15 The sum of all things

"Your majesty." Edgar followed King Korbe after a routine royal session.

They were continuing the same conversation every day.

"Is it about the rebels again?" asked king Korbe.

"Yes, your Majesty. If left uncontrolled they might expand beyond Degarthy."

"You yourself have seen the Degarthian forest belt, my dear Prince. Do you think they have the money or the means to infiltrate further?"

" But the Degarthian belt cannot confine them for long, your majesty"

"Are you implying that we should go for war now?"

"I think we should at least start preparations"

"What we should prepare for right now is your wedding," said King Korbe laughing.

Edgar did not find this funny. And King Korbe did not look like as if he was joking.

The king kept a hand on Edgar's shoulder."You might think I am unconcerned. But to have a war even before declaring a crown prince is far from prudent. Who do you expect to lead the army?"

"If your majesty will allow it, then I shall...."

King Korbe laughed again. "Edgar, it is true that I have begun to see you as my own son, and I can see that you see Hebelone as your own country but at least till you get engaged to our crown princess you will remain a foreign prince. Think about it."

Edgar was left standing where he was as King Korbe walked away.

*******

Around the same time in another corner of the palace, two palace maids were discussing an interesting topic.

"So when do you think our Keirish prince will get engaged to our princess?." asked one.

"It would happen at the Great royal ball, I gather," said the other

"Royal ball you say?" asked the first one with twinkling eyes.

"The palace would host a ball in December. Many foreign princes and princesses would be invited. It is said that their engagement would become official then. " explained the second maid.

"A winter ball! How romantic!"

"Things will get busy for us though"

"Do you think princess Sam would attend? Will she go back to the sea once released from prison?"

"Didn't you change fan groups when prince Edgar arrived? Now you are worried about her high highness the younger princess, you fickle!"

********

Meanwhile, Sam spent her second month in prison trying to draw out a plan for the suppression of the rebellion. Sitting in her cell, smelling the autumn air, she couldn't wait to get out.

These days Prince Edgar himself brought Sam books and maps. Sam understood from his actions that he knew what she was planning.

Sometimes upon waking up in the morning Sam would find in her prison cell, new books, and even the prince's handwritten notes regarding the rebel situation. Sam was happy to obtain these new materials, not only for its own sake but they also reflected Prince Edgar's support for her. To have the future crown prince on her side was a blessing.

Once Edgar came to visit when Sam was awake.

"Wait, why are there books on palace etiquette among the books you are giving me?"Asked Sam picking up a book from among the pile that Edgar brought.

"I wonder why?" said Edgar

"Hey! I have studied these before".Sam said annoyed

"Well reading something and putting it into practice are two different things I suppose."

Sam wanted to ask him to stop with his lecture, but she thought better of it.

If I am in his good books, better not act cheeky and ruin it, thought Sam.

"It is scary when you do not argue back Sam," Edgar said with some concern.

This was followed by an awkward silence.

"Then I better get going"Edgar took his leave hurriedly.

Well, that was short. I suppose I should start talking to him formally, call him 'your highness' and everything, thought Sam looking at the book on etiquette.

"That man loves you"

Sam was surprised by the voice which came from the opposite cell. What was that?.

Sam looked at the man who was speaking. He was an old man with long grey hair and a long beard covering his face. He sat a little bent over but Sam could hear him clearly.

"What did you say?"Sam asked him, her heart pounding.