HIS NAME VIKINGS: 2

"Flowers, instrumentals, food... I need the place to be flourishing before evening." I heard the lady of the house state. Her voice was quite tensed, and I so much did not understand the reason behind. My door opened and one of the guards entered and stated, "Your grace, the viscount has requested for you." And with that, I woke from my lay, put on some slippers, and left the room. I had removed my high waist half coat and was just left with the white khaki shirt, with upright collars shoved onto my neck. Everyone's eyes was directed at me as I went down the stairs. Honestly, I was scared and nervous to have a negative impact in consideration to my appearance in this place, especially knowing that the previous night I had tried to sneak out of the building. As I was rethinking of my wishes and hates, I was directed to the outside of the building by the guards. Of course, I thought the Vikings was working but maybe I was wrong. He was then, quite different from father, who always woke up for work and slept working; how tiresome and appealing indeed. He was seated in some far-end chair, curved in some lion curvatures. The arm chair was whitely furnished, but it seemed not to have been tended to for a long period of time. On my view, he stood and started walking towards me, as one of his guards took hold of his drink. "I see you have just woken." He stated, to which I nodded in approval. He just scanned me a little and then stated, "Would you mind walking around the place, or do you wish to have your breakfast?" Father always taught me that when a man offered an adventure and food scenario, adventure was the best suit despite how growling the stomach could be, for not many got the chance of spending time with busy nobles, and I so replied, "I'd love to be introduced and escorted to the lands of the viscount." Hearing me call him a viscount made his face sadden, and again as fast, masked that look and he stated, "How about calling me uncle? Or father, or any word as you wish when we are together? I am not used to being regarded by surnames and royalties when it comes to adventures." With that, I just smiled and stated, "Of course, uncle." And with that, he set the way and we started walking through the paths that guided towards his lands. He had quite lots of wealth, and I could see various workers on the schemes raising their eyes to analyze me. After a lengthy trip on some of his lands, he started, "I did not expect you to be this grown." And with those words, I felt the need to ask him one question. And of course I asked, "I am quite confused about my coming here, (pause) and my stay." He just laughed and looked at me, and stated, "Why? Is this place nostalgic?" I realized my statement, and I so much retaliated to adjust my words, "No. I love the place. You have very welcoming sounds, and the weather is so much flourishing to my liking. I'd love to spend as much time as possible in your lands. Well, my confusion is, Father stated that this place held answers to my questions, but I am drifting into darkness each day." The man just smiled, and after taking a deep breath and someone indulging into deep thoughts, he spoke, "I will answer all of your questions. But for now, my yearn, is for you to fit in in this new world. Today we host a ball, to celebrate the great season of harvest, marriage and children. In addition, London's eligible bachelors and spinsters will so much love to take part in bonding and luckily, some will find their best suits for a suitor." After the words, I perfectly understood the reason why the viscontess was nervous and reprimanding every maid and worker in the house: the house needed to be flourishing. Of course, Father hosted many dance balls in the past, but he never let us engage in them, like dancing and everything; he just made me watch, and I, most times made myself busy with playing the piano, with which to my amusements, the attendants enjoyed my rhythms. Father always wanted my first ball to be in another house, another place; However, I never thought, it would be far away from town. Seeing the Viscount watching me, I just slightly nodded, of course I had forgotten his statements, but I needed to show him, as much amount respect as possible. He was a viscount. We started heading back to his castle, When he said, "You are not much of a speaker." I quite understood, his reasons for the statement. I did not engage in any talks unless one spoke to me and I saw stated, "I don't know. I hope my quietness does not discomfort you." He just shook his head, and we continued walking steadily when he cleared his throat and authoritatively spoke, "I have asked the best fashion designer to prepare your appropriate wears for the night. Today, you will dress like a viscount, just like your brother, my son William." I did not say a word. I was so used to being told what to wear and what not to wear for different occasions, so this was no match, and I so agreed, "As you wish, my lord... Oh, sorry, uncle." The place was quite serene. It had green pastures, fields full of all types of crops, and in addition, the grass and flowers surrounding the house were well maintained. We entered the great house, and inside the living room, which was still being decorated with all sorts of flowers, that dictated, some sort of event was to be showcased. After our walk, the viscount entered his study or office. I was therefore, left alone and lacking something to do, when I saw the viscount's son approaching towards me and alleged, "Hello, Willock. Father has never taken a walk with anyone for a long time. I'm happy he can stretch his legs with you." Hearing those words, I did not know if it was a compliment, jealousy, or happiness, but either way, I just stated, "Kind of him to offer me his time." He did not state another word when the lady of the house stated, "William, would you have Willock take his breakfast?" It was already late; the sun was steady shining, almost to the center of the sky, but either way, I followed the viscount's son, who seemed to walk me outside the house, and to the verandah's we sat, on certain chairs, which had presumably been placed for us and he started speaking as one of the maidens served us some tea. "My name is William." I just nodded, trying to sip on the hot tea poured in front of me, and he continued, "Father has