Chapter 23 – Family Concerns

Prince James could hear the uncomfortable conversation LT. Simmons was having with his parents. His heart ached for the man.

“We just think it would be good for you to consider letting us arrange a marriage my son. You are not getting any younger and I am only thinking of the Simmons line.” Lady Simmons said to her son as Prince James approached the trio.

LT Simmons groaned. “Mother. Please I am leader of the crown prince’s personal royal knights. My duty comes first.”

“Exactly. Such a prestigious title will only help in the negotiations.” Lady Simmons said not relenting.

“Greetings Baron and Lady Simmons. Lieutenant.” Prince James greeted in turn.

“Crown Prince James, it is an honor, your Majesty.” Baron Simmons said.

“Oh, your Majesty, you honor us with your presence.” Lady Simmons said. They both greeted the prince with a slight bow.

“I can’t thank you enough for the honor you bestowed upon our family with our son’s appointment as the leader of your personal royal knights.” Lady Simmons practically fawned over the prince as she rushed to thank him for what he had done for her son.

“Lady Simmons, I assure you that the Lieutenant earned the title and other than the captain there is no one else I’d rather be guarding my back.” Prince James answered honestly.

“You do not know how hard it is to advance our family living in one of the more rural baronies.” Lady Simmons seemed to swell with pride. It was clear she was very proud of her son and wanted to further her family’s name.

“I hope you won’t mind but I need your son’s help with an important matter.” Prince James said.

Hope seemed to blossom in LT Simmons’ eyes.

“Of course, your Majesty, we would never interfere with matters of importance.” Lady Simmons said while bowing to Prince James.

Baron Simmons smiled at his son. “Do us proud son.”

“Of course, mother. If you would excuse us, mother and father.” LT Simmons said.

As they walked away LT Simmons spoke so only Prince James could hear. “Thank you, my prince! I owe you a greater debt than you know. I think another minute and my mother would’ve married me off to the first woman she felt had good prospects.”

Prince James chuckled “Your parents mean well but I understand, one should choose their partner.”

“Oh, I know that, but mother can get a bit carried away. What did you need your Majesty?” LT Simmons said.

“Nothing really. I just figured I’d spare you from the badgering. Just remember this when I want to go explore the city. Come let us go introduce ourselves to some of the foreign delegations.” Prince James stated.

LT Simmons and Prince James approached the delegation from the Beast Tribes Alliance. They delegation consisted of three male beastmen and a fourth hidden behind the three large men. All the men were tall, tone and muscular build, each man in light armor under loose-fitting kimonos. They held what looked to be a ceremonial sword at their side. All their outfits seem to be built for combat as well as for formal events.

The largest of the beastmen smiled a wolfish grin as LT. Simmons and Prince James approached. The white-furred man’s kimono was a deep red and purple and looked the most ornate out of the three beastmen.

“Greetings Prince James. The Beast Tribe Alliance greets you. My name is King Hiroshi, and these are my attachés Shirken and Marook.” Hiroshi pointed to the panther beastman, then the bear beastman as he introduced each.

Then he moved to the side and introduced the person they had been blocking before. The beastwoman was the most human looking for the four of them. She had white foxlike ears on the top of her head, her red, purple, and white kimono was by far the most ornate, even more than the beast king’s. She exudes grace and charm, every aspect of her being screamed elegance.

Prince James was not the only one to move their attention to this feminine beauty that was before them. Many of the people in the close vicinity stopped talking as they sneaked glances her way.

“And this is my daughter Princess Zenka. She is a kitsune, they are revered among my people as gifts from God to help guide our people.” King Hiroshi introduced his daughter with genuine joy in his voice.

‘A kitsune! No way! Those tails look so FLUFFY! OK rain in your inner Despicable Me moment. Do not get sidetracked by the gorgeous princess.’ Prince James tried his hardest to reign in his excitement at meeting an actual kitsune. He had so many questions but figured it be best not to insult the king and his daughter by asking something they might consider rude.

After reigning himself in he introduced himself. “I am Prince James of the Kingdom of Aerouant. It is a pleasure to meet you King Hiroshi, Princess Zenka, Shirken, and Marook.”

The two attachés seemed to be surprised to be greeted. Most would not bother to acknowledge the attachés when foreign royalty was present. I thought that kind of attitude was complete nonsense. Regardless of station or standing, life had meaning and should not be so easily dismissed. Plus, threats can come from anywhere.

