Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 48568 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 243(@200wpm)___ 194(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48568 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 243(@200wpm)___ 194(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
The new crystal technology which allowed for impressions of events and people to be held in a form of clear stone was revolutionizing the arts. It was all very exciting. It also meant he only needed to hold still for a few minutes rather than a few hours while the royal painter committed his likeness to canvas.
“Very well,” he said. “I shall make my way to Sokov. Thank you again, Davos, you have performed absolute magic once more. Your talents are incomparable. I will ensure that you are paid three times over for this suit, and it will be immortalized in a Sokov original, which is truly the least of the many honors it deserves.”
“Yes, just like that, Prince Sebastian, turn your face ever so slightly more toward the afternoon sun. Yes. Perfect. The way it catches your cheekbones. Truly spectacular!”
Unlike Davos, Sokov was not a temptation. Sokov was at least seventy years old, and a master artist. He knew how to give a royal a compliment, though. Sebastian felt comfortable around him and knew he was understood in a way he was also understood by Davos. Gay might be an unspoken word in Castle Force, but there were plenty of people present who would have flown under its flag if allowed.
“Sokov, I was wondering if you might consider beginning the royal marriage portraits today too,” Melinda said, entering the room without warning. Sebastian jumped a little, even though he had not been doing anything wrong. The sight of his mother was now so linked with being shamed, every time he saw her he felt a rush of premature guilt.
“Certainly, your highness. Is the bride to be present today?”
“No, but I have crystal images of her, and I believe that is all a man of your talent needs to create a suitable image? It is important that the word of the wedding be spread, and soon. Force needs more heirs. A good half-dozen at least.” Melinda was ostensibly speaking with Sokov, but for the last of her sentences, she was gazing purposefully at Sebastian.
“You have crystal images?”
Sebastian’s interest was somewhat piqued. If he was to be married, he hoped it was at least to someone tolerable. Hopefully someone who shared his appreciation for fashion and finery. He had been led to believe that his natural interests were feminine, so he had some hope of at least getting on with the woman he was eventually obligated to make his wife.
His mother smiled, very much pleased at his display of interest. She approached, crystal in hand and extended it toward him.
“For your birthday, I present you your bride-to-be. Princess Rose.”
Princess Rose. Sebastian’s mind conjured up a doe-eyed delicate woman with blushing red lips and dark hair. He could help Devos dress her. That might be fun. Devos would enjoy creating matching outfits, of that Sebastian was most certain.
His mother handed him a small portrait depicting a woman with verdant green skin, thick, glossy dark hair, and jewel-like yellow-gold eyes. This was no blushing flower. This was a warrior, through and through. She had been captured in the crystal image with the dismembered head of a fallen enemy under her arm. It gave her a certain jaunty dark appeal, he supposed. Her arms were like ropes of muscles. Her clothing was scant, a leather bralette covering her chest, leaving her stomach bare so that her ten-pack of abdominals was visible. In terms of jewelry, she favored many gold rings, a gold headband, and a necklace with a tasteful skull motif. Sebastian was certain he would find her terrifying, in or out of the bedroom.
“Very handsome,” he said, when his mother’s expectant gaze demanded words. “I mean, beautiful.”
“She is half-orc, and prodigiously strong. That is the kind of wife you need. She will bear you many warriors, Sebastian.”
“I am sure she is very lovely, Mother, but…”
His mother gave him a harsh look that did not bode well for him if he continued speaking.
“The fine clothes you wear, the delicious foods you enjoy, the walls of protection, and the men who lay down their lives for you, all exist because you contain the seed of the royal bloodline. You will not deny your kingdom, Sebastian. It is what you owe. Once you have heirs, strong heirs, worthy and capable of holding the throne, then you may indulge whatever passion or perversion takes your fancy. Until then, you will not waste your seed.”
Sebastian fell silent, responding only with a respectful nod. He knew his mother’s position very well. He also knew that the fact she had only produced a single son weighed heavy on her. She had not entirely fulfilled her royal duties. Sebastian’s father did not mind. He did not care for children, and even the single son had been one too many for his liking. But Melinda Force knew very well, deep down in her soul, that her womb had very nearly failed the kingdom. She would not allow her son’s seed to fall on rough ground.