Chapter 2: Destiny
xxx
Adela sighed as she closed her new journal, tucking the quill between the pages. The young princess reached up to the deep violet ribbon wrapped around her ears, pulling it free with one quick tug. She neatly slid the ribbon around her journal, cinching the binding together at the seam before tucking the crimson book into a canvas bag by her white paws on the floor of the carriage.
She leaned over to pull the thick curtain back and glance out the carriage window. The darkness of night surrounded the group and she conceded to try sleep once more. Closing the curtain, Adela curled up on the rather uncomfortable seat, pulling her deep colored cloak around her and resting on her hands as a pillow.
But sleep refused to come, her mind too worried about what the morning would bring her. She didn't want this. She had never wanted her own kingdom. She was quite certain she didn't want to marry either. Adela thought being the youngest of her siblings would grant her that freedom, to dodge that duty and create a life of her own.
How dare this louse of a king ruin her plans. He was probably cranky and smelled funny, just like her grandfather. He had pretty much demolished any future impressions should would have of old people. She couldn't help but categorize her betrothed in the same category.
She sighed. She dreaded the morning even more so now.
-
Stepping down from the carriage, a short but well built hound dog holding her hand for support, Adela's eyes fell on the massive structure before her. The castle was built of white stone that seemed to glow in the sunlight. The warm light splashed against her, washing through her fur and warming her body. She unclipped the clasp of her cloak, slipping it off her bare shoulders and setting it back in the carriage. Her paws touched down on the smooth concrete that led up to the long row of steps leading to two wooden double doors. The doors were open, palace staff coming out in groups to greet the new arrivals and unload the few belongings from carriage.
Warnerstock's palace was much more elaborate than her family's and she felt her ears fold back from the intimidation. She hated escorts, but was convinced she would surely get lost in there without one.
A middle aged man approached her, soft features and brown hair cut to be shoulder length. He was dressed well, telling her he was of upper class. He smiled and bowed at her, taking her extended hand and gently kissing the back of it out of respect.
"Your highness, it is of the greatest pleasure that I welcome you to Warnerstock. I am Marcus, the King's advisor. I trust your journey was not too uncomfortable?" He asked her, offering his arm to her. Adela took it gently, as she had been taught that her gender should always be accepting of a man's offer to help her stand up. She thought it was silly, she could stand just fine, but the lessons were pounded into her mind.
"It was…long…" Adela managed to answer, still distracted by the towering castle before her. Marcus nodded, leading her up the steps through the double doors.
"After your audience with the king, I'll make sure you're given ample resting time."
Adela nodded, craning her neck to look over the marble interior of the castle, admiring the high ceilings, the gorgeous stained glass, and the polished floor and pillars. She listened as Marcus pointed out different aspects of the palace and assured her how excited the king was to be meeting her. They traveled through the vast ball room, an elongated red carpet sliced through the room, leading up the grand stair case that split into two separate cases at the top.
In the center on the mantle was a painted portrait of the king that almost took up the entire wall. Adela paused to look up at the painting of a young man with creamy pale skin and striking blue eyes, standing erect next to a pure white stallion. His thin, light rose colored lips were curved into a very slight smile and neatly styled blonde ringlets framed his strong features. It was the first visual she had of her betrothed and it was obvious that it was from earlier times. She had no idea the king was human.
Her eyes widened at the realization. Though there was much diversity, Glenadale was primarily anthronian. She hadn't even realized until now that the majority of the staff and people she had seen as she walked through the palace were indeed human. Not that it mattered to her in the least, but she had visited other kingdoms before where there were very strict expectations when it came to mating. Would this cause problems here? Would she be sent home to her humiliated family?
Marcus smiled softly at her expression as she stared up at the painting. He placed his pale hand on top of her black furred one, causing her to break her stare and look at him. "You have nothing to worry about. King Maximus is very accepting."
Adela sighed, relieved, and forced herself to smile and nod, continuing to follow him up the left side of the stair case, but she still felt her heart beat quick as they neared what she assumed was the throne room. Although she didn't want to be here, years of proper raising and etiquette made her want to make a good impression, if only for her family's sake. She made an effort to straighten her back, standing more rigid as she subconsciously patted down the front of her lavender gown. She ran her hand quickly through her wavy ebony hair, cascading down her bare shoulders to just above the middle of her back, holding her tail and chin high in an attempt to look mature. What she wouldn't give for a mirror at the moment. Adela feared she looked worn and unkempt from the carriage ride, her father's words about representing the family ringing in her mind.
Marcus chuckled though, patting her hand again to calm her nerves. "Your highness, do not worry, you're a vision."
Adela held back a blush, not used to compliments about her appearance. Those were always geared towards her older sister. Back at home she was still a clumsy child, but here she was a prospective queen. It did nothing to stop her shaking knees, grateful that they were hidden under her long gown.
