Chapter 17
Rhain blew out a breath before the servant opened the door to the king's study for him the next morning. From the whispers of the servants, it was apparent that the news about the Italian princess's disgrace was now public. He could feel the servants surveying him with curious eyes, probably wondering how he's reacted to seeing his supposed fiancée in an intimate embrace with another man. For their part, the Italians had quickly departed from the castle early in the morning. Rhain was uncertain of how his father's relationship with the Italian king stood.
When he entered the chamber, the prince saw that his father was seated wearily in a chair, his mother seated at the king's right hand. The queen shot her son a covert look of triumph, which surprised the prince a great deal. He had had no idea that his mother had disliked the Italian princess so, but the look she had shot her son left no doubt in his mind that she had.
"Be seated, my son," the king said, his voice calm and nondescript. Rhain was uncertain of whether to be relieved or apprehensive at his father's tone.
Rhain did as his father bade him, seating himself and looking at his mother across his father's massive desk. She smiled broadly at her son and Rhain returned her smile. Her look telegraphed her joy that she was not t gain an Italian daughter-in-law after all.
"I have thought long and hard," the king began, steepling his fingers and leaning back in his chair. He leveled a grave gaze at his son. "Whilst I am angered that you chose to go against my wished by showing a blatant disregard for the Italian princess, I am reluctant to act on that anger because she had proven so unworthy of your regard. However, I do want you to know that I am heartily disappointed in you. Fortunately, the princess's own impudence rescued you for your bad conduct. Her father was most anxious to sign a treaty as soon as possible so that he could depart for Italy immediately. He apologized profusely for the conduct of his daughter and repeatedly assured me of the great friendship and goodwill that exists between Italy and England. So, it would seem that you are very lucky this time."
"Well, Father," Rhain responded, "I can understand your anger at your son disobeying your wishes, but only imagine if I had dutifully done as you wished me to do. You may have seen your only son married to and humiliated by such a common, unchaste princess. In fact, when all things are considered, is it not much more advantageous that I chose to follow my instincts rather than your wishes?" Rhain knew he was treading dangerous ground, but he refused to come before his father with his hat in his hands. Duty or no duty, Rhain had been right about the Italian princess and he felt that it was time that his father acknowledged that fact.
The king colored slightly, but remained calmly in his seat. "Disobeying a father's wishes is never justified," he said. "I do admit, however, that it seems your instincts were better than mine in this instance."
Rhain rose from his seat. "Thank you, Father, for saying so and now that you know that my instincts are sometimes correct, perhaps you will leave it to me to select my own wife in the future."
The king looked up at his son, his gaze steady. "I only try to do what is best for this kingdom, but I shall not bring any other princesses here. Between your stubborn refusal to acknowledge their presence and the lack of virtue that some have shown, I no longer have any hope of seeing you properly married."
Rhain turned his gaze to his mother and the two exchanged grins of delight. Of course, the king had tried to make it sound as though Rhain was a disobedient and sometimes disgraceful son, but that did not matter so much to the prince. He was used to his father's displeasure. What mattered more than anything was that his father had promised not to parade any more princesses around the castle in the fruitless hopes of enticing his son. As long as he promised that, Rhain was willing to take any barbed comment his father might feel inclined to make.
"Truly Father, you have my thanks for such an arrangement. I shall be eternally grateful to you."
The king waved his hand dismissively. "You may go now," he said.
Rhain gave his father a quick bow and then walked around to his mother's side of the desk so that he could kiss her cheek. She embraced him briefly and then kissed his cheek, giving him a warm and motherly smile. She was clearly glad for her son and it warmed Rhain's heart to see a smile upon his mother's face once again.
Edwyn was waiting for him outside, anxiety apparent on his face. When he saw hi friend's smile, however, his look quickly changed to one of relief.
"Your father was not angry?" he queried.
"Nay, there is nothing to anger him now. He is displeased that I did not follow his wishes, but is unable to feel any anger against me because following his wishes might have led to my royal wife's being the most disgraceful England has ever known."
Edwyn gave his friend a crooked grin. "Ah, Rhain, you always know how to make a situation suit you."
