Trapped, page 6
part #3 of Treason and Truth Series
“His Majesty would have more to say if anything happened to the boy.”
“He would indeed but you are still not talking to, or of, His Highness in a fitting manner. If you have anxieties about his behaviour, you do not chastise him. You raise it with your superior officer. You certainly do not publicly berate him. Now, where was His Highness going?”
The guard looked as though he’d swallowed a lemon. “Quite frankly, sir, I’d like to know on what authority you presume to correct me?”
Tancred replied levelly, “I am correcting you on my authority as His Highness’ tutor. Now, I would like to know where my charge was going and your name. Mine, should you need it, is Judge James Tancred.”
“Luke Lyne,” muttered the guard. “His Highness was going to see the King. I tried to tell him the King would be busy but he wasn’t having any of it.”
“Then please make your way to the guardroom on the King’s Corridor separately. I will escort His Highness, with his permission.” He walked over to Tain. “So, you were going to see the King. Would you permit me to accompany you, sir?”
“Of course, Your Honour,” agreed Tain. “How can I refuse? You’ve prevented me getting another lecture.”
“Is his manner always so confrontational?”
Elantha whispered, “It’s normally worse than that, Your Honour.”
Tancred nodded, his mind turning over the revelation. “Are we to keep the King waiting?”
“He’ll be busy, won’t he?” said Tain.
“Have you ever known His Majesty have no time for Your Highness or Her Ladyship?”
Tain grinned. “No, Your Honour, I haven’t.”
* * *
They reached the Outer Office where Richardson wished Tain a happy birthday before announcing him. Tancred would have departed, leaving a message that he needed a word, but the King spotted him and waved him into the Inner Office. Six minutes later, Adeone managed to persuade Tain and Elantha to wait for him in his sitting room. He turned to Tancred.
“I observed an interesting scene occurring in the grounds, Your Honour. Would you care to tell me why you dismissed my son’s guard?”
Tancred did so honestly, finishing his report by saying, “I have never heard a guard address anyone they were protecting in such a manner, let alone their prince, and I hope to Alcis that I never do so again. I apologise if I was wrong to dismiss the man, but I was more concerned that His Highness did not feel that he was going to receive a lecture on his birthday; especially from someone who should not be giving him one.”
Adeone’s face had set during the explanation. “Thank you. I think the guard is about to find he is dismissed more permanently. What’s his name?”
“Luke Lyne, Sire. He should be waiting in the guardroom.”
“Thank you. Are you up to keeping my mischievous son company, or would you prefer some peace and quiet whilst I sort this out?”
“Sire, he is in your private sitting room—”
“I’d hardly have suggested it if I minded. Go into my bedchamber and turn left.”
* * *
In all the many years he had known the FitzAlcis, Tancred had never been in the King’s sitting room. It was far smaller than he expected. The sun streamed through the windows on his left. The summer heat made a fire unnecessary; so, directly in front of him, a painted fire screen showed a rural landscape, which he recognised as a view from Ceardlann in the Rex Dallin. There were inlaid sideboards on his right and a u-shaped arrangement of two couches and a chair in front of the fireplace.
Glancing around the comfortable and intimate room, his gaze fell on Prince Tain and an impish grin. “Is Your Highness, perchance, planning some mischief I should be aware of? I would rather avoid being an unsuspecting victim.”
“I’d step over the trip wire then, Your Honour.”
Tancred looked down and followed the string line that was against his ankles. He smiled and carefully stepped over the line.
“Thank you, sir. I expect I was not the intended target.”
Tain shook his head. “I have more sense than that.”
Tancred laughed. “So instead of getting a judge who would have to take it in good part, you are planning to get the King who does not. I can see I am going to have an interesting time, sir. Might I enquire as to what is in the goblet you are busily rigging up?”
Elantha grinned. “Coloured paper, Your Honour. We’re not quite so foolish as to make it liquid.”