From what Sloane and Head Priest Cendrin gathered the Beast Tribe Alliance were a people who believed in duty, responsibility to family and community, and all around the mindset I could admire and respect. Finding out that their king was here in the capital was a bit of a surprise to say the least. They had told me he was here to enroll her into the Royal Academy. Apparently, our academy was the leading institution when it came to magical theory and combat. Seeing his daughter was a kitsune, it made sense he would focus on her magical aptitudes. The more tails a kitsune had the more types of magic she could or had mastered, the lore on the subject was unclear. Some kitsune were seen as mischievous troublemakers and others benevolent forces for good. The way Princess Zenka held herself I had a hard time believing she was a force for the dark but looks could be deceiving.

“I hear you will be enrolling Princess Zenka into the Royal Academy. It will be a pleasure to have you as a fellow attendee.” Prince James stated.

Princess Zenka spoke in a melodic tone and what reminded me of a mix of different Asian accents I could not quite place. “Yes, I must learn to harness and control the magic within me for the betterment of my people. The wise woman Zarusha convinced my father to send me here along with Shirken and Marook who will also be attending.”

“Kitsune must wrestle control of the wild magic within you. This process must begin before you reach a certain age, or it can kill you. I believe I read something to that effect.” Prince James commented.

Princess Zenka’s eyes widened. “Prince James is well informed. We were only told this by Zarusha a few months ago. It appears the rumor of this kingdom’s extensive magical knowledge is well founded.”

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

‘Never mind I read that in my old life, but no need to tell them that.’ Prince James thought.

Just then my father approached. “Ah Hiroshi, I see you have met my son. Good, Good. Oh, and this must be your lovely daughter Zenka. A pleasure my dear, a pleasure.”

It was clear my father had been drinking a bit by the rosy color on his cheeks.

“Yes, Gerald. Your son seems to have studied much based on his knowledge of my daughter’s condition.” Beast King Hiroshi commented in a gruff voice, not sure if he should be pleased or cautious, I held such knowledge.

“That is to be expected. He was raised by our kingdom’s two most powerful adventurers.” King Gerald stated.

“So that rumor is true as well. Perhaps the young prince would be open to a sparing match some time?” Beast King Hiroshi asked.

“Always with the fighting. I heard you were an expert at rice wines. I happen to have some that we imported, shall we sample and get to know each other, king to king?” King Gerald asked.

Hiroshi’s eyes lit up after hearing they had rice wine. “That is the first sensible thing I have heard you suggest all night. Shirken, Marook, protect my daughter! Any harm comes to her your lives are forfeit.” Beast King Hiroshi stated before allowing King Gerald to lead him away.

“Yes, great Beast King!” Marook bowed.

“As you command my liege.” Shirken stated as he bowed.

As the two attachés rose from their bows, they stared daggers at Prince James.

Picking up on the change in mood, Prince James decided to change tactics. Seeing Princess Zenka had three tails, he decided to ask one of his burning questions. “If it is not too personal, can I ask what two magics you have begun to manifest?”

Once again, Princess Zenka was surprised by the knowledge Prince James possessed. “Lightning, Wind, and Fire.”

“Powerful elements. If you are open to it some time, it would be nice to practice magic with you if you are open to it.” Prince James stated. He could see her two guards did not seem happy at that suggestion.

Princess Zenka paused for a moment before answering. “I would welcome a chance to learn from each other. My father is unsure of your kingdom, but I know he welcomes peace, if nothing else to not have enemies at multiple borders.”

“You speak of the Helios Dominion?” Prince James asked.

“Yes, though your nation and mine have not always seen eye to eye, and we have fought each other many times, your people still welcome beastkin into your kingdom with open arms. Helios believes we are abominations that should be either killed or enslaved.” Princess Zenka practically growled at the thought.

“That is horrible.” Prince James said as he grabbed two glasses from a drink tray a waiter passed by with. “Well then here is to our parents getting along and our two kingdoms remaining in peace.” He said loudly before quietly adding so only she would hear, “So your people can wipe the floor with those bigots.”

Princess Zenka giggled, and it was music to Prince James’ ears.

The two of them chatted for a bit about random subjects before Shirken and Marook could tolerate it no longer and recommended the princess retire for the evening.

“It appears we have made my guards uncomfortable and too nervous for what my father might do to them should we continue. I look forward to seeing you at the academy. I know I at least have one friend among all the strangers.” Princess Zenka stated before giving a slight bow and excusing herself.

Prince James replied with a slight head bow and quickly said before she left, “I welcome a new friend as well.”

‘I welcome a new friend. What kind of reply is that? Man, look at the way those tails swish back and forth as she walks… Ok, get mind back on track. I cannot afford a nosebleed at this moment in time.’

Via Party Link Prince James told Sloane, “I was planning on talking at great length with Helios but after hearing that lets make quick introductions with them and head to Terresian delegation before the Feuhari Dynasty.”

“Leaving Feuhari for last is wise. It will be seen as a minor slight but not one they can press on or speak without sounding petty.” Sloane telepathically replied.

