Cantrell Chronicles

Legend

5 days ago

Alliances Gained, Alliances Lost? a Cantrell Chronicles update, Chapter Ten

Erik knew something was off. Just what, he couldn’t quite place his finger on. So, he took to the top floor of the stables to show the training dummy the stuff he was made of. As he battered the dummy with his sword, he allowed his mind to recount recent events. Despite his missed Lecture and how late he was to the second one, he managed to pull off an A plus for his first term. He won the Semiquaver, which meant he was halfway there. He was moving up in the Noble Career; had managed to defeat the minor nuisance of a scandal. His father even made it a point that Erik would be the one to receive his title.

All-in-all, he supposed that’s what was bugging him. Poor Aaron, how can I make it up to you? As he lowered his broad sword, striking the dummy in a most punishing manner. He realized he wasn’t alone with his thoughts anymore. He could feel Kayleigh’s presence. “Babe, I’m a bit busy at the moment. How can I help you?”

“Oh, I know. You’re always busy these days. I was just hoping to squeeze in a word or two with you. We need to to talk; you and me. Things just aren’t working. In case you haven’t noticed.”

Erik drew in a silent sigh and let his breath out slowly, doing his best to temper his emotions. Right now, he wanted to lob off her head. Turning, he gave her an exasperated look while saying, “So you choose a moment when I’m working on my swordsmanship? You know what I’m up against. School, my music, my new designation as heir to the throne — Or is that what’s bothering you. That one day I may be king, and you could end up queen. That is, if we get married.”

“I never said anything about marriage. Or maybe that’s what you have on your mind? But don’t you think we should talk about our relationship, first? Lately, I have no clue just where I stand with you. You’re all into me one minute and the next it’s almost as if I don’t exist. This is hardly what I expect in a relationship. I miss you.”

“Babe, I’m right here. I’m almost always here in the castle. Sometimes up here, other times down in the music room.”

“And that’s part of the problem. It doesn’t seem to matter where you are, if I find you so we can chat, you show me your irritation. I don’t want to be a bother to you. It’s not my ambition to interrupt whatever you’re doing. I want to see a genuine smile that shows me no matter what it is you’re happy to see me.”

“Of course, I am. I'm always happy to see you. Oh, would you look at the time. We have a Grand Ball to attend. You are coming, right? I know your parents will be there, too. I promise, we’ll talk later. I’m very invested in our relationship; in fact, you’re the whole reason I’m doing all that I’m doing— for you.”

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

The Grand Ball went off very well. Couples danced. Baron Joseph even danced with his wife this time. All were having a great time. Or so it seemed.
“Will you please stop telling me which foot I need to lead off with? I can dance the socks off of you, dear, dear, Lady.”

When Baron Jospeh got the chance, he took the time to speak to Baron Drake Golden. Joseph knew it was high time he made an ally or two. Right now, the nobles were letting him know in no uncertain terms his championing of the people wouldn’t fly with them. He needed to cater to them as much. This vexed the Baron. What to do, what to do, what to do. “Baron Drake, I am so happy you decided to join our little waltz. Listen, I have a proposition for you that I hope you’ll be in agreeance over. First, allow me to ask what favor do you have?”

“I am all for the People. It’s a matter of where we would be without them. They drive the economy, after all. Fight our wars if things break down. We need them, quite honestly.”
“Yes, we do. So, we like-minded royals should stick together, no? How about we form an alliance? What say you, my good sir?”
“Thank you. To be honest, after talking to my Kayleigh, I was prepared to ask you the same thing tonight.”