always told us stories about the duke's son, that is you." To that, I just smiled; I was still trying to figure out things about him. He was quite my age, I was sure, but we had quite different physiques. Today, his hair was neatly kept backwards, and his eyes were not blue like mine. He had short, stunted fingers, and his nails were short in comparison to my long, slender fingers. I was a little taller than him, but I didn't miss the fact that I was quite slim. Of course, my father never let me eat a lot; my diet was always checked, and he always made me practice morning runs and push-ups since childhood; maybe that's what made my stomach expose muscles. He always worked me out; at first I hated it, but I got used to it. That's why I feel awkward today, for I haven't had my morning run nor exercised. I realized the viscount's son was looking at me when I stated, "My apologies for zoning out, ehh. I am quite amazed by the fact the viscount spoke much about me." He just smiled and continued, "He said that you are our cousin, and we should treat you with respect on your arrival." Now this was the moment when all my attention turned to him, William. "What do you mean?" He just chuckled under his breath and stated, "Your father never told you? You used to. Oh, wait, my apologies; I thought you would so much remember us. I guess I was wrong." With that, he just stood and left me alone, not understanding what had just happened. As I had said, I was not used to people showing me emotions that I never understood. Emotions were the source of a man's downfall, father always told me, and since I did not understand the disrespect shown to me by the viscount's son, I just stood and walked towards the house, for I knew no one and I had no one to speak to. At home, I was always the one starting speeches, even with the most difficult person, but this place felt different. I had not carried any of my books, for I thought it was an adventure, and adventures never needed books. But this was starting to be hard, and I somehow felt like leaving, but it would feel disrespectful—for the viscount, especially, who had welcomed me with so much warmth and passion; or maybe this is what father meant by a new land. It was certainly new.

"Your grace! Your grace!" I was woken by some voice, and I steadily opened my eyes. When she stated, "My lord has stated that you freshen and wear these clothes, Afterwards, go meet with the family downstairs, for the party is set to begin." I checked outside and realized it was already darkening. Evening had reached, and I had done nothing for the day—not even helping with anything, not doing my exercise, just eating and sleeping. I hated days when I wasn't productive; it always made me feel like a failure, but this was not the time to embrace my sorrows for my slumbers, and so I arose and went to take a bath. Afterward, two men entered to help me with my clothes. The clothes were quite different from what I was used to wearing, but seeing my reflection, I could say I looked stunning. One of the hairdressers came and started working on my hair and shaving my beard, in case I had any, but I had none other than the small hairs above my mouth, which were after, left cleanly shaved. Today, my hair was well kept, well flourished, and slightly shaped toward the left side of my forehead, while the rest of it lay perfectly round on my head. I had never made such a style, for the duke, Father, always preferred my hair well-kept and neatly combed backwards. "You are fine-looking, your grace." I just inwardly laughed at that when they opened the door for me to leave. The viscount called on me, and we all, as a family, went in front of the entrance to wait for visitors. One after another they came, and each wore perfectly, to gracefully embrace the traditions of England. I loved dances, and today I was excited to make my first dance. But my father always told me dances were not meant for just anyone but for those who wished to marry, but today I just wanted to showcase my dancing skills; I was already tired of sitting behind a piano watching others dance.

Everyone was quite enjoying the night when a carriage with white horses entered the gates, and I saw everyone walk out to watch individuals who had come. It was his majesty, I presumed. There were three different carriages, each with guards, who at the same time opened the doors for the royals inside. The men, his sons indeed, wore some long red coats that were quite designedly round-edged at the knee and followed black boots, while underneath the white trousers were seen. Of all the people in this place, they shoved elegance and class higher than anyone else. Next were the princesses. Father had told me that princes and princesses had their alliances and partners dictated on their birth days or during their youth, but this seemed not to be the case, for why would his highness let the people see and maybe dance with his flourishing flowers? I watched the ladies, elegantly, with their white gloves on and their white socks which perfectly aligned with the black lady shoes they wore. I was scanning again, and with the word, I certainly stopped when his highness and her highness, together with his family of five, came in front, and we all bowed in respect. When the viscount stated, "Pleasure to have you, your highness, I hope the debutants can finish up their race to secure a noble bachelor." The king did not say a word when his eyes lingered towards us, scanning each and every person, and his eyes stopped onto my presence. I had never set eyes on him or even thought of ever meeting his highness. Father always came to visit him here in London, and I don't recall him ever coming to set eyes to our lands. And he stated, "His lordship never told me he had another son." Everyone set eyes on me, and for the first time, I had no idea what to say when the viscount stated, "No. You got it wrong, your highness. He is the son of his grace, the duke." And again, everyone looked at me, scanning my outfit, when the viscount continued, "Wearing like a marquee would make him (pause) uncomfortable, your highness." His highness nodded in approval when he looked at me and stated, "And what's your name, son?" I watched him, looking for the perfect words to say, "Vikings, your highness." Father always warned me against using my first name. He