Excerpt: Charm Dancer

The night had fallen long ago when the carriage pulled up in front of the castle doors. Brianne and Shiovan were asleep on each other's shoulders when they servant opened the door of the coach. Brianne rubbed her eyes and sat up; yawning she then stregthed her arms and stood up. The queen stood as well and they exited and rushed into Brittany Castle. The queen did not get far. Prince Richard was there and grabbed her by the shoulders.
"You cannot put this country in jeporady! I will send Janna to see about Alexander but you will go to your chambers." He held her shoulders so she was at arm's length. "It is with a heavy heart that I hope you from your son but it is my duty to protect our land."
"Since when did you care about any duties? You have never been one to help with the running of this country." Shiovan was shaking with anger. How dare he prevent her from tending to Alex! She was the queen and could do as she pleased. He needed to go back and play with the hunts and tournaments; leave the real work to her and Alex.
"I have to; you taught me that. The royal family is duty bound to the country. In times of war we are to forget family and think only of the nation." He started to escort her up the stairs to her chambers. "I will do my duty, mother, even if I do not act like I the perfect son. I am strong and smart - listen to me."
Shiovan was amazed that her son could be so level headed and authoritative. She had never bothered to see his potential since Alexander was the perfect first born son. There really was not a need for Richard except for a backup.
"I am sorry I have treated you that way, Rick. Forgive me."
"I will if you will listen."
"I will. Please let me know about Alex. I want to be with him in his time of need."
"It is going to be fine. The magicians are all up there, as are the ministers. He will live."
Richard left the room and did not look back. He did not even notice Brianne walking in behind him. Brianne had heard him talking to Shiovan. She was suprised at his level of authority as well. He was never one to talk about running anything. She went over to the to the pull cord and summon the maid. After asking for tea and biscuits, she busied herself with getting a fire going. For her it was only a matter of setting up the wood and doing a minimal Charm Dance. the servants would do it but she did not want to wait.
Shiovan walked over to the fire and held her hands up to warm them. "I am lost without Alex," she said simply.
"I know you care about him very much. He is a wonderful man."
"I love him as my son but know he will be a wonderful king to this land. I have been grooming him to be the best. This country will suffer a great loss if he does not pull through."
"But Richard is a good man as well. He knows it is his duty to help with Alexander being sick." Brianne waved the maid into the sitting area. "Here is some tea. Let's have some and just think some wonderful thoughts about Alex. They will reach him on the winds."
The two of them sat and held hands while thinking. The fire crackled and they could hear the wind blowing on the window panes. The autumn storms were going to pick up again. After at least an hour someone knocked on the door.
Prince Richard walked into the room and over to the ladies.
"Mother, your son is still very ill. His breathing is shallow and labored. He is coughing none stop and his fever is still very high. He shivers and wants to be buried in robes." He knelt down, held her hands in his and laid his head upon her lap. "I worry for him very much. It does not sound good." There was some muffled sounds and the prince was breathing heavily.
Shiovan held her son's head and caressed his hair. Her eyes were glossy and tears were streaming down her cheeks. There was little she could do, she knew, and the pain of watching one son cry over the other was almost too much to take.
Brianne stood up and pulled Rick to the other sofa. She gave him a pillow and blanket and forced him to lay down. The early morning light was starting to show through the windows and she knew these two needed some rest before the call to duty in the morning. After seeing the queen to her bed, she walked out and down to the Magician's Hall to her own small room.