The Prince enjoyed his nightly walks, looked forward to the time spent alone and out of the palace. He knew very few of the guards, soldiers, and even his father's own advisers were truly loyal, or even truly liked either the prince or the king, but none would dare an attempt on his life. It was cowardly to attack him, weaponless and otherwise occupied, under cover of darkness, and treacherous to kill him, the Prince of Palresena'Esum. And a successful plot would only lead to a swift trial for the murderer and a slow death once he was found guilty.
Prince Balint didn't pretend to believe that his father would torture anyone who hurt him out of the pure love between father and son. No, King Raghnall wouldn't want revenge, probably wouldn't be very bothered at all by his son's death, besides the fact that he had no other blood heir to the throne. Raghnall would make a show of the traitor's torture and eventual death as a warning to others who thought they could cross the King. And the message would be clear: screw with anything belonging to the King, be it a son or a piece of artwork, and you would suffer the grievous consequences.
So, Balint walked without fear, and without very high expectations for himself. He would be king no matter what; it was only a matter of time before his father died (or was assassinated) and he could ascend the throne. He would be King Balint I of Palresena'Esum not because of his skill or grace, but because it was his born duty to be.
But, for now, he looked up at the night sky, smiled at the stars, and enjoyed his walk.
 OuEstLaCraie · Fri Jan 25, 2008 @ 06:10pm · 0 Comments |
