THE ROYAL DECEPTION

GAME OF ROYALTY BOOK TWO THE ROYAL DECEPTION PROLOGUE For the longest time, the Kingdom of Varci had thrived in peace and prosperity under the austere rule of Queen Elizabeth the first. Beside her, was her husband, Theo Fladin, head commander of the Kingdom’s army. Their twin sons, Elton and Leon had grown into fine young men, their names on the lips of maidens in the kingdom and beyond. Yet, the two could never have been more clear opposites of each other. While Elton was well versed in the art of hunting and swordsmanship, Leon seemed to prefer women and good ale for company. His famous rendezvous with different women each passing night had become a known tale among the netizens and yet, women still came in plenty for him. Unlike the man he was named after. “Mother, father,” He acknowledged the two adults in front in the throne room. His mother had summoned him at the early hours of the morning, way before sunrise. Judging from the tight-lipped expression on her mother’s face, he could tell he was about to be scolded for something. The queen was not once to hold such a tense expression with no reason at all. “This disrespectful act of yours is getting on my nerves. In the next moon, you will be twenty-three years of age Leon and the only talk I hear from the handmaids and the servants is how my son is taking women into his chambers. If you cannot have any respect for yourself, then do spare some for your father and I,” Elizabeth was the kind of woman you’d not cross if you wanted to breath freely the next minute. “My sincere apologies, mother,” he bowed his head. He was not ashamed even in the least about his disrespectful behavior as his mother put it. What was the harm in a prince indulging into some fun? It was certainly not illegal to the best of his knowledge. “Your pathetic apology is not going to work this time. Your father and I have come to a decision,” she paused, letting the weight of her words sink on Leon, “We are hosting a contest in your honor. Maidens from all the kingdoms, all from the highest walks of life; from daughters of nobles to princesses will be invited. By the end of the seven days, you must choose who you will take as your wife,” “That is absurd. I cannot take a wife now,” he denied. “Yes, you will,” Theo enforced his wife’s words in the same authoritative voice. “No, I will not. Why don’t you let Elton take a wife? He is the noble son, isn’t he? Even if you have not said it, I know he is the one you’d pick as the usurper. Taking a wife should be his responsibility not mine,” This was first time he had ever raised is voice before his parents. “You shall take a wife, Leon. As your Queen I command you,” Elizabeth said, her voice low and yet very much decisive.