Rhain's own face broke into a grin. "Aye, I do have that talent from time to time, do I not?" Rhain glanced around the corridor to be certain that no one could overhear him and then moved closer to his friend, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Now my friend, we must discuss how I am to break the news to my father about the woman that I do wish to marry."
"You are serious, then," Edwyn said, a look of wonder on his face. "I confess, Rhain, I was not certain I would ever see this day come. 'Tis really very extraordinary."
"Aye, 'tis," Rhain agreed. "Come now; let us go to my study where we may discuss this privately."
The two men walked swiftly to the study, Rhain sinking into the chair behind his desk and Edwyn pacing restlessly. Both men were lost in thought for several moments before Edwyn finally broke the silence.
"I confess, Rhain, 'tis all quite a mystery to me. I cannot even being to think how or when you should tell your father your news."
Rhain sighed and nodded. "Aye, nor can I. I suppose the best I can do is to simply tell him the truth about my feelings and hope for the best. And I feel that the sooner I do so, the better."
"Shall you tell him today?"
"Nay, I think not. I shall give him this day to reconcile the Italian situation and I shall approach him on the morrow."
"Will you tell Keelin what you intend to do?"
"Nay, such news could damage the relationship I have built with her. 'Tis simply too early for confession."
Edwyn thought this over for a moment before responding. "Aye," he said, slowly. "I believe I can see the risk. But how long shall you continue on in this manner before you tell her that you love her?"
Rhain shrugged, gazing off into space. "I cannot say. If I felt more certain of her feelings for me, I would tell her right away. As I am presently uncertain of her feelings for me, I am unwilling to risk her knowing the extent of mine. Edwyn, I do not think I could bear the pain of losing her."
His friend nodded that he understood. "Are you to see her today, then?" he asked.
"Nay, even though I fervently wish to do so. I think I must give her a day to reflect upon her own feelings. I also fear that word may spread around the castle and I do not want anyone else knowing of our meetings because I fear what she might suffer at the hands of the other servants."
"That is wise," Edwyn replied.
Both men knew that such attentions as Rhain was bestowing upon Keelin had been the cause of not only jealousies, but even war. Peasant and nobleman alike competed to gain the favor and attention of the royal family and there were many who would stop at nothing to gain such attentions. Very often, those who were in royal favor were despised amongst their peers.
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door and then the entrance of the king's page. The boy bowed in front of Rhain with a look of awe and respect on his young face.
"His Majesty requests the presence of Your Highness in His Majesty's council chamber," the boy said.
Rhain looked at Edwyn curiously. "Shall I bring my knight with me?" he asked the boy.
"His Majesty asked that Sir Edwyn attend as well."
"Thank you, that is all," Rhain said, dismissing the boy. Once the boy had left, the two friends exchanged a worried glance.
"Why this sudden summons, I wonder? If my father had something he wished to speak with me about, why did he not speak with me about it when I saw him earlier?" Rhain wondered.
"I think we should make haste to the council chamber. I hope the news is not grave."
"As do I," Rhain agreed.
The two men hurried to the king's study. Upon entering, they found that all of the king's advisors in attendance. Rhain knew that it must be very serious news for his father to have the people in attendance that he did. Rhain and Sir Edwyn took seats at the table. The prince noticed that his mother hovered behind her husband's chair, a deeply worried look on her face.
"My son, Sir Edwyn, thank you for joining us," the king said.
"I hope 'tis nothing serious, Father," Rhain said, without preamble.
"'Tis a matter of the utmost seriousness," the king replied. "And I am uncertain of how to proceed."
At this, the king's foreign minister broke in with, "Your Majesty…"
"You have voiced your concerns, Cairon, and I have listened to them," the king said, holding up his hand. "I now wish to hear what my son and Sir Edwyn have to say."
Rhain and his friend exchanged glances as the king continued. "I have received an invitation to go to Germany. The king of France has called for me, the Spanish king, the Italian king, and the German king to discuss tensions between our countries. Henri claims that he wishes to prevent warring between our countries. He suggests meeting on neutral ground in Germany in light of the tensions between us. That was intelligent on his part as he must know I would never consent to visit his court at present. I believe there is some value in this endeavor, but Cairon believes 'tis an attempted by Henri to ambush me."
Rhain thought for a moment before speaking. "I do agree with you, Father, that there is merit to this suggestion. 'Tis certainly to our advantage to avoid warring with any of our neighbors for some time so that we might have a chance to rebuild our country and our army."