Marcus guided her into the throne room, walking her down the center towards the single throne sitting up on the elegant two step ledge. Adela did her best not to stare unblinking at the man sitting before her, slumped forward from age, having developed a slight hunch. His skin almost seemed to be melting off his face, hanging in long jowls from his cheeks. Snow white, stringy hair poked out from the shimmering crown atop his head. His thin, long fingers wrapped around the lion clawed armrests of his throne, holding him up, least he let go and continue to melt into a pool of elderly mush.
But his eyes… his eyes were still that striking blue that looked back at her from the painting.
This thinned out, cracked lips curled into a soft smile and he made a move to try and stand, two guards standing on each side of his throne coming to attention to help him.
"I'm fine, enough fussing…" The king wheezed, managing to get to his feet, but Adela worried his long robes would weigh him down and then crush his frail form under their weight. His voice was low and cracked, but firm.
Marcus gently released Adela's arm and cleared his throat. "My lord, this is Adela of Glenadale," he announced, lightly ushering Adela forward to the old man as he descended the two steps carefully, his guards ready to catch him just in case.
"I know who she is," King Maximus smiled, coming over to the young girl, only a few inches shorter than him, having lost much of his height from the aging process. He reached out a leathery, boney hand, grasping her small, delicate black one in his gentle, but firm grip. He brought it towards his thin lips, kissing it softly before placing his other hand on top of it. His smile widened as he held her hand in his.
His kind smile was infectious and though his old appearance was offsetting, Adela smiled back at him genuinely. He didn't seem cranky and lacked the offensive odor her grandfather possessed.
"Welcome, Adela. Warnerstock is very fortunate to be blessed with such a beauty visiting it," Maximus smirked good-naturedly.
Adela bowed her head to him in respect. "It is my honor, and that of my family's, that I have traveled here."
Maximus chuckled and patted her hand, looking over to his advisor. "The poor girl is shaking, Marcus," he smiled to her. "You're very well rehearsed, child. Come, I'm sure you're famished."
His casual demeanor did something to calm Adela down and make her smile. Because of his age, she felt the tables turn slightly as he held onto her arm, joking that she was the most stunning crutch that he ever had.
Followed by Marcus and the guards, they went out onto a large balcony set up with a table and chairs for three people. The table was complete with a hearty looking meal appropriate for midday feasting; an array of breads and cheeses, various fruits, and a light wine.
Adela had to admit that the king was right, she had been hungry. But not only did the lunch fill her stomach, it also settled down her nerves. Though Maximus was older and ailing, he had a way of relaxing the young princess, asking her about her kingdom, what she enjoyed, what she disliked. He was making an honest attempt to get to know her. Adela couldn't remember the last time she had talked to such a good listener.
During her journey she had done a good job of working up a horrible portrayal of the king of Warnerstock. But she had been wrong. He was certainly not the cantankerous old man her mind had made him out to be.
Not only was the king a good listener, Adela could tell that he honestly cared about his people. She was content to sit and listen to Maximus talk in great depth about his kingdom, staying at the lunch table far after they had consumed and digested the meal.
He had many fascinating tales of growing up in Warnerstock. The tone of his voice, the details of his stories, the expressions that danced across his features were all strong indicators of his passion, passion deeper than those blue eyes of his.
She could tell how concerned he was for his land's well being after his inevitable departure from this like to the next. But telling Adela about his kingdom was not enough for him. He insisted they tour the villages around the base of the palace, despite Marcus' protest that the king should rest. The advisor assured the monarch that he would happily show Adela around the kingdom, but Maximus would have none of that. She would have no other tour guide but himself.
It amused her to say the least. The man had one foot in the grave, but he was still as stubborn as they came. She found she liked that about him.
They took an open carriage pulled by two bay mares, the perfect transportation for touring. The king excitedly pointed out this and that, Marcus throwing in a few facts about the land as well. Adela was certain her neck would be sore by the end of the day.
Though the kingdom of Warnerstock stretched out far across the country side, three villages were constructed within a few miles of the castle. These three villages provided the palace with its resources as well as working together to run each other efficiently.
On the East side was Malletom, the farming village where the crops were grown with precision and care in an effective four fields system. The well educated farmers took pride in their harvest, rotating their crops seasonally, using the land to its best potential.
Just North of the castle, directly outside the gates, was Pun Square, the busy metro part of the kingdom. Pun Square was the trading capital, a convenient place for the people of Warnerstock to network and for the farmers to unload and find buyers and suppliers. With the large amount of traffic going through it, Pun Square was a perfect spot to set up a beginning business, making it the perfect spot to find work or an apprenticeship.
