Authors note: This is first chapter of a long story based in medieval times. This work relies on story and characters and will be multiple chapter series.
Warning: The story contains some themes of war violence and mentions of rape (no description)
The council was silent, waiting for King Alexandros to speak. There was a tense atmosphere around.
"Where is Prince Icarus?" the king asked.
"My king, he must be on his way." replied one of the council members.
"Send someone and bring the prince here at once,"
"No need father, I am here," Icarus said as he walked in the chambers, "The streets required some cleaning. The rogues are running rampant."
"Tell me Icarus, is your ambition to be a King or the commander of the street patrol?" The court went silent. Icarus swallowed his pride knowing he was in the presence of the only person who he admired and feared.
"The streets will be handled by the patrol, your job is to sit in the council and govern, learn to be a king. You need to control your thirst for violence and be at this table learning diplomacy."
"I apologize father," the prince said as he sat at his chair.
"What word do we have from the North?" the king asked
"Our diplomats are negotiating a deal with the King Boroth's diplomats. The water shortage in our kingdom could be solved if they release the flow of any of the 4 rivers flowing through their kingdom.." Replied the minister of foreign affairs.
"What is their demand?"
"They have none, there is nothing from us that they want."
"I want a solution to this, while the diplomats are negotiating, I want the others to look into alternate sources. I cannot watch the citizens of Consentia die of hunger and thirst. All of you gone, Linus you and Icarus stay."
Everyone leaves the chamber with only Linus and Icarus staying. Linus was a young member of the council. His extraordinary wits and network of spies had brought him from the streets of Consentia to the chamber of the king.
"Linus, you did not speak a single word in the council. Tell me what is it that you have in mind."
"Father, with all due respect if now is not the time to go to war, when is? When half the citizens are dead, and the rest are revolting?"
"Have you every fought a war with an angry stomach Icarus? Our soldiers cannot go to war right now. War is not the solution"
"My King, if I may, war maybe the solution."
"Linus, do you truly believe we can win a war against Andburn and win?"
"We wouldn't, but Sparta would."
"And why would Sparta go to war with us. I am sure you are aware we have previously discussed this with Queen Dione, and she said she is not interested in a war right now."
"My King, they won't go to war with us, but we could with them."
"What do you mean?" asked Icarus.
"My King, I have a way, it is risky but would work."
"Go on!" ordered the king.
"My spies inform me that Princess Syclla, Queen Dione's youngest sister is involved with the Prince of the North Izsak, son of King Boroth. I have reports, Izsak is out on a hunt and has invited Scylla to his camp, in secrecy of course. Queen Dione does not approve of this union. If something were to happen to Princess Scylla in the shelter of Izsak..."
"Then Dione would declare a war against Andburn."
"And we as their ally would join the way from the south as Sparta attacks from the East. We know Spartans don't care much for diplomacy and would take no prisoners. If King Boroth dies on the battlefield and Prince Izsak in Dione's captive, it would be easier to broker a peace treaty with Princess Lyssa. Perhaps a union of Prince Icarus with the only living heir to the throne of Andburn."
"Linus, that is brilliant! How is the security level at Izsak's camp?"
"It will be tight during the day, but Scylla is expected to arrive in the evening. To maintain secrecy, he will get rid of his security and keep only a few."
"Linus, no one outside the three of us should know about this. Icarus, you must carry out this task yourself. It is dangerous, but you must carry it. Linus, I trust Queen Dione would know that Princess Scylla is in danger and being kidnapped?"
"Queen Dione would know Princess Scylla is in danger, but she may not have all the information to get there in time to save Scylla from a drunk Prince Izsak," Linus said.
"Linus, everyone ridiculed me to pick a young scrawny man from the street and take him into the royal council. But every day you prove me right. Fill in Icarus with rest of the details. Remember, this does not go beyond us."
"My king!" both said as they bowed and walked out.
Tanisa was a young healer who had quickly gained a name among the King's council for her knowledge of plants to make the most unique potions and poisons. She was young and beautiful, whitish skin, dark hair and smile that melted most men's heart. Her petite figure engorged any man who she walked past.
"My Prince, may I enter?" Tanisa said knocking on the doors of Icarus' chamber.
"Come in."
"Here is the potion you requested for. Two drops of this in any liquid will make any drink feel like a glass of rum. The entire vial would cause extreme inebriation and hallucination."
"Perfect, I thank you Tanisa"
