Chapter 34

"Pardon me, Orion. Daniel, will you assist my training group until I return?"

"Of course, your highness." He bowed.

I went inside the castle to meet Mavis. She was sitting at the long table of the strategy room with Charles. I closed the door behind me.

"What's going on? Also, shouldn't you be training?" I looked at Charles.

"I needed a rest day. Have to let the muscles relax, you know. Plus, me and Mavis were talking about the people of Belmonte."

"What about them?" I asked Mavis.

"I think it's time we rally the people to join our side. The castle gates have been closed since Samuel invaded and there are rumors of a dragon. My people are terrified, and I haven't comforted them.

"They are your people, you know them best. What do you suggest we do?"

"I think the best way to start is to gather all the noblemen and woman here for a dinner and get them to agree to fight with us. Then, the people will most likely follow. It'll expand our army and resources. After that, we reach out to other kingdoms that have not allied with Vendov."

"I think it's a solid plan. We can have invites sent out immediately." I said.

"Good. I want them all here. The sooner, the better." Mavis stood up.

"All of them? As in my father as well?" Charles eyes grew wider.

"But of course. He's Belmonte's Duke of Taxes and a close friend to the crown. Plus, I'm sure he'll be delighted to see you." She said.

Mavis left the room to write out the invites, leaving me and Charles alone.

"We have to stop that dinner!" Charles exclaimed.

"Because of your father?"

"Yes! I cannot see him! That invite cannot be sent?"

"This dinner is important for the support of our side of the war and our kingdoms. We can't not have it because you don't want to see your father."

"He said he never wanted to see me again. He disowned me."

"Perhaps if you explain to Mavis what happened she'd understand." I suggested.

"No. Mavis can't know. She would be offended if she knew her best lover was into men, especially commoner men."

I held back on rolling my eyes the best I could.

"I don't think she'd be offended by any means." I told him.

"It's embarrassing. She can't know. No one can. Perhaps I shouldn't have even told you. I thought you would understand." He said.

"Charles, this dinner needs to happen. But I will be there to support you in whatever you need. Who knows, your father might not even come."

"I hope you're right."

The invitations were set out immediately. The dinner was scheduled for three days away. It was time for Belmonte to be rallied for the war.

I was soon summoned to the back gardens. Johnny had returned home with her special ally. She requested to see me, and only me.

Johnny stood near a marble bench in the flower filled garden. Next to her stood an individual I did not recognize. Their skin was dark, their hair was long and hung down to their chest. Their body was slender and slim. I struggled to identify their age.

"Johnny, I'm relieved to see you have returned to Belmonte safely."

"As am I, your majesty. I think I have someone that can help us with our dragon problem."

"This is Galen." Johnny introduced us. Galen looked up at me, one of their eyes had been glossed over, almost like it was damaged.

"It's an honor to meet someone Johnny has spoken so highly about. I'm King Zander Bray." I greeted.

"Kind to meet you. I've traveled a lot, but out of all the kingdoms I stayed in, I would consider Lafayette the closest thing I had to a home." They said.

"They are a witch that is very knowledgeable about healing. I met them a long time ago on one of my journeys. I told them about our new dragon."

"May I see it? The sale?" Galen asked.

I scoped the area to ensure we were alone. I unbuttoned my top and revealed my chest. The green scale shined in the sunlight. Galen touched it with their fingers.

"How many times have you transformed?" They asked.

"Once. When me and my family was in danger."

"Hm." Galen was quiet for a moment.

"I think I can try to help you control it." They said.

"Really? How?" I asked, pulling my shirt back up.

"Discipline. Practice. Time. We mustn't do it here. We cannot risk you transforming here. We must find somewhere safe without anyone around." Galen said softly.

"I will ask my wife if she knows of any such place in Belmonte. Thank you to both of you. I really appreciate all of the help you will bring to us." I told them.

"Welcome to our side of the war." Johnny said with a grunt.

