Raghnall Meets Eriantielle - Part 2

It had been a fortnight since the arrival of the Sorceress and Prince Raghnall hadn’t seen her more than handful of times, usually just a glimpse around a corner of long auburn hair.  He had been trying to see her, but she seemed determined to avoid him.  It was beyond frustrating.  She could hole up in that Magic Room for hours and then sneak past him when he was distracted or had to leave to do something. He was beginning to suspect she could turn invisible at will to avoid detection. All he wanted to do was chat and get to know her, at least that’s what he kept telling himself. His heart started pounding every time he thought he caught sight of her and he wondered if it would stop beating all together if he was able to look into those violet eyes again. Her eyes had been haunting his dreams, along with images of being surrounded by a curtain of that beautiful hair.  He imagined it would feel like silk if he was allowed to run his fingers through it.

The Prince stopped his daydreaming with a start.  He had become completely obsessed with this Sorceress and he couldn’t stop himself.  Raghnall had contacted Wizard Tiernan, or at least he’d done what the Wizard had said to do to contact him, right after Eriantielle had arrived.  He wondered how long it would take because something had to be done about this situation and quickly.  He was TRYING to pick a bride, but every time he looked at the Princesses and Ladies all he could see was how they couldn’t compare to Lady Sorceress Eriantielle.  What a horrid situation.  He wanted to pick her, the thought of even attempting to bed someone else was repugnant. However, he was pretty sure he’d be disowned and tossed out of kingdom if he started courting the Sorceress.  A small part of him was debating whether or not she was worth it.  An insistent voice in his head was saying she was. If he didn’t know any better he would say he was in love.  The realization hit him so hard he practically fell over, it wasn’t possible!  He’d only seen her a few times and hadn’t even spoken a word to her!  It was a spell, or some other type of bewitchment, there certainly couldn’t be any other explanation for his mental state.

“Your Highness?” his thoughts were interrupted by a page who had been looking for him.

“Yes?” Raghnall schooled his features and turned toward the lad, but his annoyance must have shown, since the page took a slight step back.

“Uhm . . . there’s a gentleman here to see you. Just you and not His Majesty, he was very clear about that.  The Steward is with him in your study.” The page nervously bowed out.

Raghnall strode quickly toward his study, one of the few places his father wasn’t allowed.  Thankfully, his father wasn’t really interested in it either. The King had an unhealthy distaste for reading and it made him incredibly short sighted, in Raghnall’s opinion.  That was one reason Raghnall was determined to become King; he had plans on how to improve and expand the Kingdom in a way that wouldn’t overtax the peasantry, many of which were inspired by his often derided books.  He wanted to put all of his ideas into action.  That is why the practical part of him wanted to forget about the violet eyed Sorceress, she was a threat to his long term goal.

Unfortunately, just the brief thought of Eriantielle brought up another fantasy; one of her by his side, her power helping him accomplish his goals, her cheek pressed against his, her hair draped down his naked back as he . . . DAMNIT! Raghnall forcefully shoved the images in his mind to the depths from whence they came and tried to gain control of his mind and body before he entered his study to discover who had come to see him.

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Lord Wizard-Healer Tiernan waited patiently under the watchful eye of the Steward, impressed by Raghnall’s collection of books as he glanced at them.  The Prince was obviously a man who knew his histories. The Wizard-Healer looked down at the book on the desk that had been carefully page marked with a scrap of fabric and smiled when he recognized the text. It looked as though Raghnall was doing research on the old ways of ruling that occurred before the Gods’ War.  He nodded in satisfaction, that was a point in his favor. Eriantielle would be more than willing to usher in the old ways again.  

The brown haired Wizard chuckled to himself at the thought of aloof, controlled Eriantielle falling in love with a PRINCE of all people.  The Sorceress was probably ready to strangle him, but he knew they were right for each other. The feeling he was getting about the two of them was stronger than it had ever been before.  Prince Raghnall and Sorceress Eriantielle were destined for something great together.  Now he, Wizard-Healer Tiernan, just had to make sure it happened.  Tiernan knew the obstacles, and the King was the biggest one.  How to convince the old grump that having Eriantielle as a daughter-in-law was the best idea ever and make it seem like the King himself had come up with it was the trick.  Tiernan tapped his finger to his chin.  Yes, that would be the hardest part.  He had no fears about Raghnall and Eriantielle falling for each other.  Raghnall seemed the type that would follow his heart. As for Eriantielle, even their Master had said that once the Sorceress found the right person she’d fall and fall hard, and may The Gods help anyone who tried to stop her.  The Ice Sorceress, the same woman who swore to marry a peasant before any nobility, would melt for a Prince.  Tiernan wished he could see the moment it happened.

