Chapter 11: Sun and Moon

Alther paced around the foyer, waiting for Charlotte's carriage to arrive. When she'd left a week ago, Alther was admittedly somewhat nervous. It would be the first time Charlotte would be absent from Vasilvael since she'd arrived, and Alther had no idea how his family would behave in her absence.

He was sure the queen would continue to reproach or ignore him, and the king was far too busy trying to keep the people appeased. Ashton, however, might not want to spend time with him without the princess. Alther's worries were unnecessary though, as Ashton showed up every day with an activity for the two of them to do, and as they spent time together it was as if nothing had changed since they were younger.

"There's going to be a hole in the floor with all your pacing," Ashton joked, his own impatience presenting itself in the form of a bouncing leg.

Alther opened his mouth to retort when the clip clop of a horse silenced him. Both boys raced outside, hardly able to contain their excitement until the king and queen spotted them and they quickly slowed to a dignified gait. The carriage slowed as it drew closer and Ashton walked towards the door, ready to help the princess down the moment the coachman opened it.

As Charlotte stepped out, Alther couldn't help but think she looked beautiful. Like the sun, her presence cast light on everything around her. Even the servants seemed pleased to see her and bask in her warmth. But as more people rushed to help Charlotte get settled in Alther decided he preferred sunsets. When he got to be alone with the princess he didn't have to share her light with anyone else.

If Ashton could read his brother's mind in that moment he would silently disagree, for to him Charlotte reminded him of the moon. She was shy and hid her light most of the time, but when she unashamedly let it out she was breathtaking. Whenever he saw her shining, Ashton would admire her from afar, worried that if he pointed it out she'd hide away again.

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It didn't take Charlotte long to fall back into her routine in Vasilvael. She'd have breakfast in her room as Aria read out her schedule for the day. Afterwords she'd run off to lessons, where she'd remain until lunch time. After lunch with the royal family, she and the two princes would get to spend time together (usually in the gardens) until the evening, when they'd all return to their rooms to work on anything their tutors had assigned. Once her extra work was finished, Charlotte would have a little time to paint before bedtime.

Many months passed in this manner, and Alther's birthday came and went without much fanfare. Ashton had the cooks prepare him his favorite meal and a cake to celebrate. After eating, Aspro, Ashton, and Charlotte handed Alther his gifts and the rest of the day proceeded as normal. The king quietly arrived later to give his own present to his youngest, but Queen Haven never acknowledged the celebration.

When Charlotte's birthday came up, however, the queen was the first to bring it up. During lunch one day, Queen Haven entered the dining hall with a letter in her hand.

"Charlotte, I've just received a letter from your mother. She wants to come celebrate your birthday here with us and as such I've invited your family to stay the whole week. After all, it's an excellent way to strengthen our alliance with Harthington." The queen turned towards Alther. "I expect everyone to behave in a manner befitting royalty. Everything must be perfect for our guests."

As the castle staff ran around preparing everything for the royal visit, the queen would walk around making sure everything was perfect. The wizards were instructed to stay out of sight as much as possible. She later cornered Alther and in no uncertain terms warned him not to use any magic. If it was somehow brought up that he was a wizard he was to change the subject. If asked to perform he would decline and return to his room.

After a while, Alther nodded. Now was not an appropriate time to irritate his mother.