Share
Chapter 40: At The Ramparts
Instead of her grim look during her charge in a battle, Darina rather has a worried scowl. The Agabean Royal Knight is composing within herself what must she say to King Rashal about the recovery of Clapestris. The reason why she hasted on going to the king was to save Prince Thariem’s face. She still brought that same purpose as she finally faced King Rashal.
“Father King, Prince Thariem has operated to restore Clapestris not for his name’s sake but for your highness. He never assumed to reside on your throne for he believes that you will return any time sooner.”
Unlike the puzzled soldiers who are with King Rashal, the king is not confused about what Darina is referring to. He smiled to convince Darina that he never thinks about Prince Thariem in that manner.
“Darina, how can I think with such malice? You and Thariem are the jewels of my crown. I regard the works of the both of you with appreciation and due faithfulness,” he said while looking at her. The k
Ane DanielsThank you for reading this far!
Related chapters
Jewels of The Crown Chapter 1: King Rashal's Twain Delights
In the ancient land of Pars, later than the Battle of Carrhae, there sits the Royal Capital of Clapestris extending her vast power to the outskirts of the surrounding provinces. The subjects and monarchs alike would walk and live with the antiquities and honors of Pars. Their lineage, culture, and even sympathy are with Pars. But in the name of Clapestris, they flourish. This is the tale during the 9th sovereign governing Clapestris. Where the crown of the monarch is adorned with the paradox of order and dissension, of excellence and futility, and the persons of Prince Thariem and Darina. As long as the edges of history can bring a subtle touch to this side of the tale, the unveiled beginning always arises at the vehement drought that afflicted Clapestris. The drought lasted for three years. During those times, some farmers thought of selling their flocks. Others fled to the mountains in fear to die from hunger. The Kingdom of Clapestris has sent their valian
Jewels of The Crown Chapter 2: Favor and Suspicion
The steps of the hustling horses send fine tremors on the bridge crossing the eastern borders. Riding upon these horses are the men of valor. They are carrying the banners of gold, silk, and saffron which are the prestige of Clapestris. King Rashal led the royal team, and they are marching at a heightening pace to reach the palace. The central gate welcomes the Royal Force. The noise is a sound of clamor and celebration combined. The families are reunited with their soldier relatives. Others bereave for the death of their sons whom they likened to torches no more flaring. Prince Thariem and Darina greet their royal father while riding upon their horses. The king replied to them with a nod. The refined young adults joined his majesty in entering the palace for a victor's feast. The victor's feast is set at the wide dining hall. The fine music from stringed instruments and flutes gently swooned the hearts of the royal forces. The frames of their chairs are plat
Jewels of The Crown Chapter 3: Open Affinities
A Clapestrisian court is always a solemn place for ministers who commune to the king. But when Prince Thariem and Darina enter the court, a different, vibrant ambiance comes. It is as if some secret musicians are strumming the banjos and others are fluting a thrilling song. The prince executes his military salutation before the king while Darina is prostrated and bowed as she is wearing her long Median robe. If Darina has to enter the palace while wearing her battle gear, she needs to salute the king militarily. The king stomped his scepter to call Prince Thariem and Darina to initiate the conversation. Prince Thariem walked forward and bowed his right knee. “Greetings, my father king. Your servant has come before your throne to reason about the moats,” Prince Thariem started. He made a brief report about the event last night. The king only kept a straight face, but he is glad deep inside. The time flies so fast. Before his sight, his son is becoming more res
Jewels of The Crown Chapter 4: Armories of Clapestris
Darina wears her favorite armory as she enters the main site for the hunting games. The stage has curvilinear designs by the best artists from Shapur. The grandiose carved woods emphasize the thrones of King Rashal, Queen Mariam, and Queen Dowager Tahaliel. Darina went near to them and saluted militarily. “Darina, why are you not wearing the golden armory that I gave you?” Queen Dowager Tahaliel asked. “As a leader of the cavalrymen, I am ought to wear the black armory for the hunting games, Your Majesty,” Darina replied politely. Other players were glancing at her gears since they find it inappropriate for the event. “But I assure to your highness that I will wear the golden armory for the ceremony. I only seek to keep the golden armory from getting soiled when it must be prepared for a spectacular event such as for the Prince.” “You must dress up best for a great of your royal brother.” Queen Dowager Tahaliel finds Darina’s response satisfyi
