Armor Queen

The castle glowed in the morning sun. An orange shine glisten the grey silver bricks. The castle casts a large shadow on the town of Rante behind it. The town is bordered by a tall wall with guards patrolling in shifts. The wall has four watch towers on the four corners of the wall. On the east side there is a long forest with a river connecting to the west continent. Rante is situated in the north of the continent connecting to Amanecer to the east, Argenti to the south and Vai in the East. In the middle stands the Empire which is created by the alliance of the surrounding kingdoms.

The Empire has a strange tradition. A successor from the other three kingdoms can challenge the heir to the High throne and become the next successor. Due to this the Princes of different countries travel out of their countries comfort to fulfill the requirements of challenging the High Prince of the Empire. It has been a long time but none of the other princes of the three castles are able to defeat the high princes born from the empire since the second ruler. The Princes from the empire on the other hand are labeled as the strongest and the most cunning opponents they are rumored to even stare down their opponent in the ring.

They are made to train hard at a very young age.

The Empire hardly seen war due to the strong bond in-between the kingdoms under it. The kingdom of Rante makes the least contribution for the war in the Empire; rather it contributes in agriculture and commerce. As a prince Louis Leopold was once a well known leader of his squad one of the strongest warriors in the batch. However he lost to the current Ruler of the Empire in the challenge and settled on ruling Rante instead. He married his first wife Queen Arrosa he only daughter of the Duke Pritelli of the house Monique. They were blessed with a son Nicholas Leopold. The Queen unfortunately was of weak health, the birth of the prince was full of complications. She got weaker and weaker in the following years. When the Prince was only three years old the Queen left their world. Heartbroken King Louis hugged his son tight as he bid farewell to his beloved Queen in the middle of the night.

The king married again this time to another daughter of the house of Monique. He grudgingly accepted the proposal at the continuous nagging of his ministers. "The kingdom needs a Queen your majesty." They shouted in the throne room." This time the Queen was a distant niece of the Duke from the house of Monique Regina. At the age of five Prince Nicholas left Rante with a small group of his own soldiers. The prince grew up to be silent and calculative. He bowed to his father and left for his journey. The young child had a hidden sorrow look in his eyes. He felt abandoned by his father. The new Queen was not a loving mother but she took care of her duties as a Queen but she still failed to get close to the King and the Prince. She is avoided till it is necessary for her to be present in their presence. To her the King felt like someone who is cold and made of stone. She found it hard to believe that her cousin was happily married to this person. "Maybe her death made him as such." She thought starring at the large portrait of the previous Queen on the wall. The previous Queen had a smile on her face with tenderness in her eyes. Regina sighed and walked away from the long of Portraits. This wall has the portraits of Queens of the past of Rante on the opposite side was the portrait of the kings. The walls are draped with golden color drapes around each portrait. The floor had golden carpet till the end of the large hallway. She motioned to her ladies in waiting to follow her. She went through the list of the daily agenda in her mind while heading to her office. There will be a convoys coming from one of the neighboring continent for a proposal for a trading pass in the Empire.

The next few days the castle was really busy from the Queen side to the King. People run with papers and flowers, new decorations are added around the castle to new menus being created. The kitchen became a place of chaos. The head chef was used to one type of recipe he had to change it another. He was getting pissed with all the changes around him. "This is going to make a lot of work for my workers." He thought being irritated while whisking the dough in his mixing bowl. All around him were bulks of ingredients to be stored and some early prepared, sauces needed to be created and stored. His temper went worse bit by bit a frown built up on his face and roughly put down the bowl on the table with a bang sound. "How can one person handle all this pressure by himself?" He put two hands on his hips and looked around his chaotic kitchen. "But we still cannot give up now can we head chef?" came a voice behind him. He turned back, his body shook he quickly bend down and bowed for the Queen. Everyone else in the kitchen followed his example. "Your highness, please forgive my words I was just ...." Regina did not look pissed or troubled by the recent outburst of the chef. "I know you are having trouble and it is a very small time for us to prepare everything. But we need to manage the situation somehow."

The Chef stood up and kept his head down somehow it did not completely satisfy him. Regina surveyed the whole kitchen. 'It is a mess and at this rate nothing will be done properly we need someone to guide it.' She thought looking at her ladies in waiting. She thought of using Maria standing at the end but it also bothered her that she might hurt the Chefs pride. She took a seat in the table, 'It might be hard but I need to make truce.' "Maria, please take notes." Maria quickly moved forward taking out her pen she stood beside Regina. The kitchen workers all stood at the side looking at the queen. They whispered hiding their mouth. "What will she do now?" Regina ignored the whispers behind her and asked the Chef to take a seat on the other side of the table. His assistants came to stand behind him. "I am sorry this is hard for you but if we assess the situation we might get a solution to this. Please tell me all the problems and requirements one by one. The mood in the kitchen came down a bit. Some smiled with relief others looked a bit shocked as if not expecting this from the Royals.

