Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Ending the day and starting a new one
When we arrive at the castle we go to 'the king's quarters', it looks more like a living room with a bed installed in it than it looks like a bedroom. Father asks us to sit down. A knock is heard at the door and father says: "Come in." A butler looking person comes in and says would you like tea sire?" In reply to this father says, "Yes, and please also bring some 'Pine Fruit Cookies'." In response, the butler says, "Right away sire." After that, we wait about 3 minutes and the items requested are brought in, the tea tastes like mint, and the cookies taste like chocolate chip cookies. Next, we talk about what led my father to his current position, and about him believing that it was caused by his wish.
After a while of talking, we notice, due to the level of light, that it was getting late. So my father says, in a voice that could easily be heard through the door, "Please summon Mister and Misses Sheen." About five minutes later a knock is heard at the door. Two people enter, I recognize one to be 'Shitsuren' and assumed the other to be his wife. Shitsuren says, "You summoned us, sire?" Father then says "Yes, I wanted a familiar face for Carmen," looks at Carmen, "Would it be okay with you if I left you in their hands, to show you to your room?" She replies "That's fine," then looks at the Sheens, "I'll be in your care, please treat me well." To which the Sheens reply with a small bow, then Shitsuren inquires of father "And the young prince?" At which father states, "I'll show my son to his room personally, we're family, and I am not such a king that I would neglect my fatherly duties." To which Shitsuren replies with a smile and a small bow.
After that exchange, the Sheens guide Carmen out of the room, and probably to her room. Then my father stands up and says, "Shall we walk and talk?" as more of a please do this with me, than a will you do this with me. I reply, "Okay, what do you want to talk about, or do you just want to talk?" He then asks "Do you have any plans on where to go from here? I mean you can stay here as long as you like, you are the crowned prince after all, even if neither of us wears a crown." I then say "I haven't the slightest. I plan to see what this world has to offer, but have no clue what I'll do to that regard." We walk through the garden, past the castle gate (this is different from the innermost wall's gate) to the area where the knights train. He then asks me, "How would you like to train up on some skills as to be able to defend yourself as well as Carmen, shall the need arise?" I say, "That would be great, however, with there being magic, is there really any point in training the physical?" My father then laughs and says "Yes because I shall give you this," hands me a ring, "It has an enchantment on it that makes it to where no elements can be used within 15 meters while the ring's wearer is supplying it with basic magic." To that I reply, "So do you not need it, or do you have another." Whereas my father replies, "I only used it while I was still training on how to use the elements I had, which are, by the way, all but void." "WHAT!! Don't less than two-tenths of a percent of people have such!?" I say immediately. Father responds; "Yes, that is true, however, I did ask never to need, so with proper training, These abilities would allow me to never need."
After that we went to talk to the chief of the castle guard, "Would you be willing, starting tomorrow, to train my son on the ways of the sword as well as hand-to-hand combat?" my father asks the Chief. The Chief replies "Yes Sire, is this the young prince?" gazing my way. "Yes," I reply. He then bows slightly and says, "Shall I treat you as I would others I train?" To which I reply "Yes, I am wishing to know how to defend myself and my love to the point whereas if you were to turn against me I could at very least hold my own." He then says "Well, as long as you keep that determination, you will likely even be able to beat me if such a situation did ever arise, in which I feel will never happen," ending that sentence with a smile.
My father then leads me to my room. He says "For as long as you are a prince of this country, you will be welcomed here and this will be 'Your' room," emphasizing the word 'your'. I reply with, "Thank you father, and thank you for all you've already done for me today as well as for all you will likely do for me in the future." My father then says "It is my pleasure son. If ever you are in need, don't hesitate to ask, I will provide as long as it is in my power," then smirks and continues, "which dis-includes very little."
