Chapter 6 #3
He noticed as he walked, responding politely to Prince Patrick’s somewhat tedious conversation, that Dust swirled faintly around them at all times.
A glance to the side showed that at least one of the prince’s guards was surreptitiously swinging a pendulum with a leather thong attached to it, and wore a look of intense concentration.
Theo had thought his kingdom progressive with the employment of a magically trained bodyguard for his sister, Princess Miriam.
But perhaps he’d been wrong. Was the use of magically trained guards in Torrens inspired by the recent attack on Miriam, or had Siqual been further behind than they realized?
There were a number of temporary stands erected for spectators at different points of the vast tournament fields.
Judging by the crowd beginning to gather in the nearest one, the first event—a foot race for commoners—would be held on the circular dirt track that had been cleared just within the festival area.
“The first day is mainly commoner events,” Prince Patrick was explaining with the serious air that seemed habitual for him. “They require less organization. But all the court events are now open for registration, so most of the court will be here today, signing up for their chosen events.”
He inclined his head, and Theo followed the direction to see two notaries sitting behind a large table.
The king’s steward hovered watchfully behind them, and a line of men dressed in the garb of noblemen was forming on the table’s other side.
The younger ones were jostling and laughing together, elated with all the excitement.
“The notaries will check their lineage documentation,” Prince Patrick explained. “But naturally your entitlement to compete has already been approved by my father directly, so please enlist at your convenience.”
“Thank you,” Theo said. “I’ll do so as soon as I’ve reviewed the schedule of events.”
Prince Patrick dipped punctiliously into a half bow, then took his leave.
Theo watched him go with private relief.
He saw no malice in the other prince, but he was thankful that Elowen wasn’t as solemn.
Honestly, the Torrenese people had some gall to gossip about Theo’s stiffness given the manner of their own crown prince.
He felt a flash of sadness at the thought of Elowen’s words about her brother, both for her sake and Patrick’s.
Much as Theo had learned from a young age that it was best not to let emotion enter into any part of his duty, at least he could be natural with his siblings in private.
He would be ashamed to show as little warmth to Miriam as Elowen received from her brother.
And as for Xavier…well, Theo usually wanted to push him off a galloping horse, but somehow that didn’t make him any less fond of the infuriating heir to their father’s throne.
Paulson shadowed him as he moved through the crowd, but he had no need of the guard’s magic craft to clear his path.
Space opened all around him as he moved, many of the eyes on him showing as much suspicion as curiosity.
Theo wasn’t surprised. It would be unrealistic to think that the proposed alliance between Torrens and Siqual would wipe away all the tension of the previous period, when all the other kingdoms of the Peninsula had suspected Torrens of involvement in the spate of unexplained attacks within their borders.
Theo took his time exploring the tournament fields, only returning to examine the lists of events once the foot races had started and the crowd around the tables had dissipated.
As he approached, he saw two figures standing off to the side behind the table, and increased his pace.
The king was unmistakable both from his bearing and the presence of his guards.
No one hindered Theo as he also moved behind the tables, and he was able to catch the end of the conversation between the king and a man Theo now recognized as the Duke of Nirocha.
“That sounds promising, Your Grace,” King Ronan was saying. “Continue that line of inquiry. I want the highest priority given to this investigation.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” The duke bent his upper body. “I’m equally eager for answers.”
“I can imagine,” the king said. “I regret the impact this dam failure will have on your holdings.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty.” The duke’s voice was heavy.
“As devastating as it is for the farmland, it’s fortunate that the mining and orchard regions weren’t affected. I trust that with judicious management, the export income will help bolster the losses from the farms.”
There was a slight pause before the duke replied. “Indeed, Your Majesty.”
The words were the same as before, but the tone was more guarded, something in the duke’s voice causing Theo to surreptitiously search his face. There was nothing to see. His scrutiny drew the other man’s attention, however, and a moment later the king turned and noticed his presence as well.
“Prince Theodore,” King Ronan said pleasantly. “Have you had opportunity to explore the tournament?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Theo said. “I was about to add my name for the main events.”
“Excellent,” the king said. He looked between the prince and the duke. “You’ve met our royal guest, I believe, Your Grace?”
“I’ve had that honor.” The duke bowed again, his manner pleasant now, if still a little solemn. “I regret that I was prevented from much conversation with you at the welcome dinner, Your Highness, and that events on my land have detained me since.”
