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Chapter 3: Melancholy of The Prince
With the courting ceremony concluded, the noble King of Arvol and his most entrusted servants awaited the crowned prince within the spacious quarters of the opulent throne room.
Light shone in from the rows of windows placed high upon the towering ivory walls, and displayed the sparkling brilliance of the ebony floor blow. A long carpet of crimson red created a path from the open golden double doors and straight towards an equally golden ornate throne with red cushioning.
Sitting upon that throne was a figure of resolute presence as sat upright and composed. He had loose, yet clean dark brown hair that flowed down to his neck as his encompassing beard pointed outward at mid length. His shining grey eyes were narrowed in stern focus, and his mouth was closed shut. He was garbed in majestic robes of the purest white that was lined and embroidered with shining gold, which was partially covered by a long, flowing red cape. Atop his head was a solid golden crown encrusted with diamonds.
Lining the walls were knights of considerable height, all covered head to toe in sparkling silver armor wielding shields and halberds. They remained vigilant and unmoving from their positions.
Moments passed, and footsteps echoed from the golden double doors.
As he sat upon his throne, King Hollyn Arvol focused his watchful eyes even deeper upon the sight before him. A near grin came to his face as he was able to identify the in coming figure.
From afar, Prince Cedric made his way towards the throne in a steady march with restraint on his face. Eventually, he found himself mere feet from the steps that led up to the throne and halted abruptly in steady attention with his head lowered, and his hands clenched tightly.
“My son Cedric, I have heard you have performed eloquently in this day’s courtship ceremony. The other lords have spoke many praises of your prudence and have acknowledged your worthiness as heir. The heads of your prospective fiancés have also expressed their deepest gratitude for your show of chivalry and consideration, and look forward to your decision. For this, I am truly proud.” King Hollyn announced.
Prince Cedric’s head lowered further. His fists tightened as they shook ever so slightly.
“I am quite grateful to hear you are pleased…” he replied in a stern voice.
An eerie moment of silence passed between father and son.
“…Cedric?”
The Prince remained cool and silent, but his father could tell that he was holding back his frustration.
King Hollyn averted his eyes and observed his loyal knights present in the room. He slowly rose one arm and thrust it outward.
“My most honored knights. I order you to leave at once. This matter concerns only the two of us.” He announced.
The silver-clad knights banged the bottom of their halberds in unison. Then, after they all took once step forward, they turned towards the door in a coordinated fashion and marched obediently out of the room.
A few minutes later, the Prince and King were finally left alone.
Prince Cedric immediately fixed his eyes right at his father with cross eyes.
“Cedric, I’m afraid I do not understand… you have been given many praises for your performance today, yet before me you are grudgingly displeased. What is it that upsets you so?” King Hollyn asked in concern.
“…I wasted my time and effort on a pointless ceremony. Of course I’m upset, Father…” Cedric answered bitterly.
King Hollyn look dismayed to hear his son’s disgust.
“Cedric, my son… I thought we had finally reached an understanding about this ceremony’s significance.” King Hollyn said.
Cedric nodded. “I understand clearly that meaningless tradition and flaunting elegant pride takes top priority over refining true qualities of leadership.” He retorted.
“Cedric!” King Hollyn roared .
His body trembled in fury as he faced his son’s insolence, but it immediately dispersed and instead increased the tension between them.
“This act of courtship, established in the first golden age of this kingdom, is an honored tradition initiated for the purpose of ensuring the future of the royal bloodline. It is dire that the heir’s spouse be secured as early as possible; however, the time in the wake of our tradition has shown us the faults in hasting engagement. You should feel grateful that you’ve been offered this free choice among the finest of candidates in the land.” King Hollyn explained.
“… and what exactly am I to look for in these fine candidates?” Prince Cedric asked.
“You are to observe which among them befits the role of your future bride; a worthy Queen of Arvol.” King Hollyn scoffed in a matter-of-fact tone.
“I have took those words into deep consideration, yet all I saw before me were three young ladies.” Cedric replied in an unfeeling tone.
