Archives: New Marmo Republic
Chapter 5: The Roid Palace
Another day at home, another boring lecture, Elianna thought with a heavy sigh. Her tutor, a bony old scholar with a beak of a nose droned on about Kastuulian history, but it just faded into white noise as she stared out the window. The sunlight was fading, meaning the sun was finally starting to go down. She promised a couple of mercenaries that she would come back tonight so they could try and win back what they lost. The whole day had been dragging on so slowly, since she was so eager to leave.
Finally, sundown was close. Dinner would start soon, then she could ‘go to bed’. Of course, what she would really be doing was waiting for her family to go to sleep so she could sneak out into the city.
“Princess Elianna,” the tutor spoke, breaking his monotonous lecture. Elianna turned her attention toward him.
“Yes?” she asked.
“Can you tell me the name of the last Kastuulian governor?” the tutor inquired.
“Umm....” Elianna intoned as she tried to think. She hadn’t even heard most of the lecture! “Rabido?” she answered shyly, though she knew that couldn’t have been it.
The tutor dropped his head into his palms and groaned. “Rabido was the Marmo duke who governed Shinning Hill during the Marmo occupation,” he informed her, his voice heavy with frustration. He rubbed his temples for a moment, then spoke, “We will repeat this lecture next week.”
“Right. Sorry sir!” Elianna made a hasty apology as she stood from her desk. As she stood, he bowed to her, though she knew that he would probably rather give her a switching. Luckily for Elianna, princesses weren’t allowed to be switched by tutors.
She shuffled out of the study quickly, her silken skirts swirling around her ankles. Now all she had to do was get through dinner!
As Elianna rounded the corner, the sound of books spilling onto the floor filled the hall behind her. Just down the hall was Itoya in a familiar scene. It was a miracle that he managed to keep his life together most of the time, but his rushing from place to place left a good many accidents in his wake. Her brother scrambled to pull together a stack of books that, when carried, must have gone up to his chin. The prince looked completely flustered as he tried to pull together his mass of tomes and loose papers. He looked so tired too, but that was no surprise and Elianna knew it. By day he was learning the workings of the priestly and civil worlds and by night he was trying to keep up with her and ensure her safety. The fact that he found time to sleep at all was truly the workings of Falis, for none other could have done it.
But currently, Itoya was trying his best to take things one hurdle at a time. And now it was getting all of the religious texts he needed to review for next week to his room. While his teachers were more lax with him than Elianna’s were, they made up for it in expectations of work outside of their tutelage. And that was not even mentioning his duties outside of schooling and study. Every time Itoya reminded himself to take things little by little, his overwhelming schedule and burdens hung over the practice like a poison cloud. “Elianna is probably already at the dinner table and here I am in shambles,” he muttered to himself, completely unaware of anything beyond the books he struggled to organize on the floor behind him. Perhaps it was selfish when so many others needed the assistance of Falis, but he silently prayed to himself for a few more hours in every day...
Elianna paused at the sound of falling books and spilling papers, and momentarily wondered if she should even bother going back. It was either her tutor, or her brother, and she hoped for the later, because the last thing she wanted was to hear a final word on ignoring the entire lecture. The princess quietly snuck along the wall until she could hear her brother murmuring to himself as he picked up everything he dropped. Though she realized it was him now, she kept sneaking, knowing just how unaware he probably was. She had become rather skilled at sneaking around quietly, even on marble floors with a long skirt on.
Suddenly jumping out from around the corner, she shouted, “BOO!”
And there they went again! What books Itoya had managed to gather exploded as Itoya leapt from his knees to his rear end in fear, accompanied by a rather unmanly squeal. His eyes focused on Elianna through falling papers as he realized he had once again been had. His face grew red with a combination of shame and anger as he snatched a note page from the air. “That was not funny!” he declared, trying to act mad. As much as he wanted that statement to be true, he knew it was funny. Itoya fought a smile with a wrinkled frown. “I love you too...” he grumbled, though a smile was cracking through.
Elianna nearly toppled over as she giggled uncontrollably. “Oh, you should have seen your face!” she chortled, bent over herself in glee. She wasn’t entirely cruel to her older brother, however. Even though she was still grinning, she knelt down and began to help him gather his books. She never feared his wrath, he loved her too much be angry for long. As Elianna picked up the last of his spilled books, she began to think that maybe it wasn’t a good idea to go out. He was always so overworked, and he needed a break. But she made a promise that she would play tonight. Maybe if she just convinced him that she wasn’t going tonight so he wouldn’t worry...
