20 A Change of Plans (1/2)

When Zelea and Koji departed from the Royal Library, a servant girl accosted them and said with a deep bow, ”Princess and Consort, His Majesty has summoned you to the banquet hall to dine with the Royal Family.”

”Okay,” Zelea replied succinctly.She became chagrined at losing track of time.The two were late!

The servant confirmed the princess' fear by walking at an unusually fast pace.To her credit, the girl did not run in the hall despite her anxiousness to arrive at the banquet hall ASAP.

The newlyweds quietly took their seats at the table; Koji placed his writing pad under his seat.The rest of the Royal Family had already started eating.

Each parent passed a look of disapproval at this tardiness but kept silent.

Servants soon placed a platter of steamed dumplings and pickled cabbage in front of Koji and Zelea.

Also, Koji noticed a small cup of pork bone broth soup on the table near him.He looked around and realized that Koji was the only person to receive the soup!

Queen Herecia met his wandering eyes, and she smiled when he bowed to her.She had asked the chef to prepare the soup especially for Koji; the young man had been training so hard the past few days, and the queen wished to reward his diligence.

As the two ate, King Aphraphus asked casually, ”How was your trip to the Royal Library, Koji?”In his heart, he already forgave the son-in-law because the king understood how overwhelming the library could be to a first-time visitor.

Koji raised his head and looked directly at his father-in-law.”The library here is very different from back home.”

”How so?” Queen Herecia questioned while looking at him attentively.

”For one thing, I learned that I'm not allowed to touch the bookcases,” the young man answered ruefully.

”Hahaha!That is so true!” the king laughed while banging on the table; red wine spilled from his cup due to the disturbance.”Ugh!” he said abruptly when his wife pinched his thigh under the table.”Sorry,” Aphraphus muttered while avoiding her glare.

”Were you hurt?” the queen continued with her probe gently.

Koji shook his head.

”I knocked his hand in time,” Zelea explained and puffed her chest proudly.

”So what book were you reading?” the king inquired.He was very curious to know.

”The Art of Saber Defense,” Koji answered.

Prince Heretrios' brows rose.”How much of this book did you read and comprehend?” he asked.

”I'm only half-way through,” Koji replied with a tone of sadness in his voice.

The prince thought for a moment and cupped his chin.”I was planning to teach you the five basic saber defense positions tomorrow.But if you already read that portion of the book, and if you understood it, then it's pointless for me to go over it again with you,” Heretrios said.”Let's do this instead.In the morning, you should return to the library and finish reading that book.After lunch, find me in the front courtyard.I will test your comprehension of saber defense,” he proposed.

Koji nodded.”Sounds good to me.”

The parents looked on with relief.For their son to offer to continue Koji's training without prodding from Aphraphus and Herecia, this meant that Heretrios was beginning to accept Koji as part of the Royal Family.

Prince Cyrea nosily pushed his bowl away.He stood up, bowed deeply to his parents, and quietly left the table.

Princess Daethix turned toward her brother.”Do you mind if I watch Koji's practice session tomorrow?” she asked.

Heretrios bit his lips because he was troubled by her request.He knew that many of his men were in love with Daethix, and her presence will distract their practice drills.However, his sister was a tyrant used to getting her way.If Heretrios declined without a good excuse, then Daethix would secretly retaliate against him.Thus, the brother had no choice but to agree.”Sure!” he answered with a false smile.

”Good!” she smiled back primly.However, her reptilian eyes possessed the look of a predator.Daethix was prepared to make trouble for Heretrios if he declined.She turned her attention to her parents.”Have a good evening and enjoy your meal,” she said in a cheerful voice.Daethix stood up, nodded, and left the table.

The first prince soon did the same, leaving Zelea and Koji with the king and queen.

”Koji, how are adjusting to life in Nephosia?” Queen Herecia asked.She possessed strong maternal instincts; therefore, Herecia worried for the young man's well-being.

”I'm taking it one day a time,” Koji admitted honestly.

”What's troubling you?” King Aphraphus prodded his son-in-law.

”Back home, I was a part-time college student who was working a job and attending a martial art school.I rented an apartment and had several roommates.Here, I have a room in a palace, and I unaccustomed to having people bowing to me,” Koji explained.