Chapter 33 – Making Plans with Family

“I have some things I wanted to discuss with father and mother.” Pausing for a moment for effect before James continued “And even old Uncle Marcus.” James said with a big smile looking at his uncle.

“Hey who you calling old? Don’t make me jump over this table and eat all your bacon!” Uncle Marcus said with an even bigger grin as he ate a mouthful of bacon.

In mock shock, covering his plate, Prince James replied. “I never! That is a low blow Uncle!”

They both stared at each other for a minute, neither one moving. Then they both let out a good laugh “ha, ha, ha, ha” which made Gerald and Sophia smile and join in the laughter.

“Ah having my son back brings new life into these walls.” Sophia commented.

They finished eating, both Marcus and James mock rushing to eat all their bacon to ensure the other did not pull anything.

“Ha, ha, ha. So, son what is it you wanted to discuss?” Gerald asked.

“If you will allow me father.” James said before erecting a soundproof ward around the table.

Gerald raised an eyebrow. “A soundproof ward?”

“Yes father.”

“Where did you learn that?” Marcus asked.

“I have learned many things Uncle.”

“My baby always impresses.” Sophia said.

“Well go on son. It must be important with this kind of precaution.” Gerald stated.

“First, I am glad you all approve of Godfrey and Tina. I was concerned you might not accept them, so thank you for that.” Prince James stated.

“Of course, son. They seem very capable attachés and servants.” Gerald said.

Nodding Prince James brought up what he really wanted to discuss. “As you are already aware, I have recruited Galdren. Yes, I know of your spies.”

Not missing a beat Marcus started to proudly boast. “Ha, ha, ha! He is a Drake for sure brother! Sharp as a dragon’s talons!”

“Indeed. Right, you are brother.” Gerald answered.

“In all fairness to your father and Uncle. I was the one who insisted on the spies, son. I wanted to know that my son was safe and protected. That was easier to have spies and a few royal knights keep an eye out.” Sophia chimed in.

Prince James gave a nod to his mother. “I understand mother. Let me be quick and get to the point. I have convinced Galdren, along with several other craftsmen and artisans to form a conglomerate. I am the majority holder of the company, but for now Galdren and eventually a board or council will be the public face. This conglomerate will provide rare goods and needed services to the kingdom. With priority given to the Royal family and the army.”

Marcus was stroking his beard while listening.

Gerald was the first to speak up. “First let me say impressive son. I will hold my other questions for later and just ask, why?”

“I am not blind father. The Noble factions are not to be trusted and we have much to do if we hope to turn around perceptions of our family and rebuild our power base.” James replied.

Sophia took Gerald’s hand. “Look Gerald, our son is looking out for us.”

Gerald squeezed his wife’s hand as he answered her. “Yes dear. It is clear that John and Susan trained him well in politics, the importance of family, and it seems business.”

Prince James smiled. “As you have already gathered, I have access to a secret location that contains rare resources and materials. That is a big part of what has won over Galdren, and the others. Their gaining access to work with such materials helped to seal the deal. To that end the conglomerate has purchased several shops in the Smithing & Military quarter. After that we will be purchasing several stores in the Trade quarter. These shops are being torn down.”

“Torn down?! To what end?!” Marcus asked.

“I figured the quarter is the perfect place for storage and a transport hub.” James answered.

“Transport hub?” Marcus asked.

“Yes. It will contain a large and very secure teleportation circle. This is how we will transport goods from a distant location I own to the capital. Our best craftsmen and artisans will get access to rarer materials, and we gain a way to grow our economy. All while gaining the people’s loyalty and being able to make things difficult for the nobles that try to work against us.”

“I take that back; our son is a genius!” Sophia said as she looked like she wanted to bolt out of her chair and give me another bear hug.

Gerald held his wife’s hand tightly, helping to give her the strength to maintain her cool. “Indeed honey. It appears our son has been planning several steps ahead for our family.” Gerald said to his wife before turning to his son and asking, “What do you need from us, son?”

“There are multiple reasons for building the transport hub in the Smithing & Military quarter. First that is where several of the smiths shoppes are located together making it easier to demolish and rebuild. Secondly and more importantly it will be near the military barracks and warehouses. This will allow the military to patrol the quarter and help provide security for this future endeavor as the conglomerate will become the primary provider of military gear and weapons.”