“Especially not as it takes some setting up,” agreed Tain, clambering on a chair to balance the goblet carefully on the door frame and loop the string through a hook in the ceiling used for hanging a tapestry.
“It would be a shame to have to dismantle it, but are you certain it is a good idea, sir?” mused Tancred, steadying the chair.
“Yes, but only here. I wouldn’t try it anywhere else, other than Ceardlann. Anyway, I can always blame Julius. He told me how to manage it.”
Tancred chuckled. Was the King aware his nearson was teaching his son a few tricks? Raised voices broke into his contemplation.
“Maybe we should take it down if father’s in a bad mood,” said Tain, biting at his lip.
Elantha hesitated.
Guessing, correctly, it was Luke Lyne at whom the diatribe was directed, Tancred remarked, “I am sure His Majesty would not want something so carefully planned to go to waste.”
“Are you meant to encourage my mischievous side, Your Honour?” enquired Tain.
Tancred’s lips twitched. “As I said earlier, sir, common sense is left to your conscience – when it does not extend to your professional life, that is. This is a private room.”
“I like you, Judge. So, do you think we should leave it up?”
“I am sure Your Highness knows what is best in this situation. I am lacking in experience.”
Tain and Elantha looked at each other, then at the string and grinned. The shouting had stopped and, before they had completely made up their minds, there was the sound of a door opening and Tancred moved over to the windows. The King entered the sitting room, tripped on the string and a cascade of paper flew around his head. He looked up and then at Tain who beamed at him. Adeone started chasing his son around the room. Catching him, he tickled him until Tain begged him to stop.
“Are you sorry?” asked Adeone.
Gasping for breath, Tain shook his head.
Adeone carried on tickling him until he said he was. Elantha was laughing and Tancred hadn’t got a straight face.
It sobered quickly when Tain, catching his breath, said, “The judge didn’t stop us, father.”
Adeone eyed Tancred. “I was hoping you’d be a voice of reason in my son’s life.”
Tancred inclined his head slightly. “I am sorry, Your Majesty. His Highness was grinning too much for me to intervene.”
Adeone rocked back on his heels, pushing himself to his feet. “A very sensible reason. There’s one thing I do need to make clear… In here, I am Adeone.”
Tancred hesitated. “I am not sure I can take that step, sir.”
“I am, so please try.” Adeone collapsed onto the couch beside Elantha. He took a breath. “I haven’t missed the fact you had a hand in that trick either, little flower…” (Elantha wriggled as he tickled her feet.) Half a minute later, he stopped. “Right, so now you’ve abused me, what else do you have planned?”
Tain smirked. “Nothing yet, father.”
“I would say I’m relieved apart from the fact I heard ‘yet’. Never mind, I’m sure I’ll cope. James, what are you doing still standing?”
“Preventing my joints from seizing up, sir,” observed Tancred, surprised Adeone hadn’t realised that he hadn’t been invited to sit.
“For that ‘sir’, you can sit down and seize up. Before you do, though, can you ring the bell for Simkins? It’s over there.”
Tancred did so before easing himself onto the couch opposite Adeone. Simkins entered and spotted the paper flakes though appeared to ignore them.
Adeone noticed the almost imperceptible glance. “His Highness has been taking lessons from Lord Julius, Simkins. I’ll get him to dismantle the trip wire in a moment. Is there any chance of some refreshment?”
“Certainly, Your Majesty. Anything in particular?”
“A sleeping draught for my son, I think. I would like a quiet afternoon; however, as even that would have little or no effect, tea for myself and the judge and some juice for the scapegraces.” He was about to leave when Adeone added, “And a dustpan and brush so His Highness can clear up.”
Tancred was surprised by the last request but Tain, without being asked directly, dismantled the trick and started to pick up the larger pieces of paper.
“Help your cousin, Elantha.” Adeone winked at Tancred. “They made the mess.”
Tancred fought to keep a straight face and lost. “So they did, si— Adeone.”
