Chapter 21 – Royal Ball
The day of the ball came quickly. Leading up to this event, Prince James met regularly with the King, Queen, and Uncle Marcus as they did their best to bring him up to speed on the various nobles. The subjects of these discussions included what faction they were a part of, some family history, current heads of family, and which ones had children around his age or if they are already enrolled in the Royal Academy. They also discussed key merchants and mage families. It was a lot to cram into such a short amount of time, but everyone was amazed at Prince James’s eidetic memory.
There were a few follow up meetings with High Priest Cendrin who would help give additional information on how the Church viewed the various nobles and affluent families. What the King, Queen, and General didn’t know was Cendrin and Sloane also used that time to provide some of the more specific secrets their spies had already uncovered. Prince James was extremely grateful to have such valuable information networks in place.
Sloane’s investigation into Andrew was slow and cautious. Prince James was not in a rush to get the answers about the necromancer, not yet anyway. Sloane had discovered Behat from the Feuhari delegation who would be present at the ball. Sloane had wanted permission to abduct the man and torture the truth out of him. Prince James had cautioned restraint for now at least. They had enough to worry about trying to learn everything they could from everyone.
The preparation for the ball and the various cram sessions were enough to give the prince a headache, not from difficulty but the feeling that he was behind and was playing catch up. Prince James would be happy when the ball was over. After the ball concluded James would be free to explore the city and, in his mind, officially be able to live his new life. Sadly, he was getting ahead of himself and had to refocus on the ball.
The plan for the ball was to wait until all the major nobles and prominent families arrived. The king and queen would welcome them all and then introduce their son. Prince James was then to arrive with all his personal royal knights wearing his livery. While he waited, Prince James reviewed the highlights of what he knew.
Besides Duke Spears there were two other dukes, Duke Rodchester, and Duke Arcum. Technically Uncle Marcus had the rank of duke when it came to the peerage but most focused on his leadership of the military forces of the kingdom, which in terms of power was of a higher rank. Duke Rodchester and Duke Arcum were the pillars of the Noble faction. They each had increasingly grown frustrated with the Drake family. Both men each saw an opportunity for their family’s influence and power to grow. Their biggest problem was agreeing which family would take over should the Royal family “die out”.
Sloane had discovered that stalemate could come to a possible resolution. Duke Arcum has a son by the name of Josh who just came of age, and Duke Rodchester has a daughter by the name of Ria, who has come of age. Both will be starting at the Royal Academy, just as Prince James was about to. Josh was said to be an excellent swordsman and fighter with strong body enhancement Magic but average spell casting ability. Whereas Ria Rodchester possessed average skills with a blade but high spell casting ability. Together they would be a force to be reckoned with.
‘Man, my isekai senses are tingling. Guessing ole Joshie is going to be a problem at the academy. Best to steer clear of him and Ria. New goal, avoid certain tropes for sure.’ Prince James thought.
‘The fact that both Dukes had promising heirs helped their faction. As far as the rest of the aristocracy was concerned, I was an unknown. High Priest Cendrin told me he planned to have his priests and the Church of Light in general begin to spread the gist of the prophecy to the masses to give them hope and help rally people to my side. It was rather an ingenious approach, sadly it would not help me much in time for the ball.’ Prince James continued his review of what he knew and what to prepare for.
‘Several counts and barons had joined either the Traditionalist faction that Duke Spears led or the Noble faction. To recap, the Traditionalist faction consisted of Count Malcum, his wife Countess Francesca, Count Atraities, his wife Countess Priscilla, Baron Whitman, his wife Baroness Rumina, Lady Nightshade, Mira’s mother, and the widowed Lady Firebrand. Of course, Duke Spears and his wife Lady Spears have thrown their support fully behind my faction. From what my spies have uncovered, Lady Spears is quite pleased with me. Apparently, me being the cause of her husband and son’s reconciliation has earned her support.’ Prince James checked off his recap of the Traditional faction.
‘Now as for the Noble faction; they have Count Hayes, Count Sylus, Count Syrian, Count Lucious, and Baron Sexton. The most challenging aspect of this faction is they each have standing forces that are part of each other’s family’s guards and knights. The dukes of course have the larger of the forces. Luckily Uncle Marcus did not ignore his duties of building a strong military that for the most part was loyal to the crown. Sadly, some of these nobles have been able to infiltrate the ranks with their men or influence others. This made them almost impossible to pin down as many merchants and other prominent families would work to secretly support multiple factions as a way to hedge their bets on the future of the kingdom.’ Prince James thought of the Noble faction with a frown at how interwoven their faction was throughout the kingdom.
