Andre was a small man, standing just over five foot seven with a frame that seemed far too large for the agility that he showed in his work. His looks were average, but people tended to remember him when he looked at them with his all-knowing green eyes and unlike Ivan, he kept his dark brown hair short, cropped close to his head as the monks did, making him appear even older than his nineteen years.
In a rare moment of conversation one day, he had explained to Ivan why he kept it cut so short.
They were discussing dirty fighting tactics and he had explained that he kept it short because it was easier to handle in a fight. When Ivan, in confusion, informed him that he did not understand, Andre had grabbed Ivan's own dark locks and yanked him to the ground as he patiently explained that in a fight, his hair was one less thing that his enemy could use to defeat him.
It was the last time that anyone had bested Ivan in a sparring match and Ivan's scalp still itched from the memory of that conversation, but he never forgot it and kept his own long hair in a braid. Though, he mused, it was about time to cut it. He would be joining the monks in less than a year if his studies continued... no, that was no longer the truth. Ivan no longer had a reason to cut his hair it seemed.
Ivan had the up-most respect for the small man that moved silently up to stand behind him. Not only because he and Master Bruno were the only two that had ever bested him in a sparring match, but because he seemed to be the only man, including Master Bruno, that was not afraid to face his mother head on. The man had no fear in him.
"Now then." Queen Jelena picked up her knitting and continued as she spoke. "You will be heir and your brother will be allowed to... gallivant... around the kingdom as he has always done with an appropriate allowance for his continued support of his brother, the king." Her voice brooking no argument.
Ivan swallowed hard as he realized that he was about to be the first person to question a command from the Queen. He could only hope that he caught his mother in an accommodating mood and she would not see fit to punish him for his impertinence, but this was too important to let go without a fight.
"Tell me, if it is acceptable, is Petar aware of this... arrangement that has been made?"
"He is. I spoke with him about it this morning."
Queen Jelena finished a stitch and without pausing in her work, looked up to meet Ivan's eyes, waiting until he dropped them back down to the proper position. That was twice now that he had forgotten his place. He was certain there would not be a third time, not if he wished to continue living.
"He is satisfied with the arrangement." She dropped her gaze back to her work, satisfied that the conversation was over.
Being only seventeen, the boy should be allowed to ask one question. It showed an intelligent and active mind as well as a love for his brother. It could also be foresight to what could have been a problem if she did not deal with his inquisitiveness now.
"And if I am not?"
Ivan could not raise his eyes as he asked his question and tried not to flinch as he all but blatantly defied his mother by hinting that he was not going to just accept her declaration and bow to her will without some say on his part.
"Of course you are. You are to be king."
Queen Jelena sent daggers at her second son, trying to keep calm. She had allowed him to question her, once, and she was not defied, not even questioned, ever, by anyone. Yet, here was her son, daring to question her, perhaps even thinking of defying her. This was not to be. She ruled this kingdom, no one else and no one, not even the king, was stupid enough to question her decisions. This could be a problem later one.
Ivan could feel her eyes boring into him. She was not pleased with him. He was treading in dangerous waters, but he had one more question that he had to ask before he would accept his fate.
"Why Mother?"
Ivan closed his eyes, hoping that he had not overstepped the boundaries. No one asked her why; they did as she told them to do. He could be hung for that one word and she was not a benevolent person. He had seen her have men hung for much less.
"Because that is my wish."
Queen Jelena spoke in a tone that made it clear that there was to be no more conversation on the matter. Ivan knew that he had done what no one else had ever done; he had questioned the Queen and was allowed to walk away from the conversation. It was time for a full on retreat.
Ivan stood and he and Andre bowed as one before moving out of the throne room, Queen Jelena's knitting needles clicking furiously behind them.
They moved quietly through the halls, heading for the fencing arena, where Ivan had no doubt, Master Bruno waited for them.
Ivan fell deep into thought as they walked along. If he could not get any real answer out of Mother, then perhaps his brother might be able to shed some light on the situation. That is, if he would speak with him. Petar had a temper on him and if he had really been told that Ivan was to be King, Petar might take his anger out on Ivan instead.
What to do, what to do? He needed answers. Why was this happening to him now? He was almost ready to take his orders and join the temple. Ivan felt the deep yearning to find a quiet place and pray, but there was no time for it. He had questions and there was only one place that he might succeed in getting those answers. Though, he was not even sure that he would be able to receive those answers if Petar was unwilling. His brother was a proud and stubborn man, but a good man none the less.
"Well done. You have indeed grown into a formidable man." Andre's quiet voice spoke from behind him, jolting him from his thoughts.
"Not enough it seems." Ivan rubbed his neck as he felt the stress start to settle in. "I did not get the answers that I was looking for. All I did was manage to enrage the one person in this kingdom that could and would end my life."
"Yet you stood your ground against the most feared person in the kingdom. There is real strength and courage in what you did in there." Andre replied in his deep, quiet voice. A voice that seemed to silent Ivan's own tumulus mind.
Ivan held in a snort. "No there was not. I retreated as soon as it became apparent that she would not tolerate another word from me. That is not strength or even courageous. That is what is called being a coward."
"No. You are wrong, my prince. Allow me to explain." Andre stopped and waited until Ivan followed suit. "The strength came when you challenged her decision, knowing that she would not be please. The courage came when you withdrew, knowing that you had pushed as far as you could. Few men have the courage to withdrawal when they need to. Instead, they continue on, fighting a hopeless battle for their pride. You showed more insight and fearlessness in there than a hundred men on the battlefield, my prince. Again, I say, well done."
Ivan turned towards his bodyguard and lifelong friend. He had never known a time when Andre had not been at his side, looking out for him, caring for him. He was the one person in this castle that Ivan knew loved him unconditionally and would do anything for him, regardless of the consequences. He was not even sure his brother would do that.
"Your words, if not said on the tailcoats of that conversation, would have me dancing above the clouds. Your praise means everything to me, my friend, so please forgive me if I do not act in a suitable manner. There are too many questions that must be answered for me to feel pleasure in your comments at the moment."
"You never have to ask for my forgiveness, my prince. I seek neither forgiveness nor praise, only the chance to stay by your side."
"I hope that is always your way of thinking, my friend." He placed a hand on Andre's shoulder. "I could not imagine my life without you next to me. I do not deserve it, yet I, in pride, will have you by me."
Andre placed a well-worn hand over Ivan's hand and after a silent moment, Ivan gave a nod and they continued on their way.
It was time to find out some answers.
