The Cursed Prince

***

Lord Arthur Hirsch, the mayor of Greensborough, was shocked when the city commander told him King Loriel Ashborn was waiting for him at the gate of his residence. He had only met the monarch once in his life, during Maxim's coronation two years ago.

It was such a big event and Lord Hirsch felt lucky to be invited because his father was a long-time supporter of the Ashborns who had sworn loyalty to Summeria long before the empire conquered most of Atlantea like today.

His father, King Roland Hirsch, was the king of Friesland, a lesser kingdom in Atlantea, one of Summeria's colonies, but the only one to receive special treatment from the Ashborns. The old king had several sons and they each governed a big city under their father's rule.

Greensborough was one of the smallest and least significant cities in Friesland. It was given to Arthur Hirsch because he was his father's least favorite son and would never inherit the Friesland throne from him.

In a way, Greensborough was given to him to keep him busy and never even think about taking the Friesland throne.

Lord Arthur Hirsch was ready to live in obscurity for the rest of his life.. However, today... his commander said the Summerian monarch was visiting HIM? What was the occasion?

Oh my... this was such great honor, Lord Hirsch thought.

"I didn't receive any news or order from Summeria," Lord Hirsch furrowed his brows. "Is this a surprise visit? How many people came with him?"

"Only three, people, Your Grace," said the commander.

"Huh? Only three? Are you sure?" Lord Hirsch  asked to make sure he didn't mishear. How could the monarch of Summeria come to his humble city with only three people?

What was really going on? Greensborough was so far away from Castilse. Lord Hirsch never expected that their king would come here.

Wait... was he really King Loriel Ashborn? Could it be some impostors trying to pose as him for whatever reason?

If it was the latter... Well, that person would soon know that Lord Hirsch was not someone to be messed with. He had seen the king in person in the coronation event and he would never forget his face. No impostors could deceive him!

Ah... Lord Hirsch became impatient that he didn't want his commander to reply to his question. The middle-aged chubby man strode toward the palace courtyard to see who the guest really was.

If it was an impostor who claimed to be the king, he would immediately chase them away.

"Lord Hirsch, good afternoon."

Lord Arthur Hirsch's steps halted and his eyes bulged when he heard that familiar voice called out his name. Before him, stood a tall and handsome man with his arms behind his back, admiring the castle where the mayor resided.

This man looked imposing and one hundred percent king. There was no mistaking him as someone else. Arthur Hirsch immediately dropped to his knees. "Your Majesty..."

"How are you?" Maxim greeted the older man. He understood the mayor must be really shocked to see him here all of a sudden.

"I am not worthy of this visit...." Lord Hirsch raised his face and looked at Maxim in awe. "What made Your Majesty come to my humble abode?"

"Well, I was just passing by. So, I decided to pay you a visit." Maxim touched the mayor's shoulder and motioned him to rise. "I brought a few people with me. Can you provide them with nice chambers to rest in?"

"Yes, yes... definitely..." Lord Hirsch immediately called his butler and servants to welcome his royal guests. 

"My friend is sick. I will carry her to her chamber. Can you show me the way?" Maxim said to the mayor.

Lord Hirsch bobbed his head. "Definitely, Your Majesty. Should I call a physician to come and check her?"

"No need. I will just let her rest. I want to talk to you later," Maxim said. He nodded at Renwyck and the wizard opened the carriage door for him.

"Yes, yes.... You can follow my butler here. He will show you your chambers so you can all rest. I will prepare a feast to welcome Your Majesty."

Lord Hirsch was beaming and quickly shouted orders to everyone around him. Maxim came to the carriage and took Emmelyn from it. His heart felt so heavy when he realized her body had become lighter than before. 

Even though Emmelyn was still alive, her body had become increasingly weak. This made Maxim feel depressed and sad. He wished he could just bring Emmelyn home with the dragons so they could reach home quickly.

Unfortunately, he had to cross that option because of her condition.  Maxim couldn't rush their journey because he was worried Emmelyn would feel uncomfortable.

However, this trip was taking them so much time which he could probably have used to look for Raphael to help her.

Seeing Lord Hirsch's enthusiastic reception, Maxim thought about continuing the journey openly, with the security provided by the mayor until he could reach Summeria safely.

This way, he wouldn't need Renwyck's protection. He could just send the wizard to go to Mount Tempest and talked to Raphael or the white witch on his behalf.

Yeah.. maybe that was the best option he could take right now. He decided to talk to the mayor later.

While Lord Hirsch was preparing the feast to welcome his king, the butler showed the royal guests where they would rest. Maxim followed him and walked with Emmelyn in his arms toward a really beautiful chamber facing the garden.

Alina and Renwyck followed him, while the coachman took the carriage and horses to the stable.

"Alina, please stay here with Lady Emmelyn. I am trusting you with her care," Maxim said to Alina after he placed Emmelyn carefully on the bed.

"Understood, Your Grace," Alina said after she curtseyed.

"Very well. I will leave you now. You can ask the butler here if you need anything."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

The butler took Maxim and Renwyck to their respective rooms and provided everything they needed. Two hours later, he came to get them for the feast.

Lord Hirsch spared no expenses in showing his joy for having the king visiting Greensborough.

If Maxim didn't specifically tell the mayor not to let the people outside of this residence know about his arrival, perhaps Lord Hirsch would have held a festival in the city center or throw a city-wide feast just to welcome the king.