Fall was Fidelis's favorite season of the year. He loved looking out across High Knob at the changing leaves. The sea of yellow, orange, and red hues was vibrant and eye-catching. He'd never had the chance back home to see such a sight. At the beginning of their arrival in this strange new place, he hated the changing seasons. It was unsettling. Now, he loved it.
He looked down at the box in his hands. The jewelry he'd commissioned from Olhet had arrived this morning. He opened the lid, peering inside at the contents. Olhet had outdone himself. He couldn't wait to give his gifts to Sera. The thought brought a smile to his face. He caressed the rings inside, closed the lid, and put the box away;.
He glanced at the calendar and grinned. Today was Thanksgiving. It was another human tradition that Fidelis enjoyed and planned to take back home with them. A day to celebrate thanks and family. It was similar to the Christmas holiday, which was even more of a celebration for families. They had some holidays in the old world, but none quite like what the humans had.
His introspection was interrupted by a knock on his door.
"Enter!"
The door opened, and Sodalitas strolled in. "Good evening, Your Highness. I have come to fetch you for Thanksgiving dinner."
Fidelis nodded and quickly changed into semi-formal clothes. He checked his reflection. Satisfied with his look, he made his way to the dining hall. The aromas of the upcoming meal made his mouth water. He couldn't wait to dive into the food. He arrived, and the guard opened his door to announce his presence. His gaze scanned the room. He spotted his two stepmothers as well as his half-brothers already seated in their customary places on the left side of the table. On the right side sat his grandmother, Grand Duchess Rubey Friedman.
He was sure his happy smile was noticed by all. He didn't care. He loved his maternal grandmother with all his heart. She had been a steadfast ally and rock by his side after his mother died. She was a powerful force in the upper nobility and no one messed with her, fearing her wrath. He had grown up without too much stress and worry thanks to her.
He hurried to her side, kissing her offered cheek and murmuring, "Good evening, Grandmother."
"Good evening to you, too, my handsome grandson."
He blushed at her compliment, and his grandmother chuckled. She always praised him, no matter the situation. He sat in the seat next to her and continued his greetings.
"Good evening, brother," chorused his half-brothers, Alexus and Xavier.
"Good evening, you two. How was your day?"
Fidelis smiled fondly as Alexus and Xavier talked about their day. Contrary to what people believed, he cherished his younger siblings and got along well with them. His stepmothers were a different story. Cassandra, Alexus's mother, was greedy and power-hungry. If she could get rid of him and put Alexus on the throne, she'd do it in a heartbeat. Xavier's mom, Yolan, was just as bad. Unlike Cassandra, who was upfront about her ambitions, Yolan was more of a schemer. Why his father chose these two women as his concubines was beyond Fidelis's understanding.
He'd decided at a young age that he would only take one queen and no concubines. It was too much of a hassle and a political minefield to deal with that many relationships and stay sane. Besides, he didn't think Sera would be so understanding if he were to follow the polygamist ways of his kingdom. It wasn't as if humans didn't have such things, but this human country tended to favor monogamy. He liked that idea better.
Fidelis was honest enough to admit to himself that if his and Sera's positions were reversed, he wouldn't be so forgiving if she wanted him and consorts on the side. Yes, it was better to go the monogamy route.
"…-lis?"
He blinked and turned to his grandmother. "I'm sorry. I was lost in my thoughts."
She patted his hand. "That's alright. You are the Crown Prince. I'm sure you have many things on your mind."
Fidelis saw both Yolan's and Cassandra's frowns at his grandmother's subtle jab at them about his position in the line of succession. He hoped that the dinner wouldn't devolve into chaos. Surprisingly, neither concubine took his grandmother's bait.
They were forestalled from saying anything by his father's arrival. Everyone stood and waited until his father was seated to take their seats.
"Good evening, my family. As the humans say, 'Happy Thanksgiving."
"Happy Thanksgiving!"
His father clapped his hands. "Let's eat."
The kitchen staff began bringing out the food. Everyone dug in. Fidelis's thoughts again went to Sera. How was her Thanksgiving? Was she enjoying food like his family? Were her father and sister being kind to her for a change? He decided to text her after dinner and see how things were going. He didn't mind having holiday breaks from school, but not seeing her every day was torture.
He pondered over the task that Autem had assigned him. How in the world was he going to find the mythical beasts and protect Sera while doing it? So many things to consider. And, he hadn't forgotten about the Winter Ball next month. He would have to speak to his father later about it.
His family's laughter brought his attention back to the dinner table. He set aside his tumbling thoughts and focused on the meal, content to bask in the happy glow of his gathered family.