The Four Swords

Chapter 52: The Most Powerful Chess Piece

I paced back and forth in front of the King's chambers. How do I approach a man that does not seem to care for me and ask for a favor concerning his daughter?

Alejo and Finley gave up trying to follow me and each took up a post at the extremes of my pacing path. I knew I could not demand he remove the guards. If I implied Caismir was using his authority improperly, that could come back poorly on me.

The only option I could think of where I think I could keep my cool and still might yield results would be to ask him for a change of guard. Maybe Caismir's zealous nature took the King's command to the uncomfortable extreme I saw earlier.

I took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. I knocked on the door summoning all my courage. I hope King Caderyn is in there. He was not on the training field and there was not a petitioner's court called today. His whereabouts to me were a mystery, so I took an educated guess.

A servant with red hair and a slight frame opened the door. That had to be a good sign, right?

"Hello. I seek an audience with King Caderyn. Please let him know that Sir Jacobson requests a few moments of his time," I managed. I had no idea how to request an audience with the King.

"Ah, yes. Sir Jacobson. Please give me a moment to confer with His Majesty's schedule," the manservant politely responded. I probably should have used the king's title as opposed to his name as well. Too late now.

The door closed with a satisfying click. At least I stood there in the hallway with just my guards for a moment. My nerves settled behind that barrier.

I could hear muffled voices on the other side of the door. The conversation took longer than I was expecting. What could they be saying?

The door swung open to the same, now flustered, servant. "I am sorry Sir Jacobson. The King is not receiving visitors at this time. Please inquire after him on another day." The red headed man started to close the door.

I could not give up so easily. "Excuse me for one more moment. I know you are a very busy man. I would hate to have to keep interrupting you with my trivial request. Could I perchance set up an appointment with His Majesty?" I tried flattery, although it did not come naturally.

The slim man smiled in a way that made me know I hit my mark. "Let me check. One more moment, Sir Jacobson," the redhead informed me.

The manservant closed the door. This time the door bounced back from its lock. It was almost unperceivable except for the lack of resounding click. Through that narrow opening, sound easily escaped.

"Your Majesty?" The redhead's voice was almost quaking.

"What is it now, Stuart?" King Caderyn responded forcefully. Why was he so easily annoyed?

"Sir Jacobson has requested to set up an appointment." The servant stated the information but it was almost a question. He did not know what to tell me.

"That boy is still at my door? I thought he'd be back on the training field almost maiming someone by now. I guess he is only reckless when my daughter is involved," the king huffed. His monologue exposed his feelings toward me unequivocally.

"I will not see that child now or anytime soon. Tell him I am indisposed and will have to seek him out another time," King Caderyn continued.

"Yes, Your Majesty," poor Stuart responded like he himself was injured by the king's words. I guess he hated letting people down.

I plastered on a smile before the door reopened. I knew the answer to my request but I could not let on that I had eavesdropped.

"I am truly sorry, Sir Jacobson. The King is not feeling well," The man choked out the words, unused to lying.

Poor fellow. "Thank you for your time. I appreciate your efforts," I said and nodded a goodbye. I was not about to take out my frustrations on this faithful subject of the crown.

I started to leave the royal wing. What else could I do? My stomach gnawed at me. I could not just abandon Alina to those guards. That's it! Guards!

I suddenly turned around. My unexpected movement startled my shadows. They both looked at me in confusion.

"What do I do now? You both heard the King, but I can't just let Alina stay trapped. Any ideas?" I pleaded with the two men who fully understood Alina's predicament.

My shadows exchanged a knowing glance. Alejo raised his eyebrows and splayed his hand toward the ceiling, inviting Finley to speak for them. Finley nodded letting out a small sigh.

"You know what you need to do," stated the round faced shadow. Clearly I did not. My face held my unamused expression. He heaved a heavier sigh. "To quote someone close to me, 'whose power supersedes the King's?'" Finley smiled.

"Oh. Right." I started to make my way to the Queen's chambers.

The King was in charge of military matters only because of Queen Valerie's delegation of such responsibilities. King Caderyn married into the house of Phoenix, but Queen Valerie ruled by birthright. Her power exceeded that of her husband's.

I knocked on the Queen's parlor door. My palms were sweaty from the close proximity to the King's parlor door that I was thoroughly dismissed from not too long ago.

The door opened slightly. "I need to stretch my legs anyway. I'll get it." I heard from the cracked opening before it swung open to reveal the queen herself. My mouth hung slack. I was not expecting her.

"Oh, Sir Jacobson. What a pleasant surprise! Please join me. My maid just brought tea and was in the middle of pouring me a cup when you knocked," Queen Valerie ushered my shadows and I through the door.

How could this lovely woman be married to such a grumpy individual? I guess opposites attract. Now how do I let her know that her husband is horrible? I really should've thought this through