Beatrice approached the current, and only, occupied guest room in the castle. Floating along beside her was a small tray of food. The maid had some magical skill which made her duties much easier. If she wanted to she could further her studies at the Mage College but she chose to keep her abilities limited. Mage's who finished their training tended to be assigned to units on the battlefield, acting in any number of roles. The only way she could've remained home was if she became a spell researcher or an alchemist. The first one required too many risks and the other has years of experience with herbalism. Beatrice was happy where she was. She got a steady check, saw her son everyday and worked for the Queen. Very prestigious. Knocking on the door Beatrice entered the chamber. "Good morning Lady Clover." The tray of food was set down on the table. "Big day today. The Queen asked me to show you around the castle after breakfast. Then she'd like to have tea with you at noon to discuss important matters. After that there's the feast in the evening." The maid opened the curtains, letting in the morning sunlight. "If you hurry we might be able to catch his majesty the prince during his morning training with the Inner Circle."
~
Mikal groaned as he rolled out of bed. "Morning already?" He yawned. Getting out of bed he stretched. "Man was it good to be in my own bed again. Screw sleeping on the ground with the rocks and bugs." The prince quickly got ready for his morning training, changing his clothes. Bathing would come later, no point washing now only to have to do it again after working up a sweat sparing. The prince took the familiar path through the halls, arriving at the private training yard. One way in and out. It was on the side of the mountain. A low wall was all that was keeping someone from falling off. Training dummies lined the rock wall on the far side. Benches hugged the wall next to the entrance for spectators to sit and watch. The Inner Circle, his father's council and his tutors, were waiting for him.
"Seems the prince is finally up." Sir Edmont the Valor chuckled. The Skyknight was already waiting for him in the center of the training ring. On his left arm was a shield and his right hand was a sword. "Thought you were going to sleep in."
"The thought crossed my mind." Mikal plucked a generic shield off the rack. Normally he didn't use one, preferring the two handed style, but he kept up the training to stay in top form.
"Leave the poor boy alone Charles." High Mystic Delara spoke up. The Archmage was sitting on the bench with Field Marshal Danes. Her dragon as coiling around her torso and leaning over her right shoulder to be pet. Danes' dire bear was curled up next to him sleeping. "He's had it rough for a couple weeks."
"You know we can't go easy on the boy Del." Danes replied.
There came the flapping of powerful wings as Edmont's dragon joined them, finding a spot to settle up the mountain and bask in the sun. "I was wondering where Shale was hiding."
"Just went out to stretch his wings." Sir Edmont the Valor took his fighting stance. "Now ready yourself."
Mikal took a similar stance and smirked. "Aren't I always?" Edmont didn't answer with words but action. Striking out first. The old Knight, couple years older than his father, might have been getting up there in age but he hasn't lost his step along the way. Mikal blocked with his shield. It was a powerful blow but he held firm, lashing out with a counter.
~
Beatrice was walking along the corridors. The hallway opened up. Large columns allowed an opening to view the private training grounds. This allowed a perfect overhead view for the king to watch his children train and offer advice. "Ah we're in luck they seem to have just started."
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