“See, you can manage it. Have you thought any further about the problem of Ceardlann?”
Tancred replied that he had not and for the next couple of minutes he and the King tried to devise a way around the problem. Entering, Simkins placed a tray on the side table; deftly pouring the tea, he passed drinks to the King and judge before passing Tain and Elantha a goblet of juice apiece. Winking, he motioned that he’d finish clearing up.
As Tain and Elantha went to sit down, Adeone said, “Kind of you though it is, Simkins, you do spoil them.”
“I know, Sire,” agreed Simkins, “but it is His Highness’ birthday.”
“Well, if you insist, I won’t object. First, however, in the black cabinet at the bottom is the woodland scene box; would you pass it to me, please?”
He did so, and Adeone placed it on the table by his hand.
When Simkins had gone, Adeone said, “When I was your age, Tain, an enterprising carpenter, having heard about my tendency for practical jokes, thought I might like this. I think you might get more use out of them now.” He opened the box before passing it over.
Tain stared at a collection of miniature carved bugs of all shapes and sizes, painted to appear real. He glanced at his father, then at the bugs again and grinned.
“I warn you though, your Uncle Festus is used to them,” admitted Adeone. “Try them on your Aunt Cornelia. Just remember, I didn’t give them to you. I can’t imagine what people would say if they knew their King was giving a future justiciar ammunition for his jokes. They might also work well on Julius and Julia. If you remove the top layer, there are more realistic spiders than the ones you have made before.”
“What did grandfather say?” enquired Tain, innocently.
Adeone became shifty. “Oh, he never found out to my knowledge – nor did your Uncle Scanlon. The carpenter knew which side his bread was buttered. He still does. I told him on no account was he to make you a set.” As Tain’s face fell, Adeone continued, “I asked him to come up with something more inventive instead.”
“So, what is he making me?” enquired Tain with bright eyes.
“I have no idea. I’m sure you’ll find out one day. Now, I’ve replaced your guard… Yes, I thought that might meet with your approval. If an attendant is ever like that again, you tell me.”
Tain bit his lip. “You won’t be too busy?”
Adeone almost swore. “Tain, get this straight, you are my son. The empire is my job. You are a lot more important. I have time for you whenever you need it; for any of you. My family comes first. You, Arkyn, Elantha are all more important to me than anything else. I might occasionally get distracted, but if you need me, I’m here. So, next time a guard acts in that manner, I want to know. I never want to feel that you felt you couldn’t come to me. I thought you knew that.”
Still biting at his lip, Tain admitted, “I do, father, but I don’t want to get in the way.”
Adeone ruffled his hair. “I want you to. I don’t mind hiding from work for a time, always have liked avoiding it. From what your tutors have told me, you’re the same. I think the judge might have his work cut out. Mind you, as he won’t be at Ceardlann with you, there might be more opportunity for your skiving to succeed – mine never did.”
Astonished, Tain said, “You’re not coming to Ceardlann, Your Honour?”
“I am afraid not, my prince.”
Adeone explained, “His Honour is still going to preside at the courts here. It will have many advantages.”
Tancred shot Adeone an inscrutable look, which the King ignored.
“Oh, right,” said Tain, nonplussed. “Can’t I make you reconsider, Your Honour?”
Tancred never hesitated. “Not for the moment, Your Highness. You might have to find some other way of playing practical jokes on me than bugs in my soup.”
“Is that a challenge?”
Raising his eyebrows at Tancred, Adeone shook his head slightly.
“It certainly sounded like one, Your Highness,” observed Tancred, “but I am sure I can rely on your good judgment to see the best way forward.”
Adeone smiled. “That means no, Tain. James is too polite to state it outright. Are you still wanting a celebration this evening?”
Tain nodded. “Can Cal come? I’ve not seen him for a while and it’s his birthday as well.”
“I know. I thought it best to let him have some time with his family. I’m sure he already has plans for this evening, but why don’t you pay him a call? I’m sure Master Galdwin won’t mind.”
