Chapter 16: Journey to the summit 

James exited the main entrance of the palace wearing a long black cloak. His eyes instantly noticed Henry waiting with two horses.

One horse was brown and the other one was white. Henry also wore a similar black cloak. They needed to wear cloaks to conceal their identities.

Discretion is key when traveling to attend secret meetings. The journey to the summit is long and only the king and his escort knight are allowed to attend. It is the oldest tradition and James has no say.

He walked up to Henry. “Are you ready to go?” James asked as he placed a hand on the white horse it was a majestic yet powerful horse. He was confident it will manage the journey.

“Yes your majesty everything is prepared we can leave whenever your ready… but sir are you not going to say goodbye to Lady Eria?” Henry asked.

James turned his gaze to the marquess and said. “…no, I already said goodbye last night. I think it’s best to let her rest” James said then the king climbed on the horse.

“Come Henry we shouldn’t delay any further” The king said as he grabbed the reigns.

Henry nodded and got on the brown horse. “Yes, your majesty” Henry answered as they began riding the horses. They traveled down the mountain and quickly traversed the streets of the capital.

They then entered the pathway along the forest often used by merchants. After a few hours of traveling, they were riding north. “Every year this path seems to get longer,” James commented as he looked around and scanned the area all he could see is one dirt road and endless trees. Henry chuckled and said.

“Maybe this journey feels longer because you are impatient… is it possible you just want to return to the palace as quickly as possible?” He remarked as he looked ahead. It was his duty to protect James so he must always be alert even when speaking casually.

James chuckled at Henry’s remark. “It’s possible… I can’t help but be nervous about Eria. Trouble follows her everywhere she goes.” James noted a part of him misses that trouble. Erias's presence has lightened up the palace. Maybe the palace was just empty and needed new life. Well besides those old councilmen.

Henry listened to James’ comment about trouble and nodded the king was right but Henry wondered if she’s such a troublemaker why keep her around? “Your majesty… do you like her that much?” Henry asked to which James nodded.

“I do… I'll never admit it to her but she makes me very happy I'm not sure why though. maybe it’s the endearing personality. But she has something many noblewomen don’t.. a certain… selfless kindness. It’s hard to find that, especially in nobles” James said to which Henry nodded as he finally understood why she was different than all the others.

Henry realized that king James doesn't care about beauty, he cares about personality. Henry is known for having had many lovers but as much as the marquess didn’t want to admit it all of those lovers had shallow personalities and in the end, Henry never fell in love with any of them.

He understood why James cares about personality more than anything. James is a king he can have the most beautiful woman in the kingdom if he wanted but he knew that wouldn’t make him happy. Real happiness comes from love and friendship which is why James was so distraught when he lost his love and best friend.

“I understand your majesty. You taught me that you should never give up hope no matter what. I hope that you listen to your teachings and don’t give up hope either” Henry said as he tried to hide a small mischievous smirk as he teased the king. To which James chuckled.

You'rer getting a little rebellious Henry. Who taught you to be such a smart aleck?” James asked genuinely amused. “I learn from the best sir” Henry replied to which both men just laughed. As they continued to travel the forest.