Fairy Tales Book 1 - The Outiche Kingdom
Part 1
It was early morning in the Outiche Kingdom. The sun was still low in the sky but was hot enough that the very ground was boiling and would burn with direct skin contact. The water that lapped gently on the Palace Beach had yet to warm to its hottest temperature and this is where my story starts. For this very morning, the world living in peace and harmony would change, war would rage throughout the land. A war like no one had ever seen before. But even as war is declared the young Prince of the Outiche Kingdom was merely enjoying another morning of sunshine and he never knew the danger that had begun. Perhaps it would be best if I told you the background to the Kingdoms and the land on which they stand but if I did that, then I would have nothing to say later on when such things are needed to know. For the time being, I will simply introduce our main character and hope you like him...
Duo Maxwell, a boy of hidden talents and Crown Prince to all of the Outiche Kingdom didn't have a care in the world. He spent his mornings relaxing on the Royal Beach and then in the afternoon he would wonder out into the capital to simply annoy his people. Or, maybe he would get lucky and his best friend would pay a visit for a few days. Today wasn't a lucky day and Duo had no one part from him to keep himself entertained. He was bored already and he hadn't even had breakfast yet. He strolled along the beach, noticing the emptiness and wondering what it was like on the public beach just a few miles down the road. At least there, he would have people to interact with.
But he had been warned time and time again that the public beach was no safe place for a Prince to play. No one, according to Duo, trusted him to be able to take care of himself. But he was not yet of age and still treated like a child.
"Your highness?"
Duo turned from his pacing and smiled at his nurse.
"Yes Helen?"
"Your Father calls for you."
Duo glanced up at the clock tower that stood at the gates to the palace. The clock tower was the tallest building in the Kingdom and one day, Duo would always tell himself, that one-day he would climb the clock tower.
"It's not time for breakfast."
"It's not breakfast that he wants you for."
At the serious tone in her voice, Duo hurried across the sand to where his sandals laid and he slides his feet into them quickly. He was in no means presentable but he ignored that and hurried to the palace. Through the stone kitchens he ran and up the long winding staircase that lead out to a large grand corridor, along the corridor to the Great Hall and up the Great Staircase and along another corridor towards the white double doors at the far end. He raised his hand and knocked twice before opening the door.
"Father?"
King Solo was sitting in his chair behind his oak desk, reading a letter. He looked up at his son.
"Were you down by the sea?" he asked with a gentle smile.
"Yes Father."
Duo's mother's favourite place had always been the beach, and when Duo was a babe in arms, she had offered walked with him down there. Since her death, when Duo was seven, it had become his favourite place too.
"We have bad news."
"What is it?"
"King James Khushrenada has died. His son has taken the throne."
"How is that bad news? I mean it is bad news, but surely Treize wanted to be King."
"He does, but not just King of the Allies Lands. For many years Dermail, the King's advisor has been trying to get James to launch an campaign on the rest of us. Treize is power mad. Unfortunately, James' death signifies the end of our peaceful land."
Duo slide into the chair opposite his father.
"Does that letter declare war?"
"No, war hasn't been declared yet. But how long until Treize does, is another matter. A serious one."
"Is Uncle being buried at King's Head?"
Duo's mother was James' sister, making Treize his cousin.
"Treize has requested the normal burial rites and I will be more than happy to grant them but my concern is with the amount of guards Treize has said he is bringing."
"Why worry? It is his father's funeral after all."
"um..." Solo regarded Duo with a heavy expression.
"How is your skills developing?"
"Ok, Grandma says that come my sixteen birthday in a few weeks, I'll be able to do anything I want."
"Don't get cocky."
"Is there anything else?"
"I'm getting in contact with Odin, expect him soon."
A smile spread across Duo's face. "Will..."
"I suspect so," Solo grinned at Duo's excitement. "Now, I think I can hear Helen coming this way, so go and eat before she skins my hide."
Duo stood up quickly and bowed. His long hair fell over his shoulder and he threw it backwards as he turned and hurried out of the room. Solo lent back with a sad smile appearing on his face. His mother had grace and a powerful stance about her. Duo had inherited that off her, but held more power since he had also inherited the Maxwell Gift from his father.
Solo sighed and reached for some paper and his favourite pen and began his letter to Odin Lowe Yuy.
* * *
It was two weeks later when Helen informed Duo that the funeral of his uncle would be taking place in a few days. Treize had already begun the journey to their Kingdom. He was lying on the beach after breakfast where she left him. There were guests to see too after all, not that she had told the young Prince that. He was far too excitable, especially when it came to this certain young man. But she smiled secretly as she left the beach, they would make a lovely couple when they both realised their true feelings.
