The War Gift - part 18

Apparently Eleron’s plan to “do one better” was to arrange for all of Cailan’s brothers to join them for dinner.

It was a rare event for the entire family to share a meal.  Royal duties, training, good will outings, and other obligations usually filled the time of each member.  On the occasions that they were all present, it was usually either for a political reason, a national holiday, or a royal birthday; and those events always included guests outside their family.

This evening, when Cailan and Jarek joined the king and queen for dinner, there was a table set for ten and several of Cailan’s siblings chatting with each other in the room; which meant the meal was exclusively for the king and queen, their seven sons, and Jarek.

Cailan felt his chest tighten at the effort he knew had to have gone forth to arrange this.  Schedules would have needed to be changed, meetings rescheduled, trainings put off, and any number of other duties set aside for the ten of them to share a meal.

“Are you ok, petling?” Jarek asked compassionately as Cailan slowed and took in a surprised breath.  “Was this not a good idea?”

Cailan looked at him as they slowly crossed the room to join everyone at the table.  “You knew about this?”

Jarek nodded.  “Your brother, Eleron, came to me this afternoon after the incident during drill training.  We had a good conversation and he said he wanted us to be able to spend more time with your whole family, especially since our week together is almost up.  He thought a meal that everyone attended would please you.  Apparently it’s not something the group of you is often able to achieve.”

Cailan shook his head.  “It’s not, particularly since all of us except Doron are grown.  I’m not sure how Eleron managed it.”

“I think your family loves you a lot, petling, but they struggle to see you apart from your silver status and what that has always meant to them.  Eleron appeared distressed when he spoke with me today.  It seems he only just realized how bigoted Arten’s culture is against you, and how it has greatly influenced your role and relationship within the palace and your family.”

Cailan squeezed Jarek’s hand.  “I essentially told him that today.  And I said similar things to my father and my brother, Abed, lately too.  But you know, I’m not sure I would have been able to say anything or even known how to say it, if I hadn’t been sent to Cylandrea.”

“Why is that?” Jarek questioned.

Cailan shrugged.  “I always knew it wasn’t fair the way silvers were perceived, but I didn’t think anything could be done about it.  But when I was with you, you took my perception of what a concubine was and did and changed it.  You showed me that even subservient roles or people born or forced into less than ideal situations can and should still be respected for who they are.  I guess it made me feel like I had the right to speak up.”

Jarek looked pleased.  “I’m so glad to hear that, my petling.”

They’d reached the table by that time and servants were hurrying to hold out chairs and seat the entire royal family.  Cailan was seated between Jarek and Doron in his specially made high chair, with Abed and Eleron seated across from him.  He offered his two oldest brothers a grateful look and words of appreciation.

“Thank you for arranging this.  It means a lot to me to have Jarek spend time with everyone.”

“Everyone wanted to come, especially after they were told how Leader Jarek defended both you and the family this afternoon,” Eleron replied.

Cailan had mixed feelings about everyone knowing.  On one hand, the incident spoke very well of Jarek; but on the other hand, Cailan suspected he still came across as unable to defend himself.  He tried not to focus on that though, instead letting his brothers bring Jarek into their questions and conversations.

The evening would be one that Cailan would remember and appreciate for a long time.  There was a welcome and acceptance in the gathering that hadn’t fully been there during the earlier part of Jarek’s stay. 

It was also an evening that was filled with family stories that brought laughter and good memories to the fore.  For Cailan, the meal and mingling afterward almost felt like a fresh beginning; perhaps the start of a better understanding for all of them.  He tried not to hope too much that there might be more evenings like these.

It was actually in the early hours of the morning that everyone finally began dispersing to their own beds.  The brothers left one by one, until Cailan and Jarek were alone in the gathering room with King Saxon. 

“Thank you, Father,” Cailan expressed sincerely.  “Tonight was…really special.”

The king stood in front of his son and put both his hands on the young prince’s shoulders.  “When you were first taken to Cylandrea, you promised me you would not shun the duty that was being placed on your shoulders.  I never doubted your word.  You’ve always been dutiful to me.  But I think I’ve shunned my duty to you, my son.”

