Cantrell Chronicles

The Purple Cloud of Shame, a Cantrell Chronicles update, Chapter Nine

As Erik gave Kayleigh his hand the two left the studio, he could hear the whisperings as they walked passed each aisle.  ‘Guess he’s learned his lesson, no more commoners for him.’ Glancing their way he gave them his best furrowed brow. Kayleigh noticed he grew quiet. He’d lost his excitement of the moment and seemed almost sorrowful.

“Hey, what is it, what’s wrong?”

“Stupid people saying stupid things,” he muttered. “It’s not their life so they can only suppose.” Gazing at her earnestly, as they stood just outside the gate of the castle, he said, “Not to worry, I’ll work this out.”

 After he kissed her, Erik walked her inside.

Lord Erik prayed and stewed on the situation all night long.  As a result, he rose quite weary. Some supposed his mood was due to the funeral for Uncle Joe that was to take place that morning.  Lady Kayleigh went to class, feeling quite strange as she expected to have Erik’s company.  He texted her quickly that he was at his grand uncle’s funeral, sending his apologies.  Kayleigh texted back, ‘It’s okay. Love you.’

Later, well after the Viscount picked Lady Kayleigh up from the campus, he sat down at one of the Grand Hall dining tables next to his second son. “You seem inordinately upset by something, son, may I enquire just what has you so disconcerted? Surely not one missed class?”

“No. I can work that out with the professor. I had good reason to be where I was.  No, just unkind whisperings, is all. No doubt you have heard the leaked scandal I have inadvertently committed. These so-called royals have me angrier than I have ever felt. If I find out who the leaker of what I call a non-scandal, I may have to skewer them.”

Viscount Joseph leaned back a little. “That, I would say, is pretty furious wind blowing. Dare I ask what this non-scandal entails?”

Erik took a deep breath and then let it out slowly. “These royals, and I use that term loosely, dared suggest I had been ungracious at the Grand Ball.”
“Ungracious? I found your behavior completely genteel, for the entire course of the event. Not one of the ones you talked with, I hope.”

“No, but you are not going to believe what I tell you. And what I find ungracious is their behavior toward my dance partner of the evening. Who cares if she’s a royal or a commoner. In fact, my behavior should have been considered most gracious, if she were a commoner, don’t you think?”

Viscount Joseph nodded in agreement and then frowned a bit. “Simmer down, now. We must work through the system. Yes, I agree with you whole-heartedly. We are fighting an up-hill battle. I am very concerned over how much damage Alexandra has caused in her brief stint on the throne.  I do know my father was all about serving the People, over the self-service of the royals upon royals. Shameful.”

“What, then, can we do? I won’t have them thinking ill of the woman I have come to love. She has done nothing wrong. Luckily, I’m the one wearing the purple cloud of shame, not her.”

“Oh? As the son of a Viscount, you can hold a press-conference and confront them about the leaked scandal.”
“That sounds good, I am more than willing to do that.”
“First thing in the morning, then.” Viscount Joseph said. “I’ll get it all set up. For now, I’m going to bed. Oh, and light a candle for your uncle James, will you? I’m still reeling over how he dared to challenge Joey to a dual at the funeral. Joey’s just a boy.” 

"With nothing but a wooden starter sword, at that."

The Viscount looked thoughtful as he left the Grand Hall. In truth, Erik’s admission of feelings for Kayleigh, struck a measure of concern in his father. Yes, the boy was sixteen but was displaying a certain amount of maturity for his age. In many ways, Erik had always seemed older than his years. For this reason, Viscount Joseph decided it best not to discount those feelings as ‘puppy love’. But he would keep a thoughtful eye on both of them, lest they wind up in a real scandal.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

The sun was out, shining brightly over Bellacorde, glistening off of the shiny turrets of the surrounding buildings, all polished and gleaming.  A glorious morning. Erik rose, made his bed as a matter of choice, knowing it was the little things that bred character. Uncle Joe knew it, too. He made his own coffee every morning.  When he stepped out front, he found the royal podium set up and ready for his conference. Dad, you’re the best.

The time had been set and as it drew near, Erik took his place in front of the podium, straightening his jacket as a way of soothing his sudden case of nerves. He waited while his father, brothers, mother, sister and Kayleigh, all dressed up, joined him. Pretty soon, others crowded onto the front stoop of the castle. Royals and the press, to whom he also would direct his words.

Saying a silent, quick prayer, he managed to center himself, allowing him to present a measure of calm. Again, grateful for the training of their past Vulcan Nanny, T’Pran. “Thank you for coming on such short notice,” he began. “I am Lord Erik of the House of Cantrell. I shall get right to the point. It has come to my attention that I have been involved in a scandal. Not only that but someone decided to leak it. Gee, I wonder just who that could be? Anyone here like to make a confession? You may do so now.” Erik stepped away from the podium, to make room. Of course, nobody dared come forward. Taking the podium again, he gazed out at the group, crowding his front stoop.

“Pity, no takers. Oh, well, let me advise you, that the Lady — and I do mean Lady, has been sorely maligned by your ungracious insinuation. Please do your research. Her dynasty has very recently been restored with approval of Sir Drake Golden’s distinguished family line. DNA test verification and all. As for me. I will dance with her anywhere with or without a crown on her head. Whether you find me ungracious or not, in so doing. Oh, don’t act all shocked, just deal with it. And just know that I am a counterpuncher."

"Don't make him mad. You wouldn't like Lord Erik, if he got mad," Lord Joey offered up.

A rustling stirred among the crowd. Murmurs could be heard, but not the actual words. Erik cast an eye over at his younger brother.

“The fact is I am new here and you had the unmitigated gall to judge me on looks alone. Were you in any fashion injured by my actions? I’m serious, here. If I caused no real injury, why was it a problem to you? We don’t even share the same dynasty. I broke no rules that apply to me through the House of Cantrell, at least. I am most certainly not subject to the rules of any other dynasty in the realm. Do we all agree? Good. Let me just end by saying, this,

“Underneath this infuriating flap, we are all humans. Right, wrong, tall, short or fat. My advice? Keep your noses pointed straight ahead so you can see where you’re walking, and not in the clouds. I was raised for these sixteen years of my life as a commoner. Ooh, I know shocking, isn’t it? I’d like to think I turned out okay. Not only that, but I pledge my life to the People of this kingdom and to serve Ondarion with every fiber of my being. Physically and financially. How many of you can say the same?   That’s what I thought. See to your own business and let me handle mine. Thank you for your attention in this matter.”   

"Erik, you were wonderful. So strong, so manly, so imperial. You take my breath away,” Lady Kayleigh said, blowing him a kiss.
Erik simply smiled. “Always for you, Milady.”

All for now, thanks for reading!