Tancred was thinking, ‘Even if he does, there is not much that can be done if a prince turns up on your doorstep wanting to see your son.’
Tain jumped up. “Can I?”
“I don’t see why not. As long as you don’t lose your guard. No running off in Oedran. All right?” (Tain agreed.) “Go on with you then. Elantha, are you going as well?”
“No, uncle. I’ll get in the way.”
Once Tain had gone, Adeone said, “So, little flower, what have you and Arkyn planned for Tain this evening?”
Six minutes later, Elantha left with a list of ideas and Adeone chuckled at the look on Tancred’s face.
“I’m sorry; I’m afraid common sense isn’t common in here and there is certainly little sense to it.”
“All I saw was a close and happy family. One or two of your ideas, though, reminded me of Prince Lachlan.”
“Yes, they would. They were his. Now, I must return to the preparations for the Petitionals.”
Together, they made their way into the Inner Office. As Tancred reached the door, Adeone growled,
“The terror’s moved my desk around. Everything is on the wrong side.”
Tancred laughed then apologised.
“Your turn, James, I am sure will come.”
“So am I, Your Majesty. I anticipate it with interest.” He bowed and left with a smile.
Making his way to his office in the Courthouse, Tancred passed pleasantries with his scribe before closing the door and sinking onto his chair. He pulled out the King’s Token and laid it on the desk in front of him. It was full of such meaning: respect, friendship, complications. He should have stopped the King giving it to him. He should have taken the opportunity, should have protested, should have… There were too many things he should have done. Maybe the most important was to leave the past where it belonged. Who but Richardson would ever know he held this mark of trust?
Chapter 10
SMITHERS
Mid-afternoon
Inner Office
THE KING VIEWED the mess that was now his desk and set about rearranging it with a practicality that might have intrigued people. Complaining about his son’s inherited sense of humour would have been pointless. He’d been oddly pleased that Tain and Elantha had worked the trip-wire trick between them. It explained why Tain had accepted not attending the Munewid feast, but he wondered what else his son had in mind.
With the Petitionals the following day, the afternoon was mostly dull routine. After that, came more pleasant tasks, preparing for the celebrations for Tain’s birthday. Adeone remembered his own birthday celebrations, held at Court with great pomp; therefore, he’d decided that, until they were fifteen, his sons’ would be private.
He crossed to the window, watching the gardens and beyond them the glimpses of the Administrative Quarter. Smiling to himself, he wondered if Tain had managed to find Cal. Then he began to consider Lyne and how far he had overstepped the bounds. Rubbing a hand through his hair, he decided to remind the guard now assigned to his son that he would check what had been happening in Tain’s day. He called for Richardson and told him that he wanted a word with the guard when it was convenient.
A couple of hours later, Smithers reported to the Inner Office, appearing far too cheerful after an afternoon in Tain’s lively company.
“So, did Prince Tain find Master Calumiel?” enquired Adeone.
“In the end, Your Majesty, with a helping hand from Lord Julius Landis.”
Adeone stopped himself groaning. He loved his elder nearson, but he wasn’t always a steadying influence. “That’s a comment with a story behind it if ever I heard one.”
“Master Calumiel wasn’t at home, sir. Prince Tain asked if we had to return to the Palace and I said not if His Highness didn’t wish to—”
“Do you think that was a wise decision?”
Smithers never blinked. “It was a nice day, sir, and His Highness was enjoying the freedom. I didn’t think it would be frowned upon. I’m sorry if I made an error in that.”
“I’ll let you know when I hear how you came to meet Lord Julius and find Master Calumiel.”
Smithers smiled. “His Highness went to Landis Park, sir. Lord Julius came up to him and then showed His Highness to where young Master Calumiel was spending the afternoon with his aunt, cousins and siblings. Lord Julius left at that point, but His Highness was invited to stay by Master Calumiel’s aunt, one Madam Susan Tanner of the Macarian Lordship.”
