In his fifteen years of life, he had never faced such a humiliating event. Dimitri stood beside an increasingly frustrated Prince Gideon in a detention cell. They were stopped and detained at the main gatehouse before even entering Kings Field.
From their cell, he could look outside the iron-barred window and see dozens of carriages and wagons going in and out, through the large gate of the massive stone wall that surrounded Kings Field. The carriages and wagons had to provide papers to allow them entry into Kings Field and to Kings Harbor beyond it.
The papers included identification docunts for all persons in the party and a letter of intent or trade certification that was proof of comrcial activities. Dimitri and Gideon had their identification docunts and letters of intent, signed by the Pri Minister and the Emperor, respectively.
Despite this, they were detained. The guards claid to have reason to believe that he and Gideon were imposters.
Im telling you, Im the second Prince of Soleil! Gideon was gripping the iron bars of the detention cell door, trying to get the attention of one of the city guards stationed outside their cell. Our papers are in order!
Dimitri looked down at his clothes. They were of superior quality and new, but they were simple, without any embellishnts. They didnt wear any accessories that could be telling. Even their boots had been purposely worn-in and scuffed before they left Horizon. They had arrived in a modest hired carriage, further downplaying their backgrounds.
When Gideon proposed the idea of traveling with him to the succession ceremony, as Dimitri had ntioned going, as well; it was offered as a way to experience the freedom people in their positions rarely had the chance to. Dimitri was technically a commoner. His family had been influential in Soleil and part of the ruling elite for generations, but they werent nobles. This allowed him a bit more freedom than Gideon.
However, what teenager would rather travel with his parents than his friends?
They were going to visit Alessa on the way, as Chetterswickshire was just off the main road to Kings Harbor. The plan was to pick her up on the way and take her with them, but Baron Hart was uncomfortable with that.
As a mber of Anlars regional nobility, regardless of his impoverished status, Baron Hart was still invited to the succession ceremony as a formality. He would travel to Moss Hill with Alessa.
Dimitri and Gideon set off a day before them, but neither young man foresaw that they would be stopped at the gate before even reaching the city. The carriage before them was waved through after a re glance, so when several more guards were called and their papers were taken away for additional review, Dimitri knew sothing was wrong.
Gideon didnt seem to notice anything was amiss and seed to be trying to continue his nap. Then the guards ca and asked them to step out of the carriage. Dimitris heart had shot to his throat as he stepped out and found that the entire carriage was surrounded by guards and others passing through were looking at them as if they were criminals.
One of the guards said their paperwork could not be verified and that until their identities were confird, they would have to be detained.
The two valets who were imperial knights escorting them, as well as their driver, were also detained. The half dozen knights who were following behind them, also traveling in unassuming clothes, had tried to catch up and stop the guards, but their sudden appearance and demands to release Gideon had the opposite effect.
Dimitri always believed that imperial knights were the best of the best, but the gate guards of Kings Field did not hold back at the possible threat. All of them were subdued and archers on the wall above the gate were ready to fire if they fought any further.
The imperial knights were detained in the next cell over and they were forced to wait.
Gideon, Moss Hill isnt far from here, Dimitri said as he leaned against the far wall, beside the small, barred window. Im sure once the ssenger notifies the Empress, she will send soone to confirm your identity and let us out.
Gideon slamd his palm against the cell bars and turned around. I cant believe this, he said in a muffled voice. All my paperwork is in order, including the letters of intent! How can they doubt us like this?
My father told that the security around succession ceremonies is extrely strict. Im sure theyre just being cautious. Dimitri sighed and looked down at his clothes once more. We dont exactly fit the image of the Pri Ministers son and the second prince of Soleil.
Gideons lips tightened into a line, but he said nothing as he continued to pace the small length of their cell. After crossing the cell twice, he let out a low growl.
Who in their right mind would impersonate us? he asked aloud. It makes no sense! What would soone do if they were impersonating us? Go to the succession ceremony? People would obviously know who we are at the ceremony!
Dimitri couldnt help but nod. Their parents would be there to vouch for them. There would be no problem.
We just have to be patient, Dimitri said. The head guard said that a ssenger was sent to Moss Hill to ask for soone to confirm our identities. I just hope my parents have already arrived at the castle.