“So, I wonder what they’re cooking up for dinner tonight?” she wondered aloud, then stood, holding a stack of Itoya’s books. She gave a groan upon realizing just how heavy they were. “Ugh...you work so hard it hurts my back.”
“Nice to see you putting in some effort,” Itoya mocked playfully in return. “That’s assuming you aren’t busy rewriting your texts again.” Not all of their tutors were exclusive. Itoya had certainly heard of his sister’s half-hearted attempts at academics. Despite their tight connections, they were opposites in every way. Itoya was all work and no play, while Elianna had her eyes on her games. “Help me get these to my room, would you?”
“Yeah, sure,” Elianna replied, bracing the stack against her chest. “I just have to repeat a lesson next week,” she said casually with a shrug.
“If you would only pay attention, you wouldn’t have to repeat anything,” Itoya responded as a proper responsible brother should. He had only told her things like this a million times. Her inability to apply herself, whether it was laziness or a real fault of her mind, frustrated Itoya a bit, but not enough to be angry at her for it. No matter what, they were still family, but she could try harder in his opinion. The kind of comfortable, easy-going lifestyle his sister had was barely a fantasy in the farthest reaches of his imagination. “What subject is it? Maybe I can help you beat the book.” Itoya pulled around the corner into one of the major halls, which made a straight shoot towards his rooms.
“If only they made it interesting so I could pay attention!” Elianna groaned, rolling her eyes. “It’s Kastuulian history.” She scrunched up her nose at the thought of listening to that long lecture again. “And just about all I remember is a bunch of ‘we don’t know’s, ‘this may have happened’s, and blah blah blah. Why should I even bother learning something that my teachers barely understand?”
“Because someone wrote it,” Itoya replied with a sigh. “Honestly, they say it is so we don’t make the mistakes of Kastuul. That isn’t to say that we can make those mistakes yet, but someday. Really, its to make your family happy.”
“Hmph,” Elianna replied with a pout. He did have a point, a very minor one, but either way, she wasn’t going to win this one. As they drew closer to Itoya’s rooms, Elianna’s arms seemed to ache even more in anticipation of dropping the heavy load of books. “Ugh...let’s hurry up before my arms fall off!”
Itoya fought with the door to his room with the three free fingers he could manage. The door gave way as Itoya wiggled himself through the door, which was eager to close behind him. The young prince fought to keep one foot in the door as he dropped all of the books in his arms on a chair. “Thank you...” he said in a sigh.
Elianna pushed her way through Itoya’s troublesome door backwards, bumping it open forcefully with her hind end. Once she entered, she hurried over to a nearby dresser and set down the stack. “Whew,” she sighed in relief, then stretched her arms out in front of her with her fingers linked. In a very un-princess-like manner, she popped her knuckles as she stretched. “Well, after that I’m definitely ready for dinner! Shall we go?” The princess stepped back toward the doorway, waiting for Itoya to join her.
“Absolutely,” the young prince replied, his voice breathy with fatigue. Itoya hurried after, thinking only of nourishment and a moment away from the entire history of Valis.
* * *
Elianna and Itoya arrived in the family’s private dining room to find their mother already seated, waiting for them. Etoh wasn’t always able to join them, though in recent months, he had less concerns of state to keep him busy. The meal had yet to be brought out, but the smell of roasting meat wafted up from the doors leading to the kitchen. The table was long, and usually Etoh would sit at the head, Fianna at the end, and Itoya and Elianna on opposite sides in the exact middle. When there were guests, Itoya would sit beside their father and Elianna beside their mother.
Elianna skipped over to her mother and gave the queen a kiss on the cheek. Fianna smiled warmly and greeted her daughter. The queen of Valis was still a beautiful woman, though her middle age was apparent. She was no longer the delicate girl she had been, but her beauty was matured, more handsome.
“Good evening, Mother,” Itoya greeted, giving her a gentle hug. Much more, he had advised, would seem too soft and feminine. He used to kiss his mother on the cheek as Elianna did, until told otherwise. Itoya took his usual seat. “How has your day been?”
