Chapter Ten:

“Mother, I brought you some prisoners,” Hart called out as they entered the royal offices. “In light of my amazingly efficient work, can we talk about my allowance?”

The woman didn't even look up from what she was writing. “I told you Hart, you can have your allowance when Chamberlain Ludovic’s hair grows back.” Hart flopped down in the chair next to her, and grabbed a glass paperweight off her desk, throwing it back and forth gently.

“You sure? He’s a pretty great hostage, hard to pin down.” Hart’s mother looked up from her papers to stare at her son, exasperated. Hart ignored her ire, grinned and nodded towards where the others were standing. She glanced over to where he was staring.

“Navihm?” she exclaimed, shoving her chair back so sharply as she stood that it tipped over.

“Hart wanted to put me in chains to complete the hostage facade,” Navihm said mildly. “I told him I would throw him in the river if he tried.”

“Navihm!” She rushed over and threw her arms around his waist, her head only just reaching his shoulder. “Hart, consider your allowance reinstated,” she said, her words slightly muffled by the shirt her face was pressed against. Navihm laughed as he returned her embrace. Hart clenched both fists in the air in triumph, still clutching the glass ball.

Hart’s mother, Lia, spent a good deal of time fussing over Navihm. He endured the hugs and affectionate doting good-naturedly. He grinned readily and frequently. Rose had never seen him so at ease. It was a while before the Reina could be persuaded to leave her nephew's side long enough to be introduced to the rest of the group but when she did, she received them graciously, welcoming them to the Second warmly. Any friend of Navihm’s was paid particular attention to at the royal grounds of the Second. Reina Lia of course invited the group to stay the night at their home.

“But first,” she said, “you must meet Rei Jethro, Hart’s father.” She herded the group into the hall. She fluttered about, gesturing and waving them down different corridors.

“He’ll be meeting with people in the solium now,” she remarked. Navihm explained briefly that solium was the equivalent of a throne room. Reina Lia kept up a pleasant, albeit one sided, conversation, giving an impromptu tour.

“This is Hart’s great, great, great grandmother,” she said, gesturing to a painting of a smiling woman with Hart’s dark eyes. “She was the last in our line to rule, until Hart’s father of course. Oh, here we are; the solium. This is going to be such a surprise for Jethro.” She pushed open a set of double doors, throwing them wide. Rose guessed that Hart got his flare for the dramatic from his mother’s side of the family.

“Jethro, dear. I have a surprise for you.” Rei Jethro didn't look in the least bit surprised, he rose to greet them. Rose was slightly bewildered to be greeted by name.

“The servants have been been giving me constant updates since you have arrived,” explained the Rei dryly. “Was it really necessary for you to show them the entire royal grounds, my dear?” he asked his wife.

“Oh shush. I knew you wouldn't show our guests around so I did it for you.” Lia refused to look chagrined, used to her husband’s dry humour.

The King turned to look at Navihm and said something in Genti. Hart, who was standing by the group of foreigners, translated.

“The Rei is congratulating Navihm on his bonding,” Hart explained, referring to his cousin’s recent engagement.

“Meus argramentos, O Rei,” replied Navihm.

“Navihm is thanking the King.” The conversation between Navihm and his uncle went on for some time, Hart translating helpfully. Navihm was explaining the reason for the group traveling to Genticus.

“I will send for our prophet at once,” the King insisted. He waved his right hand and a servant went scurrying out of the room.

“Perhaps we could move this meeting into a more comfortable setting,” suggested Reina Lia. The King and Queen were seated on wide comfortable chairs at the head of the room, while the others stood standing. Hart had neglected to take his seat by his father, choosing instead to stand amongst the foreigners, translating.

The Rei nodded and lead the way out of a door behind the thrones and into what looked like the private dining room for the royal family. There were enough seats for everyone and after the Rei called for refreshments, it was quite comfortable.

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The second half of this chapter will be up later on today. Enjoy!