Corporali Ministers

Nicholas was surprised to find that his wing of the palace was quite large. Aside from his chambers, all of his ministers lived here as well.

There were also areas for entertaining guests, training, research, and the Corporali mages even had their own infirmary in his wing. What stunned him the most was the size of the library and the connecting office where he was set to meet his ministers.

By the time he and Dion arrived, everyone had already gathered. It was unacceptable to have a prince wait for his subjects, that much Nicholas understood.

He sat on a throne-like chair behind a large oak table that seemed to be centuries old. He looked at the ministers before glancing at Dion.

"Do you want to explain, or should I?" He bit his lowlip as he realized his words came out harsher and colder than he had intended.

Dion and the ministers on the other hand did not show any signs of shock or indifference due to how he had spoken. It was as if Nicholas was naturally this cold and distant to everyone around him.

"I shall do it, your highness." Dion said with a slight bow as he stood next to the prince.

Nicholas simply nodded in reply as he kept his attention on the ministers, his mind was focused on trying to figure out how he truly acted around these people.

"As you all know, his highness was sick for at least a week." Dion began as the ministers nodded in acknowledgement. "The truth is, the prince was not sick, instead he was sent to another realm by a Vale Mage."

Audible gasps were heard throughout the room as the ministers began to whisper among themselves.

It annoyed Nicholas, so he raised his hand, silencing them.

He lowered his hand, but he was still in deep thought as to how he knew what to do in order to make them keep quiet. He didn't like it when they interrupted Dion, nor did he like them gossiping among themselves.

"Vale mages are extinct, I know, but somehow someone has managed to get one and sent the prince to the other realm." Dion announced as soon as he had the opportunity to do so.

"I just returned." Nicholas announced. "I was in that world for thirty years, or at least thirty years in their time. I'm not exactly sure how it worked there."

"But you are well now, your highness?" Connor asked.

"I will not lie to you, most of my memories have not returned." Nicholas confessed, the ministers started to eye him cautiously, unsure of what to say or do next.

"The prince is slowly regaining his memory, but he might still need help." Dion added.

Nicholas observed the ministers and noticed a small plump woman hesitate. It was as if she wanted to say something but was unsure.

"You, what's your name?" He asked, calling the woman out.

She was shocked to hear the prince address her, she glanced at Dion who simply nodded and encouraged her to speak.

"Glynda, your highness." The woman's voice was shaky, she was nervous about something.

"You have something to say?" Nicholas asked.

"Um. . .I think. . . well, if your highness would consider. . . " Glynda stumbled on her words as she searched for the right ones to say.

"What? Consider what?" Nicholas drummed his fingers impatiently on the desk as he leaned forward and looked the woman directly in the eyes.

"Relax, Glynda, he's still the same Nicholas, he's just missing his memories." Dion tried his best to calm the woman and to get her to continue speaking.

"That's what I'm worried about, but he seems darker, more dangerous." Connor's comment made Nicholas' gaze snap towards him, his eyes questioning what Connor meant.

"We'll explain later." Glynda finally spoke up more confidently. "Your highness, maybe your memories can be helped with some Corporali magic? Maybe your brain suffered some damage, and maybe we can heal it."

Nicholas glanced at Dion who took a step back due to the intensity of Nicholas' gaze. He could feel as his temper was building, Dion should have known about this option or should have tried it from the start.

"Why didn't you think of that?" Nicholas asked in a flat tone as he gripped the armrests of his chair.

"I didn't think it would work, your highness. Since the cause was a Vale Mage's magic." Dion nervously explained.

"Let's try that option, Glynda." Nicholas calmed down a bit and crossed his arms on his chest.

"We will need time to prepare, your highness. We can make an attempt tomorrow." Glynda suggested, to which Nicholas simply nodded.

"Why don't I introduce everyone to you?" Dion gestured for Connor to stand up and approach.

Connor stood in front of Nicholas and gave him a low bow.

"This is Connor, he is actually one of your teachers. He taught you to use Corporali magic when you first arrived at the palace and recognized your power. He is also responsible for hiding it." Dion explained to Nicholas.

"I'm sorry I don't remember you." Nicholas frowned, feeling guilty for treating his teacher badly. "I didn't mean to offend you."

To his surprise, Connor laughed at his apology.

"You've never been respectful or kind, your highness." Connor admitted to Nicholas. "I don't blame you, when the world and even your own family has not been kind, what reason do you have to be?"

Nicholas nodded, unsure of what to say in reply.

"We should sit down with Connor later, maybe he can help you with your magic. Also I think a few history lessons may be needed." Dion suggested, to which Nicholas simply nodded in approval.

Connor sat back down as Glynda stood up and approached Nicholas. She too did the same gesture as Connor as she bowed before Prince Nicholas.

"Of course, Glynda, well, she is sort-of another teacher to you. She taught you how to read and how to write. She also took care of you after Lady Liira's death." Dion's words made Nicholas go pale. This woman was a second mother to him and just moments ago he had been so rude.

"Before you apologize, your highness, you never treated me like a mother. The way you acted earlier was how it had always been. That's why part of me was questioning if you had truly lost your memories." Glynda said in a small but confident tone.

Dion waved another man over, this one seemed to be only a little bit older than Nicholas, then a name flashed in his mind.

"Thomas." Everyone was surprised when Nicholas mentioned the man's name.

"I thought you said he forgot everything." Thomas laughed as he pointed at Nicholas.

He's my best friend, the only one among my ministers that can manage my rage. He also understands the pain, he lost someone the same way I lost my mother and uncle Glenn.

"I know you." Nicholas pointed at Thomas.

"Do I need to introduce myself, your highness?" Thomas asked in a mocking bow, making Nicholas laugh.

"Of course not." Nicholas waved Thomas off and made a mental note to speak to his friend later. Maybe Thomas would be able to help him jog his memories.

Another man, this time one that seemed old and aging approached as he gave a deep bow just like the others.

"This is Master Leeroy." Dion introduced the old man. Nicholas could sense from his tone and his actions that Dion respected this man greatly.

"Master Leeroy served the previous Corporali Prince, your uncle and predecessor. He helps us mostly with matters of state especially when it comes to negotiations between the Corprali Clan and the King." Nicholas nodded at his introduction and even gave the old man a smile.

"I see the Prince truly still retains his old persona." Master Leeroy teased making Nicholas raise a questioning eyebrow as he leaned forward to listen to what the old man had to say.

"His highness has always placed you on a pedestal Master Leeroy." Dion chuckled as the old man nodded and returned to his seat.

The last to approach was a middle aged man, he seemed more like a warrior than a healer mage. He was the tallest and well built in the group, his eyes were the same Corporali white and gray, but his hair was blonde, making him stand out among the group.

The man bowed as well before Dion introduced him.

"This is Regan, he is your Master of Arms and your Head Guard." Nicholas observed the large man as he gave him a nod, he knew that Regan was not a man for many words.

"Regina should be introduced to her prince as well." Regan said in a deep rough voice.

"Call her over." Nicholas answered, much to Dion's surprise, making him smile.