The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 101
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“I will talk to him during breakfast, so that this will go as smoothly and quickly as possible. After we have finished, then we can do whatever you wish,” Caleb said softly as he lovingly kissed her forehead.
“I may only wish to go to sleep,” Laurel said grumpily as she began to rub her eyes, trying to wake up.
Caleb smiled at her compassionately, taking her face in his hands he kissed her lips softly.
“I have no objections to that at all mo ghra,” Caleb said to her quietly, still holding her face.
Laurel smiled at him sleepily, Caleb was completely enchanted by her and found himself unable to resist her. He began to kiss Laurel again until hearing a noise behind them which caused them to both look. Imagin stood smiling at them cheerfully. Caleb had actually forgotten for a moment she was there. Laurel began to laugh at Caleb’s annoyed expression.
“I wanted to tell you that I have gotten all of Laurel’s things arranged for her. All that she needs to do is dress,” Imagin said beginning to giggle.
Caleb looked back at Laurel smiling.
“I believe that is her polite way of telling me I need to leave,” he said smiling as he stood up. “I will be in my room, let me know when you are ready to go for breakfast,” Caleb said smiling as he left the room.
A short time later Laurel made her way across the hall to Caleb's room, he had left his door opened, so he could easily see if she was approaching. She looked at him still smiling sleepily, her eyes looking tired and fatigued. Caleb felt badly that she had not been able to rest properly as he had hoped by staying the extra day at the camp.
She still looked lovely he thought, wearing her dark blue dress, the boned bodice accentuated her figure, so no other adornments were needed as far as he was concerned.
Imagin had arranged Laurel’s hair simply, by pulling back just the front, allowing the rest to cascade down her back. She wore no enhancement on her face, allowing the pure beauty of her features to be seen.
How could they not be captivated by her, he thought to himself.
“Are you ready to go to breakfast dearest?” Caleb asked her warmly, as he walked over and embraced her.
He smiled when he felt her arms encircle his waist, as she rested the side of her face against his chest.
“I suppose so, though I am not very hungry,” Laurel replied quietly.
“I am sure. Just try to eat a little bit of something, before we have to leave. I do not wish for you to become ill from lack of food, during our meeting today,” Caleb said in a concerned tone, holding her closer against him.
“I will be fine, I will feel better when it is over with,” Laurel said wearily, as she began to pull away.
Caleb released her from his embrace, taking her hand, they walked down to the dining room together. The family was already seated, Phineas looked over at Laurel, concern on his face, as he noticed how tired she seemed to be. Laurel noticed his expression and gave him a reassuring smile. Caleb did not miss their interaction and smiled at them wryly.
“So are you ready for your meeting with the Chieftains my dear?” King Fergus asked her, with a smile.
“I suppose as ready as I will ever be. In all honesty I told Caleb I wished we did not have to go today,” Laurel replied, with a tired smile.
Queen Alana looked over at her sympathetically, reaching over and gently squeezing her hand.
“Is there no other time this can be done Caleb? The poor girl is obviously exhausted,” Queen Alana said, with a disapproving glance over at him.
Caleb looked at his mother, not hiding his annoyance with her question.
“Mother if I could have it done another day I would, I had to twist arms to have the meeting today as it is,” his voice grating.
“I am sorry. I did not mean to cause tension between us. I am just complaining too much. Let us not worry about it any longer. It will be done with soon, and then we can just put it behind us,” Laurel spoke up in an attempt to calm the tension in the room.
Aiden smiled at her benevolently before he spoke up.
“Caleb, I feel we should depart ahead of Laurel and Phinny, instead of with them. That way we can have everything arranged and then all Laurel has to do is arrive. No awkward standing around waiting for everyone to show up.
She will be able to have at a short time to relax after the three of us leave,” Aiden said, looking at Caleb meaningfully.
“I agree with Aiden, Caleb. I think that would be the best way for us to do this,” King Fergus said, with a calm smile.
