse. Venwick would just bypass our defenses and move to take our capital.”
“And why,” a voice that was all too familiar spoke behind them, causing them both to jump, “would the princess need to know about Nebrasia’s strong points?” Antoine let out a small yelp and they both found themselves face to face with Queen Nicole who calmly looked at them, her eyebrows raised.
“Uh, um, Your Majesty.” Antoine dipped into a bow, knocking Madeleine's notebook out of her hand.
“Tony!” she hissed.
He bent down to retrieve the dropped item.
“Why are you discussing confidential information with a non-member, Prince Antoine.”
His face turned pale. “We weren’t saying anything about the meeting. It was just—”
“Then why were you discussing Nebrasia’s military?”
He looked helplessly at her, words failing him.
“It was just a coincidence,” Madeleine said stiffly.
Her mother’s eyes bore into her own. “I don’t believe you. Madi, King Abel said you could not be part of the meetings, and this is what you do? Do you not realize it is treason to reveal anything from these negotiations?”
It was Madeleine’s turn to look helpless.
“Madi had nothing to do with it, Your Highness,” Antoine interrupted. “I was the one who broke the oath. We were discussing politics not having to do with the negotiations and I let a few things slip. I took the oath. I deserve the punishment. Please, I beg you not to punish the princess for my sins.”
The queen was silent and somewhat dumbfounded it seemed. “To break the oath is treason,” she repeated. He nodded, his face expressionless. “You understand the consequences.”
He dipped into a low bow. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Madeleine was shocked to see a small smile appear on her mother’s face. “And yet, you would really sacrifice yourself for my daughter?”
His ears turned pink. “Um, uh,” he stuttered. “Yes, Your Majesty. She is an old friend. I would hate for Madi to—”
“Madi?”
He looked up at her. “My apologies. Princess Madeleine.” He returned to his bowing position.
“Only those closest to my daughter call her that. Are you close to her, Prince Antoine?”
Madeleine watched his bowed head tremble before the queen, and she thought it odd that this was what her mother had decided to question him about.
“We are good friends, yes, Your Majesty.”
“Rise.” He slowly came up, his eyes barely meeting the queen’s. “Your sacrifice is most noble, but unnecessary.”
He gaped. “Your Majesty?”
“You see, for my daughter, a princess of Andveltica with limited knowledge on the political matters of neighboring kingdoms, it is of the utmost importance that she be on the council.” They both gawked at her silently. “No daughter of mine will be ignorant in politics. I will bring the matter to the council tomorrow.”
There was silence and the prince and princess finally exchanged a bewildered glance.
“Queen Nicole,” Madeleine said, feeling as though she were in a daze. “What about women and politics, and the foolishness—”
“If you’re referring to what Princess Yvette said at dinner the other day,” the queen interrupted, “I must say I disagree.” The queen stuck her chin out the way Madeleine sometimes did. “Perhaps in her mind, she will never need to know anything about ruling or the complexities of her country. She will be content staying out of such affairs, but you, Madi,” she paused and looked at her daughter meaningfully, “I know you would never be content being left in the dark and I know you have a lot to offer.”
Madeleine did not know what to say. She was shocked, flattered, and inspired by her mother, with whom she’d been furious with for years. “And the king—” she began.
“I will take care of King Abel. He may have declined your request, but he has yet to hear mine. I doubt he would detest the idea of his daughter following in her mother’s footsteps and gaining a better reputation for herself.”
“O-okay. And King Adrian—” Madeleine began, feeling overwhelmed.
“I will speak with both kings to ensure this decision comes to the council.”
For the first time in ages, Madeleine sincerely bowed to her mother in respect. Antoine bowed again as well. “Thank you, Your Majesty,” she said. “This means a great deal to both of us.”
Queen Nicole blinked at her daughter’s acknowledgment. “Prince Antoine will inform you of the time of meeting, and not until after you have taken the oath may he discuss anything more with you.”
“Of course, Queen Nicole,” Antoine said.
“Well, I’ll be in touch.” She quickly left them, her dress flowing elegantly behind her.
They stood speechless, staring after her.
“Well, that settles it then.” Antoine broke the silence, laughing slightly. “You must attend the negotiations, Madi. The queen herself commands it!”
“If the council decides to accept me,” she said, her stomach churning.
“Hey, I’ll be sure to make my opinion known at the council. After that, really, it’s up to the three monarchs to decide your fate, and I think we both already know which way King Abel will swing.”
Madeleine remembered the way her father had flirted with Queen Nicole at dinner, and she found herself in agreement. If anyone could persuade her father, it was Queen Nicole.
“Then it’s just Adrian that needs convincing, even if King Jean objects.”
Antoine nodded. “That’s also where your mother comes in.”
She furrowed her eyebrows. “It’s so strange that she’s suddenly involved in this.”
He let out a nervous laugh. “I’m just glad she did not report me, and Madi, this is a huge opportunity for you. Isn’t this what you’ve hoped for? This is a great service she’s doing for you.”
She stared at the spot where her mother had stood. “Yes, it is. That’s what bothers me.”