Chapter Two

Amongst all the very successful businessmen in Joppa, one in particular was very successful. His name was Cladius. He traded livestock in little quantity and in bulk. He also had a wife, Tanya. Oh she was beyond beautiful. Green eyes and very thick long dark hair. Men were envious of Cladius.

When Cladius had first brought her to Joppa as his wife, People were in disbelief and often went up to his shop or his house to check because they thought she was a doll. She was that beautiful. After marrying her, his business only boomed.

'His lucky charm' was what he called her.

Currently, Cladius was out of town on a business trip to the south. So Tanya was alone watching after their two sons, Peter and Luke. Peter being the oldest was eleven and Luke was seven.

On a particular sunny day, Tanya had decided to go to the market to get some supplies. So she had to leave Peter and Luke behind. Cladius had been gone for five weeks and three were left before his return.

Tanya was already headed back home with her full basket when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned her face to see who it was only to find a plank coming towards her head. Alarmed she wanted to duck or escape from the person's strong grip on her shoulder but it was too late.

Tanya fainted!

THE LADY CONSORT'S PALACE

"Announce to the lady consort that the prince wishes to see her", Dothan said to a maid stationed in front of the chamber.

"My lady, the prince is here", the maid said powerfully. After a while, the door is opened by an older lady.

"Your highness", she bows

"Please come in", she added and led the way back into the room.

Upon reaching the main room, the old lady opens the door for them while she stays behind. After Dothan and Warren go in, she shuts the door.

"Oh my young prince!", the lady exclaimed brightly on seeing her son. She was happy to see him but she could tell he was gloomy for some reason. She glanced at Dothan, then back at her son.

"Even though I love seeing you my son", she said lightly pinching his cheeks, " I have asked you not to play with your training. Dothan he shouldn't have free time for such visits". She added solemnly looking at Dothan.

"Mother I do not want to secretly learn martial arts anymore!", Warren blurted out. " I hate martial arts"

"What nonsense! Have you seen a king without sword skills??"

"I do not even wish to be king!!"

Reina was taken aback by the sudden outburst, she looked at Dothan who was standing by the corner, "Dothan, what rubbish did you feed my son?"

"Mother you know the kingdom has elder brother Irvin. It is only right that he becomes king"

"And you?!", Reina snapped. "Aren't you fit for a king? Isn't the king your father too?"

"I can't believe this", Warren said quietly, "you're actually proving the queen right."

"Oh", Reina laughed, "Now I see where all of this is coming from. You met with the queen"

She then turned to face Warren more seriously, all signs of playfulness long gone from her youthful face.

"The throne of Wales is yours. And you Warren, my son! And son of the king! You shall sit on it after the king dies.."

"Speak such no more! Father will not die"

Reina rolled her eyes, "Well he'll have to. That is life".

Warren was shocked and he stood up carefully studying his mother, "I thought you loved him."

"What do you know about love. You're still a kid.."

"Then let me do things kids my age do", Warren cut in tears in his eyes, "Let me have just a little fun.....like other kids. Let me live without having to hear threats like I'm being offered candy. I just want peace mother."

Reina looked away, "Warren, the palace life is nothing like that. It's impossible"

"Then let's leave the palace mother", Warren said holding her hands. "let's go away....far from here. We'll be happy together"

Warren saw something swirl in Reina's eyes. Something like hope....but before he could figure it out, it disappeared just as fast as it came. Reina removed her hands from his. Warren looked down at his now empty hands and he heard his mother whisper.

"It's seems there's something you still haven't learnt.....Power is true happiness".

"Dothan take him away", Reina said sharply " and do as I've instructed."

"Mother please...please mother please..."Warren kept pleading as he was held out of the room by Dothan.

After they had both left, the old lady entered the room. She stood by the door looking at Reina.

"I'll have to do something about this child", she heard Reina mutter.