Swan Prince
Swan Prince
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auto;text-align:center;mso-outline-level:2\'>The
Swan Prince
By: Delilah deSora
auto;text-align:center;mso-outline-level:3\'>Chapter
1
demanding lodging from his father and filling the halls with raucous laughter.
They called his father king but always with a laugh and they did what they
wanted regardless of the etiquettes of his father’s court. His father shut him
and his brother’s and sisters away in their quiet wing of the castle while he
and their oldest brother went to deal with them.
younger and older siblings, sometimes playing music to wile away the hours,
other times reading. He was content with this as he was content with all
things, peace leaving him quiet and calm while his more volatile siblings
ranted and raved over being kept locked away. When, on the third night, their
father came and beckoned him to come while telling the others to sleep he went
as he always did, quietly and with grace.
did not mind. Their father had been plagued by the heavy burden of ruling a
kingdom as a puppet king. Once their family had been free to rule as they saw
fit but with the coming of soldiers bearing the sigil of Lohara
they had lost their autonomy and had become just another satellite kingdom
under Loharan rule. It was a fate their father
rallied against but one he could not escape from. No single kingdom was strong
enough to claim its independence and no two kingdoms would come together for
fear of the Loharan king learning of their alliance.
ale upon the expensive rugs. His father led him away from their offensive calls
and predatory eyes, shutting out the sound of their voices in the meeting hall
where two men waited. They ordered him forward and spoke over his head as they
pulled his chin this way and that, arguing over his traits or commenting on his
lack of anger at being pushed between them. They asked his father questions to
which they received gruff answers before sending him away. His father refused
to go and he watched dispassionately as the sought to threaten him with the
power granted to them by the Lohara king. His father
ignored their words, reaffirming that they were merely messengers in his
kingdom.
corner. This man had gentle hands but his eyes were hard as he tested his mind.
He answered the man’s questions, acquiescing when he answered wrongly and
waiting patiently as the man railed at him for his lack of knowledge. It was
not his way to raise his voice or feel anger as the man berated him, demanding
a response and calling him a fool when he did not try to defend himself.
watched as the anger drained from the man’s face as he turned towards the other
two.
back.
nodding and turning to his father.
nod, he followed.
before the desk while the man sat on the edge. Grey eyes studied him and he met
their gaze honestly.
finally said, “I was Prince
only son. One day he will be King of Lohara and the
nine kingdoms.”
laid out for him. You are a prince as well but his life is harder for it is
more significant than yours. The Prince spends all of his time learning what he
must but even someone such as him cannot devote all of his time to his studies.
He is a man like the rest of us and he needs companionship.
age. I have been sent to teach you how to be his perfect companion. When you are
ready you will go back with me. You will share the prince’s classes and be at
his side always for you must know what things he experiences and how they weigh
upon him. You must take his guilt and his anger and in return you must give him
your calm. You will share in his joys and in his pain. Do you understand?”
argument. If you disappoint you will be punished and set to the task again. It
will be hard for you to reach the Prince’s level but that is your chosen fate
and you will do as you are told. You should be grateful, Odel,
as the middle son you would have been nothing but our king has seen fit to give
you a better life. Be sure you are properly grateful for it.”
filled with lessons designed to train his mind and his actions. His style of
speech was changed as well as his movement. The ways of his homeland were
erased, either through harsh words or the occasional sting of a switch across
bare skin. Learning was never easy for him but he worked at it diligently.
with the switch. Never once was his skin broken nor did any of the punishments
leave a mark.
accidentally been nicked by one of the servants who had been clipping his hair.
That servant had been beaten and thrown to the streets while a healer checked
the wound and fussed over the scratch as though it were some mortal wound.
did with all things.
allowed to associate with anyone but the Prince’s tutor. Once a month his
father joined them for dinner but Rhyan kept it a
strictly formal affair and Odel was instructed on
what to say and how to say it. He had broken the edict once and
away and sending Odel to the small closet with
stinging skin reddened from the switch.
the future king of Lohara had been forced to learn.
He was taken outside to learn to ride and keep up with a hunt. He was taught to
dance and play the games the prince enjoyed. He was taught the languages and
the histories the prince knew. The only thing he was not taught was how to
fight, for Ryhan had forbidden him from ever touching
a weapon. It was not, he had been informed, something a prince’s companion
needed to know.
again, heralding his birthday when the waning moon once against hung full in
the sky, he woke to find servants packing the books he had been forced to read.
Ryhan was overseeing the whole experience and
recognized as he had been taught.
and how. Only when all of the books, papers, ink, and quills had been packed as
well as Ryhan’s clothes did the grey eyes turn to
him.
followed quietly. He wondered at the fact that none of his own clothes had been
packed except for a few changes of shirts and pants stuffed into a small bag.
