Chapter 14: The prince

"It's almost been two weeks since it happened!" Magnus' voice erupted in the silent study making the mages flinch with every word. Yet that damn old man didn't even weaver, his eyes unreadable starting back at him.

He made a few steps silenced by the wool thick carpet until he was close enough to put his wrinkly hands on the desk behind which the prince stood and bend over as to whisper to him. "The moment is not opportune, your highness. We must find the culprits who tried to harm our liege. Isn't that the most important?" The high chancellor's rugged voice was calm and collected.

His calmness only angered Magnus who could not take it anymore and answered between clenched teeth. "You mean the ones who did harm me," he lied convincingly. "Or did those buffoons give me an incorrect evaluation?" He moved his head to gesticulate toward the trembling mages. "Or maybe you think losing the ability to use spirit presents no harm to me or the land?"

"Of course not. Nothing pains me more than what happened and therefore we must bring the culprits to answer for their deeds," the chancellor's conviction sounded real to the unknowing ears, but those who knew him well could hear more.

Magnus had known him his entire life. The High Chancellor had always been an ambitious man and took pride in working for the royal family, hoping to one day have his name written in history books as one of the most loyal persons to the crown.

There had been a time when he hoped the old man would be like a father figure for him like he was to the king. His love and devotion to the latter was renowned throughout the kingdom of Thrakia as he took part in his education from a young age. Yet Magnus' father never really needed him to take more than the role of a teacher and advisor as he had his own parents, the old king and queen, who loved their son dearly.

The old queen died before she could see her grandson and the prince could barely remember the old king, not his voice nor what he looked like, but he remembered his love, his gentle touch and calming voice. The world was not fair to deprive such a young child from the only fatherly love he would ever know. King Augustus died when his grandchild was only six, but Magnus still remembered his last words.

"Wherever this life will get you, my boy, remember who you are. You are the blood of the kings who ruled these lands for more than a thousand years, the flesh God chose for the next ruler and, most importantly, you are my grandchild. You are made to rule and I hope you will find joy and comfort in your life." The hoarse sickly voice sounded so proud that Magnus was his grandchild, that the boy remembered those words every time he felt down.

His grandfather was a great man and it was understandable that the young chancellor was astonished to be called to the royal palace to become an advertiser. And his loyalty to the current king didn't come as a surprise to anyone as he helped raise the sovereign. Yet its loyalty stopped there, not extending to the prince who needed it more than those before him.

The worst part was that he became colder after the egg was found. The High Chancellor was never more than a teacher to Magnus and he respected him as the heir to the throne. But after the king announced that a dragon egg was found, the old man often opposed the prince, claiming it was the king's orders.

The fact that there was no progress in finding out the culprit and he wasn't allowed to lead the investigations were highly irritating. "How is the interrogation going? Any news?

"I'm afraid not, You Highness. There are no more leads, and our only choice is to find the maid who has gone missing," the chancellor replied.

"I see," Magnus sat in the chair behind him, still looking at the old man, studying him. Time had changed him, turning his once brown hair white, wrinkling and staining his skin. It even made him shorter. Or it might have been the prince who grew taller. One thing, though, even time did not change, the ambitious spark in his eyes.

"Chancellor, I have marked the start of the autumn harvest festival since I was a boy of ten and I don't intend to stop now. Whenever the culprits are caught, they will pay for what they did. Until then, I have a duty to this realm, and I intend to hold it," the prince's low voice reverberated in the room.

The High Chancellor pursed his lips as if he was scolding a young child. "Your majesty could be in danger, unprotected now that the ability to use spirit is gone. It is the king's command to stay between the safety of the castle walls and I beg your highness to be understanding of the situation."

'The king's command', Magnus thought bitterly. The past few weeks had always been the king's command whenever the two men clashed and every time, the prince lost. His hands tighten on the chair's armrests so hard he couldn't feel them any longer.

"Then may I know who will take my place? Or is it also the king's command to leave me in the dark?" he asked spitefully.

The chancellor did not even blink at the anger in his liege's voice. "It has not been decided yet. Most likely one of the five nobles who are currently residing inside the castle. I'm sure any of them will be honoured to take such a task."

Most of them would definitely be. If Daemon was to be chosen, it gladdened the prince, but he had a feeling they wouldn't want to bring such joy to him. Lady Cecilia was just as a good choice as his cousin as she was fair and sweet, loved by both the nobles and the commoners. Even Markus would do well despite his impulsive attitude. Anybody but that lover boy Allan.

Lady Ivalyn was sure not to even be a choice, considering the chancellor's hatred towards the Everglow family. The question was if the king would ignore this hatred and make her his choice.

A knock interrupted the prince's thoughts and Rosy's voice could be heard from behind the door. "Your highness, Lord Daemon has arrived."

"Inform him I'll be there in a minute," he responded and waited until the maid could not be heard anymore to continue addressing the men in the room. "If you'll excuse me now, gentlemen, I have prior engagements. I bid you goodbye."

Magnus stood up and passed them to leave the study when the chancellor's voice stopped his steps before reaching the door. "I'm sorry for my impertinence, but where is your highness going with Lord Daemon?"

Despite the question irritating the prince, he took joy in the fact that the old man didn't know about their plans. "We are going to have tea in the garden. And probably something stronger to calm my nerves. Or is that not allowed either?" he asked dryly.

"Of course, your highness. I wish you a pleasant time then," the chancellor answers.

Without saying anything more, Magnus left the study, shoving the door a little too hard and leaving the men alone to see themselves out.