The next hour the Regina listened to the complaints of the kitchen staff. She asked Maria to note down some of the points and suggested some of her own solutions. Some were agreed but others took a long time, she took a long time and finally they were able to come up with a system. She breathed out a bit. "I will shift some of the hands from the main hall to you temporarily I hope that will help for now. The rest please wait for a bit. I will ask for the extra ingredients they will get delivered by tomorrow." Maria took this chance to point out, "My lady this might hamper the budget a bit." Regina nodded her head, "Let us try to get as much as possible we will find a solution to that in the office." The dismissal and her eyes gave a sign not to discuss about it in the present company. Maria quickly stepped back, "Yes, My Queen." The Queen left the kitchen with her ladies and walked back to her room. She settled down on the big sofa. "Please make us all tea and some refreshments." She looked at one of her ladies who bowed and walked out of the room. She motioned others to settle down in front of her. Maria still looked troubled and reviewed the notes, 'she must be looking at how to decrease the budget." Regina smiled at her, "Maria as I said for now let us use all that is given. If required we will take some from the personal account." Her ladies were shocked to hear her words, "My Lady but you will need that for the rest of the year." Regina closed her eyes and leaned back, "Let us not think about it now. I want to count on the plan first. We might be able to avoid the crisis." The ladies were unaware of the fact that the butler of the palace was close to the open window beside them.

He listened to their conversation and walked away without making a sound. He made his way to a room. It was a library; the King was standing in front of a bookshelf and looking at a scroll in his hand. He announced his presence, "You highness I have the report for today." He bowed low and waited for the King to give his permission. Louis continued to look at the scroll in his hand. "What new news you have for me?" The butler tried not to look at the Kings face. He kept his head and stood up still keeping his head a little bowed down." Nothing is out of place Sir. Only there was a chaos handled by the Queen today." Louis looked directly at his Butler his gaze could make anyone weak in their feet. This time it was the same it made his butler weak to his knees. "Nothing unusual you say. She did not try to contact anyone outside the castle?" He shook his head still keeping his head down. "No your Majesty, the Queen just performs her daily duties and walks back to her quarters." Louis looked at him with a sharp eye one more time and dismissed him. "Continue with your surveillance if there is anything that seems out of place report to me."

He quickly left the room. It is as if that is the only way to survive with his life. "You became a really cold hearted one Louis." A figure came out of the secret passage way from the corner shelf grinning. Louis put his chin on his right hand, "The rebels are increasing day by day why I do not have any news about the place from where it starts, Svero?" Svero is one of the special knights of Rante; their job is to survey the town for hidden crimes around the country. "You have to give me some time your majesty it is getting hard to find the inkling. However the house of Monique did have some connections." "The Queen does not seem to do anything suspicious no external exchange has been done." Louis looked at the scroll again. It was found with one of the maids serving the Queen. He walked towards the table and stood close, "Are you sure this was a good idea to survey the Queen she might be innocent after all." Louis stood up from his desk and stood in front of the window behind his desk the view of the Queens garden was totally visible. He frowned while looking towards it. "Keep observing their movements if the Queen is innocent there will be clues." "Understood" Svero quickly bowed and left using the same passage way he took to enter the office.

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The envoy arrived early in the morning they were adorned in white attire. They were escorted by the general Lupin and his soldiers. They are accompanying the envoy from the border. The town's people came out to see the foreigners walk past like a parade. They cheered and welcomed the guests with flowers. They slowly rode their horses to the castle gates. In front of the gate King Louis stood beside Queen Regina to welcome them. They were escorted to their temporary abode. When the guests left to their rooms it gave the Queen chance to leave the place and check if the food is in order. Regina rushed to the dining hall after excusing herself. She walked elegantly till she was out of sight and broke into a run. Maria ran behind her lifting her skirt. Even though they were wearing heels the Queen ran really fast it made her maids struggle to keep up with her. This was a talent Regina had she could run as if her body is light as feather. She called out to Maria panting and a bit far away from her. "Everything is on schedule right? We will not be having any delays I hope." "Everything... is as scheduled..... Your Highness." Maria almost screamed panting behind her. 'Why does she break into a run like this out of nowhere?' she thought desperately sweating. The rest of the day went very hectic for the Queen and her ladies; however they somehow managed to end the day without any mistake.

Regina leaned back on the sofa all exhausted. She dismissed all her ladies in waiting. 'Day one done I hope the week goes by well this time.' She thought closing her eyes. A knock came on her door. One of the maids entered. "Your Highness I came to help you change. Would you like me to draw a warm bath? You look really exhausted. She looked at the maid and sat up straight. "Yes please that would be helpful." She sighed and took off her shoes. Her feet throbbing with all the running she did. She rubbed her feet as the maids bought in the tub for washing and draws the screen for privacy. Regina let the maids change her to a light chemise. She walked to the tub and settled down on the tub. The warm water made her close her eyes. Stress built up on her shoulders making her feel stiff. She starred at the ceiling, 'Should I go for a walk tonight?'