I thought they were a few days ahead of us? Gideon said, burrowing his brows.
They are, but they were spending the first few days in the city, Kings Harbor. They arent scheduled to stay in Moss Hill until a day or so before the succession ceremony. Dimitri ran a hand down his face and looked out the window, tired. They could arrive any ti between today and tomorrow.
Gideon frowned. Well, as long as my identity is confird, I will be able to have us all released.
Dimitri gave him a wry smile. Then, my thanks, Gideon. He pushed himself from the wall and went to sit on a large stone boulder that seed to serve as a bench in the cell. Its a relief that Alessa isnt with us. Being detained would certainly upset her.
I agree, Gideon said. A dark, damp cell is no place for a young noblewoman. Especially with Alessa's delicate bearing.
Dimitri narrowed his eyes. If Baron Hart found out that she was detained because of us.... He could still vividly rember the argunt at Hart Manor.
Alessa was trying to protect her father from a social climbing widow. She had told Dimitri and Gideon about the brick woman when she showed them around Chetterswickshire. Dimitri could understand why she was so upset to find that her father had gone to the brickmakers. No one wanted to see a loved one be duped.
No one wanted a social climbing stepmother, either. Dimitri could only imagine what Alessa would have to co ho to if her father remarried such a woman.
Yet, Baron Hart didnt heed his daughters concerns. Alessa claid her father lied to her about seeing the brick woman again. Her father had turned red and fud, pointing out that his own daughter hid the Pri Ministers son and the second Prince of Soleil from him. Alessa began to cry, and Dimitri and Gideon tried to step in.
But it was awkward. Even with their statuses, to get involved in a family matter as a third party was putting them in strange positions. No matter how much he and Gideon claid it was their idea, they could only see Baron Hart growing increasingly displeased.
He almost forbade Alessa from going to the succession ceremony. Only after Gideon reiterated that hed already planned to have Alessa escort him did Baron Hart relent; however, she would go with him. They were supposed to leave a day after Dimitri and Gideon and would stay at a cottage in Kings Harbor.
Perhaps it is good that Baron Hart found out and insisted he bring Alessa here himself, Dimitri said. He had looked forward to spending more ti with Alessa, but considering their current circumstances, hed rather be sitting in a cell without Alessa than with her.
Gideons face hardened. I bet this has to do with Guevera.
Dimitris eyes flew up and he looked at Gideon strangely. Lady Guevera?
We had all our paperwork in order. It must be known that our parents, who have already arrived, are waiting for us. There is no reason for us to be detained, Gideon said, looking over at him. Unless soone wanted to detain us.
Dimitris forehead creased. But this is the OTuagh March, not the Guevera March. How would she have that kind of influence here?
Gideon let out a scoff and glared back out the window. He crossed his arms over his chest. Theyre related, rember? Admiral OTuagh is her cousin. Her entire family dotes on her. Im sure all she had to do was ask a favor.
It was both logical and illogical. Dimitri was quiet as he considered the possibility of their arrest and subsequent detention being the result of a spiteful plan laid by Lady Guevera. He didnt doubt that the OTuagh Marquis family would cater to her; it was well known that the four big marches were awfully close. To protect one of their own was expected.
But how would having them detained be protection? They were of no threat to Lady Guevera. Their identities could also be proven within a few hours. This entire debacle would be over before sunset and would be, at best, a minor inconvenience.
Why would she have us detained? Dimitri asked. He didnt recall anything they did or said to her recently that would cause her ire.
Who knows. Maybe she still blas us for those rumors and her ridiculous vest design being stolen, Gideon replied. He shook his head and sneered. Such a petty woman. I dont know why my brother is so fond of her. He said the last sentence under his voice and Dimitri lowered his eyes.
Dimitri hadnt heard much about the first prince until recently. Whenever he was at gatherings and heard soone say prince, it was almost always in reference to the second prince, Gideon. Hed heard rumors that the first prince didnt like people and locked himself in his room. He didnt even know what the first prince looked like. Now, he did.
His father had a winter coat made months in advance. His mother ordered it from Lions Gate, and it was nad after the first prince. Hed overheard his father discussing so ideas and proposals hed heard about from the first prince with excitent and interest.
