Chapter Five: Mercer Mansion

Constant almost cries as he gives Stein a long hugging embrace. Then shaking his hand. But in Stein's point of view, Constant felt like a stranger to him.

"You all must be tired from your long journey. Was it peaceful?" Constant asks kindly to everyone while holding onto Iolenes' arm. The steward opened the two massive doors that led into the main hall.

Lexi holds her breath as she sees the hall. It is a palace… Not even her temple or Lan-Se's palace is this decadent. The carpets, tapestries, wallpaper, so many little vases and lots of little ornaments on ornamental chests and fireplaces. Lexi resists the urge to hold the little porcelain dragon. Small enough to fit in the palm of her hand she couldn't resist how adorable it is. Having large eyes and little paws. She coos at it as Lei walks behind and says how creepy the little thing is. She playfully punches him. "It's cute!" She shouts.

"It has been! Beautiful weather a nice scenic tour of both countries." Stein says happily.

Everyone turns around and bows to the servants who have been working for them for the journey. They have completed their job and it is time to return to Lan-Se. Iolene gave one of them a kiss on the cheek that made him blush. Lei dismisses them as they leave beyond Constants' gates. The group looking up at the mansion are officially here…

"Where is Prince Murray? I am surprised he did not join along with you." Constant asks.

"Prince Murray is still in Lan-Se seeing the last of his navy and armies returning home. He shall hopefully join us later this week or next week." Stein replies. "It has been so long since I have been here…" Stein says sadly, much of Constants home has changed. The last time he was here Aelius and Laelia were with him. Begging for the help of King Rainier who did not oblige and cast them away. Being attacked as the three escape out of the city. Steins' blood felt cold as he remembered that night. He has not thought of it for so long… He can only hope the meeting with De Villier goes well.

Soon after everyone is shown to their rooms. Luxurious is a small word to describe them. Aaron was surprised that he gets to have an official room. He jumps onto the bed like a giddy little boy as soon as the door shuts. Rolling on the bed, he has never felt anything so soft. He undoes the curtains on the canopy bed. Feeling the soft silk and tassels. Since the last time, he stayed in the mansion. He lived in the servant quarters next to Mali. A basic bed with a chest of drawers next to him. He wondered if Mali asked if he can have a guest room.

Eleya and Iolene unpack their things, as Iolene places her mother's letters chest in the drawer next to the bed. Always close to me mother… She lightly kissed the box.

Fred almost wanted to jump in happiness seeing his room. "Fit for a prince!" He says arrogantly as he demands the servants to unpack his few items. He hated the way of Lan-Se since he slept in a small servant room with his brothers. Still irritated that Zhen did not treat him as the royalty he is.

Iymp, Beau, Ponderrah and Duryss are shown their stables. Nothing like the palace of Lan-Se where dragon dens are a palace of their own. The building is long and rectangular like the mansion. The stables are all connected to each other and are small since Constant's dragons are thin and can fit easily inside. The only bedding is straw with two troughs one being for water and the other for food. Beau fulling stating his disappointment Admitting he loved his stay in Lan-Se.

Duryss can barely fit into one of the stables. His large bulky body accidentally hits the back wall causing it to crack. To his disappointment, he will have to sleep outside.

The welcoming dinner is fit for a royal feast with onion soup, seafood chowder, pheasant roast, orange duck, salted dragfish, buttered lobster, cheese platters, pates, loaves of bread and following with trifles and Parfaits'. Lei is excited as he finally eats Mille Voix cuisine. Very different from his culture's food of rice and noodles.

The next day Constant gives Iolene a personal tour of his mansion. "The Mercer mansion was built in the year 4,655. It has been passed down many generations. Started with the simple origins of being potato farmers. But one day my great relatives John and Jeanne decided to risk it all and decided to be winemakers and sellers." Constant trying his hardest not to brag about his wealth.

Swords can be heard clashing as Aaron, Lei and Lexi are training outside. Iolene looks at them from the window. Losing interest in Constants' family history.

"Tell me Constant. You were close to my mother. "What was she like?"

"Laelia? She was the kindest woman I have ever met. Smart and capable of any task that is required of her. She was a terrific senator and ambassador. She helped orphans and those who were not as privileged as her." Constant picks up a rose from a nearby vase. "She was a rare rose, taken too soon from this world." Constant then places the rose into Iolenes hair above her ear.

"How did you two meet?" She asks.

"In her first senator meeting. I was very new to politics and I decided I wanted a different life for myself. I was to discuss the taxation of river trade routes. For you see I have been told by the King that the taxes have greatly risen. Laelia did not like that at all… Many sailors and merchants from the Light-Blue Empire traded with us. She met up with me to discuss if I can change it since everyone else failed. I failed to like the rest… The King was stubborn… As rulers usually are."

"Sir a letter!" Constant head Stewart passes him a note. It is not even sealed as Iolene looks at it closely. Constant looks down at Iolene as he smiles. "The Queen has decided the date and time."

Iolene holds her hands together nervously.

"Next week she is available, for lunch. So we shall prepare for wonderful Camille…"

Iolene raises a finger up to question. As Constant explains whispering in her ear. "Camille is Avery… It is her undercover name." Iolene nods in agreement. Camille…

She looks down as Aaron is starting to ride Beau. They are getting better. Beau is running in circles around Stein and Mali who recently joined them.

"You want to go to the arena?" Constant asks noticing her staring out the window.

Constant and Iolene make it to the arena where everyone is watching Aaron and Beau.

"Mag Aaron up!" Mali commands Beau.

Beau concentrates his energy, and a stream of gold energy pulsates from his back. Picking Aaron up high into the air. Aaron felt the breeze as he felt like he is flying. He has only seen people do this, never did it himself. But it felt amazing, he stretched his arms out as if he flew. Beau glanced upwards as he held Aaron up in the air, smiling gleefully.

"Well done!" As Stein and Mali clap and shout.

Beau lowers Aaron onto his back as he then goes to a graceful stop.

Lexi and Lei clap. Both remembering their first times being magged into the air. Nothing could compare to it, it is as close to flying as anyone can get. Iymp in jest launched Lexi on the temple pillar and left her there. Ponderrah Lei's dragon only mags on his voice commands. For being blind he is careful with Lei.

Aaron dismounts Beau and scratched underneath his chin. Beau purrs with happiness, it felt so good. The dragon loved it as he tilts his head to make sure Aaron gets the right spot.

"You will make a terrific dragon rider yet!" Mali says with hope.

Iolene smiles dreamily as she watches Beau and Aaron begin playing chasey with each other.

Constant approaches Mali and Stein. "Camille has communicated with us. She will meet Iolene next week. I will prepare everything. In the meantime explore the city, enjoy yourselves."

Stein says nothing. All he can do is trust Constant and Mali's judgement. It has been years since he has been here. He wanted to argue with Constant for revealing Iolenes secret but now is not the time. As much as he hated to admit he needed Constant's hospitality. Stein has to remain guarded as he watches the group talk to each other. He has to protect his most precious treasure. The only hope he has left for a better world.