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A week later

The envoy left the castle with a proposal which made the King more stressed. There were attacks in the mid road of the traders. They wished to get more security from the Empire. Rante is not a war active country. Louis was thinking of getting more help from the alliance. He felt exhausted with the ongoing meetings in the last few days. The sky is dark with the full moon in the sky. It is bright enough to have a dim view around the castle. His country is getting attacked from various areas. Some of the nobles are not happy with his decisions. Louis walked towards the window with a sigh holding his right shoulder it is getting stiff. He noticed a figure waking in the Queens garden. It was not clear enough to see who it is but he can see that it is a female slowly walking towards the fountain area. His curiosity made him turn around and quickly made his way to the garden. She looked very familiar from the behind.

Louis quickly made his way to the fountain. There she was Regina sitting on the marble corner of the fountain. She quickly stood up and bowed in greetings to the King. He walked a few steps closer to her. "Do you often come here this late?" his eyes looked at her unfocused. Regina looked towards his eyes, "Yes, Your Majesty." The formality in her voice made him feel uncomfortable. He walked away from her and went close to the fountain. He took a glance at Regina she is looking a bit cold in the night wind. "It is late why there is no escort with you?" Regina panicked looking at his face. 'Will he get angry and punish anyone?' she quickly thought of an excuse. "I wanted a little time on my own thus I left without informing anyone. Please do not punish anyone for me mistake."

He looked at her for sometime the night wind made her shiver while she held her shawl tight around her shoulder. "It is not safe for a Queen to roam around without an escort even around here it can be dangerous." Louis came closer to her, "Let me walk you back." This made Regina feel shy. She quickly threw away her dazed face replacing it with a smile and followed him. She walked a few steps back in fear of making any mistakes. The walk back to her chambers went away too fast making her disappointed she wanted to spend more time with him. She sighed in front of the double door and bowed to him, "Thank you for escorting me back your highness." Her maid quickly came out of the room and bowed towards both of them. Louis nodded back he walked away without a word. Regina somehow bought courage in her and asked out loud. "I know it is late but would his highness like to come in for a cup of tea?" He stopped walking and turned around. "It is late My Queen." She felt disappointed and looked down at the floor. "Perhaps tomorrow we can arrange for an afternoon tea." He quickly walked away without giving her any chance to reply. Regina looked at the place where he walked away for a long time. His words kept replaying in her ears she was too shocked to even hear her maid calling her twice. "My lady, are you alright?" she waved her hand in front of the Queen looking worried.

Regina smiled at her, "I am Fine, I was just distracted for a while." She looked back again at the place where he was standing. "Let us retire for today; it was a nice night to walk in the garden."

The sky is no longer blue it was light grayish the clouds are gathering close to each other. It might rain soon. The road to home is very far away. There are bare mountains behind him. He took a big gulp of water from his water bag and wiped his mouth with the back of his left hand. He wore a hooded s brown color cloak which hid his features from anyone. 'How many years has it been he left Rante?' The rider looked back at his accompanying riders. Two of them are his close friends they are returning with him. He looked forward again soon they will meet up the soldiers in the border.

He wondered who has been sent to escort him. 'Is everything the same back home? Or did it change?' His last memory of his home was when he left the place with teary eyes. He wanted to hide his tears to show he is brave enough to leave the place. His father did not break down he stood there as a stone without emotions. Part of him wished that he would pick him up and hug him another time or stop him from leaving the place, but none of it happened. He let his tears fall when they passed through the gate. This thought made him look at his horse standing beside him. He patted the horse's neck. "Are you ready boy? We are almost there." He looked back at Aldrich and Ciaran nodding that he is ready to ride. The sky found this moment to make give a small thunder sound.

Aldrich rode close to him, "The sky does not look good. Do you wish to delay or?" Nicholas shook his head while starring at the sky it is slowly getting darker, "We ride fast we will make it before it falls." Ciaran laughed, "As you say My Prince. But you know I am still a bit hungry you don't mind if we grab a bite to eat in the town first?" He came closer to Nicholas who did not give any answer to the question just a sigh and pulled the reign of his horse. He left his friends behind who joined him riding close to him a little close behind. He looked back a bit to check if they are close enough. They were right behind him. 'Why did this two headache stick with me?' he thought pissed. Even in the camp Aldrich was the first approached him first to seat beside him in the lunch table. Ciaran on the other hand started stalking him after he defeated him in the first match.

Aldrich was from the villages of Argenti training to be a knight. Ciaran was from the Capital city in the Empires state. Being the fourth son in his family with no hope being the heir to his family he went forward to become one of the knights. He was doing pretty good until Nicholas defeated him. This made him decide he will protect this Prince and follow him wherever he goes.