“Oh, unspectacular,” Fianna replied to her son. “Politics are becoming quieter with each passing year since the war ended. How are your studies, Itoya? I hope you aren’t overworking yourself again.”
“Only enough to build my own castle of the notes,” her son replied, sipping the water by his plate. The queen had once found him buried in papers and books, sleeping behind their walls. Ever since a comment she made about it looking like a castle his father might be jealous of, it became a phrase they both used constantly. “It’s not too much. I can handle it.”
The queen chuckled at Itoya, but she was still concerned that her son worked too hard. Aside from his studies, he often had to watch over Elianna. While Fianna sympathized with her daughter’s predicament, she knew that it was dangerous and was working to find a way to keep Elianna entertained without risking her or her brother’s lives. “I hope so,” she said to Itoya. “Your father should be joining us tonight, I can’t imagine what’s keeping him.”
“The burdens of a kingdom,” Itoya replied, quoting the famous writings of some philosopher. “Father keeps telling me how easy I have it. I can’t imagine what his day feels like.”
King Etoh entered the dining room with a tired sigh. He gave a meek smile and took his place in his seat. “Sorry I’m late,” he managed with a small smile. His attention, shortly after his apology was directed towards his daughter. “How are the lessons going, Elianna?” he asked, knowing full well the answer to that question even before she would answer. He’d give her some measure of lenience and not lecture her too much if she fessed up now to not paying attention.
Elianna avoided meeting her father’s eyes and ran her finger along the rim of the empty goblet in front of her. “They’re alright,” she replied, making her opinion sound rather neutral. He tutor said that she would repeat the lesson on Kastuul next week. If she could pay attention then, it would be fine, though she knew that wasn’t likely to happen.
“And by alright you mean that you paid attention and didn’t accidentally mistake a Duke of Marmo for the last Kastuulian Governor?” He said shortly before taking a nip at the food on his plate. His eyes didn’t leave his daughter’s face however. He wanted to see the reaction on her face when she was caught in her own minor duplicity.
Elianna paled slightly and gulped heavily. “So I guess he talked to you...” she said, defeated. Looking at her father, she began to plead, “I’m sorry, really! It’s just so hard to focus, but he said I could retake the lesson next week!”
“Alright Elianna. As long as you apply yourself next week.” The king laughed and turned his attention away from his daughter. “And you, Itoya. How was your day?”
“The usual,” Itoya replied. “Busy, but manageable. I’ve been drudging through Shalden most of it.” Shalden was a famous philosopher who wrote treatises about government mostly. His work was among the hardest for students of any level to follow. But it was worth it, since his ideas were revolutionary and prized among the more noble of kings.
Etoh nodded. “Sounds like you’re doing very well indeed.” The king finished his dinner quickly. “I’m sorry to eat and run,” he said apologetically, “but I left some affairs unattended too, so that I could sit and eat with my family. If you’ll excuse me.” Etoh pushed up from his chair and left the table and family behind to conclude what business he left.
“I hope I have time to eat dinner when I’m sitting in his shoes,” Itoya whispered to himself as his head hung over his food. He loved his father, but they never spent time together anymore. He was so busy all of the time. Itoya didn’t blame him, but it didn’t mean he stopped missing his father.
* * *
Elianna was concerned for Itoya, and she couldn’t find it in her heart to take him away from his sleep tonight. She wasn’t sure if she would go tonight either... perhaps she could abandon her promise to the mercenaries and just rest tonight. As the siblings headed to their rooms after dinner, Elianna voiced her concern, “Itoya, I won’t go anywhere tonight, so please, just rest, alright?”
“I thought you were looking forward to it tonight,” Itoya said, scratching his head. “What’s the change?”
Elianna shrugged, but she was still sincere. “I think you need a chance to rest, that’s all,” she replied. “I can go some other time, I’ll just tell the mercs that I was too sick to make it or something.”
“Alright,” Itoya said. He didn’t want to admit that her troublesome trips really was the straw that broke his back, but he couldn’t pass up a night’s sleep when he could get it. The thought that she might leave anyway crossed his mind; however, she had promised him after he found out that she wouldn’t leave without him. Elianna didn’t break promises. It wasn’t like her. “I think we could both use a good night’s sleep.” As they reached Itoya’s room, he gave his sister a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “May Falis bless you with good dreams and... well, you know. Good night, sis.”