King Hollyn remained silent as Prince Cedric advanced ever so slightly.
“Tell me Father: Was I to have a natural reaction when I meet that ideal Queen? Where the heavens supposed to open up as I lay eyes upon her? Because, unfortunately, I felt no such thing for any of them.” He confessed shamelessly.
King Hollyn’s body trembled again momentarily.
“Cedric… you are being far too stubborn and impatient for your own good.” He warned.
“Perhaps it is you who are being too impatient.” Cedric retorted. “I held my frustration and exercised humility as I went through with this courtship to understand its meaning, yet I felt no more moved than how I was before your lecture. I expressed my deepest grace and kindness towards those three young ladies, yet I felt no affection nor worth that could I recognize for a future Queen of Arvol. I felt like nothing more than a judge of some petty contest.”
King Hollyn remained silent at his son’s blatant objection.
“All three held beauty and admirable grace, but there was nothing else that I could observe. It was like trying to choose between three flowers... beautiful as they are, making such a decision between them will matter little in the end. It would be an insult to decide on such shallow basis.” He finished.
King Hollyn nodded as he remained firm and composed.
“I see… you still understand little about the duties as heir.” King Hollyn uttered aloud.
He then exhaled a long, deep breath as Cedric watched with wary eyes.
“So, then. As the first in line to the throne of the Arvol Kingdom, what is it you earnestly believe to be the most important attribute of a king? What skills do you feel could have been refined in place of diplomacy?” he asked.
Prince Cedric looked more resolute than ever has he raised his head with a fire in his eyes.
“A true king must posses strength to lead, inspire, and above all protect his people!” he cried.
Prince Cedric then unsheathed a short sword at his side and held it before him proudly.
“The way of the sword is my life, Father. You’ve seen that clearly more than any other. Instead of that… I could have become stronger… I could have improved my swordsmanship… I could have better sympathized with those I would consider comrades in the battlefield, yet…”
Cedric withheld his further enthusiasm and lowered his sword.
“Your drive is admiral, but you are have too narrow a view in kingship. You may not understand now, but it is imperative to understand our history and traditions despite how trying they may seem to you. All of it, especially this day of courtship, have all formed the foundation of our kingdom along with our laws! It is our royal obligation to follow through, and your proud privilege. To deny such knowledge would be heresy. I am disappointed to see a son as bright and adept as you to be so reluctant and indecisive in such a matter…” King Hollyn lectured.
Immediately, Cedric stomped the floor in fury.
“DID THE VALUE OF “TRADITION” YOU PRIDE YOURSELF SO MUCH IN SAVE MOTHER?!” he shouted in full fury.
At that moment, a cold chill ran down the spines of both Father and Son.
By appearance alone, King Hollyn managed to retain his composure, while Cedric shook violently.
The mad Prince’s eyes were wide open as his teeth grit unnervingly. More than anything, it was a sense of fear and pain that overwhelmed him instead of anger.
Not too long after, Prince Cedric regained himself as grief and humility bled through his heart.
“…. I… I’m sorry, I…. that was very inappropriate of me. I…”
“There is need to apologize, Cedric. Even for one who should retain integrity at all costs… such loss is still unbearable. I can bear no resentment towards your ill feelings…” King Hollyn told him.
Cedric shook his head slowly, but said nothing afterwards.
An awkward silence passed between the two for a very long time. Both had very contemplative looks, yet it was Cedric who looked more trouble.
Eventually, the distraught Prince turned away.
“… Please excuse me. I need to clear my head.” Cedric spoke in a rational voice.
King Hollyn nodded. “Very well, then. You may be excused.”
With that said, Cedric took one reluctant step away from his father. He paused briefly with a look of mixed emotions on his face , and then finally left the throne room.
As he was left to dwell in the throne room by his lonesome self, King Hollyn turned his head to the side with a solemn gaze.
“I pray one day… that Cedric may find peace.” he said to himself.
 Chicken Yuki · Fri Apr 06, 2007 @ 09:48am · 2 Comments |
