In part six, Alyssa gave the crowd a rousing speech. Tanya worried about the fallout. Hyakinthos calmed them. Read on to find out more!
“Wow! I can see everything better riding up here. Ya get a really good view from inside this.” Alyssa said. “Of course, the craftsmen designed this carriage for the royal family,” Laurus droned. Alyssa and Tanya sat together on one side of the carriage. Hyakinthos and Laurus sat on the other side. They looked out their respective windows. “Where’s the city?” Alyssa asked confused. Hyakinthos let out a soft laugh. “I asked the driver to give you a ride through the countryside.” Rolling hills surrounded by grassy plains filled their vision. Then, they came upon the farmland. Tanya felt that strange warmth return. It was similar to a gentle summer breeze. There wasn’t a strong burning like when they entered the kingdom. “How are we safe with open windows?” Laurus looked at them and shook his head. “Do you not understand anything? There is a magical barrier covering the entire carriage. At this point, you should know there is magic everywhere.” Tanya slowly nodded. No wonder she felt that warmth.
Picture from Otto's Encyclopedia, 1908, Carriage of St. Otilia from 753.
Hyakinthos stared out his window. With slumping shoulders, he placed an elbow on the window sill. His tightly balled up fist pressed into his face. “That isn’t like you,” Tanya said. He cracked her a smile. “Have you decided to give me your attention?” He locked eyes with her. She returned his stare with sad eyes. Tanya could feel a problem significantly troubled him. It felt like he could go gray at any minute.
Hyakinthos positioned himself between Alyssa and Tanya. He then proceeded to put his arms around them. “Thank you, my two princesses, for your participation today.” “Tanya didn’t do anything. Ya should just praise me.” Hyakinthos chuckled at her. “You are correct about that, Princess Alyssa. Yes, you engaged the citizens of my kingdom. Forgive me for forgetting your importance in today’s events.” He carefully placed her hand in his. Then, he leaned over to gently kiss it. His arm wrapped around her waist while embracing her. “Is this acceptable to you? Would you prefer it if I hold you like this the entire ride?” Alyssa blushed and nodded. Tanya noticed his smile didn’t have its usual saccharine gleam. He held onto Alyssa as someone clings to a stuffed toy for comfort. His eyes looked straight ahead. An exhausted look replaced his normal gleaming eyes. He eventually knitted his eyebrows with a slight frown. Tanya watched his chest slowly rise and fall. His hand barely grasped her waist.
“I hope you don’t misunderstand what I’m about to say.” Hyakinthos raised a brow. “What is there to misunderstand?” Tanya sighed. “You’re hurting from some problem. It’s so strong that it’s stabbing your heart. I feel it.” Tanya looked at him with kind eyes. “I want to help you. I need to help you. You’re hurting right now. Tell me what’s wrong, maybe I can help you.” Hyakinthos drew a quick breath through his gritted teeth.
“How could you possibly help me?” Hyakinthos scowled at her. “Someone has to help you.” Tanya pleaded. He quickly pulled her close, while removing his arm from Alyssa. His eyes glared at her like a strong fire. Hyakinthos squeezed her arms. “You have only pretended to be a princess for a short time. You are nothing but imitation royalty…,” he gripped her sleeves. “…while wearing my sister’s gown. Do not forget your place.” Tanya’s breath quickened, and she narrowed her eyes while gritting her teeth. She dug her fingers into his arms. “You don’t know me! You don’t know who you’re dealing with!” “Hyakinthos!” Laurus sharply growled and finished his tirade in their language. He looked at Hyakinthos with surprise and anger. Hyakinthos released her arms. “Fine. I made the offer. You don’t have to listen to me. Suffer for all I care! Offer rescinded!” Tanya growled. Her arms stung, but Tanya refused to show her pain. “Forgive me. This is not my usual behavior. For a moment, I lost complete control of my actions. ” Hyakinthos bowed his head and started to chant while softly crying. Laurus joined in the chant. Her arms softly glowed. “Do you feel better, Princess Tanya? Does any pain remain?” Tanya’s arms felt stronger than they did before. She looked at both Hyakinthos and Laurus. “Thank you, both.” “Hyakinthos speaks the truth. I have known him the entirety of his life. This outburst is the first instance I have seen these actions. I swear to you on my honor as a guard for the royal family.” Laurus knelt to Tanya. She looked at them sadly. “Forgive me. Forgive me. Please, forgive me.” Hyakinthos looked at Tanya with tears in his eyes. “I forgive you.” She wrapped her arms around him to hug him. She rested her head on his shoulder. Hyakinthos sat stiffly at first. Then, he wrapped his arms around her.