‘This is just one of many issues I’ve learned of over the last several days. As if the infighting faction politics were not enough our kingdom has pressures from outside. The continent held a few larger countries such as The Beast Tribe Alliance, Helios Dominion, Feuhari Dynasty, and the Isles of Terresia to name some of the more prominent. There were other continents and smaller factions and countries but those four countries each held an embassy in the capital and they all would be sending a delegation to attend the ball.’ Prince James’ mental recap of the outside factions done it was time to focus on their relations.
‘The Beast Tribe Alliance eastern expansion was currently being blocked by the Helios Dominion. There were rumors the Beast Tribe Alliance saw our kingdom in a less than favorable light which might lead them to attacking our eastern borders which butted up against their Western front. That is just one of the foreign challenges to deal with. Each country had a sorted past of conflict and disagreements with their fellow neighbors on the continent. With at least one or more representatives present at this ball conflicts may arise during the event. I might’ve waited until we secured our own internal factions before dealing with others, but my parents insist we show strength to everyone.’ Prince James paused then had another random thought.
‘Man, when did I accept them as my parents? I haven’t been here that long, but everyone has been the most inviting and supportive. Guess I am just accepting my new life and hey they are awesome people. Though I still think it’s super weird Gerald looks like me in my older dad years. Something tells me that my guide or their faction had something to do with that. I mean did they bring one of my ancestors here to this world? How does he look like a mix between my dad and myself in my older years? Super weird. Well, not like I can answer that question now, best to keep making decisions with my gut and follow my instincts and emotions.’
“Your majesty, are you alright? I felt a wave of emotions coming from you.” Kira asked in Party Link.
“I too sensed your inner rumblings, is there something we can do for you, my prince?” Sloane replied in Party Link.
“No, no. I am fine. Just got a bit overwhelmed as I recapped all the information, I have been studying the last few days.” Prince James replied in Party Link.
“That is to be expected of your highness. You have been cramming in information that usually takes others a lifetime to realize. We are here for you just say the word, James.” Kira answered.
Prince James had insisted she call him James in their mental link, but she only used when she wanted to sincerely express herself to the man. The last few days have been a rollercoaster of emotions for Kira. She learned more about Sloane and found the man to be utterly loyal to the prince and the kingdom, which in some ways surprised her based on the rumors she had heard. Then there was Prince James, her pronouncement of him being a genius to her squad members she was realizing was an understatement. The prince could intuit problems and devise solutions before she even realized a problem might exist. Kira was by no means unintelligent; she was seen as a gifted healer and was one of the top scorers in her graduating class at the academy, but Prince James made her realize how big a gap true genius was. Rather than dishearten her, she saw and felt how much the man loved and cared for his people, which only strengthened her resolve to stand by him.
Kira had at first been reserved when Sloane and Prince James talked about the espionage aspects Sloane was learning, but she when she realized they were including her in the conversation on purpose, she began to share her opinions on what she knew and what rumors were being spread among the peerage.
“I’ll be fine you two. Besides, we have bigger worries than my nervous emotions. I think they are ready to escort us in.” Prince James replied via Party Link before closing off his emotions and preparing the best mask of indifference he could put on his face; it was time to meet the court.
The courtier came to bring Prince James and his personal royal knights to the bellman so he could announce them.
“Alright here we go. Remember to be on your best behavior. You represent our Prince, and these nobles are not beneath using underhanded tactics to help tarnish him in some way.” LT Simmons told everyone as they started walking.
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“Do you think they will really resort to messing with us to make Prince James look bad?” Rita asked.
“They are nobles Rita. You are more familiar with LT Simmons family; they are honorable people far removed from most of the politics of the capital as their lands are towards the border. The Simmons family also were one of the few that remained loyal to the royal faction. You haven’t had a chance to interact with most of the other noble families, but you’ve met some of the nobles who are in the military. They are restricted in their actions when it comes to the military. In that ballroom they will be able to fall back to their expertise.” Kira answered.
“Yes, most of them are arrogant and entitled. Got it, avoid nobles.” Rita replied.
“Stay close to my mother Lady Nightshade. She has a way with the other nobles.” Mira chimed in.
LT Simmons chuckled. “A way with the nobles indeed. Her tongue is quite sharp, no one is foolish enough to get into a verbal quarrel with her. Quiet now, we are about to enter the hall.”
“Your majesty are you and your personal royal knights ready? Or do they require more time to prepare.” the bellman asked in a condescending tone.
