Coming of Age Finale – Time

Lacos and Reiline returned after the next song, a more traditional court dance piece, and sat down on the table. “Princess, how was your talk with your Uncle?” Lacos asked as he stood there. He wanted to sit down but there were only three chairs and Sarine had claimed the one in the middle. To publicly ask the Princess to make room so he could sit next to his date would not be the finest of moves.

Sarine was going to answer when Reiline chimed in. “Could you move over, Princess?” Lacos had to hide his mouth and the giant smile that was forming. He could not silence the giggle though. Sarine blinked a few times. “Of course.” She said and did as she was aked. “You are a frank one aren’t you, Reiline?” “I hear that all the time, was it wrong?” The maid asked as she sat down in the middle and Lacos sat down at her side.

“Maybe not fitting to the environment.” Lacos, still smiling widely, said. “Oh. Right.” Reiline sounded like she just realized where she was again. “Back to the topic at hand, how was the talk? I saw your lips moving but couldn’t understand a word.” Sarine looked down on her hands, Lacos could guess why but currently they were completely still. “Straining.” Was all the answer he got.

There was no time to answer further questions. Tolfin, who had returned to his seat, rose again chalice in hand. “Honoured Guests, I have been informed that it is time to move to the courtyard. Let us witness the last moments of the day. Don’t forget to bring your drink.”

The sound of wood screeching over stone echoed all over the room as the nobles rose. Sarine had gotten a glass of water from a servant, Lacos quickly refilled his own while Reiline ordered a cup of wine. “What? I don’t have to be sensible tonight.” Reiline said after downing it in one gulp and getting a second one. “Also this might be the last I ever get of such a fine stuff.” She added in a more quiet tone.

“A rather silly reminder of a grim situation.” Lacos said in an amused voice. “Indeed.” Sarine agreed, but in a grave tone. “Don’t worry, Princess this should work.” “You should worry more Lacos, people are uncontrollable.” Sarine answered as they went on their way.

Outside Tolfin waited for them. He stood atop the stairs that led into the palace hall. “Sarine, please remain with me here.” He said and with a glance to the other two added, “Your servants shall go down to the nobles.” Lacos looked at Sarine, who nodded, before following the order.

Tolfin regarded him with a dismissive and disapproving look; Lacos looked back with a smile as he and Reiline stepped down the stairs. “You shouldn’t look at the Regent like that?” Reiline whispered, “Why not? I am not a citizen of this country.” Lacors responded as they took their place at the front row of the crowd.

Tolfin shared a last few words with Sarine. Then the Guards shut the doors close again, a reminder of their presence, so close to the Princess. Lacos scanned the court. Besides the four guards at the gate there were dozens more present along the out layers of the courtyard. Additionally the castle gate had been shut, the portcullis lowered. There was no leaving unless they were allowed to.

Only the edge of the sun still lingered over the castle walls. People were chatting, still crafting theories about what Sarine might say. Reiline laid her head on Lacos shoulder. “If we live through this you better be prepared for tonight.” The Draconoid scratched the back of his head, hoping that no one heard that remark.

Seemingly, nobody did, everyone was concentrating on the impending darkness of night and when the first stars showed themselves and the guards around lit torches Tolfin raised his voice.

“And with the end of the day my niece, the Princess, comes of age. A toast to her!” He raised his chalice. “A toast!” Reiline said, perhaps a bit to loud, “A toast.” Lacos said, pinching Reiline in the side after she drank.

“Now, without further ado. Princess Sarine, tell us of what you plan to do.” Tolfin said and stepped to the side. Sarine took his place with slow but sure steps.

“Honoured Nobles. Seventeen years ago, a year after my birth, the war ended. A tragedy that rippled through the continent and whose effects can still be felt today. Our infrastructure lay in ruins, the people despaired, our long term ally vanquished and erased from existence. A fate I don’t even wish upon those who believe wrongly or not at all.” Surprised mumbles from the court, some agreeing, more disgruntled.

“But my view upon a tragedy I have not witnessed myself is not why you are here today. I announce that I claim the Throne of Falbrein!” The mumbles became gasps, shouts. “Are you leading us into another war, Princess?” “No, Tolfin must stay!” “Daughter of Traitors!”

To everyone’s surprise it was Tolfin who raised his hand. “Everyone, calm down, my niece is not yet finished.” Sarine nodded towards him, “Thank you, Uncle. I claim the Throne," She repeated, gaining but sinister looks this time, "but not the regency. Although I wear the crown, Tolfin shall wield the power until the people of this land see me as worthy to rule. Although it might be a break of tradition I recognize that these are not normal times. I hope you will do the same, Lords and Ladies.”

She raised her glass. “To Falbrein and prosperity.” The court responded as one, “To Falbrein!” Finally the Regent raised his chalice again, "To Falbrein!"

Although Tolfin wore a slightly confused expression he made a slight gesture and in the distance Lacos heard a slight clank as the portcullis was raised. “Seems like we live.” He whispered to Reiline, “What was that about tonight?”