“I am of course agreeable to anything that will make this easier for Laurel to deal with,” Caleb said, as he reached over and took Laurel’s hand, smiling warmly at her. “Which of course reminds me. Phineas, you will have to remember to stay calm during the meeting. You are there to give Laurel support and to be her escort, not represent her. She must speak to them herself. If you become irritated and do all the talking you are just going to give them an excuse to become rude and aggravating,” Caleb said to him pointedly.
“Not that they need an excuse,” the Queen said rolling her eyes, and taking a sip of tea.
Laurel glanced over to her, smirking at the Queen’s demeanor.
The Queen smiled back at her and then replied, “Just be your normal charming self my dear and everything will be fine. You have more than proven yourself to them at the last meeting,” Queen Alana stated, referring to Leland’s trial.
“I will be at your side the whole time my Lady. I will do my best to refrain from speaking out, but I will not allow them to disrespect her,” Phineas said quite emphatically, as he looked at Caleb.
“I am sure that will not happen Phineas,” Caleb said, trying to sound reassuring.
“Let us not worry anymore about this, we really should all just enjoy our meal. I would much rather talk about the lovely plans for the wedding, a much more enjoyable subject,” Queen Alana said, with obvious enthusiasm.
The rest of the meal went by fairly quickly, the conversations were indeed centered on the upcoming nuptials. Caleb would look over at Laurel with a concerned expression, from time to time, as she was not her usual talkative, vivacious self. She simply smiled tiredly at everyone, and only picked at her food. He began to regret having to put her through the formalities of the meeting with the Clann Chiefs today. Caleb reached over and holding Laurel’s hand began to caress the top of it with his thumb as he smiled at her comfortingly. Laurel looked at their hands for a moment, and then looked up at Caleb smiling at him demurely, her grey eyes looking soft and warm.
“Caleb..... Caleb,” King Fergus said smiling broadly, at his son’s distracted demeanor.
“Yes?” Caleb replied casually, as he looked over at his father with a relaxed expression, still holding Laurel’s hand.
“We should probably make our way over to the Council Chamber now," King Fergus said in an amused voice.
“That is of course if you are able to tear yourself away from your pleasant distraction,” Aiden replied, with a charming smile.
Laurel giggled at Aiden’s remark, as she looked over at Caleb. He smiled and standing up, leaned down and kissed her lightly on her lips.
“Do not worry about anything dearest. I promise I shall make it worth your effort later,” he whispered in her ear, smiling at her enticingly as he stood up to leave.
She lowered her eyes, biting her bottom lip and blushing. Phineas looked over at her smirking, though he had not heard what Caleb had whispered to her, by Laurel's reaction it was obvious something of a personal nature.
“We shall see you soon Phineas,” Caleb said hitting Phineas on the arm, as he walked past him.
“Yes. Do not concern yourselves, we shall be on time,” Phineas replied, still smirking at Laurel.
“Well my dear, shall I tell you what to expect?” Queen Alana asked her, with a gentle smile.
“That would probably be helpful your Highness,” Laurel answered, beginning to feel a little anxious.
As King Fergus and his sons made their way into the Council Chamber, they were surprised to see all four Chieftains waiting. They had not yet taken their seats but were standing and talking amongst themselves.
“There you are,” Remy stated rather loudly, smiling broadly, getting the attention of the other Chieftains. Looking behind them he then asked curiously, “Where is your Bride to be Caleb? I thought she would have arrived with you.”
“We had a very stressful trip back to Heathwin. She is feeling quite tired, and we wished to not have her rushed. She will be arriving soon with Phineas,” Caleb answered with a hint of trepidation in his voice, as he mentioned Phineas.
“Phineas! Why would you feel the need to bring that pompous irritating sop?” Remy asked, in a loud bothered voice.
King Fergus just shook his head and made his way over to his seat, as Aiden hit Caleb sympathetically on the back, following his father.
“Phineas arrived in Heathwin as Laurel’s escort, he will be here until after the wedding. As Laurel’s counselor, he will be coming with her here, to offer her his support,” Caleb explained, becoming impatient.