The door of the study opened, catching Tiernan and the Steward’s attention. Prince Raghnall stood in the doorway staring at the two men near the large wooden desk. He cleared his throat. “I hear someone is here to see me?”

“Your Highness!” the Steward bowed, “Yes. This is Lord Wizard-Healer Tiernan, he said you summoned him?” The Steward looked unconvinced of Tiernan’s claim and fully prepared to have the Wizard thrown out of the palace.

Raghnall’s eyes shifted toward Tiernan, holding a look of both suspicion and what took you so long?  Tiernan tried not to smirk. “Yes,” Raghnall answered, his eyes not leaving the Wizard, “Yes, I summoned him.  Leave us, and don’t tell my father he’s here. I’ll let the King know myself if it looks like the Lord Wizard is staying longer than the few minutes I need to consult with him.” The Steward bowed himself out, giving a final, suspicious glance toward Tiernan before leaving.

“Well?” Tiernan looked at Raghnall after the Steward had closed the door firmly, “You summoned me and I got here as fast as I could. What do you need?”

The Prince paused, thinking about why he’d needed the Wizard here and if he really wanted the feelings he was having for the Sorceress to go away. He nodded to himself. “I think that my father’s new Sorceress has cast some sort of spell on me. I can’t stop thinking about her to the point of obsession.  I need you to figure out what she’s done and counter it.”

Tiernan stared at Prince Raghnall in disbelief.  Truly, this was the last thing he thought Raghnall would request.  He had been fully prepared to assist the Prince in winning Eriantielle and convincing the King to allow Raghnall to wed her. Had he misread the man so badly?  He cleared his throat. “Lady Sorceress Eriantielle would never have cast any such spell, Your Highness.  In fact, she has said on more than one occasion that she’d rather marry a peasant than nobility. Targeting you with a love spell of some sort would not even occur to her.” He gave Raghnall his best “piercing Wizard gaze” which was a little difficult given that the Prince was just a bit taller than himself, “I’m afraid what you’re feeling is an internal issue and not any outside influence. I sense no spell on you.”

Raghnall slumped in despair at Tiernan’s words. He had so hoped it wasn’t him, that it could be “cured” or “blocked” in some way.  He sat suddenly in one of the chairs and stared off into nothing. “What am I to do?” he asked after being silent for a time.  “I’ve got 6 months to pick a bride before I’m disowned.  I can’t be in love with a Sorceress, much less one in my father’s employ!  I have to pick from those ladies my father has selected.” he looked beaten, hopeless, and utterly heartbroken.  “I have plans for when I become King. I can’t be disowned.  And I most certainly can’t allow Gaetan to become my father’s Heir. I have to forget her and move on.”

Tiernan snorted at the Prince’s last statement. Raghnall was obsessed, in love, and would probably be haunted for the rest of his days if he didn’t end up with Eriantielle by his side.  He’d seen it happen the few times he’d ignored the pull to bring two people together. Tiernan was too much of a healer to watch someone waste away again for lack of their one true love. He certainly wasn’t going to let such a thing happen to this deserving Prince and his schoolmate Eriantielle. “Your Highness,” Tiernan made sure he had Raghnall’s attention before he continued, “The situation is not hopeless, nor are you going to have to ‘forget her and move on’.  Eriantielle would be the perfect future queen. Her power would assist you in ways you can’t even begin to imagine.  More than that, I know for a fact she feels as strongly for you as you do for her.”

“You know this, Wizard? I wonder if she does, since she’s been avoiding me rather cleverly.” Raghnall’s expression turned sour remembering his failed attempts to connect with the Sorceress.

“Give her time. She’s stubborn.” Tiernan winked at the Prince, earning a shocked look for his action, “I also suggest you pursue her in full view of your father.  Show him you’re interested in females.  I suspect that half of his threats of disowning are because he has had doubts about your orientation.  Once he sees there’s a woman that catches your interest, he may back off from his deadline.”

“I’ve told him time and time again that I prefer women. I just don’t like females who are vapid, fragile flowers, which is what he’s been trying to push at me.” Prince Raghnall was still staring at Tiernan like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing, “And if he doesn’t back down?”

