The prince's ears perk up at the mention of Alaric and a maid, and he turns his attention to Beatrice and Aerion, his curiosity piqued.
A maid, you say? Sir Alaric, is there something you wish to share with the rest of us?(Prince)
Alaric's face turns beet red, and he stammers, trying to find the right words.
Your Highness, it's not what you think. Lady Beatrice is mistaken. There is nothing between me and any maid.(Alaric)
Beatrice's smile widens, and she leans in closer to the prince, her voice low and conspiratorial.
Oh, but I'm not mistaken, Your Highness.I overheard a most interesting conversation between Sir Alaric and a maid in my residence. It seemed our noble knight had quite the... connection with her. Perhaps he prefers the simpler pleasures in life over the duties of royalty.(Beatrice)
The prince leans back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. He studies Alaric for a moment before speaking.
Sir Alaric, I had no idea you had such... personal entanglements. While I admire your discretion, I must remind you that as a knight of the realm, your duties come first. Any relationships, romantic or otherwise, must not interfere with your service to the kingdom.(Prince)
Alaric nods, his embarrassment slowly fading as he realizes the seriousness of the prince's words.
Of course, Your Highness. I understand completely. My loyalties lie with the kingdom and my fellow knights. Anything else is secondary.(Alaric)
The prince nods, seemingly satisfied with Alaric's response.
The prince nods, seemingly satisfied with Alaric's response.
Good. I'm glad we understand each other. Now, that's all for today topic, dismissed (Prince)
...
As the prince dismisses the gathering, the knights and nobles begin to take their leave. Alaric stands, his face still flushed from the earlier conversations. He glances around the room, his gaze lingering on Beatrice for a moment before he turns to leave.
Aerion claps Alaric on the shoulder as they exit the dining hall.
Well, that was certainly an interesting dinner. I must say, I didn't expect to learn so much about your... personal life tonight.(Aerion)
Alaric rolls his eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Yes, well, I'm sure Beatrice couldn't resist the opportunity to embarrass me in front of the prince.(Alaric)
Alaric and Aerion make their way through the castle corridors, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. As they approach the entrance, Alaric's thoughts drift back to the conversations from earlier the impending ritual, the Celestial Order, and the prince's offer of marriage.
Aerion notices Alaric's distant expression and nudges him gently.
Hey, you alright? You seem preoccupied.(Aerion)
Alaric shakes his head, pushing the thoughts aside.
Just thinking about everything that's happening. The ritual, the Celestial Order, the prince's offer... it's a lot to process.(Alaric)
Aerion nods, understanding in his eyes.
I know what you mean. But we'll figure it out . That's what being knights is all about.(Aerion)
The two knights exit the castle, the cool night air hitting their faces.
........
As early morning light out...Alaric is awakened by a loud knocking at his door. He groggily sits up, rubbing his eyes as he tries to shake off the remnants of sleep. The knocking persists, and he hears a urgent voice calling out.
Sir Alaric! Sir Alaric, open up! It's an emergency!(?)
Alaric throws off his blankets and rushes to the door, flinging it open to reveal a panting messenger, dressed in the prince's colors. The messenger holds out a sealed parchment, his hand trembling slightly.
Sir Alaric, I bear an urgent message from His Highness. He commands your immediate presence at the castle. There has been a... development with the Celestial Order.(Messenger)
Alaric's heart races as he takes the parchment, breaking the seal and scanning the contents. His eyes widen as he reads the prince's words, a sense of dread settling in the pit of his stomach.
Alaric looks up at the messenger, his voice firm and commanding.
I'll be there immediately. Send for Sir Aerion and Lady Beatrice as well. We must act quickly.(Alaric)