After eating some food to break his fast Turshok continued today's diplomatic meetings. While not all of these were regarding the new war with the north they were all equally tedious. The prince had grown to detest dealing with nobility as their deceitful games were frustrating. He oddly had begun to see the common folk in more positive light, in only for their more honest approach to things. That was why he actually enjoyed interacting with Goddess Jenna as she too was brutally honest. He figured the same trait was made her so hated by nobility.

Morning turned into late morning and the prince found himself walking to the gardens on the castle roof to meet with one of the regional lords. This would be Lord Pramodea Faraghu, the ruler of the most eastern province of Ullouseia. A dangerous individual indeed as being a rich merchant he had many connections in the enemy kingdom. Pheoa was a place where merchants half ruled after all. It only made sense for there to be relationships between both kingdom's wealthy traders.

While walking up the final staircase leading to the garden Turshok thought more about what this merchant lord wanted to speak about and what he wanted to address in turn. Surely it would be mainly about business as war between nations disrupted trade. However unlike most of the nobility who cared mainly for money the young prince cared more for his people. Business always seemed to come at the detriment of the populace and he wanted to change that when he was king.

Finally Turshok had reached the gardens and stepped out of the stone archway onto the castle roof. The bright late morning sun shone into his eyes and they had to become adjusted to it over several seconds. Once they were he could look out onto the quite beautiful little natural sanctuary.

This garden covered a large portion of the castle roof and had several huge areas of open grass that had been transported there in raised beds. Also in large areas of contained soil were many trees of various sizes and kinds. No castle garden would be complete without flowers and being royals they had gone out of their way to make grand displays. Now that spring was arriving the flower beds were beginning to be filled with colors, all arranged in patterns to appear as animals or other symbols. The main attraction being a large bed the size of the main meeting room that had within it flowers depicting the kingdom's coat of arms.

Turshok only briefly glanced at this extravagant so called garden while he searched for the reason he was here. While he looked around he noticed that there were only a few people up here, all nobles out getting some fresh air. After a few more seconds he found his official. There standing in the middle of a large patch of curated grass was Pramodea. He was an easy man to spot as despite being slightly overweight he was always wearing the most extravagant clothing and jewelery.

Turshok walked over to the lord and called out a greeting on the way.

“Good morning Lord Pramodea! Enjoying the garden now that the weather begins to warm?”

The meaty man turned around with a large grin on his face that failed to shine like the arrangement of gem-encrusted jewelry he was bedazzled with. All manner of metals and gemstones sparkled in the sunlight and made their wearer twinkle like the night sky.

“Oh as well I can.” Pramodea answered. “Though the sight of the sun in clear skies is pleasant this castle still lacks the sea breeze that I'm so accustomed accompanying the sight.”

Turshok finished approaching the lord and came to a stop a few steps away in the lush grass. He held back a sigh before replying.

“I do dread the ocean. It escapes me how you could find any love for such a vast and terrifying place.”

Pramodea's smile faded into a wistful look.

“The sea is something you learn to love. For she shall claim your soul even if you hate her.”

The merchant lord then turned around to face the sun, now with his side to the prince.

“I heard this rooftop is the very place the goddess Jenna first appeared before the royal family. Her walking through the city with thundering steps to make the king bow before her must have been quite the sight indeed. From the news I received she was altogether overwhelming and testifying to behold.”

Turshok shrugged and kept looking at the side of the lord's head.

“I couldn't tell you Lord Pramodea. I was not in the city that day. All I know is the same tale that was told to you.”

Pramodea then turned back around with a curious glint in his eyes. He then looked over the prince with a thoughtful look with his right hand raised to his chin.

“I heard you enjoy her company as well.”

This made Turshok frown and he had to control his temper so it didn't flare up. With the goddess being so hated by the rich he did his best to appear to dislike her as well to protect his interests.

“You heard wrong.” Turshok replied. “But enough about me. What about you?” He looked accusingly at the lord. “Your interests are heavily tied to Pheoa. Will this conflict of interests become a problem in the coming weeks and months sir?”

Hearing this made Pramodea sigh and shake his head, his right hand lowering down. He then tucked both hands into the pockets of his pants and gave the prince a incredulous look.

“Oh my dear prince.” He began while taking a defensive tone. “You know full well the wheels of business cannot be halted by a mere war between nobles.” He then raised his right hand. “Worry not my prince. My oath to gold will not cause me to betray my nation. It is in my best interests for the flow of trade to be healthy between kingdoms. And that requires healthy kingdoms.”

Turshok had no reason to believe the merchant lord was lying. When it regarded gold the greedy man was predictable and thus his honesty could be more easily parsed from his lies. This did not quell all his fears however. He took a more imposing stance with his shoulders squared and his hands behind his back.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“Please do not take me for a fool my good man.” He replied. “I am full aware of the profit to be gained in the sale of weapons and supplies in times of war. Do you mean to say you will use no such methods to weaken our great nation?”

Pramodea couldn't help but crack a smile.

“Oh please.” He said almost in disbelief. “The profits from such trade is enticing certainly but would be worth nothing if it cost me my life.” He held up both hands in a defensive manner before lowering them again. “There is also that goddess wandering about seeking prey among the nobility. Even if I were able to aptly fool my fellow man she would surely discover my scheme and take my life.”

This caused Turshok to cross his arms over his chest in an instinctive defensive manner. He quickly caught himself and returned them to his sides.

“Goddess Jenna does not seek prey good sir.” He said trying to hide his offense while simultaneously trying to figure out why he felt offended on her behalf. “She is easy enough to deal with if you have but a smudge of humility. And for one of such a high station as me that is quite difficult to muster I assure you.”

