Chapter 3: Conspiracy
It was a long two weeks before the chamberlain heard from Asura. Strangely but fortunately, the castle was empty. On the day of Edge's return from the wedding, he received an invitation. Due to the many postwar reparations taking place in the kingdoms, there had not been sufficient time to plan a bachelor party, thus Edward took it upon himself to arrange an after-the-fact gathering for the gentlemen. Edge had not wanted to attend, but the chamberlain kicked him out of his own castle—literally. Having no choice in the issue, Edge brushed the dust off his pants, flashed a rude gesture at his second in command, and proceeded to the stables for a ride to Damcyan. In Edge's absence, the chamberlain was forced to occupy his time nagging lazy sentries.
"Look at the rust!" He was busy berating a new sentry for his apparent lack of respect to his uniform. "You represent the kingdom of Eblan. We are not all ragamuffins."
"I…I do apologize sir. I…I just—"
"Enough with your apologies! You will report to the barracks, polish your suit of armor, and return to me for inspection. If I find your appearance worthy of an Eblanian guard, you will serve only one week of scullery duty. However, should there be one measly smudge, rusty spot, or fingerprint on your armor you will be serving tea to our once-amorous king for an indefinite period of time." Perspiration laced the chamberlain's hairline, an indicator of his personal stress load. A blushing sentry saluted the sentry and hurried away before he could receive stable duties as well. Scullery duty was nothing to be ashamed of. Like the chamberlain, many Eblanian staff members knew of Anya's reputation in the kitchen.
My, my, my. There is simply no respect among our youth these days. What will become of society? Moody kings, sentries not mindful of their position and appearance…the chamberlain's musings were interrupted by another military official.
"Excuse me sir. You have a visitor from the underworld." The young lieutenant visibly shuddered at the announcement. "Queen Asura awaits you in the castle foyer."
The chamberlain acknowledged the man's announcement and request, and hurried (to the observer it would appear that the stocky man "waddled") back to the castle. Reaching the foyer, he mopped perspiration from his brow, and prepared to host the most gruesome being he ever had the chance to meet.
"Queen Asura! What a delightful surprise!" The two bypassed the familiar kiss on the cheek greeting. Asura found her host as equally repulsive as he did her. Suffice it to say, a pairing between human and monster was a very rare occurrence in the world!
"It's always a pleasure to see you Sir Chamberlain." Asura's remark was sincere. Appearance aside, she felt nothing but respect and sympathy for the man who single handedly managed Eblan. In her view, Edge was nothing more than a figurehead, too young to fully understand the responsibilities of a king. When he truly matures, he will be a great king, but for now…well, he definitely needs guidance. He is lucky to have the chamberlain.
"Please, come to my office so we can talk." The chamberlain gestured that she should move forward, and the two made their way to the throne room. A secret door to the left of Edge's ornate seat led to the chamberlain's private quarters. Once inside and comfortably seated the two spoke out simultaneously.
"My little girl is miserable…" began Queen Asura.
"The kingdom is doomed…" started the chamberlain.
They stared dumbfounded at one another before laughing at their folly. "Please, your highness, you start."
So she did. She told him of the conversation she had with Rydia. He listened sympathetically and when she finished, briefed her on Edge's condition.
"I just don't know what to do with that young man. He needs a wife. Our kingdom needs a queen. However, where I used to have to follow him on his many, many dates—for the decency of the lady involved mind you (Queen Asura laughed at this statement)—now he won't even look twice. His lady friends are practically banging the castle door down begging an audience with the newly appointed king, but he wants nothing to do with them. He sits and broods at his tower window. He seems content to watch the world pass by without him."
Queen Asura smiled sadly. "What to do, what to do…" Anya, the blond serving woman brought tea to the office. While she poured, creamed, and sugared they sat in silence. Anya bowed, winked at the chamberlain and made a graceful exit. Several minutes ticked by before Asura's lips, pinched in thought, turned up into a grin of pure mischief.
The chamberlain, thinking lustily of Anya, did not notice her change of demeanor immediately. An evil giggle caught his attention. "What are you thinking, my lady?"
"Well, I think it might work…but even if it doesn't it will still be lots of fun."
The chamberlain, intrigued by her intrigue, moved in closer. "Please, continue."
Outside the room, sentries overheard delighted laughter from both the queen and the chamberlain. They just shrugged their shoulders, relieved that the chamberlain was occupied. Finally, they could continue their duties in peace.