“Besides I want Behat to sweat a bit. We will figure out one way or another why he hired that broker. My gut says there is more going on with this plot than just him, it would be too clean.” Prince James replied via Party Link.

“I have been able to discover he has held a few meetings with Duke Rodchester and Duke Arcum’s men. What those meetings entail I have not been able to find out yet my liege.” Sloane replied via Party Link.

“Do not worry Sloane. We have only begun to peel the layers on this plot. Something tells me this has been long in the making.” Prince James telepathically replied.

It was plain to see who the Isles delegation was. Their style of dressing was distinct. They wore colorful robes over what would best be described as a cross between steampunk and pirate garb. High leather boots that fanned out towards the top, black in color and meant to be watertight yet usable in any terrain. Tapered pants tucked into the boots. Loose fitting shirts, clearly made to not hinder movement in battle. The robes they wore over covered mesh armored coats, made light for easy movement but able to block a glancing blow from a weapon. The only thing missing from their outfits were their blades.

The Isles of Terrisia delegation consisted of four members, three men and one woman, just as the Beast Tribe Alliance. Prince James found that an odd coincidence as he approached them. All of them were of tan to darker skin, living a life on islands and the sea. From what he learned of the isles they were closer to this planet’s equator, meaning the sun’s reflection off the water was far more intense than the waters of the north. He recalled those family members that were from southern Italy talking about how they got darker tans from their time in the Mediterranean.

Shaking off that random memory and emotions of loss that came with it, Prince James refocused on the delegation he was now approaching. Where the Beast Tribe Alliance held an aura of strength and power, whereas the Isle delegation screamed skilled fighter and swordsman.

“Greetings your highness. I am Rohan, the burly man to my right is Glenroy, the ugly one to my left is my brother Jaden...”

“I am the best looking one between us and you know it Rohan.” Jaden interrupted.

“Ha, ha, ha! Perhaps you are right brother. Perhaps you are right.” Rohan chuckled.

Waving to the lady with them, “This is my light and daughter, Kiyana.” Rohan introduced.

“It is a pleasure to meet you your Majesty.” Kiyana said as she gave a slight bow.

Kiyana’s outfit was the most colorful of the delegation, the bright colors a perfect contrast to her darker skin. She was quite attractive, and her eyes held a combination of clear intelligence and deadly cunning.

It was not lost on Prince James that each delegation seemed to bring a daughter or stunning lady with them. He was all too familiar that his mother made her desire to see her son married sooner than later very public. Plus, the fact that history was filled with political alliances sealed with a marriage. It was clear these delegations were thinking of the possible political benefits of such a union.

‘They are not pulling out the stops and Kiyana is quite lovely. Remain focused, nosebleeds are not becoming of a prince.’ James mentally focused.

“It is a pleasure to meet all of you. I hear your people are skilled swordsmen and uncanny sailors. This is the head of my personal royal guard LT Simmons.” Prince James replied.

The men gave a slight nod of acknowledgment to LT Simmons, and he returned the same. It appeared even in another world men still held some of the exact unwritten rules of interaction. A simple sign of respect from one warrior to another.

Kiyana, completely oblivious to the unspoken exchange that had occurred, exclaimed her praises for her family and country. “Oh yes! Both my father and uncle are the greatest sailors our nation has ever seen. My father says my mother was one of the greatest wielders of a blade. Our skills with the sea and the sword are why the fleet is unmatched on the oceans of our world.” Kiyana exclaimed.

It was clear she was proud of her people and her family. It was an admirable thing to respect where you come from regardless of history. Prince James knew that their country was brutal in battle, and several were known for piracy, but that did not detract from the good they did against the various sea monsters and other factions.

“My Kiyana is no slouch either! Her skill with the blade and ability to sail are unmatched for anyone many years her senior.” Rohan stated.

“Oh father. I doubt the prince wishes to hear of such things.” Kiyana replied.

“I find it very interesting in fact. Sailing is not something I have any experience in but that doesn’t mean I cannot appreciate the importance such a skill has on trade and warfare. I would welcome a chance to learn more about your people should you be open to it.” Prince James said as he watched each of them.

It was clear he said the right things based on Jaden’s response. “The prince seems to understand the importance of a strong navy.”

“I agree. Perhaps we can arrange for Kiyana to show you some of our ways. How about it my dear daughter?” Rohan suggested.

“Yes father. I will show him why we are feared on the open waters. Let me know when you’d like to go for a trip, and I will arrange it.” Kiyana answered.

“I look forward to it. Now if you’ll excuse us. LT Simmons and I must meet some of our other guests. Please enjoy the ball.” Prince James said before they headed towards the delegation he really wanted to meet.

‘Time to see if I can get some answers.’ Prince James thought as a wicked grin flashed on his face before it vanished just as quickly.