Duo was sitting right beside the sea watching the waves break upon the sand. It was calming after the past two weeks of hectic behaviour. Preparations for his uncle's funeral had begun and security had been tighten in order for Treize's arrival. Duo hadn't really been involved but the Maxwell Mages had been called in to take his training to another level. They were leaving that day, returning to wherever it was that they lived. Duo didn't like the M-Mages; they were creepy and had invaded his privacy one too many times. At the very beginning of their visit ten days ago, Duo was confidence that he could block all magic used on him. By the fifth day, his lack of confidence showed as he failed to even produce a simple heating charm. But after having a stern word with his Grandma, Duo regained a little amount of faith and was able to stop penetration of his mind. The M-Mages were also against him, he had no encouragement and had heard them informing his father that they didn't think he was the right sort of person for the job of future King.
Duo growled at the memory and curled his hand into a fist, he flicked it forwards and a rock skidded out across the ocean and into the distance. Duo struggled to control his emotion as he curled his hand again and produced another rock. He threw it up into the air and caught it with ease. He sighed in annoyance and chucked it this time as far as he could. It sunk on contact with the ocean.
"It's not fair," he muttered as he watched it disappear. He was as good as his father at magic and he knew how to run the Kingdom, he had helped his father before. Maybe he wasn't his father, he mused, his father often said how much Duo was like his mother, with his long chestnut hair and wide violet eyes. Perhaps he wasn't fit to be a King, perhaps he should stay a Prince and hand the Kingdom to the M-Mages to rule it. Then, he thought savagely, they would see how hard it was to run a Kingdom and they would ruin it and then beg him to help.
He stood up, deciding to go and find Hilde, his long time playmate. Hilde was daughter to his nurse Helen, and she helped out in the kitchen. He picked up his sandals and strolled along with his feet in the water for a minute before he began the journey up to the kitchens, ignoring the sand that stuck to his wet feet.
The cook, Rosa, looked up as the Prince entered the kitchen, looking gloomy. She knew the M-Mages had been upstairs for a few days; the menu had been changed to suit the M-Mages. She had never met the M-Mages but their powerful reputation was outstanding.
"Good morning, Your Highness."
"Good morning, Rosa," the boy smiled at her as he paused to put his sandals on. The cold stone was harsh against his sand-covered feet. "How many times do I have to ask you to call me Duo?"
She smiled. "I know my place, Master Duo."
"So? I don't," he laughed as Hilde appeared.
"Hey," she greeted him.
"Hi. Rosa, can I borrow Hilde for the morning?"
"No, I'm sorry, Master Duo, but there is food to prepare for the funeral. I can't spare any of my staff today."
"Then perhaps I can help?" he asked, biting his lip hoping she'll say yes.
"Master Duo..."
"I know, I know. It's not proper for a Prince to work in the kitchens, but I want to help, as a friend not a Prince."
Rosa laughed and shooed him away. "Hilde needs help making the bread. I just don't want you to waste any flour again!" she warned with a scold, obviously remembering the last time Duo helped make bread with Jonathan. The two boys were covered in flour from head to toe and Helen had been furious with both boys and Rosa. The poor cook had had never been punished before but King Solo was angry at his son's activities.
Hilde led the way through the kitchens to the bakery located in the heart of the many kitchens. The room was empty save from them as they set to work on making the dozen loaves of bread.
It was gone midday when Rosa appeared at the doorway.
"Your Highness, your father calls you for lunch."
"Are the M-Mages gone?" Duo asked.
"They are leaving after they have eaten. I would suggest you have a quick clean-up before you meet them. They may not be impressed with the white snowflake look."
Duo laughed and made his exit. He thanked Rosa and said goodbye to Hilde and hurried along the back passages to his room. Helen was waiting there, already with a bowl of fresh hot water and clean clothes and within ten minutes, he was racing back downstairs, his knee-high boots ringing loudly on the stone steps as he waltzed down the staircases towards the grand entrance hall. The servants were mulling around the hall, all-waiting to serve lunch. Duo greeted them with a wave and one warned.
"The King is angry that you are late and have kept his guests waiting."
Duo pulled a face. "Thanks for the warning," he whispered as a guard opened the ballroom doors for him and Duo entered. It was only when there were guests did they use the dinning room that lay just off the ballroom. He hurried across the large empty silent room to the doors, which were open at the far end. The servants following him as he quickened his pace. The two guards flanking the door bowed to him as he walked pass, head held high as if he was the highest authority in the world and he entered the room with the grace of a queen.
Those at the table all stood up at the butler's word. He had seen the Prince crossing the ballroom.
"You're late," Solo snapped from the head of the table as Duo approached the remaining empty seat.
"Forgive me, Father." Duo gave his father a slight bow as he slide into his place. The M-mages glared at him and he smiled politely back.
"Now that we are all here," J spoke, his glass eye rolling randomly, his other fixed on the Prince. "Shall we eat?"
"Don't be so hard on the boy," an familiar voice spoke to Duo's left, "it's a Prince's right to be late."
Duo looked over at the King of the Lowe Lands and the boy that stood next to him. He hadn't noticed the two new guests due to his father's harsh words and the M-Mages. Odin Lowe Yuy smiled at Duo and a grin formed on his face. A grin that widen as he set his eyes on two sparkling prussian eyes.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness," Duo greeted them breathlessly.
"Prince Duo," the other Prince greeted, his voice smooth and achingly familiar.
"Heero..."
TBC...
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