Cailan had been feeling tired and ready for bed, but his father’s words forced him into more awareness.  “What?” he asked, taken aback.

King Saxon sighed. “I did try to allow you the same privileges your brothers had.  I felt I was showing improvement over past generations by allowing you to train as a soldier and fight in battles.”

“That was better treatment than past kings gave to silver-borns,” Cailan agreed.,

“Yes, perhaps, but my motivation was not just for your benefit.  It was for my sake too.  When you were born, I loved you, but I knew immediately there would be trials ahead for me.  There was even the risk of the throne being threatened because siring a silver son could be seen as a weakness on my part.”

Cailan’s eyes reflexively filled.  He couldn’t quite help it.  It was hard to hear again that being a silver-born was considered a flaw, but when he started to drop his head, his father flipped a finger under his chin and kept him from looking down.

“You aren’t a weakness, my son,” he said seriously, revealing that Cailan’s thoughts had been clear to him.  “The weakness was in my thinking that you made me vulnerable.”  He sighed.  “That’s why I allowed and pressed for you to train as your brothers did.  I wanted to make you as strong and talented as possible so I wouldn’t be seen as weak…not you.  But I failed to see how strong you really were.  You always held your own on the field, even against those bigger than you.  You’re faster than any soldier I’ve ever had, and your loyalty has never faltered.  I look back and see those things now that I was blind to before.”

“Father….” Cailan started, but his throat had closed up.  He’d never received such significant praise from anyone but Jarek.  To get it from his father was almost life-altering to him.

 The king shook his head, silently requesting that Cailan not speak.  “It’s time I did what was right for you, not what I want or to soothe my own motivations.  So…I give my blessing to you and Jarek, Cailan.  If he makes you happy, and so long as he continues to treat you with the care and respect I’ve seen, then you can consider yourself betrothed, and tomorrow we will sit down together and discuss the terms of your bonding.”

Cailan drew in a shaky breath, his heart pounding, but it was an adrenalin rush of pleasure.  He tried to say thank you, but the words wouldn’t come.  The king seemed to grasp his struggle and so put a hand to Cailan’s neck and drew him close until his arms wrapped around his son. 

 Cailan hugged him back, greatly appreciating the embrace because his father had never been a terribly tactile man. 

After a long embrace, the king patted Cailan’s back and let go.  “Let your intended walk you back to your room, son.  Your mother and I will meet with you both tomorrow.”

Cailan nodded, his gratefulness evident.  After a swallow, he managed a sincere “Thank you, Father.”, and then turned to face Jarek.  His man with the shimmering hair had unconcealed adoration in his gaze as he held a hand out to Cailan. 

“Come on, little love.”  He gave an incredibly respectful bow of his head to King Saxon as Cailan took his hand, and they left the room together.

When they arrived in Cailan’s quarters, Jarek kicked the door shut and crushed the younger man to his chest, following up the tight embrace with a heated kiss.  Cailan enthusiastically returned the passion. He pressed his body in tighter against Jarek’s, his hands trying to go under the other man’s shirt until Jarek somewhat forcefully pulled away.

“What…what are you doing?” Cailan asked breathlessly as he automatically followed Jarek’s movement.

Jarek didn’t push him away, but he did prevent Cailan from starting another kiss.  “I want you so much,” he murmured just as breathlessly.

“I want you too,” Cailan insisted.

The heat in Jarek’s eyes was palpable at Cailan’s words.  “I know, love.  I can tell, and that makes me happier than you know, but I promised that we would be celibate during my visit this week, and I won’t break my promise.  I won’t do anything that will risk your family withdrawing their approval.”

Cailan dropped his forehead to Jarek’s chest and let out a frustrated sigh.  “Your integrity is admirable and extremely aggravating.”

A chuckle rumbled in Jarek’s chest.  “Sorry, petling.”  He pressed a kiss to the top of Cailan’s head.  “Are you upset with me?”

Cailan shook his head with it still pressed to Jarek’s front.  “I love your honorability, but I feel like I want to celebrate getting my family’s approval.”