Prince James turned to LT Simmons and the rest of his knights. “Do you guys need more time?”
LT Simmons walked right up to the bellman and put his arm around the man. “Perhaps we do your majesty. We could remain and get to know this bellman even better.” LT Simmons said the last part as he squeezed the air out of the man until he passed out.
LT Simmons dropped the bellman. “My apologies your highness, I apparently used too much strength in getting to know our bellman.”
Several of the knights chuckled.
Prince James tried to keep the smile off his face. Turning to the courtier who had not left yet. “Go fetch some servants to carry this man to a healer. He has collapsed.”
The courtier quickly ran off to get some help carrying the passed-out bellman to a healer.
Once the servants carried the man away, Prince James turned to the second bellman with a big smile. “With that resolved, I believe we are ready to be announced.”
As they entered the hall, Prince James was momentarily stunned at the opulence and grandeur of this massive ballroom. At the opposite side of the ballroom was a raised platform with stairs leading to four throne-like chairs where the King, Queen, and Princess sat, with his Uncle Marcus standing behind and to the side of the King.
‘I sometimes forget I am a Royal then bam it smacks me in the face, I am loaded! Hahaha.’ Prince James thought and internally chuckled.
“Boom, boom, boom” the bellman pounded his massive staff, on a circle near his feet, that caused the sound to reverberate across the ballroom bringing silence to the hall.
‘Man, the acoustics of this room is amazing.’ Prince James thought.
The bellman spoke towards the staff, and it seemed to project his voice. “IT IS WITH GREAT HONOR I ANNOUNCE THE ARRIVAL OF PRINCE JAMES AND HIS PERSONAL ROYAL KNIGHTS!” The bellman announced.
‘Ow! That guy has got a set of pipes on him. I don’t even think he needed to use the staff. Note to self, do not stand close to the bellman.’ Prince James winced as the bellman yelled near his ear.
Prince James walked to the other side of the ballroom while his personal royal knights followed behind him. Everyone watched as he walked past them. It was clear some looked at him with fascination and others more sizing him up. As he walked up the platform, his personal royal knights took up various positions next to the other personal royal knights around the platform.
When he arrived in front of his family, Prince James greeted them. “Greetings father, mother, sister, uncle.”
“Well met son, please take your rightful seat next to me.” King Gerald told Prince James.
After taking the seat next to his father, his uncle stood behind both.
His uncle spoke up in a low voice. “Good to see you nephew.”
Turning his head to his brother, his uncle spoke quietly again. “Best to make your intentions clear brother.”
King Gerald then stood, and the Queen, Prince James, and Princess Aurora also went to stand by the King. General Marcus stood next to Prince James to subtly show his support as well.
King Gerald’s voice boomed across the ballroom. “Good people of the Kingdom of Aerouant, esteemed guests from our neighbors across the continent! Many have questioned the queen and I in our decision not to name a successor. Princess Aurora has made it clear on many occasions she does not want the throne. Many pressured us to choose an arranged marriage for our daughter so that person could succeed me.”
King Gerald paused before continuing his speech. “It is no secret that the queen and I love each other deeply and I would not deny my daughter the chance to marry one she loves in the future. Others have suggested we name a noble as heir, but our family held out hope for a prophecy given to us many, many, years ago.”
King Gerald looked at Queen Sophia, took her hand in his and continued. “When our son was born, he was very frail. The healers told us that there was a high risk of his death before he reached adulthood. Such news would break any parents’ hearts but before despair could fully take root the great Seer Rollara, sister to Lady Rollara, Headmaster of the Royal Academy, came to us most urgently.”
Making sure he had everyone’s attention, the king continued. “She had told us of a prophecy she received. According to Seer Rollara it was the most intense and strongest prophecy she had ever received!” By this time King Gerald was really getting into his speech and the entire ballroom was silent. Many of the nobles had only heard rumors for why the royal family sent their first born away, many felt they were finally about to get answers straight from the royal family.
He continued, “She told us that the only way to save our son was to put him in isolation in a valley far from home and only two caretakers were allowed to guide and protect him. He could receive no visitors until after he came of age. In this isolation his body would have time to heal and very slowly overcome the frailness that threatened to take his life. She was very clear that not even I as king or the queen could visit our only son.”
The king paused as if the memory was still painful to recall. “We asked the legendary adventuring team John the Wise and Sarah the Pure to do what we could not. They loved this country and graciously took up this charge. For you see, not only were we told our son would survive, but that he would return stronger and smarter. He would return better than before, he would return as someone who could bring this kingdom through any strife to prosperity, he would return as a man worthy of a throne. You see we did this for both the sake of our son and the future of our great kingdom.”
