"I'm sorry for exploiting your kindness, young one," A raspy voice came from a man with a rusty-iron mask, blood dripping from his finger. "Now my family can rest in peace." Fires cackled as the man extended his blood-soaked hands towards the young boy looking at the horrid sight.
That was all he saw under the closed curtains of his eyes. This is why he dreaded sleeping, even if he needed to. That day from his childhood where everything went wrong, but how could he have changed it? He often wondered as he examined the view as his mind mingled with self-hatred, fear, and rage. Izik's eyes opened as he was returned to the sun greeting his eyes from between the curtains of the window.
On the Road of Five Kingdoms and a Half, A carriage embroidered with copper along its length was drawn by two horses, followed by another carriage that lacked any memorable design. Inside the carriage sat a prince named Izik, his knight Borgis and his advisor Morin. Izik sat next to the window as he stared at the fields running beside him. He could almost hear the faint words of Morin directed at him, but the voice in his head was louder. "Why am I doing this? Do I have to do this? What were the chances of being a prince of Abrahymia? It doesn't matter, I can't change it." So, his mind spoke to itself. "Maybe if I was born as a commoner in one of these small houses I would have fair better-" his train of thoughts abruptly cut off by Morin.
"Do you understand what you need to do?" the silver haired man asked as he sat in front of him.
Izik did not exactly understand what to do, and, thus, replied "Yes, Morin, I understand."
"This courtship to the daughter of Lord Beel is vital to deepen our business relationship. it is time for you to prove your place to the king and make him notice you." Morin emphasized as he tapped his feet.
"Izik does not need to prove anything." The giant Borgis leaned as he stroked his long blond beard. "He is a natural warrior that any monster or man alike fears!"
Izik could not go back to his thoughts and the view in front, but instead looked at the knight that was too close to comfort. "Why wasn't one of my brothers tasked with this?" He awkwardly leaned away from Borgis' nasty breath without trying to make it obvious.
Before Morin and Borgis afforded a reply, a shout from the coachman managed its way inside the carriage and Izik, heartbeat rose. He looked at Izik and tried to express his worries, but words failed him.
Morin gave the prince a reassuring smile, "You will do fine, my lord. You are Izik Abrahym, the third prince of Abrahymia. We have practiced this, so you need not worry." He said as he patted Izik on the shoulder. Morin always found a way to calm him, Izik thought.
Borgis stomped his foot, shaking the carriage in its entirety, "You can do it, the kingdom believes in you," He huffed and leaned into Izik's face, "we believe in you."
"Okay, okay. I'll try my best." Izik sighed.
The horses neighed as the carriage came to a halt. With a deep breath, Izik stepped outside of it, followed by Morin, and lastly by Borgis, who tilted the carriage as he stepped out. Izik was wearing a formal light armor of red and gold representing the house of Abrahym, which he hated how it attracted eyes towards him. Morin wore clothes fashioned with dark green and silver. Borgis wore a round armor with hints of silver that only added more to his weight. A big castle that had nothing but its size to compliment itself loomed in front of the three, with large land of crops and livestock stretching from the back of it all the way to the sides. A man came from the main gate of the castle with an inviting smile.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
“Welcome, Master Izik, Sir Morin, and Sir Borgis.” The man greeted. “I am Hump, and I will be guiding you to Master Beel.
Hump? Izik was obviously suppressing his laughter, but Borgis did not even try to hide it, and burst out laughing.
Morin cleared his throat and approached Hump. “I apologize for the unprofessional Borgis, Hump,” Borgis only laughed louder while Izik let out a quiet chuckle. “Please lead us the way.”
Hump sighed, and then mimicked a smile. “Do not worry sir, I get this reaction quite often. This way please. They are waiting for you inside.”
***
Hump lead them straight to the main hall of the bland castle. From what the trio had seen, it was a very generic one; red carpet everywhere, vases and small furniture spread throughout the hall, and servants spread around the hall. Infront of them sat the head of the house, Jon Beel, who looked small with a pointy nose a receding grey hair The wife, Izali Beel, looked stern and proud with a fiery red hair. The son, Ruber Beel who looked slim and intelligent with a faded red hair.
“I present Prince Izik of Abraymia” announced Hump as they stood in the center of the hall. The three men bowed to the seated Jon and Izali.
“Welcome! I hope you are impressed by my castle,” Jon proudly said as he opened his arms
“Uh-huh.” Izik replied, instantly being elbowed by Borgis. “Y-Yes. Your castle make any prince writhing with envy.," he chuckled awkwardly.
“After the Fall of Calamity, the Beel clan became an important source of crops and livestock for nearby towns and kingdoms. This is how my lords was able to afford a great manor including the nearby town of Beelan.”
“Very impressive,” Morin exclaimed. “The story of house Beel is known even at the other continents, and we always value the deep partnership between house Abrahym and house Beel. Isn’t that right, Izik?”
Izik was silent, focusing on the paintings he that hanged on the walls from a distance. He thought how the portraits of Jon Beel looked nothing like himself in real.”
Borgis elbowed Izik lightly.
“Wha- yes, you look as mighty as you look in your drawings!”
Borgis and Morin both sighed deeply, while the wife scoffed, and her son chuckled.
“My word…” Jon said in a deep voice.
“Forgive me, Lord Be-”
“I’m glad someone noticed!” He exclaimed happily. “I tried my best to let the artists know to capture my true essence.” He posed the same way as the gigantic painting behind the seat of him and his wife. He looked nothing like it.
“Like looking at a clone of yours.” Izik gave a thumb’s up.
Everyone sighed as the Lord of House Beel walked towards Izik to embrace him. “I knew you would make a fine addition to the family!”
Izik laughed nervously, “Uh-huh.” The last thing he wanted was to get married, he thought.
“Izali, Ruber! Don’t be shy!” Jon gestured to his wife and son. “This man deserves a proper Beel welcome.”
Ruber responded quickly to his father’s command and gave a slight bow to Izik. “How do you do, Lord Izik? I am responsible for the financials of our family business. Your family is one of our greatest partners.”
“A pleasure.” Izik bowed back, followed by Morin and Borgis.
Izali quietly approached the trio, with a look that seemed to be analyzing them from head to toe. The paintings failed to capture the intensity of her eyes, which felt more intimidating in person, Izik thought. He tried his best to look at them but could not do it for long.
“I am Izali, the Lady of House Beel.” She said in a low tone. She gave no bow, but expected one from the guests, which Izik and Borgis did.
Izik hesitated to say anything, but Morin tried to enter the conversation. “Madam Beel, the reputation for your beauty spreads throughout the kingdoms. I’m afraid they do you no justice.”
Izali chuckled for a second, “Your flattery is obvious, but I still welcome it.” She raised her hand towards Morin.
Morin lightly grabbed her hand and kissed it gently. “An old friend to the king is always in the hearts of his people.”
Izik was surprised of the piece of information, and Borgis seemed that way, too. Madam Izali then expected the kind gesture from Izik and Borgis by raising her hand to them. They quickly copied Morin.
Jon Beel then snapped his finger. “Hump! Is the feast ready?” He yelled, even though Hump was close to them.
“In a few minutes, my lord.” Hump said as he stroked his hands and gave a fake smile.
“And where is Azeri?!” He yelled aimlessly.