The border drew closer and closer the sky became darker shade of grey the sky was not going to let them arrive the castle on time. 'Tch we have to stop at the inn for a while.' Nicholas thought as they approach their first stop. They looked at the grey border wall surrounding Rante. It looked darker almost black due to the sky. Fortunately they reached the main gate before the rain fell. They quickly took out the pass and show it to the guard. The captain quickly got down from the horse and bowed to his prince. The rain decided to fall at this moment with a lot of sounds. It seemed as if it will not stop for a long time. The wind was getting stronger as time went by. They decided it was best for the rain to stop first before continuing to the castle. They took refuge in an inn close to the gate area. Nicholas dismissed the idea of taking up lodges in a lavish area. He wanted to avoid spectators as much as possible though he suspected that there might have been more people in the streets if not for the rain. The news of his arrival day was sent earlier but the timing was kept hidden. He walked in the front wooden door followed by Aldrich and Ciaran. It was packed with people some like them was waiting for the rain to stop. Most of the guests in the dining hall carried symbolic swords or belts. The matron of the inn quickly came over and directed them to an empty table. "Are you travelers Sir? So what can I get for you?"

Ciaran looked excited at her words he ordered a big meal. When she turned away to bring the food he looked at Nicholas, "You are paying right?"

After around an hour of heavy fall the rain stopped pouring. The clouds left the sky with a clear blue view. The roads still wet from the rain with small puddles present here and there. Everyone was getting back to their business the side road in the bazaar is opening up their windows to sell their products. A group of horses passed by the bazaar the pace is light walk. They were escorted by a group of knights and surrounding them. People came out to see who it is but the riders wore hoods and kept themselves out of view. The procession slowly went on until it left the town and its people behind. The large castle door was opened to let the riders in. The castle has its own border wall. Inside this border wall the ground with soldiers waiting to welcome them. They stood half bowed to welcome their Prince. At the end of the line of soldiers stood Sir Pedrell he bowed low, "Welcome home your highness. The King is waiting for you in the throne room." He motioned for Aldrich and Ciaran to be escorted in the guest quarters.

Nicholas followed Pedrell he removed his hood and breathed in the castle air. It seemed to bring back childhood memories. He wanted to smile but it was quickly replaced with a slight seriousness when he came in front of the throne room he was greeted with the bows of the ministers and dukes stood up and bowed for the Prince. The king was sitting on his throne his posture seemed different for Nicholas, beside him sat his Queen Regina she had a kind smile on her face. He quickly kneeled and bowed before the throne uttering his greetings. Louis looked at his son for a moment in front of his eyes came a vision of the small child with light blond hair like his first wife stood in front of him with curious eyes instead of the grown up version of him. His heart almost skipped a beat when the vision vanished and an older version of the Prince brought him back to the present. He is still there in front of him still kneeling. Louis stood up from his throne and slowly walked down the three steps close to him. He stood in front of his son, "Arise Prince."

Nicholas stood up slowly as soon as he stood up he could see his father's eyes a kind soft look was present then the cold distant look from the past. He did not have enough time to register this look as the king raised his arms and engulfed him into a hug. This gave him a surprise he looked at Regina standing a few feet away she had a smile on her face. "It is good to see you back and well my son." Louis released him to look at his face still holding him at an arm's length. Nicholas finally woke up from his shocked and smiled at his father. "Thank you Your Majesty." Louis felt a little disappointed at his son addressing him with formally, but was impressed with his reply. He nodded with acknowledgement. "You and I have much to talk about." He patted his son's right shoulder and let him go to stand beside him. "Today's meeting ends here we will continue later." He excused himself guiding his son through the side entrance. Sir Pedrell and Queen Regina followed them accompanied by two of his knights. They walked to the open hallway it lead to the kings own office. At the entrance to the office the Queen excused herself to give some time to the father and son. She joined her ladies maids who were waiting for her. In the office as usual Sir Svero was present he quickly stood up from the couch and bowed in greeting his look changed from what Nicholas remembered. He grew a beard and mustache with his red hair. His eyes still held the fire from the past and sported a grin, "Welcome back your highness. It is good to see you after such a long time." Nicholas nodded in greeting with a smile. Louis motioned everyone to settle down on the comfort chairs he took a single chair at the end. It was cushioned seats cream and golden color in décor.

He called the butler to bring some refreshments and looked back at his son who was sitting on his right. "Now tell me everything that you have seen in the past year." Nicholas was taken aback by his father's request he looked around both Sir Pedrell and Sir Svero was looking at him with a smile and grin curious to listen to his words. His father is surprising him again and again today. His emotions were getting jumbled; however it made him a little happy on the other hand. He could not wait to get back and boast about it to Aldrich and Ciaran. He looked down to the floor feeling a little embarrassed at his child like thoughts while smiling to himself thinking, ' Where should I start from?' ***********************************