After that, we say goodnight to each other and my father leaves the room. I look around my room and see that it is massive, like combining my parents, sisters, and my old room into one room, and has in it what would in America be called a 'California King' sized bed (which is about 1' narrower and 5' shorter in leingth than my father's bead), a desk with an oil lamp, Bookshelves with over 60 books per shelf and about 20 total shelves to total about 1200 books, an area that I can tell is used to change when others are in the room, and 2 couches, as well as a recliner that I can tell, is meant to be sat in by the one whose room this is, those surrounding a table that looks to be used for tea and the like. There are 4 doors in this room, the door to enter it, a door to a balcony (has window with curtains), a door that I open and discover a walk-in closet that's baron with exception to a week's worth of changes of clothes that look quite similar to what I'm currently wearing as well as something that looks as if it is to sleep in, then the last door I open and see that it leads to a bathroom with plenty of space, a sink, a toilet (both work like how the one in my old house and I think 'is this a magic tool?'), and a huge tub shower combination. With this room, I see that it is really no joke, I am the son of a king. After this realization, I decide to after training for a while with the chief, go to town, with a guard dressed casually, and not mention being the prince to those who need not know to discover it with my own eyes. I then go to bed and go to sleep.
--Point of view: Carmen Shawl--
After I leave from where Sone and his father is I am led to my room by the Sheens. "What is your name Misses Sheen?" I ask. She replies "My name is Freedom." I then reply "Nice to meet you Freedom, my name is Carmen Shawl," I continue, "Freedom is a beautiful name, if you know and don't mind sharing, why were you named that?" I ask this while observing all the beautiful paintings around me and seeing how many doors we pass. "It's a long story, maybe another time if that's okay?" Freedom replies. I say "That's perfectly alright, I never expected an answer, I was just curious."
We arrive at my room after not too long. Shitsuren says, "I'll take my leave now if that's alright Carmen?" to which I reply "I will not keep you." Freedom and I continue into my room, then Freedom asks, "Would you like me to assist in your bathing or changing in any way?" To which I reply with a small smile and laugh and say "I am not yet a princess, and even once I am such, with my upbringing I will never want such unless I actually can't do some part of that myself or need such for time sake. Though I still thank you for the offer." Freedom then says, with a smile, "You may not yet be a princess, however, it seems likely that such will come in time. Furthermore, even if that were not to be, as a guest of the king and his son, you shall be treated as if you were royalty." I then laugh and even Freedom laughs a little, then I say with a laugh, "That being the case do you want me to act as the stereotypical princess, or to just be myself?" I get a slightly confused look and Freedom says, "Of course I want you to be yourself, but what does this stereotypical mean?" I then reply "Stereotypical is like taking all the common bad roomers that seem to surround the role, then use that as your basis, so as per example, where I come from, stereotypical princess means someone who acts like they are better than everyone else, treats all those who are under them as slaves to be abused and tormented to her liking, and to show that she knows she is next in line to be Queen, though no-one wants her to become such, and in her mind everyone should worship her to the extent that even the thought of people not liking her doesn't cross her mind. This example may be a little extreme, but shows how bad stereotypical things could be." Freedom, with a smile, says, "Well Freedom won't stand for that." After that, we laugh for a little while then Freedom says, "If that'll be all, I shall bid you good night." I then, with a smile, say "Goodnight Freedom, hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow." Then Freedom leaves with a smile.
After that, I look around my room to see what all it has to offer. I continue to the bathroom and take a bath, after such a long day it's nice to relax in some hot water. When I'm done bathing I change into the pajamas that were prepared for me and go to bed but have trouble sleeping, though this is a normal trouble, it's due to thinking about Sone. I eventually do fall asleep.
