My father's office... Mom only smiles at me before walking off. She offered what assistance she could. And knowing she'll help with the knight issue... That will help things. I didn't need Jessica involved, but that also helps matters. Learning she is stuck being crown princess while I head to Dragit because of our last mission...? That is trouble.
Mom can read emotions though.
Then... She will definitely be confident in our relationship before too long. As long as we don't ruin it. Not that I'll try to. We're just fifteen. A serious relationship can wait.
The door opens. Several people step out. I know them only so well. It seems I need to spend more time as crown prince. But the Dragit Mission where I figure out the goblins should come first. "Father?"
The king is at his desk writing. He glances to me and waves me in. "Adam?" He looks to one of the guards. "Can you ask them about that meal? I am not leaving my office any time soon."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Adam walks off.
I eye the guard a moment. Why send the guard and not the butler...? I stare at Greg just standing to the side. "Adam's not trusted?"
"Close the door tightly." Father motions to me. I do as requested. "No. He understands what he did wrong. I will make sure he loses privileges after today."
I nod. That's to be expected. Stepping over bounds is easy enough. "I have questions."
"As crown prince? Or as my son? I am accepting of Odin and the queen. You don't need to fuss over that."
"I know." I rub the back of my neck. "Odin admitted he offered to truly escape with Mom... And I..." He could do it. And Father wouldn't be able to fight it.
"I know. I probably should've made that contract up earlier than now. Instead... I just..."
"You wished you knew who your true love was." I watch him. He sighs and focuses on his paper. But the only way we know for sure is if the true love's kiss works. That's how I know Jessica is mine. But true loves aren't the only loves in the world. "I came about something else."
"I hope so." The king sits back watching me.
I fidget. "Mom said she'll help with the Warton issue. There was quite a few people on our mission who suggested them aim for Warton guards instead of the knighthood."
The king nods. "I'll assume your mother and Jessica will handle that then. She was looking for some interesting methods to teach the crown princess."
I exhale. Yeah. "So I won't make futher comment besides letting you know about it."
"That's good. And?"
I look aside. "The goblins in Dragit."
"What about them?"
"I want to make them citizens." I freeze.
The king leans back watching me at ease. "What does that mean to you?"
"I... Uh..." What does being a citizen mean? I watch the ground. How do I answer it?
"How about this?" Father stands up to walk to my side. "If they can pass the citizenship test, they can be a citizen."
"But... They were born here..." I motion to the place.
"Goblins..." Father sighs going back to his chair. "Perhaps we can give them the same allowances as citizens. If their parents have already proven them can pass the test, I can assume they will be able to as well. But, we do have a federal language. Will the goblins accept it? I will trust your judgment on the topics, Thomas. Decide how you wish to explain things. Explain why as well. Citizens gain benefits. A goblin that isn't a citizen will be unable to leave its zone safely."
I frown. "You're not against, though."
"I see no reason to be. Citizens pay taxes. This peace treaty can be turned into a settlement. If you are willing to put in the effort."
I nod. "Thanks for trusting me, Father."
"I have no reason not to. This wouldn't even be a question if you didn't get involved with the goblins. I knew something was going on, but the truth seems even more fantastical than I imagined." The king looks to Greg. "Can you help Thomas return to the knight's halls? He should focus on his skills and decide his direction."
"Wait." I don't follow Greg to the door. I focus on my father. "Do you find my actions back in Telligence problematic?"
"Do I see you as a murderer?"
I flinch over his words. I know that was my real question, but it hurts to hear him say it. "Yeah. That."
"I do not. Even if he was being wishy washy at that exact moment, we do know he tried to murder me and you. There was even a suggestion he was included in your grandfather's death. Everything seemed off back then. As if all the comments about Telligence looked accurate. For six months I was on edge, but they went more hidden."
"Okay..." I think of that moment. "I wish I had a chance to get to know my grandfather."
Father winces. "Be happy you have stories. He was paranoid. For obvious reasons, but it doesn't exclude the fact it would've made your relationship questionable. I was actually happy to see his burial. He could finally stop being paranoid."
I close my eyes thinking. The only way to no longer have any concerns is with death. Even with that I would rather live. I just may live as someone other than crown prince. But do I want Xavier to suffer with titles then? I sigh. "Thank you, Father. I will return to the halls, now. I want to train while between missions."
"And go on a real date with your crown princess."
I bite my cheek. "The most you can expect from us right now is practicing or eating together."
"How about I have Hydrangea take the two of you for a horse ride later. Outside of the city walls?"
I blink. "I won't deny that sounds nice." Hydrangea can do so. And my father has a strong relationship with her. "Why are you trying to have my date Jessica? We have no reason to rush things."
"Be friendly. You'll hate missing out on the fun times in the future." Father waves me to go.
Greg stands at the door. "Come, Your Highness."
I give my father a bow before following Greg out. I was given my answers. It seems I am being given the real task of deciding. What am I going to do with the goblins?
But it does help to know both of my parents want to deciding. I am not jumping here. I am allowed to act as the royal in charge. "Um, Greg?"
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"Can you get me the citizenship test? Several of them?"
"I can have someone send you the full packet momentarily. For now, please return to the knights."
"Thank you." I don't mind going back. I can study cross bows or see what other weapon I can learn. It would be my best use of time. Probably.