King Carolus: Age 48 The king of Enonum.
Queen Juno: Age 49 Wife of Carolus
Prince Marius: Age 18 Son of King Carolus and Juno.
Mr. Gaius Hobbes Age 65 : The Butler of the Oakenwood estate.
Major Brasidas MacGregor: Age 38 Head of Oakenwood guards. Red hair and bearded
Moira Kiernan: Age 40 The dungeon madame and Harem Governess
Ming Wei: Age 45.
Sophie Barreau: Age 21
*****
A shiny red steam engine races through the Enonum countryside. The sunbeams reflect off the engine and the cars attached; white smoke is churned from the chimney. The train had departed from the capital Cordeno and is heading to Andburgh. In between the two cities, there are rolling hills and dense forests with a massive mountain in the distance.
Inside the train are two high profile passengers King Carolus of Enonum, and his son, Prince Marius. They are seated in a luxury coach, filled with fine furniture, which also has a kitchen to provide meals and refreshments.
The prince sits on one of the fine-felt seats and gazes out the window. He admires the massive mountain capped with snow. The fields are green and warm.
His father sits in front of him on a seat, and is also admiring the scenery. "The most beautiful country in the world." The king breaks the silence. "Right?"
"Yes, father," Marius replies. "Thank you for taking me to Andburgh. I haven't been there since I was eight for a class trip."
"Yes, it is our finest city outside of the capital, and my favorite holiday destination." King Carolus smiles warmly, and the prince and king look each other in the eye.
"Father, you have never taken me here or anywhere for a holiday."
The king's smile fades, replaced by a long face. "Yes." He stares down at his feet. "I wish we had more time when you were young."
It is quiet with the only sound being the sound of the train churning down the rail.
"Royal duties can be burdensome..." The king pauses. "Our family is also far from perfect." The King looks into his son's eyes. "Your mother and I do our best for you and Caroline. However, our marriage was..." The king twists the ring on his finger. "Son..."
"Father, I understand. You and mother had to marry." Prince Marius looks out the window. "It was necessary to unite the Kingdom of Enonum," he adds and points to the mountains in the distance.
"True, son." The king nods. "We had to marry to prevent your mother's lands from leaving."
"That is true, Marius. Your mother and I came from different backgrounds and families. The Vathy Mountains are home to strong and hardworking people. Duke Ulf was one of our kingdom's finest generals and his soldiers, the strongest. However, he was very hard on your mother."
"I know. Grandfather Ulf was a harsh and cold man." The Prince gazes at the mighty mountains in the distance.
"Yes, son." The King musters up a smile. "Meanwhile, my family and people love art, love and merriment." He points to the sea which is visible from the other side of the train. "We believed it was important for us all to enjoy the pleasures of life and share joy, generously. You see, Marius, joy gives life meaning."
The king places his hand on his son's. "Without pleasure and happiness, humans would be nothing more than soulless automatons.""
"That is why we must enjoy music, art, fine wine, strong ales, and most importantly..." The King breaks into a sly grin. "... lovely ladies." He playfully nudges his son. "And men, too, if that is your interest."
The prince laughs. "So far, I'm only into fair ladies, like Miss Wickham."
King Carolus nods, and smiles in agreement. "Oh yes, she is fine, like a wine aged in oaken barrels made of the finest grapes."
"Son, when we make it to my palace," he stands upright, "you will be in for a treat."
The train arrives at the Andburgh main station. King Carolus and Prince Marius exit the train onto the platform. Crowds of Enonum citizens rush over to catch a glimpse of the royals. Carolus and Marius wave to them. The Royal Guard stay close and keep a close eye out for any danger.
The king and prince go forth to engage with the commoners. They shake hands with the people while the guards watch closely for any threats. Citizens come forth with gifts of flowers and bread for the royal father and son. The king and prince accept the gifts, and the king blesses the city.
After an hour of engaging with the people, they make their way to a carriage that takes them outside the city of Andburgh. They ride twenty minutes outside the city to the king's estate.
"We are almost there, son," the king says. "Take a look outside now," he orders.
Prince Marius sticks his head outside the carriage window. There, he sees it for the first time. It is a mighty and grand estate a white palace built high atop a cliff, the bright summer sun shining off of it; below the castle, it is surrounded by dense forests. The view of the magnificent palace is interrupted as the carriage reaches the forest.
The forest is ancient, filled with mighty and tall trees that tower over them. Marius looks out the window and gazes at the oak, juniper, fir, beech and maple trees. Among the trees, Marius sees the fauna of the forest deer, wild boar and birds run and fly past the carriage.
After several minutes of traveling through the forest, the king and prince finally exit the trees. They ride up towards the palace atop the cliff. The incline is steep, and the horses pulling the carriage slow down as they walk up towards the king's estate, 'til at last, they reach the palace.
The king and prince are dropped off at the palace gates. The bright ivory white gates are opened by the guards. Two men stand behind the gate and greet King Carolus and Prince Marius. One is an aged man, wearing a suit and tie; the other is a middle-aged man in a military uniform, helmet and cuirassier.
"Welcome home, my king." The old man bows.
The military man salutes and remains quiet.
"Thank you, my faithful servants," the king replies. He stops for a moment. "Marius, my son, let me introduce you to those who manage my estate." He points to the old man. "That is Mr. Gaius Hobbes, my butler and steward of the estate." He points to the military man. "And that is Major Brasidas MacGregor of the Oakenwood Guards. He provides security for the manor."
Hobbes bows to Prince Marius. "Welcome to Oakenwood-By-The-Sea, Prince Marius. May your first visit be the first of many."
Major MacGregor remains stoic and salutes. "An honor to serve you, sir!"
"It is a pleasure to be visiting." Prince Marius bows. "Thank you for your service."
"Our pleasure, Prince Marius." Hobbes smiles warmly. He turns to the king. "Now that you are home, Your Majesty, what would you like first? May I interest you in a bath and a meal to relax you from your journey."
"That would be wonderful, my dear Hobbes," King Marius concurs.
Hobbes, the butler, then leads the king and prince to the bathhouse of the palace. Prince Marius trails behind his father and the butler on his way to the bathhouse. He gazes at the paintings and elaborate wood and stone work of the palace halls. The floors are made of white marble and covered in soft, exotic carpets; the walls have brown oak and mahogany paneling, upon which they are decorated by paintings depicting nature, domestic life and wars; the ceilings are painted with elaborate frescoes depicting the gods and spirits above them.
"Hurry, my son." King Carolus laughs as the prince struggles to follow.
"Sorry, father." Marius hustles up and reaches the bathhouse.
The royals each have separate baths drawn for them. Marius enters his tub and sinks into the warm, soapy water. The prince savors the warm embrace of the water. Hobbes leaves the father and son to bathe.
Several minutes into their bath, servants enter the bathhouse. They come in with plates of fruits, bread and grilled chicken. The king and prince eat and finish their baths. There, servants then dress them in cotton robes, undershorts and slippers.
"Follow me, son." King Carolus waves at his son. "I have something to share with you."