MINISTORY: The Royal Trials

Chapter 1

“Ha! Got you again! That’s 12.” Malcolm cheered, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Caspian rolled his eyes at his older brother as he jumped up from the mat.

“11. That one didn’t count. I was distracted.” Caspian grumbled.

“It does count. You need to learn to be vigilant and focused even when there are pretty girls walking by.” Malcolm said, knocking his shoulder against Caspian’s.

“Whatever. You got lucky.” Caspian huffed, picking up a gym towel and wiping off his shoulder blades and neck.

Malcolm chuckled and picked up both their shirts, tossing one to Caspian. Cas pulled the thin, v-neck cotton shirt on and straightened it over top of his well defined abs. Malcolm did the same and then grabbed a water bottle from the mini fridge inside the gym.

“We need to get back. Mom will have our heads if we’re late for this meeting.” Mal said,

“Mom will have your head. I’m not the next heir to the throne.” Cas smirked.

“You don’t know that. We still have the Trials.” Mal said as the two brothers started to walk back towards the palace.

“You have it in the bag, don’t be modest.” Cas mocked him.

Malcolm laughed, but didn’t respond. The two moved quickly across the grounds that separated the gym from the palace, greeting guards as they went. The footmen at the front doors yanked them open when they saw the approaching princes, bowing their heads when the princes walked past. Mal and Cas hurried through the marble-lined hallways, moving in the direction of their mother’s office.

Inside Queen Luna Lydia’s office were representatives from several of the villages on the outskirts of the realm. The royal city and village were under the watchful eye of the palace, but, with the population inside the realm growing, more homes are being built further away. Thus, a need for individual leadership was needed.

Each of the five major villages voted on representatives who were sent to the palace to be recognized by the king and queen. They would be titled as Lords and Ladies and deemed the official governors of their villages.

Caspian and Malcolm knocked on the office door before entering. They were greeted by their mother, who wore a very displeased expression, three Ladies, and two Lords.

“So good of you to join us, Prince Caspian, Prince Malcolm.” Queen Lydia sighed.

“We’re sorry that we’re late. We were tending to some important business.” Malcolm lied smoothly.

Nevermind the fact that they were still sweaty and wearing jeans and casual T-shirts, or that their hair was an unkept mess.

“Thank you for taking the time to see us, your royal highnesses.” One of the Lords said, bowing his head in respect.

Malcolm and Caspian nodded and sat down in their respective chairs and waited for their mother to continue with whatever speech the boys had interrupted.

“Now that everyone is here, we can make the introductions,” Queen Lydia said, still eyeing her sons with discontent, “Lord Bishop will be the governor of the Westgate village, Lord Zac will be the governor of the Blue Bird village, Lady Gabrielle will be the governor of the Scarlet village, Lady Marybelle will be the governor of the Hopewell village, and Lady Kennerly will be the governor of the Starshine Village.”

“Congratulations on being chosen by your people to lead them.” Malcolm said,

“We will hold a ceremony here tonight to officially name you governors of your villages. We’ll also send representatives of the crown home with you so you can hold individual ceremonies at your own villages.” Queen Lydia went on to say, “And the princes will be personally visiting each of your villages.”

Queen Lydia shot her sons a glare that told them it wasn’t a request, it was a demand being made by their Queen. Of course, the boys would obey.

“Thank you, your grace.” Lord Zac replied.

“If we would be given notice as to when the princes will be arriving, we can make proper arrangements for them.” Lord Bishop said,

“No arrangements will be necessary.” Queen Lydia said and that’s when the boys knew they were being punished for their tardiness.

“Of course, we don’t require any special treatment.” Malcolm added, trying to gain back his mother’s favor.

“We’ll be happy to see the village as it is.” Caspian continued.

The Lords and Ladies looked at each other like they were missing the punchline of some sort of inside joke, but they said nothing.

“Please, enjoy the festivities planned for the rest of the day and the ceremony will be at 7:00 pm, promptly.” Queen Lydia said with another pointed look shot towards her sons.

“Thank you, ma’am.” Lady Gabrielle said and she was the first to stand.

Once the Lords and Ladies were out of the office, Queen Lydia turned her fury on the young princes.

“What is wrong with you two?” She snapped, “Not only do you show up late, but you show up looking like that.” She said, waving her hand up and down, motioning towards the boys’ appearances.

“We were training and lost track of time.” Malcolm said,

“We apologize, mother, it was totally my fault.” Caspian added, taking the blame.

“Right,” Queen Lydia shook her head, “If you’re going to be late, at least show up looking like princes.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Cas and Mal replied together.

“Get yourselves cleaned up and be downstairs to host our guests.” Queen Lydia demanded before dismissing the boys.