He longed to asked about it but kept his peace,
remembering that he was not to ask about things that did not immediately
interfere with his duties. His clothes had not been packed and though he did
not understand it he knew that there must be a reason for it and he would be
told if it were necessary for him to know.
banners. Above them a rectangular flag bearing the sigil of Lohara
flapped lazily in the breeze. Ryhan gestured for him
to go up but as he mounted the first step a shout rose from behind him and he
turned. His father, red faced with anger, stormed towards them.
drug him to his father’s side. Through his pale hair he could see
mask of polite inquiry.
tightened. “How dare you ask such a thing! You think
you can just steal away my son without informing me?”
knew he would be taken to Lohara, sire. The Prince’s
companion could hardly do his job here, after all. I do not understand your
anger.”
We’re hisily!ily! He has brothers and sisters who miss him. He will
celebrate his . . .” his father paused, turning his next words into an insult,
“. . . good fortune . . . with his family!”
“That is not possibly, sire. Such a thing m cau cause him to slip back into old
habits, which would negate his training. We do not have time for such a thing.
You knew this would happen. Release him now. We have but a month before he will
be present and time is pressing. There is much to do and evaluations to be
performed.”
snapped, his grey eyes finally turning angry. “Come now, Odel,
we must go.”
the broad chest and peered up into his father’s blue eyes, the only feature he
had inherited from the man. “Please, father.” He whispered. “Tell everyone that
I’m happy to do this, even though you all see it as an unfair sacrifice. I
don’t want Lohara
there keeps their anger at bay I am glad to do it.”
or Nathaniel but I listen. I know why I was chosen and I take this
responsibility gladly. I do not mind it because, even though I’ll be a prisoner
to assure your loyalty, I will not be kept in a cage or fed on bread and water.
I do not long to see the world or seek out its secrets. I am simple and content
to just be. Remember that. I hold no anger or grudge against you.”
touch his cheek. “You are a good son.” He murmured before kissing him on the
forehead and letting him go.
helped him climb up into the carriage. He heard his father and
him and the carriage moved. Odel allowed his tutor to
push up his sleeve and check his arm for any sign of hurt, clucking his tongue
annoannoyance at the small bruises already forming.
shook his head and gave him a sharp look.
hurt you. You are very important now, Odel,
and you will be dancing in the circles that the Prince does. If someone harms
you they can harm the Prince and we must know of that person. Do you
understand?”
turned its eyes to your kingdom. Forget that, by keeping you in the palace, the
king hopes to secure your father’s loyalty. Indeed it would be best for you to
forget about everything but what I have taught you. The Prince is all you need
to concern yourself about now. I was glad to hear your words, though they were
meant only for your father’s ears. Although you have no choice in the matter
none of us wish for you to feel trapped. You and the Prince will grow close
and, though you have not met him and know nothing of him, trust me when I say
that your happiness will make him happy.”
“Would it be wrong of me to ask about him?”
would be best for you to meet him with a mind free of the taint of howers
ers
see him. He is the Prince and as such only the King truly knows him as himself.
If any of us were to tell you about him you would learn only of the Prince, not
of Kent himself. It is of
will learn.”
understand. You wish me to make my own judgments about him rather than seeing
him through the light others have cast.”
asked.
present from his father. Even then you really won’t be able to speak with him
while the celebration is underway. I have, however, secured the morning after
for my own and though I have told others that it is for cultural purposes I
will leave you two to learn of each other on your own. I believe it will help
him be more at ease with your presence.
takes lessons you will take the same lessons with him. When he goes on a hunt
you will go. When he eats, you eat. When he sleeps, so too shall you. You will
be his constant companion so that, should he need to, he can confide in you his
frustrations or anger and since you have been with him you will understand
them. You will sooth these feelings as I have taught you to do so that he can
continue with his duties.”
you have learned what you need to know. It is also to make sure that you have
the proper disposition and will not be a harmful influence upon the Prince.”
thought that I would have left and your elder brother would even now be wasting
his life away in one of the “guest” wings of the King’s palace.”
brothers and even my sisters were all made for a fruitful life! Some can
figure, some can sing, and some are fit for ruling. I am not fit for anything.
I am not smart, learning comes only with great practice for me, I cannot sing
though I can pluck a tune on a harp, nor do I have the energy and charisma to
be a good ruler. I have nothing! All my life I worried over this for I felt I
was just a weight upon my family, good for nothing. It is true, I do not want
to be locked away in some dark cell but I would bear even that to secure the
bright future for my brothers and sisters. Do you understand that?”
no deceit for your face is always open and honest. I can read every emotion
that you feel and I have never seen you hide anything unless it is in a
situation where I have taught you to do so. You are gentle and patient. Your
very presence can calm even the angriest of men. You will pass whatever test
the King sets before you and he will allow you to be his son’s companion. Just
remember what I have taught you.”
well, Odel. There is nothing to fear.”
was nearly a week before he was dressed in expensive fabric and taken before
him. During that time Ryhan continued his education.
