The crown prince is back

Far from the villages and town, the castle stood tall and proud surrounded by tall trees which acted as a fence around the castle, even though no one had ever dared to break into the castle, guards stood on every entry and exit and patrolled every corridor.

Servants scurried about keeping the floors, rooms, and walls, clean and sparklingly. In the main hall, the king sat against the wall upon a cushioned throne fixed on a raised platform.

He sat leaning to the left with one elbow resting on the armrest, a servant sat on the floor with his shoe rested on his thigh.

Brock stood before the king with an expressionless face, he had returned from his journey and could not wait to see the one who his heart beat for, but he had to inform his father on his finding so that preventive steps could be taken to secure their defense.

We have proof that Elder James was selling our military information to the Northern Kingdom. But further investigation shows that others more influential are involved, Elder James seemed to be the surface of the ice.

Elder James was not only trading information to dethroned you but he is trying to win the favor of the other lands so as to be crowned the next king. It is certain that he sponsored Richard to spread rumors of the king fleeing to Mount Omen to save his life while leaving the people behind.

Considering how highly placed Elder James was and the classified information he had access to, it is certain that we will be disadvantaged in the outbreak of a war as our military formation has been compromised.

Can we prove that Timothy was part of the ploy, King Moposa asked, raising his head to look at his son.

He cleans up well after himself and has managed to push all the blame to Elder James. Poor man, he must be feeling the brunt of the betrayal from his longtime friend who sold him out in a heartbeat to save his neck. Brock said tauntingly.

The relationship between father and son was strained as a result of the marriage but the king was sure that Brock would come around and do the right thing that was in the interest of the kingdom.

The king like many of his peers in his days, believed that love comes after marriage. Many of them were married off for political reasons and some had learnt to love their wives after some months of marriage.
King Moposa was lucky to have avoided such fate as his parents fully supported his decision to marry Malti, the woman he loved. Brock wanted to have the same opportunity to choose his bride just as his father had done and would have it no other way.

How is Elder James doing? The king asked.

I am sure he is enjoying our hospitality in the dungeon, Brock said leisurely as he picked the glass that another maid was holding in her hand.

And in Brock’s mind, that meant locking traitors like Elder James in a dark dungeon and torturing them until they preferred death which won’t come easily. People like Elder James who was selfish and think only of his happiness did not deserve an easy death.

Brock heaved a sign as he took a sip from the wine glass in his hands. His legs were tired from riding all day without rest and proper sleep, he was eager to return and so had cut short the journey.

Permission to leave, Father. Brock said, gulping the last drop of wine and handing the empty glass to the maid.

I wish to the Royal hospital and rest my body and bones from the long journey, he stated.

The king’s eyes hardened as he gazed at his son before saying-

I received a letter from Olu Belmoth, informing me of Rose visit to Zaza to attend the ceremonial partnership to be held in honor of Zaza’s Royal Hospital collaboration with Idu kingdom.

I expect you to put aside your differences and make her feel welcomed and comfortable during her stay at the castle.

I have no problem with Rose, she is welcomed to Zaza anytime and does not need me to babysit her. As for your request, I would not have the time to attend to guests as I am the one hosting the ceremonial partnership as the director and not as a prince, Brock said.

Father why don’t you allow Melissa host Rose, they are friends and closer in age. She would feel comfortable and at ease as I would be busy attending to guests. Brock suggested.

Even though the king wanted his son to spend quality time with Rose so he could get to know her and each other better.

Brock stepped out of the throne room and Fredrick his longtime friend and servant stepped forward to give him his coat.

What about the girl? Brock asked calmly, a glint of interest in his eyes over the girl who had got his interest.

She is at the Royal Hospital and as you directed, I had written a letter to your brother to have her transferred to the admin. Hall. From what I gathered, Loren was making life difficult for her at the physician hall.

Loren? Brock rehearsed in his mind.

She had wanted to crawl into his bed by seducing him, she was beautiful but her beauty could not be compared to Jess.

She wanted far too much, snooping into his private affair to find out what he was hiding, he was only enduring her presence because of her father who is the second state minister.

The crown prince stepped down from the porch and walked toward the golden carriage before stopping abruptly. He turned to face Fredrick as if remembering something.

Is the girl engaged to anyone? The crown prince asked in a cold calm voice.

Jess Smith has is not associated with any man, the man who danced with her at the ball was Robert Millan who works in the entertainment section of the palace but Jess Smith seemed not to be interested in him.

But-

But what.

Brock interrupted Fredrick, he did not want to hear that he was engaged to another man, he was aware that she fancied one James Lan, but he was no threat.

Brock wanted to help the man achieve his dream of entering the military as he was sure James Lan did not fancy Jess the same way she did.

Her father wants to wed her to Robert Millan and is already making preparation for the marriage but Jess is unaware.

Hum. Brock hummed softly.

It seemed like he had to be a knight in shining armor and rescue his love from a loveless arranged marriage. That thought pleased him greatly.