Should someone have?
It's tradition. Under the circumstances of your upbringing, you've turned out much better than I could have hoped for. You carry yourself well, are brave, honorable, and loyal, all traits necessary for a good king. But I fear you came to these traits of your own will, therefore you'll always look at them through your own perspective. I must teach what no nobleman took the time to impart.
Achan steeled himself against whatever flaw concerned Sir Caleb, thankful the conversation would be silent between the two of them. Say what you must then.
When a boy becomes a page-with hopes of someday becoming a knight-he begins certain trainings. Aye, he learns to fight, but he also learns a code of conduct, for a knight is sworn to protect the weak and defenseless. Should a man accept this path, he must eat, sleep, and breathe loyalty, courage, and honor.
Exactly why Achan had craved knighthood.
Many knights ignore this and seek instead to exalt themselves through sport of tournament, philandering, exploits at war. But true knighthood isn't about exalting the knight. It's about the knight becoming a servant to his people. As king, you're to be the knight of all knights. Nobility is not a birthright. It's defined by one's actions. You've seen firsthand how Esek behaved in this position. You're nothing like him, yet it's easy for a man who suddenly gains fame and fortune to stumble. And the higher a man is exalted, the farther he has to fall. I seek only to help you navigate the righteous road ahead.
None of this surprised Achan. Very well. What must I know?
Now that you're a man, and a prince, you must not trust only your heart in matters of right and wrong. A man's heart is deceitful above all things. Your own heart will betray you if you don't guard it wisely.
That seemed a bit farfetched. But Sir Caleb hadn't known Achan very long. Maybe he feared Achan would start behaving like Esek. How do I guard myself?
My best advice is to wait on Arman in all matters.
What if he doesn't answer? He's a little spotty on the advice.
He always answers, my boy. Many times, the answer is simply no. But men complicate matters because they listen to their heart more than to Arman. Your ability to honor Arman and obey his will for your life and Er'Rets is what will set you apart as a good or bad king. Remember, his ways are not man's ways and are often confusing, especially when a man's heart is convinced something is right.
So how did I err in speaking with the peasant girl?
You played with her heart.
Did I? How?
Sir Caleb paused a long moment. Arman has created men and women differently.
And I thank him for it.
There's more to it than outward appearance. Our hearts are different. Women are more attentive to words and feelings than men. Aye, there's always an exception, but this is a general rule. When you speak fondly to a young woman, even if you're only being polite, she may conclude you're interested in her romantically. So you must choose your words and actions carefully in order to honor-but not mislead-each woman you meet. You want to leave them better off from having encountered you, not worse.
How could I have left her worse? She seemed to like the compliment I paid her.
You are the Crown Prince. Women will love you for that alone. You must be kind and courteous without encouraging their hearts to attach. And you must never take advantage of their eagerness to please you. If you indulge them, they'll only become more attached. The more attached, the more devastated they'll be when you don't make them your queen.
Achan huffed a dry laugh. I didn't think I got to choose my queen.
Your Highness, please. Do not take this lightly. This charm you have is a power you must not abuse.
Achan sighed. Then what would've been the proper way to respond to the young lady?
Your words were a bit inflated but would have been acceptable had you not kissed her hand. Only kiss a hand offered, which no peasant should do. Hand kissing originated as a sign of fealty, man to man, as in the kissing of a signet ring. Nowadays a lady might offer her hand in greeting, but only if her social status is equal to yours. For you to take a woman's hand when it's not offered signifies personal interest on your part. Remember, the greater the capacity for pleasure, the greater the capacity for pain. For the sake of Er'Rets, you must not be naive to temptations that could tarnish your name, your calling, and your future family.
Achan closed his eyes. His body swayed from side to side from the horse's movement. I do not relish my birthright. I'm terrified of ruling anyone, let alone all Er'Rets. I don't intend on doing anything rash and am thankful you're here to keep me from humiliating myself.
Ah, but it's the very things a man never intends to do that sneak up and ensnare him. I'll do all I can to keep you safe, but I pray you won't forget Arman is with you always and is your foremost advisor.
Sir Caleb went on to describe more etiquette regarding women of different classes. Then he added, to Achan's chagrin, another lecture on what kind of woman Achan could marry, as if he had forgotten. This only set Achan's sights on Lady Tara more, despite Sir Caleb's claim she wasn't prominent enough.
"Sir Caleb," Sparrow's audible voice startled Achan, "when might we practice sword fighting again?"
"When next we stop," Sir Caleb said. "And as you are nearing fifteen, we should be working to promote you to Achan's squire. To be officially declared a squire, you must go on a hunt. Darkness is not ideal for game. We could make an exception, allow you to hunt a gowzal."
"But I do not know how to hunt a gowzal." Sparrow's small voice made Achan smile.
"I'll teach you," Sir Caleb said.
Achan twisted around in his saddle, despite not being able to see. "No one taught me. Sir Gavin dropped me off in the forest with a knife and told me to walk back." Not that Achan had hunted fairly. He'd used his bloodvoice on the doe.
"We cannot use your training as a guide," Sir Caleb said. "Sir Gavin was…out of his element."
"How will I hunt what I cannot see?" Sparrow asked.
Sir Caleb hummed. "Setting a snare might work best."
Achan closed his eyes, seizing the moment to look in on Gren now that Sparrow had distracted Sir Caleb from his lectures on propriety. He found her walking in a forest-a field. Her gaze traveled over deep, green vines, past a cluster of tiny grapes, and back along the vines. A vineyard. The sun shone high in the pale blue sky. Achan's heart beat faster at the sight of such beauty and warmth on his skin, Gren's skin.
Gren laughed and the sound seemed to grab Achan's heart and squeeze.
It must have died. Gren glanced at the young man walking beside her. Bran Rennan. Achan would recognize that sunburned face anywhere. Bran stood only slightly taller than Gren. He had sandy brown hair and a wide smile, which he flashed at Gren, seeming pleased to have made her laugh.
On the contrary, madam. My Averella is quite the experimentalist. She rarely fails altogether. The duchess harvested her hybrid vines last season and had a special bottle of wine made for our wedding day.
That's so romantic. How long has she been gone?
It's been nearly nine months since last I saw her. We took a walk here in the vineyard, then I left Zerah Rock with Sir Rigil. When I returned, her mother told me she'd gone into hiding.