The carriages stopped in front of the large estate. The footman jumped of the back of the carriage and opened the door to the royal carriage. The king stepped out and on to the graveled path. When he stepped out the wind, which had been blowing fiercely before he stepped out, had stopped. It was almost as though it knew of the power that stood before it.
A tall man rushed out from the main house and hurried to escort the King and his entourage into the house. When they arrived into the house, the man led the group into a large sitting room. There he introduced them to his master.
“King Rutherford of Finnila, I present King Leopold of Xanaderval.” The tall man ushered the two kings together.
The older king, King Rutherford, looked at the younger king. The younger man was taller than most. He had golden blond hair and deep green eyes that reminded the king of emeralds. He was confident and self-assured. He was dressed in mostly purple colors.
“Welcome to my kingdom and home, King Leopold.”
“I thank you for your hospitality while we were traveling through your kingdom.” The younger man turned to a man dressed in a bright blue color that stood behind him. “King Rutherford, may I introduce you to my brother, Prince Duncan.”
The king was stunned to see that the King and Prince looked identical. “Twins?”
“Yes, your majesty.” Duncan smiled at him. “My brother is older and therefore is the king.”
“That is an oddity in royal families, gentleman.” The king said. “Well, welcome gentlemen. After such a long trip, I thought that the two of you would like to freshen up before dinner. Your chambers have been prepared by my servants.”
“Thank you, Sire.” Duncan replied.
The older King motioned to one of his servants. “Please lead the gentlemen to their chambers.”
The young man led them up the staircase and down the hallway to the Prince’s room. “This is Prince Duncan’s chambers.” He opened the door. His three personal servants were waiting for him. “I shall see you at dinner, Brother.”
Leopold nodded his head. Then the young man escorted the King the rest of the way. His servants were waiting for him there. “Dinner will be at six, Sire.”
He nodded his head and the younger man left the room. The King looked around the chamber. It was large and bright, much like his chambers at home. They actually bored him. Leopold walked to the window and looked out. There was a large orchard not far from him window. It looked like an apple orchard. Young women were picking large baskets of the red apples. He saw a young woman bringing a basket up to the castle. “Job.”
“Yes, Sire?”
“Go down and ask that young woman to bring her basket up.”
“Yes, Sire.” He nodded and hurried off. A few moments later, Job and the young woman entered the chamber. She was a pale woman with long dark hair that was pinned up. She knew that this man was royalty and kept her head down, like a well trained servant would.
“You asked to see me, Sire?”
“I saw that you have apples.”
“Yes, Sire.” She pushed forward the large basket and held it out to the king. He chose one and then she pulled the basket back.
He took a bite of the apple and then looked at the young woman. “Are the apples in this orchard always this tasty?”
“Yes, Sire.”
“I am King Leopold of Xanaderval. I would like you to bring me some apples daily while I am here.”
She nodded her head. “Yes, Sire.”
“You are dismissed.” She curtsied and then left quickly. Leopold watched her go. Once the door was closed, he turned to his man, “Finnila does have some beautiful woman.”
His man smiled. “I would agree with you there, Sire.”
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