“I fail to see the point in having him here. He is just going to get all puffed up and speak to us as if we are all blithering idiots,” Remy spoke, becoming more agitated by the minute.
Caleb sighed in frustration, then suddenly noticed a page walking over quickly to where King Fergus sat, Aiden standing next to him. Aiden looked over to Caleb meaningfully, as the page turned and left the room hurriedly.
“Gentlemen, we should all take our seats now, as I have just been informed that the Princess has just arrived outside the Chambers, she should be in at any moment now,” King Fergus announced.
Caleb gave a glance over to the main door, before joining his place by his father’s right side. The seating remained the same as it was during the trial, except that there was no need for any other extra seats in the spacious chamber. The sound of the door being opened echoed throughout the chamber as the room had become still. Laurel had requested just before she entered the chambers, that an announcement not be made, but instead asked a page be sent instead. She did not wish for any unnecessary displays.
Laurel and Phineas entered quietly without ceremony, her arm in Phineas’ smiling warmly at Caleb the whole time. Caleb looked at her, smiling lovingly at her as they walked forward.
“Look at her. Is she not lovely? How could they not adore her?” Caleb leaned over, and whispered to his father and brother.
Aiden just smirked at Caleb’s remark, as his father chuckled quietly.
They stopped several feet in front of where King Fergus and Caleb and Aiden stood. In unison, Phineas bowed from his waist, while Laurel gave a deep curtsy. All three men inclined their heads slightly, to show they recognized this show of respect. Laurel looked up briefly, saw Caleb smiling at her warmly, the King grinning broadly, while Aiden gave her a quick wink. Turning to face the Chieftains they offered the same respectful gesture, they too slightly inclined their heads.
“Princess Laurel, let me start off by saying on behalf of us all, welcome to Heathwin, and that we hope your journey back to us was a pleasant one,” McCullan said, in a clear and commanding tone.
“Thank you Chieftain McCullan I am most happy to be back in Heathwin,” Laurel said, smiling charmingly.
“Glad to hear it lass,” McCullan said, pausing for a moment. “As you know, the laws of Heathwin require that we as the Clann Chiefs meet with you in order to recognize your union with Prince Caleb. We will ask you a few questions, in order for us to fully appreciate and understand your way of thinking. These questions will help us of course to reach our decision concerning how we will look upon your union, but it will in no way prevent it from taking place. Do you understand your Highness?” McCullan asked, with a slight smile.
“I do Sir,” Laurel answered back respectfully.
“Very good. My question is this. You are a very young Ollam, soon to be the wife to the heir of the throne of Heathwin. If your husband requested that you leave your position as healer, would you do so without contesting?” McCullan asked.
Laurel paused for a moment, looking over at Caleb briefly, who just smiled at her.
“I would do what would be in the best interest of my husband and of Heathwin. I do not feel he would ever request this of me, but if Prince Caleb felt that I needed to do so, then yes I would,” Laurel answered honestly.
McCullan smiled at her nodding his approval.
“My question your Highness is, how do you feel with Prince Caleb’s idea of trying to negotiate peace with the Rabkins?” Chieftain Argon asked her, in a quiet voice.
“I have met the Ogmore Kindred, and I have shared with their Healer. I do not feel they are the evil vicious creatures I once thought them to be. I feel that if we have the opportunity to learn more of them and perhaps from them, then we should by all means make the effort to do so, Chieftain Argon,” Laurel said with conviction.
Murmurs of amazement went up among the Chieftains, as they looked at Laurel in surprise.
“This is truly an unexpected turn of events, Princess, considering what you suffered at the hands of the Rabkins,” Chieftain Argon exclaimed, with a slight smile.
“The Rabkins of the Ogmore as well as the Cydros Kindreds, had nothing to do with my mother’s death or the attempts made on my life. If anything, they were instrumental in helping Prince Caleb find the Rabkins who were. For this reason alone, I owe them a debt of gratitude,” Laurel spoke with calmness and assuredness.