And to the West stood the picture-eqsue Acme Falls, a quaint rural area where many of the citizens took up residence. With Malletom and Pun Square so close by to fuel the little village, Acme Falls was prosperous, and according to the king, the perfect spot to grow up.
Sitting in the carriage next to her betrothed, Adela watched as Maximus conversed with a lady and her two children, smiling at their pleasant exchange of gossip. The strong bond Maximus shared with his people amazed her. Any chance they had gotten, the king stopped to great the citizens, waving hello to them as they passed like he knew every one of them by name. He complimented them on their work, supporting the small businesses by purchasing hand crafted goods and desserts Adela knew he probably had many of in the castle.
It warmed her young heart to see how pleased the old king looked at how happy his people were. He had introduced her to whomever they stopped to talk with, each new face politely welcoming her to the kingdom as one of their own, many thanking her for coming. She felt herself forgetting how much she was supposed to loathe this place for tearing her away from her simple life.
She found herself liking Warnerstock more and more. The king had a way of making her lighten up and find her voice. She found it easy to talk to him, to enjoy herself, to act her age, his excitement for everything rubbing off on her. It was enough to even get her to ask if she could drive the carriage. Marcus seemed skeptical, but Maximus only encouraged her, laughing and insisting he sit up front with her and they chauffeur him and the driver around for a change.
By the time they returned to the palace night had fallen, but as exhausted as the king looked, his smile was still bright.
"Marcus, if you don't mind," Maximus waved his hand with a slight yawn, "I would like to have a word with Adela before I retire for the night."
The three stopped outside the bedchamber Adela would be calling her own. Marcus smiled and bowed towards the two of them. "Of course, sire. A pleasant evening to the both of you."
Adela watched the advisor walk down the hall and turn left before looking back at the king. "So dear child, do you like Warnerstock?"
"It's very lovely; I've never seen a happier kingdom." And she wasn't lying. She loved her home, but after viewing the close-knit society of Warnerstock, Adela had to admit that Glenadale was just not up to par on the happiness ratio. Sure, it was prosperous, but rather uptight.
Maximus chuckled, "Then the impression we made was a good one," he paused, still smiling. "Does that mean you'll be staying?"
Adela looked at him in confusion, opening her mouth to speak, but he held his hand up to stop her. His light hearted expression changed to one more serious, a look she hadn't seen on his face today. "I know you think that you have no choice in the matter, but you're wrong." He took her petite furred hand into his own wrinkled one. "I doubt I could handle lying on my death bed knowing I forced you into something such as this."
Adela's expression softened as Maximus coughed roughly, clearing his throat from the wheeze before speaking again. "Just coming here showed a great deal of maturity for one so young. You respect the system, no matter how flawed it may be," his wheeze melted into a laugh. "I want you to think about this. Do not worry about the dowry. I love my kingdom," Maximus cleared his throat once more, "…but I refuse to shame it by buying it a queen."
Adela moved her gaze away from those deep blue pools of his. So much respect she suddenly had for this man, flowing through her and bubbling up in her heart. She looked back at him, still holding her hand, "Your grace, if I may ask a question…"
The king smiled, patting her hand. "You will call me Maximus, and never hesitate to ask me anything."
"Why did you agree to me? Why not someone with more experience? Surely there must be someone more fitting than I…" Adela asked.
Maximus nodded. "A reasonable inquiry, Adela. Unfortunately power does a fine job of corrupting weak minded people. Because I have no family of my own, the bloodline ends with me. Warnerstock would have no choice but to merge with the neighboring lordship of Tic Tockia. I have met the Lord…" he crinkled his nose, "young but shaping up to be a snake of a man. He would ruin my people. I would use a more descriptive term," Maximus chuckled, "but I am in the presence of a lady."
She smiled, enjoying how forward he was being with the information. Any other adult his age would tell her she need not fill her mind with matters that she had no say in. But he was talking to her in a manner that made her feel like his equal, ignoring both her age and her gender.
Maximus sighed, "Finding a queen is my last desperate attempt to avoid merging the kingdom. To be frank, Adela, you're not the first lady to have visited my kingdom. I've been looking for the last few months. But the difference between them and you is…" He smirked, "…I like you."
Adela found herself blushing once more from the compliment.
"After spending the day with you I feel some young blood would do the kingdom well. I know you don't think you are qualified do to your age, but you hold a rare trait because of it. The older one gets, the more time they have to contemplate things." He smiled. "Young people don't think so hard and usually find the right answer faster with less chance of mulling over doing the wrong thing. You have a good soul," He chuckled, "I can tell. I'm a very good judge of character. You're nervous about it, I know, but that will pass, I assure you. The council will agree. They're sick of me being so picky. But they need more," he rolled his eyes. "It's always something more with them. That is why having my heir is important. You'd continue my bloodline and appease them. I'm completely convinced you're just what I'm looking for to raise my heir, but only if you're ready to do so."