Galen seemed quiet and reserved, I felt like I had a lot to learn from them.

Charles panic only grew after the invitations were received. Three days later, we were preparing for the dinner. Mavis prepared the royal dining room for privacy among the nobleman.

Daniel informed the loyalist of the noblemen's arrival. They ate in the dining hall earlier that day to ensure the separation of them and the nobleman.

Mavis wore her pink gown that she looked so perfect in. It was studded with pearls and lace. Her golden hair had grown long enough where it could be styled again. She was the embodiment of Belmonte. The kindness, the beauty, the elegance.

I prepared in our chambers as well. I wore a dark blue suit. Mavis insisted we both wear our crowns to dinner.

"These noblemen, you think they'll agree to join us and rally the people?" I asked her as I cuffed my sleeves.

She was clipping dewdrop shaped pearl earrings onto her ears as she looked into her mirror.

"I believe so. I have known most of these men my entire life. They've always loved me. I believe I can persuade them. Allow me to lead the conversation."

"Of course, my queen." I said to her with a bow. She grinned a little.

"The world would end if everyone knew a king was bowing to his queen."

"The world is about to become a Vendov empire. Surely a husband praising is wife should be a low priority."

"Perhaps you're right." Mavis turned to me and straightened my jacket.

Daniel knocked.

"They are beginning to arrive. Shall I have them be seated for dinner?" Daniel asked through the door.

"Yes. We will be there in just a moment." Mavis replied.

I offered my arm to her.

"Are you ready?" She asked me.

"Yes. Let's get Belmonte to join us."

She put her arm around mine. Daniel escorted us to the royal dining room. It was much fancier than the places we had been eating before. Only the finest was allowed for our important guests.

Mavis was immediately greeted by a dozen men. They  gave her bows of respect and hand kisses.

"You are as beautiful as the shiniest pearl in the deepest ocean." One man said.

"That's very kind, Sir Jameson. Thank you."

"You are as pretty as your mother." Another said.

"Thank you for all of your kind words. Are you gentleman hungry? We have plenty of food and wine to share with you." Mavis escorted them to the long wooden table. The table was set with the best silverware and glasses the palace had.

The men filled up their seats. Only a couple of them were joined by their wives. Mavis and I took our places at the heads of the table. Charles sat next to me, and Orion on the other side. Daniel guarded the door, standing stiff as a board.

We were served wine. The men continued to chat to their queen and I leaned over to Charles.

"Is your father here?" I whispered to him.

"No. Thank gods."

"Did you intercept his invitation?"

"I tried but it was already sent out." He whispered back.

"Everyone, I would like you to formally meet my husband, King Zander Bray of Lafayette. I know many of you had important duties in Belmonte and were unable to attend our wedding." She said.

The men had greeted me politely.

"May I know all of your names?" I asked politely.

The man closest to me bowed his head.

"I'm Sir Allis, Nobleman of Currency." He greeted.

"I'm Sir Willard, Nobleman of Mining. This is my wife, Lady Kathleen."

They continued to go down the table and introduce themselves. I did my best to remember all of their names and titles. All of them appeared middle aged or older. The few women that were there stayed quiet.

"Thank you for introducing yourselves. I know you all do very important work for Belmonte and I am grateful."

"As am I. Belmonte wouldn't be successful without all of you."

"Pardon me, I know everyone at this table, except you. Do you also live in Belmonte?" One of the men next to Orion said.

Orion opened his mouth to speak. Suddenly, the double doors opened. It was Johnny, with a middle aged man that was well dressed.

"Pardon me, your majesties. This man said he is a Nobleman for Belmonte?" Johnny said.

Charles turned his head to look. His eyes bulged out of his skull. His jaw clenched tightly. His face turned red. He jerked his head down.

"Ah, yes. Welcome, Sir Barke. I'm glad you could join us. Please, have a seat." Mavis said to Charles' father.

Author's Note: Thank you everyone who has supported me through this story. I will do my best to update more frequently. Thank you! <3