An almost growl reverberated from Jarek.  “You are beyond tempting, little prince.”  He couldn’t seem to prevent himself from giving Cailan another enthusiastic kiss.  “I promise we will have a very” *kiss* “…special…” *kiss* “…intimate…” *kiss* “…and drawn out celebration when I can officially call you mine.”

Panting just from the kisses, Cailan whimpered.  “But we’ll have the whole betrothal period to go through.  It’s going to be forever before we can be together!”

Jarek touched his forehead to Cailan’s.  “Supposing that period can be set aside, would you be willing to return with me to Cylandrea as soon as I can arrange it?”

“Yes.  I hate the thought of being in separate kingdoms again.”

“Me too, and I’m going to do my best to ensure that doesn’t happen.” He tilted his face enough to kiss the delicate skin between Cailan’s eyebrows.  “Good night, love.  I’ll see you in the morning.”

*****

Cailan had a restless night, and when morning came he called for a page boy, directing the young servant to deliver a request to the king for Cailan and Jarek to meet with him as soon as it was feasible.

The boy returned very soon with a reply from King Saxon saying they could gather in an hour’s time. 

The time seemed to inch by, but at the soonest appropriate moment Cailan was at the door to his parents’ suite of rooms.  His mother’s lady-in-waiting let him in, and just moments later Jarek entered the room as well.  He joined Cailan on an elegant settee and bussed a kiss across his lips.

“Good morning,” Jarek offered.

“Good morning,” Cailan said with a smile.

“How long before your parents join us?”

“Shouldn’t be too long.  They’re scrupulous about being prompt.”

“Then I’ll say this now.  I’m sure I’ll be learning shortly if your betrothal arrangements differ from those in Cylandrea, but I wanted to make sure that you know that I want you to speak up if you disagree with an aspect of the terms.”

“Well, I can say my preference,” Cailan conceded, “but I can’t go against the final stipulations.  Those are only for you and my father to agree on.”

“All right, then I’ll say right away that I will not agree to any terms that you do not like.  Remember, petling, this is no longer a situation of one country giving a concubine to another.  This is a lifetime mating we’ll be discussing, and I expect your involvement because you are going to be the one I marry, not your father.”

Cailan couldn’t respond to that because they were joined by his parents just a moment later.  Both men stood to greet the royal couple, exchanged the typical pleasantries of welcome, and then returned to their seats.

As servants hovered and set out drinks and bite-sized cuisines, King Saxon started the formalities of their discourse.

“Queen Adesina and I have discussed the benefits to our son to be bonded to you, Leader Jarek.  We have a list of expectations to deliberate over with you.”

Jarek nodded in full seriousness.  “I also have some provisos I’d like to confer over with you, but I’m afraid I must admit a level of ignorance as to how talks such as these are handled in Arten.”

The king didn’t appear surprised at that.  “I did wonder what you were aware of.  We follow a certain system when we formally discuss the marriage of our young people.  You and I will take turns stating our expectations for both the betrothal period and the marriage itself, and we’ll discuss each one separately until we reach an agreement.  Once both sides are happy with the terms set down, then each side usually offers a gift of value and import to the other as a show of respect and acceptance.”

Jarek absorbed those words and pondered them.  “It is not so different than what we do in Cylandrea.  I feel I’ve come prepared for our talk, but I would like to make a request before we start, sire.”

King Saxon gave his go-ahead and Jarek spoke openly.  “I would request that Prince Cailan have the permission to speak candidly of his desires for our betrothal and bonding.  We both know he was not given a choice when he came to me the first time.  He was a victim of circumstances.  This time I’d like him to be able to say he had as much influence as you and I, your highness.”

Both the king and queen seemed taken aback by the request, but that reaction was quickly followed by approval of his request.  With just a brief look to his wife, the king nodded. 

“We’ll agree to that request,” he consented. 

“Thank you, sire,” Jarek replied. 

“Let us start then.”

The whole rest of the morning was spent in constant dialogue.  Cailan was somewhat surprised at some of the terms his father set forth, terms that focused on Cailan being respected within the relationship and kept safe.  Jarek didn’t argue those provisos at all, although he and the king went back and forth on how exactly those stipulations would be fulfilled. 