Continuing to stroke his beard Marcus gave his opinion. “Shrewd planning nephew. The nobles will be less likely to interfere or be able to easily poke around with the military patrols occurring and the barracks being so close. Now, I do mean less likely. Once this gets out, these vultures will swoop in as much as they can get away with.”

Prince James nodded as he continued. “And that leads me to a few other points. The conglomerate will be setting up separate markets in each of the other quarters. This keeps foot traffic in those quarters and reduces the need to come to the soon-to-be-renamed ‘military and transportation’ quarter. In addition, I have asked my Nightstalker and Tempest squads to provide additional security and warding during the construction.”

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“Our involvement will become known at that time. Once the nobles get wind of your personal guard protecting the site, it will be impossible to pretend the royal family is not involved.” Marcus said.

“I am counting on it. Remember part of this plan is to rebuild the power base of our family. We want them to know who is really pulling the strings, we just don’t want them to know right away. Galdren and Godfrey assure me they can have most of the construction done in a few weeks at the most. The conglomerate is bringing all their resources to bare to get everything up and running as quickly as possible.” Prince James explained.

“Most impressive. You have whatever support you require, son. What do you think brother?” Gerald said.

“It is a well thought out plan. I will instruct several of my officers to begin routine exercises and patrols in the military quarter. It will be a good enough excuse to put the added training Prince James shared to good use.” Marcus answered.

“Good. If that is all, let us adjourn and if you could please take down this soundproof barrier before your sister accidentally walks into it half awake.” Gerald said.

Chuckling Prince James took down the barrier. “Thank you, my family. If you’ll excuse me, I would like to visit the city library and do some exploring.” James rose and left the room.

“The nobles won’t like this once they find out brother.” Marcus said.

“I agree. Which is why we must be united and show our full support.” Gerald said.

“Of course, brother. I will see to it my officers know what’s good for them and keep them inline.” Marcus answered.

“I worry for our boy.” Sophia said as she held her husband’s hand.

“As do I dear.” Gerald replied.

Out of nowhere the room filled with murderous intent radiating off Sophia. “If they try to hurt my boy, I’ll kill them all!”

“We all agree Sophia, no one hurts our family!” Gerald and Marcus said together.

Then like a light switch flipped off, the murderous intent was gone, and she leaned on Gerald as he embraced her in a hug.

—————

“Speak your mind, Lieutenant.” James said.

Prince James could tell LT Simmons seemed to be in deep thought ever since they returned from breakfast with his family. James pulled him aside into his conference room so they could speak privately.

“I do not know what to say your Majesty. It is clear you and the royal family have your secrets if the soundproof barrier was any indication as it kept all the guards and servants from overhearing.” LT Simmons said.

“We all have secrets Lieutenant. What is the real issue you are concerned with?” James inquired.

“I am concerned I have done something to reduce your trust in me but for the life of me I cannot think what it could be.” LT Simmons answered honestly.

Shaking his head James took a seat, instructed LT Simmons to do the same, and erected a soundproof barrier.

Sighing, James made his decision, and shared his honest thoughts. “Sigh, you have done nothing wrong Lexington, can I call you Lex?”

“Of course, Sir, you do me much honor.” Simmons answered as his mood began to improve with James’ simple gesture of friendship.

“Listen Lex, I am still getting used to all of this. You know I am new to this city and am cautious about who I trust and to what degree.” James stated.

“It is very clear your Majesty tends to keep things very close to the breastplate.” Simmons replied.

“You are one of the first people I met Lex. You have always seemed a straightforward man, especially for a noble. I respect that.” James said.

Simmons smiled. “Thank you, Sir.”

Waving him off James continued. “Sigh, something is wrong, and it has been bugging me for a while now. The nobles have too much power and many have forgotten their duty to the people. That is not unheard of in the history of other nations. I have gathered the sense that someone or something is pulling the strings behind the scenes. Very few people should’ve known the route we were to take back to the capital and from my study of trade routes and a few maps of the kingdom there were a few options to get us here. Yet someone knew the exact route.”