A quick chuckle came from Pramodea as he pushed a finger to his lips for a moment.

“Yes I am sure you have the goddess under your sway my prince. You have surely succeeded where your parents have failed. Not to mention that devilish sister of yours. A high compliment indeed!”

Turshok could sense the conversation straying from the topic at hand and he reeled it in.

“On the topic of those under the sway of others.” He started. “It is also quite well known that you have many connections in our now enemy Pheoa. Information is just as important a good as anything else and spies are rife in seafare.” He gave a wary look to the lord. “All that matters to me is that these activities benefit our lands instead of theirs.” He then straightened his back and relaxed his look. “I wish for you to report any significant news directly to me or my father. Not to my mother or sister. Can you swear to me your interests will align with the crown?”

Pramodea shrugged and looked at the prince with a nonchalant expression.

“As always my loyalties lie with the crown my prince. You can count on me to report anything juicy that floats in on the waves.”

“Very good.” Turshok replied with a curt nod.

While Turshok knew the man was lying he was happy enough to get verbal conformation of his loyalty at least. If it came to it this confessional pledge would allow him to try the man for treason and have him executed. Pramodea would know this as well and thus even if he reported to his other family members it would be unlikely the enemy would be part of the gossip circle. At least with this specific noble.

The rest of their conversation was more boring pollitcal talk, mainly regarding the trade routes coming to and from the kingdom of Pheoa. These routes were important to monitor for threats such as smuggled weapons or even troops hiding among shipments. There was also the possibility of a naval attack and their own ships would have to be prepared for such an attack. The goddess could not be relied on for everything and the less she was involved the better.

All of this information was so very much to keep track and remember. Thus Turshok had instructed Pramodea to get him a report on everything they had discussed before he left back for Ullouseia. With this final command given the prince was finally able to dismiss himself from the conversation. Such long heavy talks were exhausting and this one had lasted well over two hours. It was a great relief to be free of it.

Turshok after saying his farewells had retreated back into the castle and was set to take a break in his bedchambers. He was however interrupted on the walk there in the hallways by the most unexpected person.

There stomping down the hallway was a man older than the prince at twenty-four years old with shoulder length deep blue hair and pale skin. It was the son of one of the minor lords of the province Rellabellum. His name escaped Turshok but he was sure to find out shortly.

The man came right up to the prince and stopped suddenly, his face filled with anger. He did bow quickly though it was clear he was too angry to be more proper than that.

“There you are Prince Turshok!” He said half in anger. “I've searched for you all day!”

Normally addressing a member of royalty in such a manner would be met with reprimand but Turshok was honestly too surprised to react beyond a question.

“And who are you?” the prince asked incredulous.

“My name is Vaden Fleche.” the man replied straightening his jacket. “The son of the late Olibor Fleche.”

That name caused the spark in Turshok's mind and he knew who this was now. He had finished from his initial shock and straightened himself.

“Ah yes I remember that name. Your father died along with many others when his estate burned to the ground. A horrific tragedy.”

Vaden's anger flared up again. “You know damn well it was that evil fucking goddess!” He spat. “She killed my father and mother!”

Now it was Turshok's turn to become angry. His face reddened slightly as his own voice rose.

“Hold your tongue!” He replied. “Remember to whom you speak!”

This seemed to snap Vaden back to reality and he became very apologetic. He bowed again, this time in earnest.

“I-I'm sorry Prince Turshok! My anger overcame me and I-”

Turshok put his hands on his hips.

“I shall overlook it this time Lord Vaden. See to it you control yourself in the future. It would also be wise to not speak ill of our goddess, even if you believe she did your family wrong.”

“She did to my family wrong!” Vaden said standing back up. “You know it was her just as well as anyone else does! She burned down my father's estate and murdered everyone there. Even the servants!”

Turshok shook his head.

“There is no proof that she did. The only witnesses are children and their testimony cannot be taken as fact. Just because Goddess Jenna was present does not mean she committed the act. Your father had his share of enemies.”

This was not what the young lord wanted to hear and he clasped his hands together in an earnest plea.

“I shall find the proof my prince!” He claimed. “Then I beseech you to hold the dread goddess responsibility for her hateful act! Can I put my faith in you Prince Turshok?”

Turshok shook his head and let out a small sigh. He had no idea how one would find proof of a goddess's wrongdoing or how he or anyone else would hold her accountable. He may as well be asked to dispense justice on the wind and rain. In a defeated tone and more so to free himself of this overexcited lord he gave his reply.

“If your investigation bears fruit I shall do my best to put the proof to use in the name of justice. However I cannot promise you everything you might desire in this.”

Vaden perked up greatly just hearing this and he bowed on his knee.

“Hearing that is enough for me my prince! Thank you!”

With the wave of his hand Turshok dismissed the lord and stepped to the side.

“I am glad to hear it. Now if you excuse me I have business to attend to.”

The young lord stood up and stepped aside to allow Turshok to pass. Now with his path free the prince continued walking down the hallway and on to whatever fresh hell awaited him in the world of diplomacy. While the benefits of manipulation were plain to see in the life of his mother and sister he found the process entirely exhausting. He wished to be like the goddess and have the power to simply demand his will be done. One day he would become king and wield great power yes, but it would always pale in comparison to a goddess.

Such thoughts and jealousy would have to wait for another day however. The crown prince was in great demand and he had a duty to his kingdom to fulfill. Even if he dreaded it he would follow through for the sake of his people.