One of Jarek’s terms was that Cailan’s family make regular trips to Cylandrea to visit. 

“At least one family member every two months—or more frequently as desired,” Jarek had insisted.  “I want my husband to be kept informed of special events within his family, and to have the opportunity to continue to watch Prince Doron grow and be a part of his life.”

Neither parent had a problem with that stipulation, and so it was agreed upon quickly. 

For the most part, King Saxon and Leader Jarek wanted many of the same things, and so the deliberation between them remained friendly.  In the end, there was only one term that became an issue.  Cailan’s parents wanted the traditional betrothal period held to—a three-month time during which wedding preparations would be done.  Jarek, on the opposite side, was adamant that he wanted Cailan to return with him to Cylandrea right away.

The queen fervently shook her head.  “It’s not proper.  The betrothal period is meant as time for the two who are promised to get to know one another better, and it takes at least three months to prepare everything needed for a wedding.”

“I’m not trying to prevent a proper wedding, your majesty,” Jarek assured, his tone respectful.  “I’m willing to do what it takes to give Cailan the ceremony he deserves.  But, as you said, a main reason for that three-month period is for the two intended to spend time together and get to know one another.  The fact is, due to previous circumstances, Cailan and I have gotten to know each other quite well.  I would not be committing myself to him if I didn’t know him so well.

“Also, our current situations need to be taken into account.  We live in separate kingdoms, and my duties to my country and my king prevent me from taking an extended leave from my responsibilities.  If it was feasible for me to remain in Arten for the next three months, I would, but it simply is not.”

 “But what would be said if we did not follow custom?” the queen asked fretfully.

Cailan spoke up before his father or Jarek could answer.  “Mother, nothing could be said that is any worse than what has already been said about me,” he stated honestly. 

Distress came to the queen’s face and the king didn’t look any happier.  It made Cailan wish for a moment that he hadn’t said anything, but his words had been true.  An idea did occur to him in that moment though.

“Perhaps a compromise can be reached,” he offered.  “I know an elaborate ceremony is traditional, but it is not a necessity to me; and truthfully, it would not be the type of celebrated event that you would probably hope for, Mother.  I’m not a…favored…prince among the people,” he said delicately.  “I would be more than happy with a ceremony witnessed just by my family.  You have all expressed your love and support to me since my return, and that means more to me than just about anything.  Would you consider a small bonding ceremony that would keep things proper and allow me to return to Cylandrea with Jarek?”

King Saxon looked to his wife, clearly trying to gage her thoughts on the offer before offering his own opinion. 

Cailan’s mother still looked distressed and at war with the choice in front of her.  Finally, she quietly said, “I just don’t know.”

“Your majesty,” Jarek said softly when no one else spoke after her statement.  “May I add on to your son’s suggestion?”

“Go ahead,” King Saxon answered for him and his wife.

“I understand it is distressing for you to think of not giving your son the ceremony you desire for him, and that there is such discrimination toward him because of something he has no control over, but Cailan makes a good offer.  A ceremony such as he suggests would make it suitable for him to return to Cylandrea with me, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot hold the type of celebration you’d like to have for your son.”

He paused, and then continued with warmth in his tone.  “Cailan is a hero in my kingdom and among my family.  He saved our queen’s life.  He has proven an asset to me in working with my soldiers, and my brothers and sister care deeply for him.  It would be an honor for all of us if you’d consider having a royal wedding in Cylandrea.”

Cailan watched as his mother looked momentarily hopeful, but then her face fell again.  “I would love to do that, but then I’d have no part in the preparation.  I know nothing of how things are done in your land.”

Jarek smiled.  “My lady, my sister and mother would adore helping you create the best day possible for Cailan and me.  If she’s healthy enough, the queen would love to be involved too.  You’d be more than welcome to come and go to the palace as often as you wish.  Please consider this option.  It would be a joy to us to host and celebrate my joining to your son.”

Cailan reached out and lightly grasped his mother’s hand.  “Please, Mother.”

Queen Adesina looked from her son’s face to her husband’s.  “What do you think, Saxon?” she asked.

