The Four Swords

Chapter 18: Plans and Parents

The day passed with me sitting in meetings with Alina where different servants, merchants and well wishers flooded the room with questions.

Meals, 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 come 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 seemed more for their enjoyment.

It was almost dinner time before a maid came 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 me." The lady curtsied toward Alina before escorting me out of the room.

My family? Oh no. I didn't tell my mother. I can't imagine her being pleased at not even mentioning, much less discussing, this monumental decision with her. I could feel my heart thump in my chest. After a day of racing, it seemed 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 me physical strength, my mother is the one who instilled in me a strength of character. I hope I did not hurt her with my actions today.

The maid I was following opened a door for me and nodded her head toward the floor. She seemed 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. Somehow 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 me 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 seemed to be a bit too big. He tripped as he ran towards me 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 requirement for princes" I smiled at her and patted her shoulder. Honestly, I wasn't sure what requirements princes did have.

"Can I be your flower girl at your wedding?" Liliana batted her eyelashes at me. She always knew how to make me melt.

"I'm sure that can be arranged." I smiled. At least I could do something 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 time 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 same material to put it delicately.

"You can't get rid of me 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 me, no matter where I go."

"If you're a prince, does that make me a princess?" Liliana beamed 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 mean to leave her in the dark to hear this news from the town gossip. She closed the distance between us. She embraced me.

"Your father told me 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 momentarily. She really was the best that the world had to offer.

As my mother pulled away from me, 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 amusement. Although I had been named after him, he knew my given name seemed slightly foreign to me 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 beamed. Somehow I felt grounded for a moment. 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