So far everything today went out of track. Nicholas was having a strangest but one of his better days. He was escorted back to his room by the butler. "Your highness will be assigned a knight for you by tomorrow do you have anyone you wish to choose nominate Sir?" He looked a little flustered he must be new to this place Nicholas thought looking at the person escorting him to his room, "No but I would like to see the candidates for myself." His voice came out deep and distracted. The room had two guards in front who bowed as soon as they approach. The door was opened to a room full of nostalgia. The room was kept almost similar to how he left it. He imagined himself running around the room or sitting with his mother with a piece of cake in front of him. "Your highness is something amiss?" He looked around while walking inside the room and stopped sudden rush of memories came to his head. "It is alright Fredrich" he said smiling to the butler with almost all his hair white in the years. 'Only the people changed in this castle everything else seems the same.' He thought looking around. "I would like to wash before lunch." He informed opening his coat. "Please inform my guests that I will meet them in the afternoon." He was left alone for a while. His gaze kept moving towards the window. He walked towards the window in the small sitting table. He kept a hand on the chair a sweet light wind greeted him. Two pink and red shaded petals came through the large open window. They twisted themselves in circle they lost the wind power to drop on the table. He put his right hand beside the table fearing the fact his large hands would crush the petals the petals caught his curiosity. A knock came on the door. The staff brought the tub for his wash and drew the screen. He got distracted for a while and moved to look back at the table. The petals were missing it might have left when he looked away. Nicholas took a step forward thinking to himself, 'Let's get it over with.'

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The walk was feeling awkward there was just not one step there were two more feet that was following him. It made him feel a bit uncomfortable. The knight assigned to him was a man of few words but it still made him feel an insecure he kept glancing back after every few minutes. He rubbed his neck for a bit feeling embarrassed at his behavior it has been a long time since he acted like a prince. Today's session included attending morning session then lunch with the ministers. He got a little bit off time before lunch. The session went on for a long it seems there is still a faction of protestors and they are backed by a few of the high factions who fell from favor. The situation might get dangerous soon. He came to a stop in front of the open field. The total view behind the castle could be seen. He is feeling jealous of Aldrich and Ciaran they both went for a ride. Nicholas would rather go for a ride than listen to the sessions. He looked around surveying the whole place. A scene made him look back again.

A small girl ran past him wearing a flower crown to the rose garden. Behind her two more ladies ran to catch up to her. "Your highness please does not run so fast you will fall down." They briefly stopped to bow down in front of him and excuse themselves the next running after the young girl. He quickly nodded in acknowledgement. The little girl quickly disappeared through the gate. He is reminded of a letter sent to him bearing the news of the birth of his sister. "Is that..." he looked at the face of his knight to help him with the confirmation. His knight smiled, "Yes your highness that was Princess Rosaline de Monique." Nicholas nodded and walked towards the garden. His is curious to find out more about the young princess. It took him a while to find her sitting in front of the white rose flower bed laughing with her ladies looking at one of the white rose. It was almost the size of half her face. Beside her four roses are kept. He slowly approached her careful not to make any sound. "Do you like it princess?" The young child looked back at her; she looked so small as if she could fit in the palm of his hand. She looked at him with a curious eye. "Who are you?" Her ladies tried to inform her but Nicholas held up a hand to stop them. Her eyes went up and down observing him, trying to guess his identity. He smiled and kneeled down to bow in front of her. "Forgive me for my late introduction princess I am Nicholas Leopold." Her eyes changed into excitement she quickly turned around to pick up the white roses beside her and held them out. "This is for you big brother." His cheek went red and could not help smiling at her cute gesture. For a moment he kept starring at her. "You don't like white roses?" she looked away from him to the roses. Nicholas thought he made a really big mistake he wanted to say something to stop the misunderstanding, but the little princess did not wait for any replies she quickly moved away giving the flowers to one of maids standing close by and ran really fast behind her maids ran trying to keep up, "Your highness please stop running. Why does she keep on doing that?" Behind them the prince looked at the place they were standing he could not believe what he just saw. 'Did she feel sadden by my silence that she ran away?' He felt that he must clear the misunderstanding quickly He got up to follow her but in the next moment the princess came back with a smile on her face, she held three red roses in her hand. "Here do you like red roses?" Nicholas looked past behind her as far as he remembered it is quite a long distance to the red rose bed in the garden. Her maids were just catching up to her they are panting. "Do you not like this one? Should I bring another color?" the princesses was looking at her hands and waiting to make another run for it. He quickly took the flowers in her hand to stop her, "No no I love them they are beautiful." Rosaline moved away and quickly took the white roses and bought it too him. "Then I will give them all to you." Nicholas could not figure out what to say to this he just looked at the flowers. The princess looked as if she achieved something great she grinned really big. He smiled at her expression this was a nice surprise for him.

The princess had to leave the garden soon for her study session. Nicholas also left for his lunch meeting. A corner of his heart whinnied to follow the little princess and spent more time with her. He laughed at his thoughts. "Rafael, take these flowers to my room." He passed the roses to his knight who bowed and left to join the lunch table. The room where he walked in was a long table with the King sat at the end. The ministers sat on their respective places. He walked in and bowed to everyone directing to the King first giving his greetings. He settled down but the smile did not leave his face. His thoughts were still focused on the little child. The food was served one by one. "My Prince what do you think?" Nicholas looked up to see others are looking at him. He mentally slapped his head it was stupid of him not to notice what the elders were discussing about. He racked his brains to find an excuse to avoid the question. "I am sorry but I do not think I have the right to pass my judgment about the situation without knowing the full context of the situation." He was scared to look at his father but somehow he managed to look with the corner of his eyes. To his surprise King Louis did not look angry or disappointed he smiled at him.

