The day passed with sitting in etings with Alina where different servants, rchants and well wishers flooded the room with questions.
als, clothes, jewelry, and flowers were all topics she was asked about and of which I had little opinion. Alina graciously answered questions for the both of us, occasionally being helped by her mother. For my part I tried to smile and nod. Hopefully I didn't co off as too much of a buffoon.
The guards who had been assigned to follow Alina took up residence outside the door. Whenever food or drink was brought for us to sample, the guards took a generous portion, saying it was for Alina's safety. Really it seed more for their enjoynt.
It was almost dinner ti before a maid ca in and told us that our planning would have to continue tomorrow. My stomach gurgled with the realization I had barely eaten today. Although the sample portions were generous from the palace kitchens, nothing tempted my stomach until now.
"Your future Majesties, dinner will be served in the royal hall soon. Sir Jacobson, your family is here to join in the celebration. You may freshen up and greet them in the Princess's parlor. Please follow ." The lady curtsied toward Alina before escorting out of the room.
My family? Oh no. I didn't tell my mother. I can't imagine her being pleased at not even ntioning, much less discussing, this monuntal decision with her. I could feel my heart thump in my chest. After a day of racing, it seed to slow into the steady beat of a dirge. I never want to disappoint my parents.
My mother, Lady Raley, is the kindest soul that there ever was or will be. Whereas my father has taught physical strength, my mother is the one who instilled in a strength of character. I hope I did not hurt her with my actions today.
The maid I was following opened a door for and nodded her head toward the floor. She seed uncertain of the new protocol since I was not yet a royal. I myself had no clue either so I simply stated my thanks.
The room was large and had two other doors besides the one I entered. My father, mother and two younger siblings were seated near a fireplace with my parents next to each other on a small settee. My siblings were each occupying an armchair. Sohow they looked like they belonged here.
" Jack!" A small voice almost shouted. Liliana, who had recently turned 6, was in a light blue dress with a white sash that made her look like a doll. Her hair was lighter than mine and hung in perfect curls. She rushed towards for an embrace, but was outrun by our youngest brother.
Abrin was 4. His smile shone brighter than the glistening candlelight about the room. He was wearing new clothes as well that coordinated quite well with our sister. His new shoes seed to be a bit too big. He tripped as he ran towards and tumbled into a hug. We all ended up in an unceremonious, but loving group hug.
"Jack! Is it true you're going to be a prince? Will you ride a white horse like in the storybooks?" Liliana's eyes were dreamy and wide.
"I do not think that is a requirent for princes" I smiled at her and patted her shoulder. Honestly, I wasn't sure what requirents princes did have.
"Can I be your flower girl at your wedding?" Liliana batted her eyelashes at . She always knew how to make lt.
"I'm sure that can be arranged." I smiled. At least I could do sothing for her.
"If you're a prince, will you live with us? We don't see you much as it is!" Abrin's large grin turned into a frown. His sour tone grew as he asked his question, almost as if the realization was hitting him as he spoke it.
It was true that I did not get to spend much ti around my siblings. My training and their schooling were both important. With such a large gap in our ages, we weren't exactly learning the sa material to put it delicately.
"You can't get rid of that easily," I giggled. What could I say to them?
"Good." Abrin nodded as though I said I would stay with them forever. "But if you do move into the palace and get a white horse, can I have Acorn?"
Mischievous little thinker. My brother always loved my sweet mare. "I'm pretty sure Acorn is coming with , no matter where I go."
"If you're a prince, does that make a princess?" Liliana bead twirling her dress.
"I don't think so. I'm sorry" I bent down to her level and tickled her sides. She giggled.
I looked up to see another dress I had not seen before. My mother's expressionless face searched my eyes. Oh no. Had I hurt her? I was only trying to do what was right. I didn't an to leave her in the dark to hear this news from the town gossip. She closed the distance between us. She embraced .
"Your father told everything. I wish you great happiness! I will always be proud of you." My mother whispered in my ear. My breath caught in my throat montarily. She really was the best that the world had to offer.
As my mother pulled away from , my father closed the gap around us all.
"Jack seems too informal now, if you're to be royal. Should we start calling you Jacobson?" My father's eyes danced with amusent. Although I had been nad after him, he knew my given na seed slightly foreign to when it was used. Even if I was in fact Jacob's son.
"Let's not do anything rash" I laughed.
My dad clapped his hand on my shoulder and bead. Sohow I felt grounded for a mont. As if all day I had been set adrift in a swirl of uncertainty, but looking at my family, I knew I could handle anything
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