Chapter 9: title comeing soon...

             Caleb walked down the hall towards the King.  He had called for him saying, “There were important matters to discuss.” So much for seeing Lexi today. I miss her. He thought as he rounded the corner to the King’s study.

I hope this is quick. He muttered to no one as he raised his fist and knocked on the door. Then he waited.

“Come in,” Came the King’s voice.  He seemed distracted by whatever covered his desk at the moment, but he looked up and smiled at Caleb as he came closer, “How do you feel you studies are going?”

“Honestly sire? Caleb said feeling nervous.

“I would hope you would answer me honestly.” He smiled putting done his quill.

“”Well sire, terrible actually.  I fumble with the sword, my footing is all wrong, I can’t dance, I feel very behind in my studies and I doubt I will catch up, however I love riding.” Caleb concluded not looking the king in the eyes.

The King sat back sighing, Caleb was unsure if it was a good or a bad sign. “Caleb,” he said sternly “son, I believe it is time to give you this.” As he open his desk drawer and pulled out a silver chain that glinted in the fire light.  On the end of the chain was small oval shaped charm something was written on the side facing him that he couldn’t read.

“What is that your majesty.”

“This,” he said stand up and walking over to Caleb, is what every father in this family passes to his son in our family.” He unclasped the chain and put it around Caleb neck and clasped it back together.  The Chain fell about mid-chest.  “Caleb, “the king continued, “This medallion signifies that you are Tierney Ashton Kildare, my son and heir to this throne. As well as starting tomorrow night people will address you as Prince Tierney.  You will be crowned at a small gathering.  Also you do not have to address me as majesty any longer Dad in Private and father in public will suffice.”

            “Caleb was stunned. A family…me, a new name it was to much to take in at once. The King cut through his thoughts, “Tierney you need only call me dad if you want to I will allow you to call me Derrick as I have not been much a father to you.”

            Caleb nodded his response, then smiled this is what he had waited for his whole life right? He needed to talk to Lexi.

The next day Caleb sat in the courtyard waiting for her. The Sun was high and he was only a few hours away from being the crowned Prince of Aldrayas. He was hoping Lexi would put everything in perspective for him.  He was unsure this is what he wanted. 

            Someone cleared their throat behind him and he turned stunned to see Alexiel in a satin crimson dress with black lace trimming the arms and sleeves.  Her hair was pulled up and piled in to a bun with a net to hold it back. She curtsied low to the ground and smiled up at him. “Good afternoon, Prince Tierney, you requested to see me.” She giggled then said, “I refuse in private to call you Tierney.” Smiling she sat down next to him on the raised ledge of the fountain.

            “My dad said you wanted to talk?” She asked

            “Yes, I’m not sure if this is what I want.” He confided.

            “Cale, are you unsure this is what you want or that you aren’t good enough for this?”  She asked

            “Both actually, I knew I needed to talk to you.” He smiled relaxing a little.

            “Let’s walk, if the other courtiers come it will bad to just sit here. Oh, I may giggle for no reason to make other thin that we are having an arrange date, if you will.”

            “An arranged date?” What dream that would be. He sighed inwardly.

            “Well all prince’s need to marry eventually you would have been married you sixteenth birthday had you grown up here.” She added.

            “Why aren’t you married then? Caleb asked

            “I am not of “royal blood,” and secondly no one worth it has come along.” She said matter-of-factly.
            “Oh.” Caleb was quiet for a moment as they walked until Lexi broke the silence.  

            She gave a fake giggle as several courtiers passed by. Caleb smiled at her act.

            “You know you will probably end up marring Princess Cashia, right?”

            “I always thought that the only family I would ever have was with some woman that I fell in love with.” Caleb confessed. She blushed.

            “What I haven’t said anything funny nor embarrassing.”

            “It’s nothing.” She replied a little to quickly

            “Really what are you thinking about?”

            “I was thinking about how when you get married we can do this anymore.” She covered herself.

            “Lex, I want you to know times like this won’t stop. Any wife of mine will need to understand that you saved me.  I owe you my life.” He said turning to her.

            She quickly changed the subject “Do you realize you really will get to show Brent and Holden?” She smiled which made his heart soar.

            “Yeah I am.” He smiled back and their eyes met. “Do you think I can do this?” he whispered looking at her.

            “Do what be king? Of course you can you are amazing…” she trailed off actually looking into his eyes. “Cale…I” The King cut her off in mid sentence.      

            “Prince Tierney there you are!” He father beamed.

            “Making moves on unsuspecting ladies already? Well you won’t have to do that for long! Your father and I were just finishing the paper work for you engagement to my daughter Cashia.  She will be arriving in one hour before you are crowned, and treaty signed. The King of the Serindraile said proudly.

            “Congrats Majesty I shall be on my way. I need to get ready for these evening festivities.  She did not wait to be dismissed but turned and walked away quickly wiping a tear from her eye. The king of Aldrayas saw and realized he had made a terrible mistake.

 

            Two hours before the signing of the treaty Alexiel was pacing in her common room her father walked in fastening his clack, “Caleb needs you not matter what is going on, Lex. Cashia is only 15, to young to wed.  Maybe we can reason with him.

            “No, I can’t do tha…” she was cut of with someone banging on the door.

            Jet rushed to the door and ripped it open, “Jeremiah what is going on?”

            “You need to get to Palace now and want the king, It’s Princess Cashia she’s been murdered, we think that they may go after Caleb next.”

            Jet looked at Lexi, “Get moving we need to go save him.”

            Fear flooded her thoughts as she followed her father out the door to carriage.

 

 

            “Dad what is the plan?” Lexi asked

            “You need to find Caleb and get him to safety I will deal with the Kings. Good luck baby I love you!” Her father urged her on, as he darted in a different direction.

            “Tierney are you ready son?” King Derrick asked beaming.

            “Yes father.” Caleb said in his best voice for all the room to hear as Lexi burst in from the side door and Jet came up behind the Kings. 

            “Clear out its not safe!” Jet boomed both kings looking startled as Lexi grabbed Caleb by the hand.

            “Follow me okay?” She urged as she ran

            “What is going on?”

            “I just don’t…” he was cut off as screams filled the ballroom below.