"Your Highness, Prince Nicholas is indeed wise in his decision." Nicholas looked at the person who spoke out. It was Duke Pritelli of the house Monique. He was smiling as well. The duke looked exhausted and aged. His hair was more white then black. King Louis nodded in agreement, "However Nicholas I want you to look through this matter." He motioned Fredrich close to him, "Fredrich will guide you through this case. I still want to hear your feedback in this situation. The western side is getting attacks, the town's people need a calming assurance there is a festival soon."

Nicholas mentally slapped himself again, 'Why was he distracted?' He made a mental note to involve Aldrich and Ciaran in his problems. 'I should not be the only one suffering.' The problem still made him worry a bit. Attacks from the border side meant it is quiet close to Argenti. He has to keep the diplomatic issue in check. The rest of the lunch went well will random discussion of trying to find solution to political issues. Nicholas tried to keep himself out of the discussions as much as possible but he kept focused in case he does not fall in the same situation. One thought still kept playing in his head. His home changed from it was before. Changes can be good. But other times a small change can be a fatal mistake for a kingdom.

A year passed since the last events followed. Nicholas is more engaged with the affairs in the field. His time is full of surveying the towns at night and paper works in the morning. The ministers he could see is not satisfied with the way things work in the castle. One thing he could not agree with the King is the lack of strength in the militia. The military strength is weaker than the neighboring countries. If they were not in alliance with them it is possible for them to invade Rante and conquer it. Which is what Nicholas is concerned about.

Since the traders and the border villages outside the wall is getting looted by bandits. They deployed guards in sessions which did lessen up the attacks but it was still a problem to be solved. On the other hand he is suspecting so high class families are funding this from the back. It was proving hard to find who it is.

Nicholas crumpled the paper in his hand standing in front of the door of the store house. The room inside was a mess. The dark wooden floor was broken in the middle to find a hollow place at the bottom. He was pissed off to find what was hidden or imprisoned under the floor. Small children were found as prisoners to be sold as slaves. "To think we would find a case of kid trafficking and main culprit is nowhere to be found." Ciaran walked and stood behind him looking at the small kids being slowly lifted from there. "What about the one we caught?" Nicholas asked looking around the room there was nothing out of ordinary except for a wooden table and some chairs which lay down toppled on the floor. His friends shook his head in disappointment, "He and his wife is just a keeper they were kept in the dark about the whole condition. The only thing they did was provide meals once a day and pass on the kids in the carriages." "Still to think they would do all these without feeling even a little bit remorse." Aldrich walked in the room; he looked really disgusted about the situation. "These kids match the description of the lost children report a total of twelve kids are found but the rest is still missing there is a high possibility that they are already sold." Nicholas walked out to look at the face of the two people captured they were kept bent down on the ground. The children were put on the carriage. "Find out all you can find and make sure these children find their way home."

Aldrich nodded in agreement, "And what about the orphans or the sold kids?" This made the prince look up to his face for confirmation he could not believe what he heard. "There are some children who are sold for money and some are kidnapped orphans." Nicholas looked the carriage for a moment some of the passersby are gathered around to check what is happening here. He sighed shaking his head, "Bring them to the castle first then we will decide." Aldrich walked close to his horse, "Will the king be alright with this decision? We can always ask the temple to look after them." Nicholas changed his mind and decided to bring the children to the temple first they looked famished. I will ask the Queen to handle it." His friend smiled at him then rode away with a group of soldiers escorting him. "Even though we rescued the children it is still a filed mission. They claim it was a man hooded and masked who passed the coins to keep the kids here. I doubt it is the instigator himself or herself." Ciaran said looking at the owners of the store house.

"Keep looking for anything we can find. I will report back to the King."Nicholas climbed up to his horse to ride back. He is already late for the annual meeting with the ministers. He blew out a sigh of relief while riding back to his home with his two knights riding behind him. He was glad Ciaran and Aldrich decided to stay with him in Rante to be his knights. He could rely on their support on different places. What bothered him is the main mastermind behind all these stunts is still hidden out their waiting for the right moment to start his black market business again. 'Where are they getting the fund for all these?' he thought gritting his teeth.