He looked towards Gideon curiously. Because of the rumors of the first princes aversion to people, he thought that Gideon was likely to beco the crown prince. He was almost certain that everyone else felt this way, too. Dimitri wanted to ask his cellmate, but wasnt sure how to phrase it.
I heard your brother is very intelligent.
Gideon turned his head towards him, and his expression brightened a little. Yes, extrely intelligent. He held the number one position in Lyce all four years and entered Universit at rank one, as well.
That was not an easy task to do. Dimitri, who ended his first year at rank three, understood that. He lowered his eyes and looked down at his hands clasped in front of him. I see....
Gideon straightened up, as if hed just realized sothing. But to be in the top three is still amazing!
Dimitri cracked a small smile and looked up. Miss Agafonova is a formidable rival. I look forward to seeing who cos out first next year.
The sound of footsteps and voices were heard coming from the hall and they turned towards the cell door. A guard appeared with several more behind him and was unlocking the door. Gideon threw his arms down.
Its about ti!
Your Highness. The guard stepped aside and another man in a black uniform with a cloak and a tell-tale pin holding it closed appeared. He lowered his head and bowed. The Empress has sent us to escort you to Moss Hill.
Captain Strahl, please make sure all my companions are released as well, Gideon said, still frowning.
The dark-haired captain bowed his head once more. Yes, Your Highness.
Gideon lifted his chin up as he walked out of the cell while Dimitri let out a low breath of relief and followed behind him. As Gideon said, their entire party was released. In the yard of the gate house, their carriage was waiting for them, along with a dozen large, burly n with spears on horseback.
Dimitri could feel their eyes on him as he and Gideon climbed into the modest carriage. Captain Strahl, who was the captain of the Empress Imperial Guards, mounted a horse and followed alongside them.
Dimitri peered outside as they erged from the gatehouse and got back on the long road. In the distance, he could see a stout stone structure with a few protruding keeps on a hill overlooking the harbor. The road forked. One led towards the castle and the other led to Kings Harbor. He glanced around and noticed that their carriage and knight escort was surrounded by n with spears.
Are they imperial knights? he asked.
No, Mr. Guthry. They are OTuagh knights, one of the imperial knights seated inside the carriage with them replied. They ca with Captain Strahl.
Dimitri nodded and sat back in his seat. He closed his eyes and tried to relax as he wondered if his parents were already at Moss Hill. If not, hed have to have a ssenger sent to them.
The carriage went through one of the outer walls of Moss Hill and Dimitri looked back out the window. Within the outer walls was a large open space, presumably used for training from the spots of brown in the grass. In the distance, he could see several people on horseback or under a tent, yelling as they watched what appeared to be a ga.
They were a close-knit bunch; perhaps mbers of the OTuagh family?
The carriage then went through the gate to the inner courtyard and as they rolled in, Dimitri saw several adults waiting for them. Including his parents.
On one hand, he was relieved that he wouldnt need to send a ssenger to find them. On the other, they looked upset.
The carriage stopped and a guard ca to open the door. Gideon was the first to co out and before Dimitri could follow, he heard a womans voice echo her displeasure through the courtyard.
Did I not tell you this is what would happen? the Empress was red-faced and frowning at her son. Gideon Francis Leonard du Soleil III, we will have a talk later.
Dimitri tensed and tried to prepare himself for facing his own parents. He stepped down from the carriage and looked up to find his father frowning and his mother looking disappointed.
I am sure if the security for the succession ceremony was not so stringent, His Highness and I wouldve arrived without incident, he said, carefully asuring his words.
His father uncrossed his arms and seed to let out a heavy sigh. Dimitri couldnt et his fathers eyes. When we return, you will be coming with us.
The sa for you, Gideon, the Empress said.
Your Majesty, Pri Minister, a woman with an undercut said behind the parents. The guest rooms for His Highness and Mr. Guthry have been prepared. If they would like to retire for a few minutes to rest, we will have servants outside their rooms to guide them to the sunroom for a light al when they are ready.
The Empress gave the woman a slight nod of her head. Take them to their rooms. Lady Siobhan, I will return to the polo match.
Yes, Your Majesty. Lady Siobhan gave her n a small nod and he and Gideon were almost surrounded by a series of well-dressed servants. Pri Minister, Madam Guthry, will you also be returning to the polo match?