The carriage was quiet except for Hyakinthos’ quiet sobbing. “I must give special attention to my actions from now into the future. I never intended to cause you harm.” Tanya stroked his hair. “Don’t worry about it anymore.” Tanya gently pulled away from him. “If you try that again, I’ll kill you,” she said with a huge smile. “I permit you to wound him. However, I would lose my position if you take his life.” Laurus smiled. Hyakinthos laughed. “You have the freedom to do so.” He bowed to her. Alyssa pulled on his sleeve. “I could make ya feel better.” She said in a soft voice. “Much better than she can,” she whispered in his ear. Hyakinthos smiled and kissed her on the cheek. Alyssa wasn’t expecting that. Her eyes widened as she blushed. Hyakinthos gave her a soft smile.
Two servants ran to the group at the entrance. Between breaths, they said, “His royal majesty the king wishes to discuss something with you, Crown Prince Hyakinthos.” Hyakinthos sighed. ““Ah, he must have discovered it. I see his spies already informed them.” Hyakinthos addressed the servants. “Where is my father currently?” “His royal majesty awaits you in the library.” Tanya grabbed Alyssa. “Why ya doing that, Tanya? What’s wrong with ya?” Hyakinthos turned toward them. “Oh, this matter does not affect the two of you directly. You may join me if it pleases you. Be forewarned, my father is prone to bouts of anger.” The group followed the servants.
Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0
“Hyakinthos!” His father angrily yelled from a very comfortable looking plush chair. Hyakinthos stepped forward, away from the group. Laurus stood directly behind him. “How many times have I warned you not to walk among the people! There may be assassins hiding among them. Furthermore, you endangered the lives of the foreign princesses. Laurus cannot protect everyone. He has great difficulty maintaining your protective shield!” Hyakinthos held his head low. “Why are you speaking to me in their language?” The king squeezed the arms of his chair. Then, he stopped to face the small group. “I want the princesses to understand the severity of your actions.” The king said with a voice that grew louder with every word. “Father, I am attempting to display my affection for our citizens. The people must understand their future king is not a monolith. I desire for our citizens to view me as a ruler who can relate to their needs. Furthermore, I am attempting to create a peaceful presentation for them to see…” The king waved his hand. “No matter what you are attempting to accomplish, you must live. My son, you do not understand your position. You are the sole heir to this kingdom. If something happens to you, the kingdom would be in chaos,” The king yelled.
“Chrysanthe can assume my position as ruler. She is your oldest child and highly capable.” “You know the law!” The king growled. Hyakinthos gazed at his reflection on the polished floor. “Yes father, my instructors drilled it into me. ‘If there is a lack of a proper male heir, the oldest female shall assume the throne.’” The king glared at Hyakinthos. “If you have appropriate knowledge if the law, then you must have a thorough understanding of it.” The king stood and gently placed his hands on Hyakinthos’ shoulders. “You are irreplaceable.” He stroked his son’s hair. “No one could take your place unless you wish to die.” Hyakinthos smiled quickly and instantly returned to a solemn look. “Father, I wish to address peaceful methods to…” “I do not wish to listen to your words any longer. I wish for you to listen.” The king stood firmly. “You are my only son.” He stroked his son’s hair. “Father, I trust your judgment on this and other matters,” Hyakinthos said with defeat in his eyes. “This pleases me.” His father walked back to his chair. Hyakinthos gave a soft smile. “Because you understand, you know the severity of your actions. His father spoke with a calmer tone.
The king returned to his seat. “I assessed your abilities to escort the princesses as lacking.” The king let out a long breath and tilted his head to the side. “Your sisters shall replace you in instructing the princesses in our ways. I presented this information to your sisters. They both agreed with me entirely.” Hyakinthos’ knelt to the king. “Father, I beg your forgiveness. Please allow me to escort the princesses for a while longer.” Laurus knelt a moment after he did. The king leaned on his elbow. “I have spoken. My words are absolute. You shall obey them. Only the spirits and poor Laurus know what you have done to them previously.”
The king paused for a moment. “I received news of your speech to our citizens today, Princess Alyssa.” Alyssa beamed. “Yep, I sure did talk to them. Your citizens loved it! Ya have some awesome folks in your kingdom!” The king chuckled and a slight smile. “I would go so far as to use the word ‘love.’” He watched Alyssa facial expressions. Alyssa was more confused than anything. She wondered what the king meant. She quickly dismissed these feelings as nonsense. “I offer my deep gratitude for your participation in today’s gathering.” “Don’t worry about it, king! Just let me know when ya need a professional speaker like me again.” Alyssa grinned broadly. Tanya raised her brows at her. “If the need ever arises, I shall consider your offer. You all may take your leave. I expect your presence at supper in the coming hours.” Tanya deeply bowed until her dress spread across the floor. “I offer my thanks, your royal majesty.” The king smiled. Alyssa curtsied.
That was the quietest dinner Tanya and Alyssa ever attended.
Leaves graphic created by Burlingtina Vines
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