He rode back to the castle as fast as hid horse can carry him. Anger is building up in him. He expected to catch the main perpetrator this time but he ended up uncovering another case. He is feeling furious on the fact that he did not get enough report to get any inkling of this. He felt like a failure, the last time he felt like this was the first day in the camp. He pulled the reign to stop in front of the castle. He gave the reigns to the stable boy to take care of his horse. "Brother!" Nicholas barely had time to turn around and opened his arms to catch her. The little princess came running and jumped towards him. She gave her bright laugh looking at him. He patted her head while holding her in his arms. Her maids finally caught up to her panting they bowed down to the prince first, "My lady please do not run you might hurt yourself." Rosaline looked at them to her brother he gave a grin trying to hide herself. Nicholas pulled cheek, "So you have been running away again. Is it time for your lessons now?" She looked away from her brothers face, "I just saw brother and came out to greet you." She tried to hide her face moving it out of his sight. In the past few months Rosaline became more attached to him. He patted her head while carrying her inside. Lecturing her how important it is to learn the lessons. She pouted her lips fussing. "But they are so boring I feel sleepy. I want to spend more time with you." Nicholas tried to hide his laughter from her.

"All princesses should learn their lessons or else they would not get desserts with their lunch." Queen Regina walked towards them followed by her ladies. She smiled at her mischievous daughter. Rosaline got down and quickly ran towards her mother hugging her. "Good princesses do not run away from their tasks you should go finish your lessons first Rosaline." She was taken away by her maids with an almost sad face but she waved her hand bye towards both of them with a smile. "I am sorry for the trouble she causes you Prince Nicholas." He shook his head quickly in denial, "She is no trouble at all. Rather she makes me happy with her smile." "Will you be joining us today in lunch you have been really bust these days." Regina inquired hoping for a positive answer. "I am sorry your highness I have to leave for an inspection after reporting to father." Nicholas stood straight with a reply. She looked disappointed in his answer, "I wish you would at least join us for tea in the evening Rosaline would love to have you with us." "I would try to be present on time your Highness." He bowed to her before excusing himself. He still felt a little bit uncomfortable with the Queen Regina. She is not a cruel Queen but she still feels like someone who is not part of his family. What astonished him is the fact that Rosaline on the other hand made a place in his heart for her. He expected he would be distant with his new sister but the little princess runs towards him finding excuses. 'How can she run so fast?' he thought this girl has become a handful for everyone. She would start running any moment she can find. The only one who can stop her is the Queen.

He walked in front of the double door of the king's office. He heard some loud sounds coming from inside the room. It sounded like Sir Svero is complaining about something. He waited for it to die down first but it was not so he lifted his hand and knocked on the door. Fredrich opened the door to let him in. He bowed first to his father and greeted others in the room. Duke Pritelli was also present in the office. He was holding a wooden box. Nicholas sight went for the box for once but the next he dismissed it from his mind and reported the whole incident. "They dared to kidnap even children in Rante." The king looked thoughtful instead of furious. He had the anger in his face but it did not stay for long rather he went to thinking about something else. "Svero I need you men to go for the night watch again." Sir Svero sighed, "I do not get enough rest even when I am promoted." She groaned while walking out of the office. Nicholas took this chance as an initiative, "Your Highness we need to increase the patrol more on the border side it is becoming hard to manage the situation." The king nodded his head but he still seemed to be in thoughts. "We need to increase the recruitment then Your Highness we are lacking in soldiers in the border." Duke Pritelli spoke out with a smile. "We cannot keep on relying on Sir Svero all the time." Louis nodded in agreement with this suggestion. Nicholas I want you to personally inspect the new recruitments and promotions." *********************

A little head peaked from behind the red settee in the Ruby room. It was part of the Queens palace a small tea table was arranged in the middle. The maids bought trays of snacks and placed them one by one on the table. The desserts sparkled glistening with honey and sugar syrup on them. Rosaline looked at the table with curiosity. Regina patted her head, "You cannot touch anything until Prince arrives alright?" Her face turned sad at the news but she put on a determined face and looked the table. It was not long before there was a knock on the door. Maria announced the Prince inside. He wore his uniform and bowed as a greeting. Rosaline ran to hug him. Nicholas picked her up with a smile. Regina looked at the prince with a smile the little teary boy from all those years back had changed into a strong man. His features matched more like the previous Queen light blond hair and green eyes. Her daughter was more like the King with dark eyes and dark hair. They look do different from her. She felt a bit jealous a little wish in her heart wanted her daughter to look more like her, but smiled warmly at their exchange of words.

The tea was served warm by Maria. Rosaline sat beside the queen taking a bite of the cake she had crumbs stuck on her cheek. "How is the new recruitment going Prince?" Regina asked while sipping on the tea herself. "It is just the beginning I want to look at their progress first." Nicholas replied looking down at her. The environment became uncomfortable for some reason. "Can I have another piece?" Rosaline smiled holding her plate. Maria quickly walked to her with a handkerchief in her hand. She erased the crumbs and gave some cookies to her. "Brother you must have some more cookies it yummy." Her cheek became full while eating the biscuits. Nicholas smiled and took a one of the cookies she was asking him to try. "The king is thinking of having a crown princess selection ball soon for you." This almost made Nicholas choke on his tea. He felt shy and red all over. Regina smiled at his innocent reaction. "I wanted to ask you first Prince Nicholas do you have anyone in mind I should invite?" A direct inquiry from the Queen like this made him blush more he did not know what to say. "I do not think it is necessary right now. I still have the trial to go to."