always told me first names were not fancy or something. His highness just seemed to listen to the words and asked the viscount for an entrance, which he was given. I was the last to follow the congregation, and music was set to begin as his highness sat to observe on the high chair next to the viscount and on his left, her highness. Dances had started, and each bachelor was setting eyes, and requesting the ladies, with whom pleased them for the honors of a dance. I could also see William, also setting his eyes as if to choose the best lady in the house. For men, dances were different; we would have all kinds of fun with the ladies, but on the last dance, those who never wished to marry were supposed to leave the stage for the debutants and eligible bachelors to sign their chance of securing a lifelong partner. That, I knew. I was standing far away at the corner of the front door when my eyes caught the attention of one of the princesses. She wore of course the white dresses and some sort of hairpin or curb, I don't know, which was attached to a net that covered some parts of her forehead. She seemed to have rejected all the men who wanted to dance, something that was not acceptable. A lady was not supposed to reject a dance, therefore, my mind thought, or maybe she wanted the men to wait. Watching her, I first looked at my dress code, hoping it would appease her. 'I wish I wore like a duke' my thoughts screamed, but I still look good. Who wouldn't be drawn by my perfectly handsome face and beautiful charms? Remembering my father's words on how to ask for a dance, I walked straight to her, and for the moment, I felt even the loudest music stop, my heartbeat race and my throat dry, lacking the words. All eyes were on me, I felt. As I wanted to speak, someone said, "Can I have this dance, your highness?" It was William. Disappointment, I'd say. Father always taught me that rejection and defeat were the worst failures of a man but his biggest strengths. But when William stated that, I saw no point in talking when the princess looked at me. For the first time, my eyes were drawn to a woman, with perfect compressions and perfect eyes, I was flattered by her sights when she softly stated, "His lordship, seems to have something." I knew she was referring to me, but stealing a woman from a man, was the last thing my ego would ever do, even on allegiance of death. And I so just altered, "My apologies." And with that, I walked out of the ballroom; the first dance I so much wished for had been ruined. Father never taught me that asking a woman for a dance would be a fight scene; he just said it was the best feeling ever, but this was truly worse. In addition, he taught me never to back out of a fighting scene but this, I couldn't. Outside, was however, colder than usual, so I just decided to walk inside the house, maybe head, and command the piano man to just give me the chance to play the instrument, with which I spent all my years practicing and showcasing in most of the ball dance parties. Walking inside, I saw the king adamantly observe my each and every step; the princess was already dancing with William, and I so headed directly to where the musicals were set, "Hi, can I help you with the instruments?" The gentleman seemed to ignore my quest, and so I asked firmly but in a low voice, "Can I help you, please, sir? I have been taught how to do it." Before he responded, the viscontess came to me and stated, "Hello, his Vikings. I haven't seen you dance. You should pick someone to dance with; I believe this is the first ball you are allowed to dance at, and it would sadden many not to see your eloquent moves." I did not say anything but just walked over to an almost central place. William had stopped dancing with the princess, and they seemed busy talking about things. I wanted to dance with that lady, I admit, but she seemed occupied. Her sisters were seated comfortably, and she alone felt the urge to mingle, and so, to keep myself busy, I decided to showcase my speaking skills to the gentlemen, the princes'. "Hello gentlemen, enjoying the night?" They all, three of them, turned their heads to observe me, and one of them stated, "You must be the duke's son. Vikings. Right?" I just nodded to that. Conversations started, and we suddenly formed bonds with each other. They told me about their lives as princes and how much they loved things but couldn't do them, among other bluffs. When the sister with whom I wished to dance approached them, she said, "I see you've caught the eye of his grace brothers." She stated this, which made all of them laugh. Seeing her near, made me imagine how much I would have loved to make my first dance with her, but I, being optimistic, I concluded maybe this, was not the set date for my first dance. Father had always taught me that my first ballroom dance should be with one I am attracted to, and honestly, none in the room appeased me as she. The brothers suddenly left to dance with other ladies, and I was left with the princess when I decided to state, "It seems you caught the eye of the viscount's son." She just smiled at that. Her smile was perfect, teeth white and perfectly set on her dentals. Her face was clear, white and carried no rash nor any scar; she made my heart flatter with just one look when she quantified, "It seems the viscount is not the only one on the lines of admiration." And with that, I aloof my gaze from her; she was beautiful; maybe she deserved to be fought for, and I so replied, "You can flatter yourself as much, your highness." She just smiled to that. Her eyes were no different from mine, an ocean blue, and her nose was thin and perfectly placed at the middle of her face when she uttered, "Isn't it impolite to scan a lady, your grace?" As she altered those words, I remembered how much my father had scolded me when I tried to befriend the baron's daughter with my talks, back at home. I felt I had tarnished my father's name in the highest ranks, and I so quietly and fearfully stated, "My apologies; I excuse myself." And with that, I left the ballroom and sat in the chair outside that I had found the viscount seated in earlier in the morning. Her words still lingering in my mind. I felt ashamed for my acts for the first time. Even the nighttime stars and the far-sighted moon could not aid on my scolds that exploded on my mind.