Earning the Love of a Princess-Chapter 42: Flashback: Diplomacy

2 April, 1349. Magdaline Castle, Islia

Prince William stood next to his father, who in turn was seated at King Edward’s right hand. On the other side of the king stood his own sons in a line, William’s four cousins. He deliberately refused to make eye contact with them, especially Prince Thomas. Tom was the same age as him and one of his closest friends. The two of them would often get into mischief together. He was worried if he looked at Tom now, he’d make a silly face and the two of them would burst out laughing. That would definitely earn him a beating from his father.

William knew they were awaiting the arrival of a foreign king’s brother but wasn’t sure what made this visit so important. The snippets of conversation he’d picked up from the adults had just left him confused.

This special guest was a prince and a royal duke of some very important foreign kingdom but William had heard his own father make snide, mistrustful comments about him. This prince apparently was often at loggerheads with his elder brother, who was the king of a country called Moraigth. But he’d heard Prince Johan also insult this king several times as well, calling him a barbarian and a disgrace to his family line. So why was everyone at court fussing over this duke coming to visit, if no one actually liked him or his kingly brother very much?

Diplomacy made no sense to William. It sounded like spending time with people you didn’t like and having to pretend to be friends. Why would anyone bother? Didn’t adults have better things to do?

William shifted his weight to his other foot, feeling restless. He’d much rather be spending his time out in the forests that surrounded the castle, exploring with his friends and fishing in the creek. Today was a a rare sunny day after weeks of cold spring rains and he was stuck inside having to greet a guest he didn’t care a thing about.

Finally, the doors to the great hall were thrown open and the arrival of the guest formally called out. William heard him being introduced as His Royal Highness Prince Robert Stephenson of Moraigth, Duke of Arlington.

A tall, handsome red headed man with a neat beard strode in, dressed in rich clothes. Behind him followed two children - a boy and a girl. William was surprised, not expecting children to be part of the guest party.

The boy, who William guessed was a little older than him, had the same rusty red hair as the duke. The girl had dark hair and looked much younger.

Duke Robert of Arlington walked up to the throne dais and gave King Edward a deep respectful bow. He then bowed to Prince Johan. Finally, he bowed and smiled to the young princes of the Devon family line. William noticed his smile was wide and genuine, his eyes deliberately making contact with each prince.

Turning his attention back to King Edward, Duke Robert said, "I thank you for your warm welcome, Your Majesty." He spoke with an odd, lilting accent.

"The pleasure is ours, Duke Robert." King Edward replied, a somewhat friendly smile on his face. "It has been many years since our paths crossed. I’m sorry to hear your lovely wife couldn’t join us."

Duke Robert frowned slightly. "As am I, Sire. Isabella is currently ill. But I have great hopes that with the coming warmer weather, her health will improve."

King Edward nodded, then peered at the children behind the duke. "And who are these young people?"

The boy stepped forward to stand next to Duke Robert, though the girl did not.

"This is Malcolm, the youngest of my three boys." There was evident pride in the royal duke’s voice as he patted his son’s shoulder. "And this shy flower here," he indicated to the little girl hiding behind his legs, "is my Camilla."

He turned around and crouched down to face the girl and spoke to her in a soft, coaxing manner. "Come on, my darling. It’s bad manners to hide."

"Here, sister." The red headed boy extended his hand out to her in encouragement. "We have to bow to the king."

The little girl was still hesitant but grabbed on to her brother’s hand trustingly. He led her forward to stand in front of the throne dais. Both of the Moraigthian children then bowed to King Edward and to the other royal males of Islia.

King Edward’s lips twitched in amusement. As the children rose from their bows, he looked over the boy.

"You’re tall for your age, lad. Your father tells me you’re a good student and are showing promise at horsemanship, like your elder brothers."

The boy, Malcolm, bowed his head to receive the compliment and then turned to look at his father, who flashed him a warm smile.

William was confused. His own father had never smiled at him this way. What made this Malcolm so special?

King Edward then looked at the small girl. "And how old are you, little madam?"

"I’m nearly seven, Sire." The little girl piped up and smiled. William noticed she was missing her bottom two teeth. Why was his uncle wasting time speaking to a girl who was little more than a baby?

To his surprise, King Edward chuckled benevolently. "A magnificent looking girl child. She shows the promise of great beauty, like her mother."

"Oh yes, Your Majesty. My girl here will be exceptional." beamed Duke Robert. "She’s also a clever little soul. She shares tutors with her brothers and they have all praised her quick mind."

Prince Johan snorted. "Ridiculous. Why does she have tutors at all? Educating a girl provides absolutely no benefits."

William cringed inwardly at his father’s sneering tone. He hated when his father spoke to him that way. It made him feel the size of an ant. But to his surprise, Duke Robert didn’t seem insulted at all. In fact, he aimed a merry grin at Prince Johan.

"Ah, my lord. A man who criticises an educated lady is one who has never experienced the great pleasure of being married to one."

King Edward laughed. Prince Johan clenched his jaw but said nothing further.

In that instant, William decided he liked the handsome, smiling Duke of Arlington.