Simmons’ mood instantly changed, and he began to protest. “Are you insinuating...”

James immediately waved his hand and interrupted LT Simmons. “Oh please, do you think I would’ve chosen you to be the leader of my personal royal knights if I suspected such things. No, my statement is to first make you aware of my suspicions. Secondly, it is to begin to bring you into my confidence. I plan to shake things up in this kingdom, in some ways perhaps this whole world will be affected by the ripples of change. We need allies to grow our faction, but it is clear not everyone currently in the royal faction is a true ally. Sloane is helping to get to the bottom of this, but it is time you help in this subterfuge.”

Simmons expressed his concern. “How? I don’t even know what I am looking for?”

“Do not worry about that. Leave that to the Nightstalker squad. No, you are going to help recruit allies. We start with your father.” James explained.

Simmons’ eyebrows shot up. “My father?! Why my father?!”

“It is simple. Your family is relatively removed from the politics of the capital. More importantly, being a noble of a relatively remote land allows us to go relatively unnoticed away from most prying eyes. You will head home...” pulling out a sealed letter and handing it the Simmons, “and deliver this to him personally. We are going to set up a trading hub in his territory. At least that is the public excuse for the traffic and need for routine visits and inspections.”

“Trade hub, hmmm. You are hoping to draw them out by distracting them with this.” Simmons said it as more of a statement rather than a question.

“That is correct, well in part correct. My gut says war is coming. I expect a few battles here and there before whatever is really going on shows their faces. Hopefully we can direct those battles to happen when and where we want. This is part of that effort to draw our foes out. There is much more to go over, but I will discuss those things with you at a later time.” Prince James explained.

“When do you want me to leave?” Simmons asked.

“Immediately. Take Rita, she could use the leave to visit her family. I also have given her special instructions once you get there. I’d also like you to take Cooper with you.” Prince James answered.

“Rita makes sense with her perception and marksman skills. But Cooper? The man is an idiot when it comes to subterfuge. He has zero understanding of sarcasm. The man is not even fun to tease as he does not even get the fact that someone is messing with him.” Simmons groaned.

“Exactly. Everyone knows Cooper doesn’t get sarcasm or subterfuge, he’s too honorable and straightforward a knight. That and I think he’s been hit one too many times in the head. The point is he is an excellent rider and if he goes there is less suspicion of anything else beyond helping establish a trade hub for the new conglomerate being backed by the Royal family.” James explained his reasoning.

“Understood. Leave it to me your Majesty.” Simmons answered.

“James. When we are in private, please call me James.” James said as he clasped wrists and dropped the barrier.

‘Time to finish my preparations for the Royal Academy and visit the library. Gotta go back, back, back to school again!’ Singing that last line in his head and internally chuckling to himself at the Grease 2 reference. Maybe he was a little unhinged, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

———-

Cooper Cavaliere

“Cooper, Rita, you both will accompany me on an important mission for our prince. I must hand-deliver this letter to my father and gain his support for a new trading hub in his barony. We ride out within the hour. Do whatever you need to prepare for the trip.” LT Simmons informed them.

Cooper snapped to attention, “Yes Sir! It is an honor to be selected for this mission Sir. I love to ride and being able to ride while serving my prince is a great honor.”

Rita put her hand over her mouth and started to giggle a little. ‘This guy has to know what he is saying, right?’

“Something funny Rita?” LT Simmons asked.

“Sir I think she is just overcome with joy at being able to serve his majesty. Isn’t that right honorable Rita?” Cooper said.

Holding back a giggle, “Y-Yes that’s it, Cooper. How astute you are cutting right to the heart of it.” Rita replied. ‘Wait is he actually posing.’

Cooper stood a little straighter and put his fists on his hips. “Quite right Ms. Rita, come let us prepare for our journey. I shall show you the best riding secrets for a long ride so one does not get chafed.”

Giggling Rita replied, “One… One would not want to get chafed while riding. Ha, ha, ha.”

“Quite right you are! Come let us prepare.” Cooper said while leading Rita out of the room.

LT Simmons put his hand on his head and internally groaned. “This is going to be a long journey. I am convinced more than ever that I have somehow earned punishment for some unknown offense.”