In addition to his lessons he was taken to tailors, who measured him and held
cloth up to his skin for Ryhan’s acceptance. He was
even taken one night to an informal courtre hre his tutor pointed out certain
personages in hushed tones, giving their names and why they were so important.
not remember them when Ryhan had asked him about it
the following day. The man had scolded him but to his surprise the switch was
not brought against his skin nor was the flexible rod snapped across the backs
of his hand as was his tutor’s normal reprimand. Ryhan
had laughed at his confusion and had teasingly promised that it would happen
again but he did not wish to risk leaving a mark before the King saw him. He
must be perfect, Ryhan warned, when the King called
for him
scrutiny and answered truthfully what questions were asked. He respectfully
kept his eyes cast downward as the King asked him about his life. All these
questions he answered until the King began to ask him of his father’s private
dealings. He answered what questions he felt appropriate but when the king
pressed him to speak of whether or not his father was having affairs outside of
his household or how he felt about Lohara
he refused, telling him that he must ask his father himself for they were not
things for him to tell.
the man sank back behind his desk thoughtfully. He called Ryhan
forward and the two sat down at a table. Odel served
them, as Ryhan had told him he must, and stood behind
his tutor silently as the two spoke of him over their tea. He was called upon
once or twice to answer questions.
his accomplishment before sending him out. Odel moved
to follow but the King’s voice stopped him.
voice. Few things frightened him but the possibility that he had failed his
family was foremost among them. The King sat down upon on of the divans and
did as he bade, sitting on the far edge of the divan, his hands folded in his
lap as Ryhan had taught him.
did the same in return. The King was obviously in his middle years though
with worry and his thin lips were serious. His eyes were so dark that they were
nearly black and Odel found them hard but
fascinating. His hair was white but he could see darker streaks among it that
were silver in appearance.
you that this is not a test. I require an honest answer from you.”
remembering the King’s order and lifting his eyes. “No, my
lord.” He whispered.
my lord.”
place once where they tried to teach me of such things. I did not like it.”
the place their home. Nor did I like their words. I knew their claims were
false and I found them uncomfortable to be around. Afterwards I refused to go
back.”
been at least two years ago, a lifetime for a boy whose body is changing as
quickly as yours. I am sure Ryhan kept you from such
things for it was my order that he do so. Surely now you think different?”
have I had the desires my brothers said would come. Perhaps I never will.”
wish to find those pleasures. However,” the King’s face turned serious again,
“you must control those feelings. There are some that will try to sway you in
order to get close to my son. You must not associate with any of them.
must tell Ryhan. I know they are not things
that people wish to speak of to others and I know that we teach you otherwise
but they are normal, despite our claims to the contrary. We willide ide what to
do about them but you must take no lover for yourself. I am firm in this,
hand in this matter. Is that understood?”
happiness growing within him, “I am fit to be the Prince’s companion then?”
fine present for my son.”
lord. I shall try my best.”
now. Do as he says. Tell him that I will speak with him later.”
away, aware of the King’s eyes upon his back.
fall of his charge’s chest. There was enough moonlight in the room to allow him
to see the peaceful face. Silver hair practically shimmered in the moonlight
and he shook his head to dispel the illusion. Come day he knew the long hair
would be more blue than silver, a rare coloring to be
sure but one that pervaded in his people’s race.
knew that the boy would not try to escape but he chose to exhibit caution, more
for Odel’s sake than his own. People had already
begun to whisper about the blue haired boy he had brought back, though he had
been careful to keep Odel from public places. He knew
that no one would dare his chambers but still he slipped the key in his pocket
as he moved through the deserted halls to the King’s
office.
the words calling him forward. He stood before the great desk; hands folded
behind his back as the King finished with a scroll and set it aside. Dark eyes
studied him for a long moment.
perfect for my son.”
was little for me to do. His disposition is all his own, I simply smed oed out
a few rough edges and removed the manners of his people.”
in his refusal to speak of his father’s doings. It annoyed me but it speaks
well for his loyalty.”
pliancy, I believe it will work for us. It makes him seem fragile and weak.
Someone Kent will wish to protect, to co. Ce. Certainly not someone he will
wish to see hurt.”
dislike using the boy in such a way but . . . it has to stop.
him then?”
giving him two years of freedom to travel the sorcerer’s control over him would
wane and it has somewhat but still Atol torments him.”
must end. Odel must bring
creature. You spoke true, cousin-mine, he is indeed a
brilliant light to Atol’s darkness. I pray that
the sorcerer’s cruel one.”
him but Odel is, as of yet, untried. He claims he has
no desire and I believe him.
caught him eyeing any of the bared flesh in court. It is a fortunate thing for
that of a man.”
against sex between two men. If all of his normal lessons caused such problems
in the Prince how will he get over bui built in fear of the act to learn to
sate his desire with his companion?”
allowed no other lover nor will Odel. As you said, he
will hate to see the boy in pain. Do you think he will be any happier to see
the boy trapped in unsated desire when he alone can
relieve it?”
my lord.”