There's been a bit of confusion over this story. This story takes place when Jerrold and Daria are still teenagers (sixteen and seventeen, to be exact). So don't be worried, because they do become good rulers of Kyrria!
Okay, here we go. After this, only one more short chapter.
Chapter Seven
It seemed like minutes had only passed, but I was now standing in the Great Hall of the Ayorthaian Palace. A long, plush, forest green carpet ran from the staircase, through the quiet crowd of courtiers, to the king and queen's thrones. Above them hung a large banner with the Ayorthaian royal coat of arms.
The king and queen sat next to each other, with their son, the mage-prince Orlando on the king's left. The king had a broad face, dark curly hair, and a strong chin, making him look important and regal. The queen was tall and thin, almost mousy looking, with small braids tied in an elegant knot on her head. Both looked relatively pleasant and kind.
"Your majesties," said Jerrold, sweeping a low bow. I curtsied my best, trying not to wobble.
"It is wonderful to meet you, Sir Jerrold and Lady Daria," said the king. His voice was booming.
Jerrold began explaining our cause to the court. He told them of our taxes, the unfair treatment of nonhumans, and the squalor the poor lived in. He spoke of the extravagant riches and lavish spending of the royal family. Jerrold spoke passionately and confidently, and I found myself realizing that my hate for him had subsided over the last few days. I trusted him; I considered him a friend.
I snapped back to the hall, realizing the awkward silence. A few men were gathered around the king and queen, speaking in hushed voices.
"What's going on," I whispered to Jerrold.
"They're deliberating," he said. "The king's advisors are helping him make his decision."
Jerrold's face was set in a determined frown, damp with sweat. I wanted to ask him questions about why they were deliberating now, but I refrained. I heard him take in a shaky breath as the king rose.
"Sir, Lady, your information greatly troubles us," King Aubrey said. "However, your evidence just isn't enough testimony to convince us to go to war."
Jerrold's jaw dropped. I stopped breathing for a second. "Thank you for your time, your majesties," Jerrold said. He bowed politely and paused, waiting for me to curtsy. I couldn't move. So Jerrold just grabbed my elbow and began to lead me out of the hall. I was numb with anger. I could feel it causing me to shake and turning my face red. I finally tore myself away from Jerrold and ran back to the king and queen.
"Your majesties, please!" I cried. "The Kyrrian king and queen have imprisoned my brother and his wife for treason! You can't turn your backs on them!"
The queen looked shocked, but I saw a faint smile on the prince's face. "Young lady," she said, "You're in the presence of the Ayorthaian sovereigns."
"If you had a first hand account…" the king said slowly, trailing off.
Jerrold appeared at my side instantly. "You mean, if we had some sort of, witness," Jerrold speculated, "you'd reconsider our testimony and proposal?"
The king nodded. "First hand accounts are always more believable," he said.
Jerrold looked at me strangely. He looked almost apologetic, longing. I didn't understand him, and made a face. What do you mean?
"I can give you a first hand account," Jerrold yelled.
"How?" the king and I said simultaneously.
"I'm the prince of Kyrria," he said.
What!? I tried to cry out, but my mouth made no noise.
He nodded at the court's shock. "My name is Jerrold Ludwig Kiernan, Duke of Jenn, Earl of the Court Islands, and Prince of Kyrria," he said confidently.
He overdramatically tore open his tunic, revealing a tattoo of the Kyrrian royal seal on his chest. Under it, was the secret phrase that made his tattoo unique. All royals had this tattoo, as well as some cons and thieves impersonating royals. But only true sovereigns had the secret phrase written under the seal.
I took a step back. Who is this boy? I was shocked, and hurt. Why'd he conceal his identity from me? How could he hide that? How could I not have known? Did he think me a simpleton? Where did he think he'd go after this?
I curtsied quickly and walked swiftly out of the hall. I don't think anyone noticed I was missing. I wandered to my room, sat on my bed, and started to cry. I don't why I did, but the tears wouldn't stop flowing. What is there to cry over? This is Jerrold. I hate Jerrold. I'll always hate him.