Jewels of The Crown Chapter 5: A Chance
The royals see that the new title vested to Prince Thariem is a kind of gift and appreciation for his excellence. However, to Mahagino, it was a call of more burdensome encounters to the following days of Clapestris. Mahagino was granted freedom in exchange for supplying the commercial trail of Clapestris and keeping his permanent residence at the small valley near the Kaskuhish. He was doing carpentry works for his unsold items when King Rashal and his men visited Mahagino. “Greetings of peace to Your Majesty,” Mahagino saluted. “What brings Your Highness to my humble abode?” “I will tell you once we enter your home,” King Rashal replied and marched towards the wooden cabin. The king found many Oriental items and jars inside Mahagino’s house. Many clothes are near the windows. The scent of the house was both out of agarwood and wine. He sat on the wooden chair and waited for Mahagino to settle himself as well. “I heard the rumors at the central market. You were sayi
Jewels of The Crown Chapter 6: Darina's Authority
Prince Thariem did not see off Darina in person. He was just standing at the balcony looking at the gates where Darina’s caravan once passed. Darina and her cavalrymen went away at night to not stir any attention from the nearby kingdoms. Prince Thariem has no other thoughts but a wish that his title would not produce any hostilities. But a wish is not enough, that is why he understood that Darina must lead the campaign of recruiting the soldiers. While silent in his thoughts, Minister Hazper came to him casually. “Your Highness, it is getting noon. Do you think that Darina and her cavalrymen will tarry first if it would rain? The clouds are covering the heavens,” Minister Hazper started. “I would not like them to tarry,” Prince Thariem replied. “We need more defenses any time sooner.” “But that is why I have come to your place, Your Majesty. Why did you not inquire first from the ministers about the plan of the reinforcement?” “For it is an emergency
Jewels of The Crown Chapter 7: Ordeals and Mystery
Darina never had her knees wobbling until now. She cannot recall any deeds deemed repugnant for the Prince. She was only standing before the palace, fixing her gaze at its main doors called the Doors of Blessing. “Reporting, Your Highness. Our Royal Cavalry Captain has come with the reinforcements His Royal Highness, the King, has commanded,” Rowen initiated on behalf of Darina. There was only silence in the midst of them. It only broke out when a stranger galloped his horse at a noticeable pace. Minister Hazper marveled that this stranger has the company of the high-ranking messenger he sent. “I am Marsden, the Mercenary of the West, and a Stranger of the South. I have come on behalf of the Royal Cavalry Captain to plead for Her Highness’ cause,” the man in purple clothes announced. Darina has only read the accounts of the Mercenary of the West. But the book was written for more than five centuries. How can this man in purple declare that he is the M
Jewels of The Crown Chapter 8: Foreboding Reality
Yesterday controversy cannot bar Darina’s entrance to fill the administrative court of her mien in great authority. The sunlight passes through the higher windows and shares a fair glint on Darina’s armory. The bright amber appearance before the audience reminds them that the Royal Cavalry Captain is someone that they feared formidable enough to trample their positions in Clapestris. However, for Darina, she intended to wear the golden armory, since it is only now that her royal father officially called her presence. She has a lot to tell him even though it is a formal occasion. She handed over her headgear and her scepter to the chiliarch to indicate that her presence is not for her appeal but a report. She has brought with her Rowen who pushes the cart comprising the model of military prowess Clapestris currently possess. Robert the chiliarch, who is a commander of a thousand, governs the order of the court on behalf of the king. He ushered the formality fo
Latest chapter
- Jewels of The Crown Chapter 40: At The Ramparts
- Jewels of The Crown Chapter 39: Doors of Blessings
- Jewels of The Crown Chapter 38: Vows and Peril
- Jewels of The Crown Chapter 37: Unsilenced Heroics
- Jewels of The Crown Chapter 36: Troubled Empire
- Jewels of The Crown Chapter 35: Flattery
- Jewels of The Crown Chapter 34: Growth
- Jewels of The Crown Chapter 33: Ambitious
- Jewels of The Crown Chapter 32: Careful Thoughts