“I think it would be the best of both worlds, my dear,” he said gently.  “If you do not feel the same, then we will keep discussing our options.  But if you are agreeable to what Leader Jarek has offered, then so am I.”

The queen contemplated the offer, and then turned to Cailan.  “You deserve to have your marriage celebrated with those who truly love and respect you.  If Leader Jarek could extend his stay three extra days, it will give me time to produce an intimate bonding ceremony for the two of you with our family.”  She then looked to Jarek.  “And if your offer is sincere, then I would like to travel to Cylandrea in a few weeks’ time and meet with your family.  I’d appreciate their help in organizing a celebration that honors the royal marriage between our kingdoms.”

The smile that graced Cailan’s face could have lit the room.  He couldn’t help moving across to sit by his mother and hugging her.  “Thank you so much.”

He then looked to Jarek.  “You can stay three more days, right?”

Jarek’s smile was just as big.  “I’ll need to request the extended stay to my brother, but I don’t think it will be a problem, petling.”

Cailan’s mother giggled.  “‘Petling’…I like that.”

Cailan blushed, but didn’t debate his mother’s statement.  He liked it too. 

“We have just one item of importance to discuss now,” Cailan’s father said into the happy moment, his tone cheerful. 

“What’s left?” Cailan asked as he returned to his seat by Jarek.

“Our gift to Jarek and the kingdom of Cylandrea,” King Saxon answered.

“And my gift to you and Arten,” Jarek added.  “Which, if you’ll forgive a short delay, I’d like to request your permission to retrieve part of my offering from my quarters.”

The king readily approved Jarek’s request, and while their guest was gone, Cailan watched him collect a thick envelope from the room’s ornate desk, formally sealed in wax with the royal marking on it.  He was incredibly curious what his father was gifting to Jarek, but he knew better than to ask, and so waited somewhat impatiently for Jarek to return.

When his intended did reenter the room, he held a leather bound and richly designed book in his arms.  Again, Cailan had to curb his curiosity.

Once the four of them were again seated, King Saxon led the proceedings.  “Traditionally, the host kingdom offers their gift first,” he told Leader Jarek. 

“Please don’t change your custom for my sake,” Jarek replied.  “I’ll gladly wait my turn.”

At those words, King Saxon handed the sealed envelope to Jarek.  “The queen and I discussed at length what we wished to give to our son as a sign of acceptance of his marriage, as well as what would be a worthy offering to his betrothed.  Our decision is enclosed in that envelope.”

Reverently, Jarek broke the seal on the envelope and withdrew several sheets of paper.  He held them so Cailan could read what they said with him, and the younger prince was speechless at the generosity being given to them.  Jarek also was momentarily without words, but then he read aloud what the papers said.

“The royal house of Arten, in the reign of King Saxon Regan Nyle, formally accepts the union of Prince Cailan Pierson Nyle, sixth born son to King Saxon and Queen Adesina, to the Kingdom of Cylandrea’s military head and second born to the throne, Prince Jarek Nolan Lysander, in unbreakable matrimony.

King Saxon and Queen Adesina offer as a gift to the united couple one thousand acres of land in Arten’s southern territory, and a home built to Prince Cailan and Prince Jarek’s specifications.”

The rest of the papers were deeds to the land, and a substantial financial gift to be used toward the construction of a home for them to share when they visited Arten.

“Your majesties,” Jarek said with profound appreciation.  “Your generosity is amazing, and I especially thank you for giving us the honor of having a home in Arten.  I know we’ll plan to visit as often as we can.”

“We hope so,” the queen said sincerely.  “Cailan will know that the southern territory is adjacent to our royal city.  It will allow you to be less than a day’s travel to the palace, but also some privacy of your own.”

“Of course, you may reside within the palace during your stays as well,” King Saxon informed.  “But we thought you might like to have both options.”

“It’s wonderful,” Cailan told his parents.  “And I love the southern territory.”  He turned to Jarek.  “It’s a lovely area of land, and the people are some of the friendliest in the kingdom.  It’s made up mostly of small villages, fishing communities, and spread out farms.”