Regina put the empty cup down on the table. "Are you still going to participate in the heir selection event?" She hoped he would not. "It is traditional I do not expect to win but I would like to get the empires eye here. We lack supports in Rante." He looked pissed. Regina looked at him with a sigh, "His Highness wanted to keep Rante peaceful as long as possible, however the present situation is getting serious. There are rebels now in the court." She looked at the prince trying to read his expression. "They are expecting to have a powerful marriage alliance." Nicholas tried to avoid the topic, "It might be difficult at this time. I will be busy with the new recruits soon." Although he was speaking to the Queen his attention was grabbed by the little princess she enjoying the dessert and looking at the sparkling fruit on the plate. "Sometimes I wish I was the princess. She can enjoy time in her own world without any worry. She got some engagement proposals of her own a few days ago." She smiled at her daughter. "She is too young now." Nicholas had a frown on his temple. He drank the last few sips from his cup and set it aside.

Regina chuckled at his words, "His highness said the same." She moved close to Rosaline and this time cleaned her cheeks by herself. "While it is true we require a marriage alliance but I would like to keep your thoughts into consideration first." Nicholas did not reply at her words he just looked uncomfortable at the idea of marriage he did not wish to get married right now. It is true he has been getting invites from different noble houses which he managed to deny with excuses. Regina could not find any way to communicate with him more in this topic she felt the more she wanted to talk the more the prince moved away and gave shorter answer. She finally thought if giving it up to another plan, "Would you like to escort us to the rose garden Nicholas?" The sudden use of his name made him look at her. He nodded and got up to walk to the rose garden. 'A line came poking in his head it is late, is it alright to walk this late at night?' She took Rosaline in her lap and walked towards with him a few of her maids and Rafael following them a few steps away. The little princess stayed quiet for a while but as soon as they entered the gate she jumped from the Queens lap and ran inside. Behind her Maria and two other maids followed trying to stop her, "My lady please stop running you will fall." Nicholas was going to follow her but the Queen held onto his arms and shook her head. "Walk with me; I know where she is going." "She is a handful isn't she?" Nicholas asked while letting her escort him. They arrived at a white colored gazebo. It has cylindrical pillars which are surrounded by pink and red roses twisting itself to the top. The light is dim in the area. True to her words the princess was close to the gazebo looking at the red rose bush.

"This garden is her favorite she runs to the rose bushes." She led Nicholas towards the gazebo. She sat on one of the chair while Nicholas decided to stand close to the pillars his eyes are still towards the princess. Maria helped her take some of the flowers from the bush. She ran here and there looking for the rose she wanted. Finally after a few moments of running from here and there she picked out four colored roses like two red, a white and a pink. She ran to the Queen and gave it to her. She took one of the red rose and gave it to her brother. Nicholas bends down to receive the flower from her. She quickly climbed on the Queens lap and looked at the roses with sparkles in her eyes. "She loves the roses in this garden I just cannot stop her from running here." Regina looked at her daughter.

"It feels nice to be here the roses are beautiful to watch." Nicholas looked at the red rose he received from her. "She still needs to learn a lot about the etiquette of the court. I fear that she will not live up to the expectations." Nicholas put his red rose on the table and sat down on the opposite side of the Queen. "The princess is still too young. She can learn things later on." Regina smiled at him and passed the roses to her maid. She hugged the drowsy princess close so that she does not fall. "You were already in the camp at her age. I am afraid she will be too spoiled here. I fear we might regret letting her become so carefree these days." She motioned Maria to come forward and passed Rosaline to her arms. Maria walked back to the castle with her. "She will need her brother to guide her someday." Nicholas smiled at the thought, "It will be my pleasure, your highness." Regina smiled but went serious the next. "Prince Nicholas in the upcoming days you will be pursued for marriage from different houses. These might make you have fewer supporters. I wanted to approach you first to let you be ready for what is to come." Nicholas felt as if he was receiving a large warning sign. His eyes bulged up at her words the next he continued to listen to her concentrating, "However the king and I will support you in what you decide. Rante will need a crown princess soon. It will be best if you decide who to put beside you." Nicholas let out a breath he held in for a long time. He decided it is best not to argue about anything right now. "Thank you your highness."

A lot of thoughts raced into his head, he felt a headache incoming, 'and I do not have time to get into another problem.' He thought frowning. "Shall we retire for tonight?" Regina stood up and walked out of the gazebo. She stopped for a while to look back at Nicholas who came out of the gazebo behind her. He looked stressed and exhausted. 'Maybe I put him into too much pressure.' She thought worried. "You can always ask for help in here." He smiled at her he could not find any reply coming out of his mouth; he just bowed down in respect. Regina nodded and left the garden. She felt still felt that she is far from making any progress to get closer to the prince. 'Maybe I should try harder later on and Rosaline can help me with it.' She walked back to her quarters with a smile on her face thinking of new plans to get close to her stepson.