In the king's courtroom

His majesty, King Erik was seated on his majestic throne, surrounded by his twenty vassals in the beautifully decorated Courtroom. The walls of the courtroom were extremely high reaching the roof of the castle, it was made of limestone. The floors was of shiny marble, and the curtains hung on the high walls reflected on the marble.

The curtains were red, lined with gold designs at the edges and the windows made of glass. Mural paintings of past Kings behind the king's elevated throne, decorated the courtroom and made it more beautiful.

King Erik sat gracefully on his throne, he had called an assembly to address some of the issues in the kingdom.
He always had a steely gaze, his features sturdy and sleek blonde hair adorning his steel grey eyes. He was very enigmatic, albeit rumours had it that he was one of the gifted. No one, not even his vassals knew how true it was.

King Erik curling his fingers around his Sceptre, his voice hoarse. "Vassals, it is known that the healers are not part of us, they also refuse to trade with us. We have conquered many lands, and our knights who went for the last war are still recovering. The cost of running this great kingdom has gone high. Tax had been collected before now, and we wouldn't want to collect any tax again lest we have the villeins revolt".

Lord Mavrek adjusting his cloak. "If my suggestion would sound appealing to his majesty, I would say, let us have a few go to the healers and propose the idea of trade to the head, then we would know what to do further".

King Erik gripping his Sceptre firmly said."You have great ideas my loyal brother. Indeed, I would need volunteers to travel to the healers Land".

"I would suggest the prince, your majesty". Lord Roger replied sharply, clearing his throat.

"Why should he?". King Erik asked, his left brow raised and once appealing appearance altered.

"I also suggest the Prince, he still needs to learn a lot about the kingdom and what it means to be a king someday. A member of this council would travel with him". Lord Mavrek cut in sharply.

Mavrek grimaced. "I bid the king allows me, or any of my knights escort the prince".

King Erik gazed into the tapestries hung on the wall, his expression turned gloomy, and his grey eyes resembling steel. An expression which made all his vassals quiver and pierced the hearts of many. He never confided in anyone why he always behaved like that, or what he saw that made his expressions change.

Finally, he gazed back at his vassals, his features smoothening he adjusted his stoned golden crown which sat on his perfect head. "Well said, Mavrek's knight would go with the prince. They would leave two days from now, expected to return in a fortnight".

All the vassals nodded in consent, a sinister smirk creeping onto Mavrek's face.