“It sounds perfect,” Jarek replied, and then looked to Cailan’s parents.  “I hope you’ll be just as pleased with the gift I, with King Alaric’s blessing, offer to you.”

He handed over the ornate, leather book.  King Saxon accepted it willingly.

“If I may, this gift has two parts to it and I need to explain the first part.”

“Please,” the king agreed.

Jarek directed everyone’s attention to the book he’d given King Saxon.  “That tome is a handwritten copy of a series of Cylandrean prophecies that we have kept extremely confidential for over three hundred years.”

At those words, Cailan was clued in to what Jarek was giving his family, and he was again speechless at the offering as Jarek continued to explain.

“I’m sure you’re wondering why we would gift that to you.  We offer it because your son is the fulfillment of those prophecies—more than one hundred of them.”

“What?!” King Saxon and Queen Adesina spoke in shocked unison.

Jarek explained with certain words.  “Prince Cailan’s actions while in Cylandrea fulfilled centuries old words that were never offered to anyone outside of our kingdom.  We offer the knowledge of those prophecies to you now because your son has blessed our entire country through his unwitting fulfillment of those ancient words.”

A flash of uncertainty came across Jarek’s face.  “My brother and I spent a lot of hours debating whether to share this knowledge with you; not because we do not trust you to maintain its confidentiality, but because we feared that you might believe my marriage to Cailan would be based only on his prophetic involvement and not on him personally.  I want to assure you that I love your son and the fact that he has played a role in my kingdom’s history only means that he is a blessing to all my people as well as someone I treasure as a beautiful gift.

“Also,” he continued, “as a sign of our valuing of Cailan’s abilities and person, you should know that if I ever came to the throne to reign, Cailan would be seen and respected as a co-ruler in the same way that my brother’s wife, Queen Kesla, is seen as his confidante and spousal advisor.”

The king’s eyes were wide with surprise as he tried to take in all that Jarek was telling them.  “Are you saying that my son would be a secondary ruler to you even though he is not a national?”

“Yes, your highness.”

“That is…incredible,” King Saxon couldn’t help saying.  “It is an amazing gift.”

“That is only the first part of the gift,” Jarek reminded.  “The book of prophecies is given because we desire to show you our respect for Cailan and my love for him, but we desire to include an offering that is a bit more personal to you and your family.  That second part I’ve placed just inside the book.”

The king lifted the front cover and Cailan could see an official looking document inside.  Jarek enlightened them to what it was before it could be read.

“There is a ship builder in Arten who is very gifted in his abilities.  When King Alaric married Kesla, he employed that builder to design a vessel that provided both the utmost security and the finest luxury.  The whole of their wedding trip was spent on the ship, sailing around Cylandrea and its islands.

“The king and I have retained this man’s skills again to build a ship for Arten’s royal family.  It will be a seaworthy sailing vessel, but primarily a luxury retreat for Cailan’s family.  As you offered to us, you are all more than welcome to stay in the palace with us, but you are also welcome to stay aboard your ship either in port, or in safe sailing waters.”

“Oh my,” Queen Adesina murmured.  “Look Saxon, there are designs included.”

“I see,” the king agreed, his eyes reading the document with fascination.

“Those designs are options you may pick from, and you are also welcome to make requests of your own to the builder.  If they are doable, he is under orders to fulfill your wishes.”

“We accept your gifts with extreme pleasure,” King Saxon told him.  “You’ve honored us with what you offer.”

“You have honored me as well,” Jarek replied, “but the best gift is your blessing on my union to Cailan.”

He had been so astounded with the gifts offered from both parties that Cailan had been silent through most of the exchange, but now he shifted off the divan and went to his knees, careful of his still healing leg but in a pose that showed candid veneration.  He then reached for his father’s and Jarek’s hands and clasped them in his own.

“Thank you, for all you’ve done for me this day,” he told them all.

Jarek squeezed his hand before bringing it to his lips and kissing the knuckles.  As he did that, the king bent close and kissed the top of Cailan’s head.

           No other words were exchanged, but they were the actions of men pleased with one another and caring of the young prince kneeling in front of them.