Chapter Ten
The sun cast its warm rays upon the palace gardens, where Prince Eryx, youthful and determined, engaged in a spirited sparring match with Lady Tara. Their swords clashed, the metallic ring echoing through the air as they danced across the manicured lawn. The prince, his blue eyes flashing with determination, parried Lady Tara's swift thrusts, but she proved to be a formidable opponent.
Lady Tara, her raven tresses tied back in a neat braid, wore a fitted white shirt, breeches, and a pair of worn leather gloves. Her sword arm moved with deadly precision, her movements economical and efficient. Prince Eryx, clad in similar attire, his blond hair tousled from the exertion, stumbled backward as Lady Tara pressed her advantage.
With a final, triumphant cry, Lady Tara knocked the prince's sword from his hand and pinned him to the ground, her blade poised at his throat. Prince Eryx grinned, impressed despite himself.
"Well done, Lady Tara!" he exclaimed, as she offered him a hand up.
Just as the prince dusted himself off and reached for his sword, a voice interrupted their sparring session.
"Lady Tara, the tigress," Lord Alistair said, his tone tinged with amusement. "Perhaps you should take it easy on Prince Eryx? We wouldn't want our future king to suffer an... untimely injury."
Prince Eryx rushed to his uncle's side, embracing him warmly.
"Uncle Alistair, Lady Tara is being careful! I want to learn the skills perfectly before my next birthday. I've asked for a fencing match with the strongest soldier as my birthday present."
Lord Alistair chuckled, ruffling his nephew's hair.
"Ah, my dear nephew, always so ambitious, eager to prove to the Drakmarites that you are capable of ruling them. A fine quality, no doubt, but you're still too young for such feats. Though I daresay, no one would dare question your capabilities with me by your side. However, I suggest you take a break. You're not going to beat Lady Tara on an empty stomach, after all."
Eryx flashed a mischievous grin. "I'll rest after I win the next round, Uncle. I'll not be outdone!"
Lord Alistair laughed heartily and waved a hand toward the distant servants. With the flick of his fingers, two maids appeared in an instant, ready to attend to their master
"Prepare a meal for the prince – milk, fish, eggs, and some vegetables," Lord Alistair started to instruct, but Prince Eryx cut in, "Oh, and Uncle, make it two plates, please. Lady Tara will join me. Just omit the fish from her plate, and add more vegetables and some apples instead."
The maid bowed and departed, leaving the trio to stroll toward the palace.
As they walked, Lord Alistair turned to his nephew with a warm smile.
"Eryx, you always were one for details. I'm impressed. You'll make a fine king one day. Just remember to eat your fish, too – it's good for strong bones and muscles, and it'll keep your reflexes sharp for sparring and fencing."
"Uncle, I heard that Marinia was attacked by some soldiers. Are you aware of this? Is it Drakmara soldiers?"
At the question, Lord Alistair's eyes flickered with something unreadable, but his expression remained neutral, his mind was racing. How did Prince Eryx find out about the attack on Marinia? He distinctly remembered instructing the soldiers to keep the matter quiet.
"What? Attacks? On Marinia? When and how did you hear?" Lord Alistair asked, feigning surprise.
The prince shrugged, his blue eyes clouded with doubt. "Rumors, I guessed."
Lord Alistair's gaze shifted to Lady Tara, his eyes narrowing slightly as he suspected she might be the source of the prince's information. Lady Tara met his gaze calmly, her expression serene.
"You're the future king of great Drakmara," Lord Alistair began, his tone measured. "You shouldn't dwell on rumors, my prince. That's not the quality of a great ruler. Though you're still young, you should bear that in mind."
He turned to Lady Tara, his voice taking on a slightly stern tone.
"And you, Lady Tara, are a young lady of the House of Everly. You shouldn't spread unsubstantiated rumors. I know your father, Lord Everly, didn't teach you to indulge in idle gossip."
Lady Tara's cheeks flushed slightly, but she remained silent, her eyes cast downward. Prince Eryx looked at her, concern etched on his face.
"Uncle, I didn't mean to cause any trouble," Prince Eryx said, his voice apologetic. "I just heard some whispers among the servants, and I thought it was strange."
Lord Alistair's expression softened, and he placed a hand on his nephew's shoulder.
"I know, Eryx. You're curious, and that's good. But sometimes, it's better to verify information before acting on it. Let's focus on your training and leave the rumors for now."
As Lord Alistair finished his reprimand, Lady Tara's eyes flashed with a hint of defiance, but she wisely chose to hold her tongue. Prince Eryx, however, looked thoughtful, his brow furrowed in concern.
"Uncle, I understand what you're saying, but what if the rumors are true?" Prince Eryx asked, his voice measured. "Shouldn't we investigate and find out what really happened?"
Lord Alistair's expression turned stern, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I've told you, Eryx, we can't afford to indulge in unfounded rumors.
But Prince Eryx's curiosity was piqued, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that his uncle was hiding something. He glanced at Lady Tara, who seemed to sense his unease and gave him a subtle nod of encouragement.
"I understand, Uncle," Prince Eryx said, his tone respectful but firm. "But I'd like to learn more about Marinia and what's happening there. Can I at least speak with someone who's been there recently?"
Lord Alistair's face darkened, his jaw clenched in frustration. He knew he couldn't keep the truth from his nephew forever, but he needed to stall for time.
"I'll see what I can arrange, Eryx," Lord Alistair said finally, his voice gruff. "But for now, let's have your meal first. We can discuss this further later."