Two years after Prince Heiko witnessed the death of his father during the 91st Battle of Tyton, and subsequently, the defeat of his kingdom, he was sent to the gates of the victor, armed with nothing but empty words and a command from his elder brother to form a treaty of peace. 

Two years after General Celestino Adesso released the arrow that felled the great king of Simo, he is presented with the youngest of his sons. Though barely a man at seventeen summers, the prince was far from wet behind the ears. In fact, his tactful yet brazen form of statecraft vaulted him far beyond his years. Coupled with his draconian mannerisms, and a knack for callous pleasure, it was only a matter of time before Celestino caught a whiff of something sinister. 

But Prince Heiko was no fool. He was betting heavily on that sharp nose. He wanted a sense of dubiety to gnaw at the general. He needed to create mistrust in his elder brother in order to build credence in himself. Because he knew of Celestino Adesso, and of the illustrious king he served. He knew they wouldn't trust him over his elder brother any more than they would trust a raincloud to bring sun. He knew that to those men, he wasn't honorable, and because of that, he was forced to play the games he was known for. The ones that conspired in the dead of night, the ones that spoke no words but shifted kingdoms. The ones that could obtain the allegiance of General Celestino. Little did the young prince know, however, allegiance was not all he would obtain. But no matter how much Heiko wanted to offer the man what he desired, he could not - not while bound to the gods. 

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{A/N: Possible errors, you know the drill by now. Also, I know I left you on a cliff hanger, but what about a plot twist...? Wink wink. 


"My intention was not to ask Master Herleva for information on this topic in a duplicitous way, father." 


That was certainly her Uncle Alfred's influence on her that made Princess Hanah stand to defend the librarian. 


"It was only that I knew you were preparing to travel once more, and Uncle Alfie is currently on the training field." 


"My dear," the king smiled, pushing himself from the doorjamb and crossing towards them. "I am not angry. How could I ever feel anything but pride in a such a clever child? You are my greatest accomplishment." 


It did not surprise Master Herleva as much as she thought it would, when she realized the authenticity of that statement. The king was speaking nothing but the truth, and he believed in it fully. 


Dulcet and Duplicitous - Part 2