With that, his parents and the Empress stepped into a covered wagon to take them to the field outside the inner walls. Several guards escorted them out.
Well...that went better than I expected, Gideon said with so relief. Dimitri felt him pat his shoulder before they went inside.
His room was in a different wing of the castle, and he was inford that it was next to his parents. There were plenty of OTuagh knights guarding the halls. He couldnt go two steps without passing a knight at his post. Strangely, he knew he hadnt done anything wrong, but having so many people guarding them made him nervous.
Dimitri waited until his things were brought up to his room before stepping outside to go to the sunroom for sothing to eat. The sunroom had one long table filled with various finger foods, baked goods, and fruits. Several servants were standing to the side, ready to provide drinks or fetch more food if needed.
When he arrived, Gideon was already seated at a table beside the windows, looking out at the harbor. Dimitri joined him and they discussed the plan for the next day, which included eting Alessa in town.
We should call her and confirm a eting ti and place, Gideon said, reaching for his comcry. Before Dimitri could agree, he heard loud voices coming in from the hall. The two of them turned towards the open doors leading to the hall as laughing and so yelling were heard.
A mont later, several people erged. n and won in casual finery, along with a few children. Dimitri recognized Lady Siobhan, but didnt know who the others were. He stiffened when he saw Admiral OTuagh walk in, wiping sweat off his brow as he talked animatedly with Lord Kasen, who also seed to be flushed and glistening with sweat.
Well, well, well, cousin. It seems that Sebastians the better athlete, eh? the Admiral laughed as he slapped Lord Kasens shoulder.
Yes, as are Cousin Bridget and Cousin Eili.
Hey....
You did amazing, Kasey! I didnt know you knew how to play polo.
Dimitris attention was drawn to the petite young woman in pants and a sapphire blouse under a long black vest. A little girl, perhaps no older than three or four, was clinging onto Lady Gueveras neck as she held the child in a lavender dress on her hip.
Yes, Cousin Kasey did good, the little girl said with a determined nod.
What about Uncle Andy? You dont think Uncle Andy did well? the Admiral asked the little girl. The child paused and looked at Lady Guevera. Lady Guevera gave her a nod and the child smiled.
Uncle also did good!
Ava is pitying you, Lord Kasen said as he snatched a small bowl of grapes from the table. He popped one into his mouth before noticing the two by the window. Dimitri watched his eyes narrow a bit. He gave them a small nod before turning his back to them and standing in front of his sister. Ava, didnt you say you wanted to show us your doll house?
Yes! the child said, beaming. She nuzzled her head against Lady Guevera. Cousin, play with .
Of course, baby. What do you want to play?
Avas face lit up. Dungeon crawl!
Lord Kasen and the Admiral looked at Lady Guevera with confusion as she laughed and averted her eyes. Just to make the doll house more interesting...it has a dungeon and...uh...our little druid Ava must unlock the secret at the tower by first battling ogres and stuff....
The Admiral raised a brow. That sounds interesting.
Mum! Mum! Im going to play dungeon crawl with Cousin Tori again! Ava yelled as they headed back out.
Wait, are you picking up from last ti? A ten-year old boy looked up from where he was filling a plate with smoked at and bread. If so, I want to co! You cant start without your paladin!
All right. Maeve, do you want to co, too? Lady Guevera asked as she paused in the hall. The last child, who looked to be about seven or eight, picked up an entire plate of tarts and put them in the hands of a servant.
Bring it to my little cousins room. And sothing for us to drink, she said with a thoughtful look before turning towards the hall. Rogue Maeve is coming!
Where are you all rushing to? another voice said as two won, also flushed and sweaty from polo appeared.
Dungeon crawl with Cousin Tori, the boy said as he urged Tori further into the hall. The won froze.
Are you picking up from last ti?
I told you theyre a close family. Dimitri heard Gideon say from across from him. Im telling you. Im sure she was the one who had us detained. Look at how the entire OTuagh family is clinging to her.
Dimitri couldnt deny what he saw. He frowned and looked for his parents in the crowd. His mother was speaking to the Empress and another woman while his father was speaking to Lady Siobhan. He pursed his lips.
He had to take care to make sure his parents werent overly influenced.
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