“Leave the rest to me, Your Highness, you concentrate on convincing Eriantielle of your interest in her. I’ll work on your Royal Father.” Tiernan smirked, not sure which of them had the more difficult job ahead.

This was not the help Raghnall had been looking or even hoping for, but here it was being offered freely.  The thought of being able to court the Lady Sorceress made his heart soar.  The Prince’s face transformed from shock into a warm and exalted smile, “Lord Wizard, if you can help me in this manner, I will be forever in your debt!”

“Your Highness, the two of you belong together. I know this for a fact.  I am simply making sure that what should happen, happens.” Tiernan shrugged and returned the Prince’s smile with a warm one of his own.  “But, remember me when you become King. I might still be in need of employment.” He laughed heartily at his own joke, not intending it to be a serious request. The Prince, however, took it differently.

“A deal!” Raghnall stood up and shook Tiernan’s hand firmly, joining the Wizard in his mirth. “When I am King, you will be my own personal Wizard. Answerable only to me!”

Tiernan blinked in surprise as he shook Raghnall’s hand, “I don’t come cheap, Your Highness, be prepared.”

Raghnall laughed, “If this works out it’s worth any price. Consider yourself hired right after my wedding.”

Tiernan was afraid the Prince was going to squeeze his hand off in his enthusiasm but he smiled at his future employer. “I consider that a verbal contract, Your Highness, and I accept those terms. Could you loosen your grip on me though? I’m a healer, but I’d rather not have to repair my own broken finger bones.”

“Oh. My apologies, Lord Wizard.” Raghnall released Tiernan’s hand quickly, still grinning like an idiot. “Now, I should inform my father you are here as my guest.”

“Actually, it might be best if you keep my being here quiet.” Tiernan cleared his throat. He wasn’t yet prepared to face Eriantielle’s wrath. The Sorceress never did like being cornered, and Tiernan had done just that, in a very underhanded fashion in addition. She probably wouldn’t kill him, but it might be a close one.

Raghnall raised an eyebrow then shrugged, “All right. I’ll have the Steward quietly give you a room, and then continue my pursuit of the elusive Sorceress.” He nodded, grinning, and opened the door, finding the page stationed just outside, “Fetch the Steward for me.”

Tiernan wandered about the study making small talk with the Prince as they awaited the Steward, finding that the two of them had similar interests in reading material, though Tiernan admitted that Raghnall had a far more impressive library. A reasonable difference since a simple manor lord wouldn’t have quite the ability to collect books like a King. The more he found out about Prince Raghnall the more he understood the pull between the Prince and Eriantielle. It wasn’t going to be a simple matter of attraction, the two of them would really work well together. He just hoped Eriantielle would forgive his meddling once everything was settled.

The Steward finally appeared again and gave both the Prince and Tiernan suspicious glances. “How can I assist you, Your Highness?”

“Please take Lord Wizard Tiernan one of our best guest rooms. He will be staying to assist me in my research.” The Prince grinned to himself over the lie. It was so rare he lied, but he didn’t even feel guilty about this particular one, mostly because there was a slight truth to it. Tiernan was staying to assist him in finding out how to win over the Sorceress and make her his wife.

The Steward’s face was deadpan, as if suspecting something of a much different nature. “How close shall his room be to your suite?”

“Mine? Why would that even be an issue?” Raghnall blinked, not quite understanding the question.

Tiernan choked back a laugh. So it WAS suspected that Raghnall preferred men. “As far away from His Highness and the Lady Sorceress as possible, please.”

Raghnall’s heart felt as light as a feather as he watched the Steward escort Tiernan off. It really was like an amazing weight had been lifted now that he wasn’t battling his feelings. He’d never pursued a woman quite like a hunter before, but he realized that an ambush was exactly what was called for in this situation of her avoiding him.  He had to make sure he caught her somewhere where she couldn’t easily escape and yet a place where she wouldn’t feel threatened in any way.  Someplace safe and public; he really just wanted to talk to her first, to find out if Tiernan was correct. Raghnall wasn’t going to jump into this with two feet until he was sure the Sorceress Eriantielle felt the same way he did. It would take a great deal of planning but he had every confidence that he would ultimately be able to speak to her about the situation.  He took a deep breath and started toward the Head of Household’s office to see if he could get some sort of schedule regarding the new Sorceress.