Ian pushed open the heavy double oak doors that led to the party hall and stepped inside, causing all the conversations going on in the hall to halt as they turned to look at him.
"Brother! I see you made an early return from your trip!" King Robin said in a loud voice, giving Ian a broad grin that revealed his crooked dentition.
Two maidservants were seated by his sides, and one had her breast in his face while the other was pouring him another glass of ale as he squeezed their backsides with both hands.
"My brother is here, everyone!" He announced loudly so the others would direct their attention to him instead of Ian.
"Please entertain us with one of those songs you sing to commoners," King Robin whispered to Ian, giving him a crooked smile when he saw the flicker of surprise in Prince Ian's eyes.
He could tell Ian wasn't aware that he knew one of the reasons Ian made those secret trips was to sing in areas where he wasn't known. He couldn't understand how Ian could have chosen such a lifestyle over the throne.
"I see you're having a feast. May I ask what we are celebrating, so I can join in the celebrations?" Prince Ian asked in a calm tone as he slowly made his way forward to meet his brother, who was seated at the head of one table.
He belched loudly, "While you were away, the Rodenians attacked us. They killed your valet! And we had to retaliate. So we are celebrating our victory in battle," King Robin said, trying to fix his blurred vision on Ian.
"I see," Prince Ian muttered, nodding his head slowly.
"Please sit down and feast with me, my dear brother. I brought you a gift!" King Robin said and signaled to one of his guards to get him, Becca.
"What gift?" Prince Ian asked, trying to sound surprised.
"Just sit down and wait for it," King Robin told him in an excited voice. Ian could tell he was on his way to becoming very drunk.
Discussions had resumed in the hall again, and everyone was talking and laughing at the same time. Ian's head was aching, and what he needed more than anything in the world was sleep.
Ian remained standing while waiting for his brother's "Gift" to be brought to him. His face hardened, and his hands clenched into a fist beside him when he saw the young lad being dragged into the hall.
He looked at the face of the young lad standing before him, whose hands and feet were bound with chains. His face looked ashen and drawn, and his lips looked parched. Though his eyes were dark and sunken, Ian didn't miss the bitterness and hatred that he saw in his eyes.
"What is this?" Ian asked, turning to look at his brother.
"My gift to you. He is the prince of Rodena, now your valet," King Robin said with a pleased smile.
Ian sighed and raised his head to massage his temple. "Can I speak with you privately, for a moment?" Ian asked politely.
"But we are having a feast. This isn't the time or place to be..."
"I mean NOW!" Ian commanded, making the hall go silent again as everyone wondered if the brothers were going to duel.
"Keep feasting! My little brother needs my attention," Robin said in a mocking manner, and loud guffaws came from those listening to the exchange.
Little brother? Becca wondered as she watched them leave the hall.
"Why did you bring him here?" Ian asked Robin under his breath.
"I learned father wanted an arranged marriage between you and his twin sister, but since she is late and their father pleaded with me not to wipe out his generation, I figured he could replace your dead valet," Robin said with a shrug.