Jaden stopped and looked back waiting for Gavel to catch up. The butler was waiting with Othien standing beside him ready to take them to the king. He narrowed his eyes slightly, noticing Gavel’s expression as he strode in.
“The prince will see you now.” The butler said when Gavel stopped beside him.
He noticed it was the prince and not the king that would speak with them. He followed Othien and the butler intent on asking why the king didn’t see fit to speak with them personally. Pippen and Gavel walked beside him with the same displeased expression. Entering the throne room he saw the prince, his blond hair hanging in his blue eyes looking despondent. His eyes lit up though as they came in and he went to Jaden smiling. “Welcome ambassadors of the Rizel and Lord Jaden as always you are welcome.” He said formally.
“If we are so welcome your highness, with respect to you. Why is it that the king is not here to welcome us?” Gavel asked with controlled anger plain in his voice.
The prince’s smile fade and he bowed his head. “Forgive my father’s absence. He is indisposed.”
“Indisposed..” Krogh began but Jaden put his hand up forestalling the temperamental Rizel.
“Your majesty, you know I hold you in the highest regard; but there is grave news that I believe will effect the future of our relationship with the Rizel people.”
The prince sighed. “Jaden, to be truthful my father has been ill as of late. He is bedridden. I am ruling in his stead.”
Jaden stepped forward closer to the prince who was barely twenty years old. “What have the healers said?” The cold truth that it was only a matter of time before he would be king, was painted across his young face.