Adela nodded her head. It was a lot to take in. She looked back at him, another question spilling from her lips. "… how come you never married?"
Maximus sighed, but his smile remained. "A question for the ages indeed, but the answer is simple I suppose." He shrugged, "I never found love."
"I grew up as an only child with two parents who couldn't stand one another. My mother and father had been betrothed by their parents and were bitter about the whole thing from the very beginning. Thus, they never gave one another a chance, despising each other instantly. They lived on opposite sides of the castle."
Adela listened to the man intently, being reminded of her own parent's rocky relationship. They didn't despise each other, per say, but there were many long winded screaming wars between the two.
"I did not want that for myself and promised my heart that I would only marry if I found the right one. But by the time it was expected for me to find a partner, my mind was too engrossed in running a kingdom, one I could be proud of," he smiled at her. "Love just wasn't one of my priorities."
She smiled at him, "You're not one for tradition, are you Maximus?"
He laughed heartily and patted her hand once more. "No, I suppose I never was. But perhaps it's time for some new traditions," he smiled, "And if no one starts them, change will never happen. Change is not a bad thing, Adela, remember that."
She nodded as he yawned once more. "Give the matter some thought and sleep on it. If there is anything you need just let it be known. The staff knows to treat you as they would me."
She grasped his hand before he let go, causing him to look back up into her dark eyes. He was right, she was afraid of marrying, of ruling, of the responsibility in general. She was hoping to skirt through life and never have to deal with this sort of thing, maybe never even marrying, spending her days lounging about and writing long novels with no real plot, only for her own amusement.
But it was time for her to grow up and realize this was bigger than her. She was not alone on this planet. Could she leave this place knowing that she was selfish enough to deny an entire kingdom happiness just for her own petty wants and fears of responsibility? Could she go on living with that guilt in the same way that Maximus couldn't die knowing he forced her into it?
Pleasing her family was no longer the priority of this journey. Maximus was right. Perhaps it was her age that helped her choose what was right faster than mulling over what was wrong.
"I'd like to stay," she smiled at him. "If you think I'm good enough to raise a future ruler of Warnerstock, then I'm ready."
Maximus beamed at her with shining eyes, reaching up to pat her cheek gently. "I told you that you had a good soul."
Adela bowed to him once more, wishing him a good night before slipping through the large oak door to her chambers. The room was elegantly decorated, the red and violet color scheme accented nicely by the glowing orange of the lit torches.
Walking over to a large vanity, running her furred paws across the painted wood, her fingers stopped to pick up a fine bristled brush that rested next to a velvet clad jewelry box. Running the brush through her thick black hair, Adela sat down on the large canopy bed.
She noticed her canvas bag placed in the center of the golden comforter and set the brush down next to it, reaching inside for the journal her mother had given her just before her trip. Settling down against the pillows, Adela flipped open to the next blank page.
I'm afraid to look back at the few pages before this one, ashamed of what my selfish mind wrote before it experienced Warnerstock and wrongly judged it so harshly. Not only is my new home charming and happy, but its king is very just and incredibly wise.
I am still nervous, but Maximus' faith in me is pushing my fear away, replacing it with a feeling of nobility. I'm no longer dreading my duty, but instead proud that I will be part of something much bigger than a life of living for only myself.
Perhaps there is something to this destiny thing after all.
xxx
Yakko lifted his ears as laughter suddenly exploded into the quiet room. Tucking the violet ribbon inside the book to mark his page, Yakko looked up as his brother sped through the throne room, their little sister on his back, shouting for him to go faster. Both were clad in their night wear, burning off the last of their energy before they expected their oldest sibling to tuck them in.
Yakko smiled as he set the book down on the window ledge, hopping down as his rambunctious kin ran past him. Dot shrieked as Wakko pretended to try and buck her off, whinnying obnoxiously, but hooking his arms around his sister's legs to keep her securely on his back.
Yakko's mind was still buzzing with excitement at what he had just read. Could it really be written by his mother? It all seemed too unreal, words that were from her own mind, her own thoughts. Details about before he was born that were lost somewhere in the depths of his subconscious. He was dying to read more, to delve further into his mother's story, if it was truly his mother he was reading about.
The young prince's mind was shaken from the past and into the present as Dot and Wakko attached themselves to his sides, both competing for his attention, shouting stories they wanted to be read before bedtime. Yakko smirked at the both of them, lifting his little sister into his arms as she tugged on his shirt and placing his free hand on his brother's shoulder, leading the two of them out of the throne room.
His own choice of story would have to wait until morning.