Post by BALDUIN IX on Jan 2, 2011 11:40:23 GMT -5
It was just after noon when the King of Thivea wrapped his gloved hands around the silk curtains and pulled them apart. As the sun bled through the opening and brought the room into a state of light Balduin turned and looked around, a sadness in his eyes. Years ago he would have abhorred the idea of getting out of his bed at such a time, and would have risen no later than seven in the morning. But since his injuries he had been forced to spend more time in bed each night, for his body needed the chance to recover any strength used during the day. It took longer to heal from wounds, and even the slightest activities could cause immense exhausation.
He knew that he would not see the age of sixty. He would be dead long before then.
That is why, he mused as he turned away from the window. My son must be ready to take the throne. The Crown Prince, David Alworth, had already begun his preparation for ascension, but the lessons were going slow. He remembered his own training, not that it could have really been called that. He had listened to his father prattling on about his 'grievances with the imbeciles in court', but only when his father had died and he had begun listening to the words of his court advisors had he really started learning. He had promised himself that he would be a better father to David, and he felt he had kept that promise to a degree thus far.
Before his injuries he had spent as much time as he could with David and his two daughters. They had done everything a family might be expected to do; they rode together, strolled through the grasses of Thivea's most beautiful plains, and together with Sibil they had visited Lake Anion, where the Antiqua dragon had been born. David was not like other males in the family line, though. He did not bear the moniker of Balduin; he could take it when he was older, if he so wished and become Balduin X, but it was unlikely that he would. And he was not a Dragon Rider, the first male in the family not to be. Maybe that would also change in time. His decision would also be a factor in Sibil's future.
The King had to push such thoughts aside as pain flared down his left side, and he almost stumbled. In the privacy of his own chambers, when his wife was absent, it didn't bother him so much. In public he was able to control the pain, and that was what really mattered. The thought of the public reminded him that he had made a promise - to himself, but no other - to attend court today. It had been some time since he had last attended court personally; most of his regal duties were completed either by his wife or by their close friend, a noble by the name of Tyberon. Some were completed by David, if it was felt he could handle them. But today he would attend.
Ensuring his mask was in place and there was no flesh to be seen on his body Balduin left his chambers, and began the long, slow walk to the court.
He knew that he would not see the age of sixty. He would be dead long before then.
That is why, he mused as he turned away from the window. My son must be ready to take the throne. The Crown Prince, David Alworth, had already begun his preparation for ascension, but the lessons were going slow. He remembered his own training, not that it could have really been called that. He had listened to his father prattling on about his 'grievances with the imbeciles in court', but only when his father had died and he had begun listening to the words of his court advisors had he really started learning. He had promised himself that he would be a better father to David, and he felt he had kept that promise to a degree thus far.
Before his injuries he had spent as much time as he could with David and his two daughters. They had done everything a family might be expected to do; they rode together, strolled through the grasses of Thivea's most beautiful plains, and together with Sibil they had visited Lake Anion, where the Antiqua dragon had been born. David was not like other males in the family line, though. He did not bear the moniker of Balduin; he could take it when he was older, if he so wished and become Balduin X, but it was unlikely that he would. And he was not a Dragon Rider, the first male in the family not to be. Maybe that would also change in time. His decision would also be a factor in Sibil's future.
The King had to push such thoughts aside as pain flared down his left side, and he almost stumbled. In the privacy of his own chambers, when his wife was absent, it didn't bother him so much. In public he was able to control the pain, and that was what really mattered. The thought of the public reminded him that he had made a promise - to himself, but no other - to attend court today. It had been some time since he had last attended court personally; most of his regal duties were completed either by his wife or by their close friend, a noble by the name of Tyberon. Some were completed by David, if it was felt he could handle them. But today he would attend.
Ensuring his mask was in place and there was no flesh to be seen on his body Balduin left his chambers, and began the long, slow walk to the court.