Elianna hugged her brother closely, expressing her concern for him, and kissed his cheek as well. “Good night Itoya,” she said, then left him to his rest.
* * *
Itoya brought himself into a veritable library he called a bedroom. All of his tables were covered with work. Unlike his family’s room, all of the ornaments had been taken out to make room for all his work. Itoya quickly disrobed and fell into his plush bed. “Falis,” he whispered. “Thank you for a night’s peace. I still have the usual things on my list, including world peace, but we can work on that one together.” Etoh had taught him not to speak so casually in prayer, but Itoya felt that it brought him closer to Falis. “Please let my sister rest comfortably too, without the wanderlust of usual. She deserves it as well, since she is staying home tonight, by your grace only do I believe it.” As Itoya drifted off into a deep sleep, he never once suspected his sister might lie to him.
* * *
The princess retired to her own room and went through the process of preparing for bed. Instead of donning her commoner’s costume, she dressed for bed. I will sleep tonight, she ordered herself. Elianna climbed under the bed covers and settled into her soft down mattress. No matter how comfortable her bed, however, she was not tired. She was used to being awake at this hour and her mind was still alert. Tossing and turning, Elianna found no rest, but she willed herself to stay in bed.
* * *
A few hours after dinner, Fianna sat up to wait for Etoh to come to bed. She sat in front of the hearth in the sitting room, trying to read a book of epic poetry, but she was unable to focus. Concern for her daughter weighed heavily on her shoulder, and every time she tried to read a line, her thoughts picked up and carried her away from the ancient tale.
She understood how trapped Elianna felt, but at the same time, she worried herself to the point of sickness about her children’s safety out on the streets. She trusted Itoya had been well trained by the temple, but the Elianna’s gambling partners could be more skilled than him. She had to put a stop to these adventures, but there was little else Elianna could do with her time. Fianna didn’t quite have the heart to tell Etoh what his children had been up to, but perhaps they could find a way to bring Elianna’s head out of the clouds without him knowing.
Fianna herself had left home on diplomatic trips many times when she was near Elianna’s age, but there was little to do in Lodoss politics since Alania’s succession was completed. Marriage was another option. Fianna hated to arrange a political marriage for her daughter when she had the chance to marry for love, but Elianna needed something to ground her.
Etoh retired to the royal chambers after all the business of the day was dealt with. There were a few things that could be dealt with in the morning, so he left them undone to retire for the night and return to his post refreshed. The king saw Fianna sitting by the hearth with an expression of worry painted across her lovely face. “Fianna,” her husband spoke informally. “What’s weighing on your mind so much?” He made his way to her side and held her hand in his.
The queen had been lost in thought and hadn’t heard Etoh enter. When he spoke, she raised her head and gave him a weary smile. “I’m just trying to think of what to do with our daughter,” Fianna replied. The queen’s face became more serious as she explained her concerns, “She isn’t happy here, the older she gets, the less she cares about lessons. She doesn’t have a purpose in life. The things she wants to do would put the family at risk—unless we disowned her, which I’m certainly not willing to do. She needs a life and duties for not only the sake of the family, but for herself.”
Etoh frowned inwardly. His daughter was trying to grow up different than her parents wanted her to. “Why don’t we arrange a ball to showcase our daughter to potential suitors? It worked for us.”
Fianna looked up with a mischievous smirk. “I liked you long before that ball,” she said. Her expression returned to a more serious and thoughtful look as she continued. “But yes, it would be a good idea. We should invite Reona, he is still unwed, but Kashue isn’t an option!” Fianna chuckled. King Kashue was a confirmed bachelor by now, and not a man that she would want her daughter married to. It was clear by now that the King of Flaim had no interest in marriage, and if he named an heir, it looked as if he would honor Spark with that responsibility. Duke Spark was married now, and he and Neese could parent a lasting monarchy.
Etoh laughed at Fianna’s remark about Kashue. “Very well then. I’ll leave you to the planning.” He chuckled. “I don’t need any more on my plate, and...you’re a better judge of character than I.” The last part was more of an excuse than an honest truth. Although he wanted a part of his daughter’s showcase ball, he was far too busy to give much thought to whom to invite.