“Seer Rollara took one look at our son and adamantly told us to keep what she shared quiet until such time as our son became of age. So, we have kept this secret only telling few people of this until now.” The queen finished for her husband who held her hand tightly.
High Priest Cendrin spoke up almost startling some of the audience. “What King Gerald and Queen Sophia say is true! Even though they kept this secret quiet, this prophecy was also revealed to us in the church. The Light always shines through to the truth! I came to the king and queen and counseled them to follow the prophecy. Their love for both their son and this kingdom shows their dedication to the principles of the Light!”
This pronouncement caught more people off guard than hearing of this prophecy. It was paramount to the Church of Light backing the royal family. Most nobles were shocked by this statement as it clearly showed the Church of Light changing its long-standing neutrality and choosing to back the royal faction.
Then Lady Rollara spoke up. “My sister confided in me on her death bed of this prophecy. She said he would be capable of great feats. I can attest that my sister was right. I had the pleasure of conducting Prince James’s Royal Academy entrance exam. He scored the highest marks I’ve ever seen!”
More murmuring erupted across the crowd. What were they hearing?
King Gerald spoke again, “SILENCE!”
King Gerald had everyone’s attention once again. “Now to continue. Let me formally introduce and announce our royal heir to the throne of our great nation. That is right we formally acknowledge my son, PRINCE JAMES and heir to the throne!”
Several people started to clap and speak up again.
“We finally have an heir.”
“Finally.”
“Wait what does this mean for the other factions?”
It was as if, on que, Duke Spears’ voice echoed across the ballroom and everyone turned to him and parted, making a path to the royal family. “I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY IF YOU WILL PERMIT your Majesty!”
King Gerald nodded in agreement to Duke Spears.
Duke Spears walked towards the platform, heading straight to Prince James.
He talked as he walked. “As was my right as a member of the Royal Academy Board I tested and witnessed Prince James prowess in a fight!”
Once he arrived at the foot of the platform, he withdrew his sword and quickly bent the knee in front of Prince James. “I formally, in front of the church and my peers pledge my loyalty to you Prince James! My life is yours; my people shall stand with you to protect this kingdom from threats both from outside and within. The Traditionalist faction formally pledges their service to you!”
This seemed to shock the nobles even more. Everyone knew Duke Spears was a force to be reckoned with and a strong-willed man who took honor and duty very seriously. To see him pledge himself so fully sent ripples of shock through the crowd once again. Even his own faction who were told ahead of time were still shocked to witness it firsthand.
Prince James spoke with strength in his voice. “Rise Duke Spears. I accept your fealty and acknowledge such a noble and honorable dedication to the protection of this kingdom.”
Prince James turned to his parents. “Father and Mother thank you for your trust in both the Light and in me.”
Prince James then turned to High Priest Cendrin. “High Priest Cendrin, it is good when both the Church of Light and the Royal family can come together for the betterment of the people. It is important that the Church of Light be autonomous from the state so they may focus solely on the salvation of the people. As my father and mother believe this, know that I do as well. I thank you for your continued dedication to the Light and I feel blessed that the Light would grant me such a wonderful family.”
‘Not sure if it was the Light or the Dark but either way, I am grateful.’ Prince James thought.
High Priest Cendrin smiled and gave a slight bow as he thought, ‘This Prince is even better than I could have imagined.’
Prince James turned to Lady Rollara. “Lady Rollora, I am saddened to not be able to meet your sister whose prophecy helped to give me new life. I thank you for all she did and all you continue to do for this kingdom. I look forward to attending the Royal Academy and further benefitting from your wisdom.”
Lady Rollora gave a slight bow as well.
Prince James turned to the crowd. “You have all heard much about a prophecy and what others have witnessed, but to me that cannot be enough. So let me say this, I graciously accept my duty as heir to this kingdom and shall endeavor to show all of you why a United Aerouant shall lead to prosperity across the land. I look forward to meeting all of you and getting to know each of you, and you getting to know me. Now! This is supposed to be a party! So, enough talk and let us enjoy ourselves!”
That last statement earned him some cheers and laughter. It also seemed to break the spell of silence, and everyone began to mingle once again.
The royal family descended the platform and began to mingle as well. Duke Spears spoke up to Prince James as he gestured for the prince to follow him. “Come your majesty, let me introduce you to the other nobles who are now part of your faction.”