Agro put his right hand on his chest. Melodramatic as always. "Sire, you wound me."

"Oh shut up. Since we were boys, you have always played politics. Your word means nothing more than you need it to mean." The king drummed his right hand fingers on the throne. He stood up. Everyone in the hall froze. "The throne room is closed," he said.

All conversation stopped. Everyone began to file out without a word.

The Grand Duke bowed slightly and stepped a few paces backward.

"Not you, Agro. Not yet," said the king.

Agro stopped where he was and waited as the rest of the court filed out. After everyone was out, Agro looked up to the king.

"I will ask her," the king said. "I will ask her if she is willing to at least meet the Northern Prince. I fear that she will agree just because of who she is, but at least I won't be breaking my vow to my wife."

Agro smiled at the king. "That is wise, sire."

"You can quit with the politics Agro," the king said. "You are merely saying I am wise because I am doing what you want."

The king stood up from the throne. He stepped toward Agro. "I'm not certain I trust this offer from the Northern King." He stepped right up to the Grand Duke. "If she agrees to meet him, how long will it be until they meet?" he asked.

"The King of the North says they can meet within three days. As long as that meeting takes place in Rockport," Agro answered.

The king smiled with a knowing look. "Ah, so there is the politics of the thing. If the meeting takes place in your Duchy, then you are certain to curry favor with the King of the North."

"Once again you wound me. My duchy sits closest to the border. It makes sense for the meeting to happen there.

The king placed both of his hands on the Grand Duke's shoulders. He stared into Agro's eyes. "You will protect her," he
commanded. "As my oldest friend, and my most loyal of all subjects, if Variana agrees to this, you will protect her?" he asked Agro.

Agro smiled broadly. "Of course, Your Majesty. I view her safety and security as more important than anything else in the world."

The king nodded. He walked back to the throne and sat down. "Then let it be so." He clapped his hands twice. A hidden door swung on the west side of the throne room. The High Steward entered.

The High Steward bowed. "Your Majesty?"

"Call my daughter to me please. I would speak with her."

The High Steward bowed again. "Immediately," he said and walked back through the hidden door. After it shut, the King looked at Agro. "You may go," he said.

Agro nodded and turned to leave the throne room. Before he had taken five steps, the King called after him, "Remember your promise, my friend. Remember your promise."

Agro left.

The Black Oak Sword

Chapter 1: Part 1

Chapter 1: Part 2

Chapter 1: Part 3

Chapter 2: Part 1

© 2017, Stone Golem Publishing

**All pictures used are labeled for reuse. They come from Max Pixel

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