"Perhaps Henri knows that and is using the knowledge to devise a way to lure His Majesty into danger," Cairon said.
"Certainly Cairon has a point, Your Majesty," Sir Edwyn said, frowning. "After all, we can hardly afford to trust France, can we, knowing that Mordrid is in hiding there and perhaps under the king's own protection."
King Richard sighed and nodded. "Of course, Sir Edwyn. That is a matter of great concern to me. Still, how long can my kingdom continue in these hostilities with France? I am determined to do right by my people and that means avoiding war for as long as possible."
"'Tis without question that we should not strike against the French, in spite of Mordrid," Rhain agreed. "Prudence demands that we take a defensive rather than offensive position. However, there is something about this proposal that makes me uneasy. I am so loath the trust France and the possibility of a tragic occurrence is very real. We cannot simply rule out our feelings of apprehension."
"Nay, we cannot indeed," the king agreed. "France has long been our enemy and we must always be on our guard around such an enemy. I too feel uneasy at the prospect, but duty and honor also demand that I consider the proposal most seriously, especially since the potential benefits far outweigh the risks."
"It would seem that your mind is made up," Rhain stated.
"Aye, 'tis. I feel compelled to accept this invitation in the hopes that 'twill inspire other kings to follow. I must do all I can to ensure the future peace of my kingdom."
"I have never known you to make an imprudent decision with regard to your kingdom," Rhain stated. "As I am not at ease with the idea of your going alone, I shall go with you."
The king looked as if he wanted to forbid Rhain to accompany him, but did not wish to place the two of them at odds in front of so many witnesses. "Consider, my son, the risk of our both attending the meeting. If an ambush were to happen, what would become of England if we both fell victim?"
"I am aware of the risks, but I am also aware that 'tis my duty to protect my father and king," Rhain answered. "Were any evil to befall me, the throne would pass to my cousin, whom I trust would make a competent leader to his people, although not such a one as illustrious as you. 'Tis my duty to attend you to Germany and I will not ignore that duty, no matter the risks."
For one of the few times in his life, Rhain could see approval and pride shining in his father's eyes. The prince had not made his declaration merely to inspire pride for his words had been sincere. Still, it helped close the massive gulf that existed between him and his father and it made Rhain's heart swell with gratitude.
"I shall attend both Your Majesties," Edwyn declared. "I do not think it wise to arrive in Germany with an army of knights as that will make us appear aggressive, but I will see to it that a small contingent of Your Majesty's finest knights are also in attendance. Your Majesty's knights are ready and willing to give their lives to ensure Your Majesty's safety."
"Of that I have no doubt," the king replied. I have and have always had the greatest of confidence in my knights. I know that they will do all in their power to see me and my son safe. I shall have no fear as long as my faithful knights are in attendance."
"When do we part, Father?" Rhain asked.
"In a sennight," the king replied.
"Until then, I shall see to it that Your Majesty's knights are vigorously exercised. I shall submit a list of the knights I think most fitting for this mission to Your Majesty in three days' time so that any necessary adjustments may be made," Edwyn said.
"If it pleases you, Father, I shall exercise along with the knights so that I may also be prepared. If you require my presence, your page should seek me amongst the knights."
"You have my approval, Sir Edwyn. You, my son, have my permission to exercise with the knights. I think it a very wise course of action on your part. That is all I require of you for the moment. We shall meet again in three days' time to discuss Sir Edwyn's list."
Rhain and Sir Edwyn stood from the table and bowed to the king before parting the chamber. The prince and his friend immediately turned their steps toward Rhain's study and, once inside, Rhain turned to Edwyn.
"Tell me truly, what think you of this voyage?" Rhain asked.
Edwyn shook his head, a grim look on his face. "Truly, I think it the perfect setup for an ambush. I understand what His Majesty is saying about the need for reaching for peace, but I think this is too great of a risk."
"I think he must go, but I am very uneasy. I am certain that Mordrid will not let such an opportunity pass him by. We must train the knights hard and select only the finest to accompany my father on his journey. We will need to be cautious."
"We will need to be more than cautious, we will need to be wary of everyone and everything on this voyage," Edwyn replied.