The next morning I awaken to one who looks like a maid cleaning my room. She asks "Sorry miss, did I wake you?" I reply "No, I was on my way to waking up before I ever noticed you were in here. Though I do have a question." She sighs "Good," then continues with "What can I help you with?" I ask her "Could you please tell me, when and where the king normally has his breakfast, and if you know if Dawson plans to join him?" She replies "His majesty normally has his breakfast in the dining room about an hour's time from now, and by Dawson, do you mean 'His Majesty'?" apologetically I say, "Sorry no, I had almost forgotten Dawson was named after his father, I meant Prince Dawson." She smiles and says "So the prince is named after his father, won't that cause some confusion. Well to that regard I know not if he is joining him or not, would you like me to inquire for you?" I reply with "No, I'll get dressed and then ask you to escort me to his room if you please." The maid says, "It will be my pleasure, Miss Shawl." I say "Carmen Please…" The maid sees my pause and says, "My name is Chandra Deli, feel free to call me by either of my given names or what my friends call me, ChaCha."
While that conversation was going on I was in the changing aria getting changed. After all that, ChaCha lead me to Sone's room.
--Point of view: Dawson Sen—
The next morning I awaken to the sun on my face. I decide to take a shower first thing this morning. I then get dressed and went to sit down on the chair when I hear a knock on my door. I open my door to find Carmen and a maid. The maid says, "I was asked by Carmen to show her to your room, I hope you don't mind." To which I reply "Actually, I'm thankful, I was hoping that she would be informed of where my room was." Both of us then smile while looking at each other; to which the maid smiles, bows, and then walks away. After that, I invite Carmen into my room. "Carmen, is there a reason you wanted to see me?" I inquire. She says "... Yes, I wanted to ask you whether you were planning on joining your father for breakfast?" I reply "Yes, though I would have to be shown the way, however, I was hoping you'd join me while I join him." She nods in affirmation and then grabs my hand and says, with a smile, "I also hoped to spend some time with you, and am happy we no longer have to hide anything." In reply, I firmly kiss her on the lips. After that she seems startled, then after having seemed like she finally realized what happened she blushes a little then gets up off the couch to come and sit on my lap, I was in my chair. Upon doing that she hugs me closely, her breasts pressed into my face, but for me, that matters not, I am just happy to be able to openly show her how I feel.
After a little while of sitting like this, she goes back and sits where she was on the couch. Then we hear a knock at the door, I get up and get the door to see the butler from yesterday standing there. He says, "Excuse me, Young Prince, your father requests your presence in the dining room." To which I reply, "I'll be right there, did he say anything of Carmen?" The butler said, "Yes, he said offer for her to join if she wishes as well." I then, with a smile, say, "Okay, I'll tell her, she is currently visiting me in my room." The butler hastily replies, "Pardon me if I interrupted anything." I then say, "You did not really interrupt anything, we had just reached a lull anyway, we'll be right out, though will you please show us the way?" He then says, "Yes, I would be honored to."
I then go back in and tell Carmen about my father sending the butler to fetch us. We henceforth follow the butler to the dining room while holding hands. When we get there my father is just getting to the table himself, he is at the head, where I'd expect the king to sit. Carmen and I sit to his right, Carmen being on my right.
My father, with a smile, comments, "I am glad to see how you two seem to feel freer." I reply with a smile, then ask, "So, what's for breakfast father?" to which he replies "Ginger-Oats and Honey." Basically honey in a bowl of oatmeal, I then ask "No protein?" to which he replies, "The Ginger-Oats actually have protein equivalent of what beans had in our old land, we also get the remaining from the drink that goes with it, Orange Pine Tea." Orange pine tea is a drink that tastes like orange tea but has the nutritional value of many of earth's super foods in one, a treat that only royals can afford that comes with great benefits.
It's evident to both father and Carmen that I'm just trying to engage in idle chit-chat due to lack of knowing what to talk about. After a little, some maids along with the butler come out with our breakfasts in hand. We eat and I have to say, for such a simple dish, it was also very complex. It deserved to be given a rating like one would give for a restaurant. I would give it 4/5 stars, It was just that good.
