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CHAPTER FOUR

  THE NEW PRINCE

  Several seconds of silence followed the stranger's claim. Instead of the rage that Toby expected, the king went white and his mouth sagged open in surprise.

  “Morgain?” he asked in a whisper.

  “I have not seen my mother for some time but she told me of my birthright.” He smiled briefly at Prince Rory before adding. “Which I have come to claim.”

  “Surely you're not going to believe this madman, father?” Prince Rory jumped to his feet.

  Toby leaned forward in his seat. He had heard tales, stories of a long lost son. It was said that a woman had lived at the castle before Queen Lisan and that she and the king had a son. She disappeared one day, along with the king’s first-born, never to be seen again.

  “Blaise?” The king seemed to have lost his wits as he just looked at the man, completely ignoring Prince Rory.

  “Correct,” he replied and bowed low again.

  Vern edged forward and coughed loudly.

  “Your Majesty!” Vern spoke loudly when he was ignored.

  “Yes, what is it?” King Herat looked annoyed at the interruption.

  “Don't you think we should clear the court?” Vern indicated the rapt audience who had seen far more than they ever expected to.

  It was done immediately. Toby and Marc paused outside the door to see if they could hear anything more, but it was too thick to allow sound to travel through so they wandered off.

  As they walked back to their room a portrait on the wall caught Toby’s eye. He moved closer and let out a gasp of surprise. The portrait was of the king in his youth and it was as if he were looking at a picture of Blaise. Prince Blaise, he corrected himself. No wonder the king didn't hesitate to believe his claim. This could stir up all sorts of trouble, especially with the queen!

  By the time Toby got back to the kitchen the only subject being discussed was the new prince. Having been present during the whole thing made Toby very popular with everyone, except Max.