Chapter 8: Edward Anglee (1)

On a sunny afternoon in Blue Lion City, sounds of hooves echoed throughout certain parts of the palace, hinting Richard and his cavalry’s return. 

The first view they saw was a huge square, nearly 100 meters wide, made of large and smooth strips of stone. It was clean and immaculate. On one side of the square erected over a dozen rising steps that led to the doors of the palace.

Richard mounted off the stallion and turned to the guard captain who understood his silent words. The guard captain ordered his men to move the dead python to the palace while Richard walked away, but before he could do so, there was a voice behind him, followed by sounds of hasty footsteps.

“Your Highness… Your Highness…”

Richard looked over his shoulder and saw a young man in his 20s. His clothing was pleasant to look, sleeves embroidered with gold, and collar tattooed with a tedious pattern; his hair and vibrant eyes shone like gold, bringing memories of golden wheat fields, and of the hued stems that danced in the autumn lights, whispering gentle songs in the wind; and moreover, his face had a sense of kindness and of gentleness that seemed to defuse all malice.

He was Richard’s captain, responsible for the prince’s safety. His name was Edward Anglee who had an unusual identity as the son of a count. He was a noble, to say the least. He was submissive to the prince, to the royal family, and only reason he’s willing to bend his back over backwards, doing all the prince commands him, was to maintain a steady relationship with the royal family.

This was common traits amongst medieval aristocrats and in a sense sort of like a hostage behavior. But if one worked around the loops properly, it was not impossible to gain huge benefits. For example, if Richard were to become the next king, Edward, as the captain, he and his own family would gain special treatment. Their noble rankings might see upward mobility to maybe that of a marquis.

And Edward was aware of this. He had tried his best to serve and please Richard, but it seemed the prince’s mind hadn’t noticed his loyalty for his mind seemed focused on the supernatural. But if he did, he would only notice his failure…

Unbothered, Richard ignored Edward and walked away. 

Edward was lost in his thoughts and only when he came back to his senses did he notice the prince had walked away. He quickly moved and caught up with the prince. Gasping slightly, Edward said, “Your Highness, I heard from the dungeon guard that you’d gone out in the morning? The guard captain took a cavalry out of the city and caught a python, right?”

“Is that so?” Richard said bluntly.

Edward noticed the prince’s noncommittal disposition, so he hurriedly said, “Your Highness, I am your captain, and the guards are your most loyal men! What if someone attempts to hurt you? In the case this happens, we won’t be able to wash away the guilt for failing to protect you, Your Highness!”

Richard looked at Edward. He did not think the captain spoke the truth, but he did not bother to delve further into it. In a faint voice, Richard uttered, “Edward, if your swordsmanship could just be a little bit better, then I’d consider taking you with me the next time. Besides, who dares to turn against me in the whole kingdom?”

Edward’s eyes flashed. He approached the prince and whispered, “Your Highness, you must be careful. The eldest prince has been unkind to you as of late and now His Majesty is ill. In case… in case…”

“There’s no in case.” Richard shook his head and sneered. “The king isn’t dead yet, so my dear brother William is afraid to take action against me.”

“But…”

“Well, no more of this.” Richard waved his hand and walked away. Walking through the thick marble pillars and into the hall of the palace, Edward followed him from behind.