Chapter 4
King Randolph
It'd been one week since Prince Levi had come to the castle of Glidonia, and King Randolph had never seen his daughter so happy. Courtney was absolutely taken by Levi, who seemed to be her perfect match. His heart swelled with love for the both whenever he saw them together. In just over a week the two would be wed. He often caught the two of them pouring over books in the library or out at the pavilion, talking about their future. Seeing them together made his bosom pound with joy. He couldn't have been happier for Courtney and the son of his dear friend. Of course, that was just Courtney. Since Prince Levi's arrival, he hadn't seen much of Fallon. It made him worry, and when he went to Genevieve for advice, Genevieve was at a loss for what to do. "She's just normally so full of energy," he was saying, running his fingers through his hair. "I thought she'd be happy for her sister." "She is, father," Genevieve said absent-mindedly. "Fallon probably just wants to give the two space." But despite what Genevieve said, King Randolph couldn't help but worry for Fallon. It was at dinner that night when one of the servants came in, requesting King Randolph and Prince Levi. Perplexed, Courtney touched Levi's arm. "I'd like to come with," she said in barely a whisper. "You are to be my husband." "Of course, love," Levi said gently. "I wouldn't dream of keeping you in the dark."
King Randolph wondered for a moment what business would need him and Levi. And what of Genevieve and Derek? They were the heirs to the throne. Normally business regarded them too. He rose, Levi and Courtney following. Then they left the dinner table and went with the servant. Partway down the hall they were met by one of King Randolph's trusted advisors. "Your Majesty," the man choked out, "this may be difficult for you to hear." King Randolph raised his eyebrows. "What is it?" The King asked. Courtney's arm tightened around Levi's, and with his other arm, he wrapped it around her small waist. The advisor's eyes scanned the room, for what, Randolph wasn't certain. At last he nodded his head and led his betters inside one of the castle's many rooms. The advisor walked over to a desk in the room (it was clearly some sort of study) and picked up a note. Biting his lip, he handed it to the King. "It was delivered earlier today," he said. "News from Thraas." Prince Levi's eyes widened, and he nearly made a move to snatch the letter from King Randolph's hand, but he caught himself just in time and hung back. The King ignored it and ripped into the envelope. Suddenly, his hands were shaking. He read the letter once, his face pale. "No," was all he said for a moment. When no other words were spoken for several seconds, Courtney gently prompted, "What is it, Papa?" But King Randolph couldn't speak. He'd become choked up. The words wouldn't come to him. He couldn't tell his daughter or her fiancé what had happened. "The letter says," the advisor began solemnly, "the letter says that King Laurent of Thraas was found dead in his chambers three days ago," Though he'd just read the news, it being spoken aloud added a sort of finality to it. King Randolph buried his face in his hands, and Prince Levi let out a horrible, high pitched wail of sorrow. Then the Prince broke down entirely, pulling at his hair and sobbing. He said things that King Randolph couldn't understand. Something about "his father" and "I'll make them pay". Courtney hugged Levi and wept with him. The advisor watched the scene, but hung around in the background. "V-Very well," King Randolph forced himself to say. "Send our regards to the Kingdom of Thraas." Then he paused and added in whisper: "Thraas is without a ruling family. We need to get Prince Levi and Courtney on the throne as soon as possible."
He pretended to be all business, but in truth, he was grieving. King Laurent had been his greatest friend since as long as he could remember. Even when he married Isabella, he insisted that Laurent be his best man in the wedding. When Laurent's wife, Helena, passed away, Randolph was able to comfort him…since he'd lost his own wife two years earlier. Even after the incident with Randolph's cousin, Laurent had sent his regards and worried over his friend. The two, though they weren't able to see each other often because they ruled separate kingdoms, had a bond and their friendship was known throughout the kingdoms. "How'd this happen?" Prince Levi said suddenly. He rounded on the advisor and grabbed his shirt. "How did my father die? Tell me! He was in perfect health!" "Your Grace, I –" the advisor began. "Tell me!" Prince Levi hissed and pushed him against the wall. "How did my father die?" "Levi!" Courtney cried out. Swallowing away the lump in his throat, King Randolph calmly put a hand on the Prince's shoulder. "Levi," Randolph said in a quiet voice. "The letter says that they found poison in your father's evening drink."
Levi released the advisor, who ran to the other side of the room, as far away from Levi as he could get. Levi, the King, and Courtney spoke for a while. "…But if King Laurent was poisoned…" Courtney trailed off. She gasped and covered her mouth, tears falling freely from her face. "My father was murdered." No emotion touched Levi's voice. King Randolph turned to the advisor. "Ready the kingdom for the wedding. Courtney and Levi will exchange vows in two days. Then they will go to Thraas and sit on the throne," he said.