The Chieftains looked at each other and smiled in astonishment, at her confidence and statement.
“She is doing beautifully,” King Fergus whispered to Caleb.
Caleb could not help but be moved with pride by her poise and the intelligence in her answers.
“My question your Highness is, how soon would you want to provide your husband with an heir?” Chieftain Phariss asked, with a wide smile on his face.
King Fergus rolled his eyes as Caleb and Aiden simply shook their heads and smirked, knowing that, Chieftain Phariss was very light hearted and enjoyed causing a reaction. Laurel smiled in surprise, blushing at his question, while Phineas stood in shock his mouth slightly gaped.
“How dare you ask her Highness this! I feel it is completely unnecessary and you have no right to ask her anything of this nature,” Phineas said, with an infuriated tone.
“I really would rather hear what she has to say,” Phariss said, still smiling broadly.
Caleb just looked up at the ceiling shaking his head. Phineas went to protest again, but Laurel placed her hand on his arm to calm him.
“You do not have to indulge his perverse sense of humor your Highness,” Phineas continued in his angry and louder tone.
“Perverse you say? I feel Master Phineas, that it was a very honest question. She is after all going to be marrying the future King of Heathwin, we will need to see some little future kings running around at some point. I simply wanted to know how soon we can expect it,” Phariss clearly enjoying causing Phineas to be upset, and also enjoying the expressions that Caleb was glaring over to him.
“I think we will just let nature take its course Chieftain Phariss,” Laurel spoke up suddenly.
“Oh. Well alright. That is all I wanted to know,” Phariss answered slyly, as he smiled at her.
“You should not have answered him your Highness, it will simply encourage these hooligans,” Phineas spat out with disdain.
With that reply all four Chieftains looked at him contemptuously.
“One more question your Highness,” Remy spoke up, as he got up from his seat.
He walked over to stand in front of Laurel and Phineas. Looking at them for a moment, Laurel’s eyes wide, but with an amused smile on her face, not sure what the older man would ask. Phineas simply glared at him.
“I have known Prince Caleb his entire life. We are all aware this will be his second marriage, and that he has certainly had his share of... shall we say pleasant acquaintances,” Remy stated, ignoring Caleb’s moan in the background. “In light of this, I wish to know....are you a virgin?” he asked casually.
Laurel began to giggle in shock and embarrassment. Phineas at that point became completely incensed.
“I cannot believe even you, could be this ignorant and deviant, to ask her this question! You are truly the most vile, disgusting, little man I have ever met!” Phineas yelled at him in rage.
Remy replied by simply punching Phineas full in the face knocking him to the ground. Causing all the Chieftains to laugh raucously. Laurel screamed in shock as she knelt down next to Phineas cradling his head in her arms. Caleb began to step forward to come to their aid, but his father grabbed his arm shaking his head at him.
“Wait, see what she does, how she handles this,” King Fergus said to him, as Caleb looked on concern on his face, while Aiden just shook his head and began laughing.
“Oh Phinny, are you alright?” Laurel asked, him her voice and tone clearly indicating how upset she was.
“I will be fine my Lady, I just need to lie here for a bit,” Phineas replied in a weak voice, as he covered his right eye.
Remy still stood in the same place as he, and the rest of the Chieftains continued to laugh. Laurel placed Phineas’ head down gently, as she stood up slowly, her face flushed, her eyes flashing her anger. Remy looked at her his face wearing a surprised countenance, as he stopped laughing, when he saw her glaring expression.
“Oh no, there is the look,” Caleb whispered.
“You! How dare you!” Laurel yelled at all of them.
They all stopped for a moment to stare at her in surprise. She then began to curse loudly and with much profanity at the Chieftains in Kedesh, hurling her insults at them proficiently. They all just stared at her for a moment in complete shock at her words, not quite believing the foulness in which she spoke. Then all at once they all began to laugh at her in a great bellowing sound. Laurel looked over in complete aghast at their reaction only to see King Fergus, Aiden and, yes Caleb, laughing as well. She walked over quickly and stood in front of them.