Once we finish eating (we ate in silence), my father asks Carmen "Would you like to join Dawson in training in self-defense skills? I could easily persuade the Chief to train you as well under the guise of self-defense." She then smiles and replies, "Yes, should the need arise, I wish to be able to defend myself and Dawson." Then a soldier enters the room and says, "Pardon me your majesties, I came per order of the Chief to obtain the Young Prince for training." Father then replies, "I wish to speak with him regarding this matter, please take us to him?" The knight then says, "Right away Sire."
We are then led by the knight to where the Chief is, the Chief laughs and says "I did not expect you to bring back so many young squire," then turns towards father and says, "to what do I owe this pleasure, Your Majesty?" "I have come to ask you to include Miss Shawl in these lessons, she wishes to learn for self-defense reasons," my father replies with a smile on his face. Carmen then bows slightly and says, "I hope to learn well from you, however, please treat me like any other you'd train with exception to any necessary alterations as per my gender." Chief then, with a smile on his face, says, "I will surely do so, a woman should be able to defend herself and her children, and should her husband be incapacitated then to be able to defend him as well." To which I'm tempted to reply, but see my father's face showing an expression of 'this is normal here' and Carmen showing one of 'don't bother, I'm used to this type of discrimination', so I don't.
After that, we both train in one-on-one hand-to-hand combat with the Chief. Carmen asks, "I hear others just call you Chief, but may I know your name, Sir?" He replies "Where are my manners, I know both your names, but have yet to share my own. My name is Sir Lawson Lephord." [Author's Note: Pronounced leopard like the animal.] We also start a little to train in 2v2 scenarios with me and Carmen working as a team against two others working as a team. Since this is all training we all pull our punches to an extent of not injuring others beyond what's necessary for training purposes.
After training till midday Chief Lawson says: "Well, we'll wrap up our training here for today unless you two want more of a beating from me?" "NO! We'll concede defeat, do not wish to get hurt beyond the injuries we have already received" we say in unison. Seeing that we said that much in unison all three of us are a little surprised. Chief, says with a smile, "Well, you little lovebirds surly know each other well, I can see you'll do well as a couple." To which Carmen blushes and I say "We've been together for most of our lives, so we have every reason to know each other well. I shall thank you for the training today and be on my way, thank you greatly," all of that being said with a smile on my face. As a response Chief bows and then Carmen and I leave to the dining room.
When we arrived in the dining room father is there as if waiting for us. I ask him "Were you waiting for us, or did you just not get your food yet?" He replies "I just arrived not that long ago myself, however, please sit, the food shall arrive shortly, It's Ball Meat Pie and Bread Fruit topped with Fairy Fruit," he says with a wink looking at Carmen. We sit down at the same places as last time, and I ask: "You mentioned before there are no restrictions on marriage, does that include age restrictions, being restrictions on how old you must be, as well as, how much age difference is allowed?" Father replies, "How much age difference there is, matters not, however, neither party may be under the age of 18 nor can the two have known each other less than 3 years, if one or both requirements are not fulfilled, they will not be allowed to go in front of the mirror." "Then all there is to getting married is to join hands through the mirror?" I inquire. Father then confirms "Yes." I then question him, "So if two love each other in that regard, however, there are reasons they do not wish to marry, would it be possible to force them?" To which he responds "Yes, sadly, there is never a fool-proof method that can stop such, however, thankfully they would not be married to one they don't love, that is impossible without using magic other than the mirrors magic while in the presence of the mirror, which is a crime punishable by life imprisonment unless both parties have truth magic used on them and confirm they both wanted this." We talk a little more about such things, like people getting married still has implications on political matters at times, and how parents would sometimes try to make their children fall in love with each other.
After this, I tell father that I'll be going to town for a while, and want to take a guard dressed in casual attire. After that, I ask Carmen if she will join me, and she says "Yes." Father appoints me a guard, and they truly are dressed in casual attire, I tell them to call us by our given first names while we are in town, without any special titles, for I want us to blend in as much as possible, and i learn that their personal name is 'Stevenson'. I also ask Stevenson to be our guide through town.
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