“Not at all, Your Grace, naturally you have other matters on your mind. Please accept my sympathy for the recent disaster, and be assured of my assistance if there’s any way in which I can help.”
“You’re very gracious, Your Highness,” the duke said, with another bow. His natural and courteous manner made Theo wonder how his son could have failed so dismally to learn from his father. The duke turned to the king, bowing again. “With your permission, Your Majesty…”
“Yes, you should continue your inquiries immediately,” King Ronan agreed, dismissing the duke with a nod.
King Ronan’s court manners were also impeccable, but Theo could nevertheless see the concern on the older man’s brow as he watched the duke leave. Deciding to be frank, he turned to his future father-in-law.
“Were you discussing the dam rupture?” he asked.
The king gave the smallest of sighs as he nodded. “We were.”
“And the strange behavior of the magic when it happened?” Theo pressed boldly.
The king’s gaze traveled quickly to Theo’s face.
Theo smiled apologetically. “My guard sensed something amiss at the time, Your Majesty. And even I could observe that the magical current at the mill on the river wasn’t behaving the same on our return as on our outward journey. If we noticed, I couldn’t imagine you were unaware.”
“I am aware,” King Ronan said soberly. “But of what exactly, no one seems to know. Some concerns have been raised before now by our Craftsmen’s Guild. The duke is undertaking an investigation at my instruction.”
“He must feel a particular interest, given the impact of this disaster on his holdings.”
The king shook his head. “His appointment to the task is unrelated to that. The duchy of Nirocha has been a steady and loyal subject of the crown for as long as there’s been one, and there’s no one I’d trust more to get to the bottom of this than the duke.
Already he’s pursuing some hopeful lines of inquiry. ”
“That’s excellent news, Your Majesty,” Theo said. “I would love to be of service in the investigation. Naturally, as your ally, Siqual wishes to provide whatever support we can in ensuring the safety and prosperity of your lands.”
“I am grateful,” King Ronan said. Whatever his words, he didn’t look excited about the idea of the foreign prince involving himself in the investigation.
“There’s another matter, Your Majesty,” Theo said, sensing it was time to change the topic.
“It seems the information I received regarding wedding plans prior to my arrival may not have been accurate. I’d thought perhaps the wedding date would be set at the conclusion of the tournament, but Princess Elowen seemed reluctant to confirm that when I asked her. ”
“Don’t worry yourself with those details, Prince Theodore,” the king said in a paternal fashion. “Just enjoy the tournament, and all the celebrations in your honor. The wedding will come around quickly enough, we can discuss all those details after the tournament is complete.”
Theo frowned, unsatisfied. The king had dodged the question as neatly as his daughter had done. But why? The king was already moving smoothly away, however, so there was nothing for Theo to do but continue on his errand to sign up for his chosen events.
He’d just finished submitting his name for the archery, the maze race, and the weapons combat, when a musical voice hailed him.
“You’ve signed up for one more than is required of you. Industrious.”
Theo turned to see Elowen watching him.
“It seems you’ll have the dubious pleasure of watching me compete for your hand after all, Princess.”
She said nothing for a long moment, her face hard to read as she studied his. “Why the extra event?” she asked at last.
Theo shrugged. “I thought I’d try the maze race as well. It sounds interesting—the description promises problem-solving challenges beyond simply navigating the maze. It seems a fitting test, since for someone in our position, problem-solving abilities are often more useful than physical strength.”
She considered his words, and he felt impatient with himself for wondering if she was impressed by his sense. Why was he trying to impress her? They were already betrothed, by promise if not formally. He had no need to win her approval.
“I notice you didn’t sign up for the jousting,” Elowen said. “I had the impression you enjoyed horseback riding, and you certainly have an excellent seat.”
“Thank you.” Theo bowed, a hint of irony in the formal gesture. “I’ve always loved horses, it’s true. Honestly, that’s what puts me off jousting. I’ve seen too many horses injured in what seems to me a pointless event. Not that I mean any offense,” he added.
Again Elowen said nothing, and again her eyes studied him with a clarity of sight that threatened his steady front. She seemed to be trying to measure him with her gaze and, if he was any judge, struggling to do it to her satisfaction.
Theo didn’t know what to feel about that.