The Chosen Prince Read Online Free PDF Page B

expect—country gentlemen’s spawn,shining and earnest.”
    â€œAnd the Giant of the North.”
    â€œNo, sadly, the Giant didn’t make the cut. I would so have loved for you to see him.”
    â€œShall we throw him in the trough again?”
    â€œNo, please. I’m almost dry.”
    â€œTell us the amazing thing, then—or in you go.”
    Leander cocks his head, grins wickedly: “And then there is Peles of Attaros . ”
    â€œWhat is that?”
    â€œThat is a man—or rather, a youth; I’d guess he’s sixteen, seventeen.”
    â€œBut where is Attaros? I’ve never heard of it. All the great houses, even in the—”
    â€œHe doesn’t live in a great house, Delius.”
    â€œWhere does he live, then?”
    â€œIn a hovel, you boulder-for-brains! He’s a peasant. He lives in a hovel and pushes a plow.”
    â€œNo!”
    â€œYes! Peles of Attaros is a genuine, humble peasant—a bit greasy, kind of stringy, and none too clean. But he’s in the final twelve for the festival race and you shall see him for yourselves.”
    â€œA peasant and a twelve-year-old in the very same year—that’s too amazing! It’ll go down in the records.”
    â€œ Two twelve-year-olds,” Leander says. “Don’t forget Alexos.”
    â€œOh, right—and a prince, too!”
    â€œIs he fast?”
    â€œWho?”
    â€œThe plowboy.”
    â€œWell, of course he’s fast, you thick-wit. I don’t know why I even talk to you people.”
    The afternoon slides away; the shadows of the buildings creep slowly out onto the empty track and the training yard. As the sun sinks, the wind drops. In an hour or so the day will settle into the thick, oppressive stillness of summer nights.
    The boys have worn themselves out in their revelry. They have said everything witty or rude they can think of, and soon they will be expected back at their fathers’ houses. They stretch and yawn. There are little silences. The party is breaking up. Alexos, who has said next to nothing all this time, now clears his throat to get their attention.
    â€œMay I say something?” He glances from face to face, as if this were an actual question, as in: Did he have their permission to speak?
    They are stunned. These boys might be rowdy in a school yard setting, but all are sons of great families; they have good manners when they choose to use them, and a thorough knowledge of court protocol. And for the crown prince of Arcos to ask theirpermission for anything is so surprising that for a moment they do not answer. Then there follows a chorus of polite voices: “Of course, of course!”
    â€œThank you,” Alexos begins. “I have wanted to explain to you about the decision to race for the laurel crown, but I could never quite find the right time or the right words. It seems appropriate now, and it will make me feel better.” He pauses, marshaling his thoughts. “I never wanted—and still do not want—to run in the festival race. But my father insisted. It was also his decision that I not run in the trials, but be given an automatic place. I spoke strongly against both decisions and was overruled. I tell you this with his permission, by the way. And I tell you because I can’t bear any longer for you to think less of me than I deserve.
    â€œI also wish you to understand that I am quite aware of the difference between me and Leander—and I don’t mean that I am a prince and he is not.”
    This draws a laugh and Alexos is encouraged.
    â€œThe difference is that he won his place fairly, while I was given mine. I am in awe of that, Leander. And envious, too. However things turn out at the festival race, you will long be remembered for what you’ve already accomplished, what you earned by your own merit. I am honored to race at your side.”
    There is a brief silence while everyone waits