Chapter Three -Estard Castle-

Stepping into the gates of the town, Maribel sighed.

"Whew! We made it!" Stepping forward, Maribel turned to face Alex. "I'm going to bail out here...what?"

"Um...when--" Alex started. Though Maribel annoyed her at times, it wouldn't do to have her walk home alone and get injured. That had happened once, and Alex had been accused of "abandoning" Maribel.

"Right, I'll go back home later. I can manage getting back by myself. Thanks alot, Alex." With that she headed up to the clothing store.

Alex headed up to the castle.

As she passed by the fountain, she overheard some merchants talking.

"I was cleaning the warehouse the otherday and found alot of things, like swords and shields," one merchant was saying. "I wonder what era they're from...I guess even a country as peaceful as this has wars, eh?" The merchants laughed.

"Well, if it isn't Alex!" Alex smiled at the guard by the castle gate, and he smiled back. "I suppose you've already gotten the message from that sentry we sent." Alex nodded. "The King's waiting for you." Another nod, and Alex passed through the gate. Two guards stood on opposite sides of the drawbridge leading into the castle. They lightly nodded to her as she passed them by. Entering the castle doors, she took in the familiar scenery around her. Ahead of her lie a staircase with two guards, only one of whom was awake.

"Who are you?" The conscious guard demanded.

"Alex of Fishbel."

"What's your purpose here?"

"The King wished an audience with me."

"Are you saying the King has called for you?"

"Yes."

"You're lying!" The guard bellowed. "The King would never see someone of such questionable stature!" The guard cleared his throat. "I wish I could say that just once...Please go right on through."

"Thank you." Alex headed up the stairs to the second floor.

Just as she reached the top step, a voice could be heard from above.

"Kiefer! Has Prince Kiefer not been located yet?!" King Burns--an older man with gray hair and matching beard, adorned in a red, kingly robe and golden crown--came down the stairs that lead up to the throne room, looking about frantically. "Heh heh heh! You fool! I won't forgive you this time!"

The minister--a man of equal age and size as the King-- soon appeared behind him.

"Your Majesty!" he begged, "If only for my sake, please calm yourself! I'm sure Prince Kiefer has his reasons for what he has done..."

"Silence!" The King roared, turning to the minister. "There is no need to cover for anyone else."

Alex cleared her throat and stepped forward.

"Alex! How long have you been standing there?" The King asked. "I've been waiting for you! Come here, subject."

The King placed his hand on Alex's shoulder and headed up the stairs. She managed to keep up just enough so she wasn't quite being dragged as the King lead her into the throne room and to the usually vacant seat beside the King's throne.

"I suggest you take a seat, child." Alex sat, bracing herself for what she knew was to come. "I'd appreciate it if you would look into my eyes, Alex. Would you allow me this simple gesture?"

"...yes..." Alex tried to relax as she met the King's gaze.

"You're hiding something from me, aren't you, Alex?"

"..." Alex considered lying, though she knew the King already knew the answer.

"Kifer has been acting restless lately," the King continued, "almost as if her were driven by some unforseen force. Today that fool carried off a ring, an important keepsake from the Queen. I'm confounded by his increasingly erratic behavior."

Chewing on a dirty fingernail, Alex watched as the King started pacing.

"The distance between Kiefer and I has grown since his mother passed. As a result, he pays little heed to my words. It seems he has acquired quite a taste for wine, women, and adventure..." The King's voice took on an angry tone as he stopped pacing. "However, it is time that he accepts his responsibility to the people of Estard!"

With this, King Burns sighed, the anger drained out of him.

"Alex," he said, facing her, "will you talk with Kiefer?"

Not waiting for a response, he made for his throne and sat down in an almost defeated position. Hesitantly Alex stood, and passed slowly to the throne.

"I was planning to continue our discussion, but we'll stop for now, Alex. I have much to think about." The King wouldn't look at her, so she made her way out of the room.

"Alex," she turned, "as always, I ask that you keep an eye on Kiefer...I trust him, and you, Alex, as well."

"Yes, sir."

"His Majesty's primary concerns lay with Prince Kiefer," the minister said quietly to her as she passed. "So I ask that you keep a close eye on him."

"Of course, sir." With that, she headed back down the stairs. Remembering the package her mother had given her, she walked behind the staircase on the first floor, though the dining room, and into the kitchen, where one of the cooks greeted her.

"Hey, Alex...Is that a dish of Fish Paste you got there?" Alex smiled as she handed it over.

"Yep! Mom sent me over with it."

"I see! You brought it for Prince Kiefer? All right! I'll serve it for dinner tonight!"