Chapter 303: Family Night
“Stop minimizing your accomplishments, Michael,” Prince Stephen said, disapprovingly. He turned to Ted and smiled. “He’s actually shown quite a flair for economic policy, and has taken a very creative approach to job creation that is truly making a difference along the north coast, where the fishing industry is waning.”
“I’d heard something about that,” Ted said, nodding. “Since global warming has impacted fishing yields, Weston has been shifting labor toward offshore wind farming to bolster the energy sector.”
“Well, it seemed logical,” Michael said, humbly.
“Not just logical, but brilliant,” Stephen said, proudly. “Killed two birds with one stone, since additional energy production is our number one goal to help expand Weston’s economy.”
“Then it seems you’re better at princing than you seem to think you are,” Ted joked to his stepbrother.
“He certainly is,” Stephen said, ignoring the hated phrase his two sons had been tossing about since childhood. “Michael’s problem is self-confidence, not ability.”
“Teddy!” Stephanie cried as she and her husband entered the room, shifting the family’s attention away from a grateful Michael. “I didn’t realize you were in town. No wonder father was so insistent we come.”
Ted kissed his sister’s cheek as everyone greeted one another.
“You’re looking well,” Stephanie said, taking a seat. “Obviously, the posting in Torenth has been good for you.”
“I could say the same about both of you,” Ted replied. “I hear you’re representing the family well. But then you’ve always been quite good at smiling and waving.”
“If that was all there was to it, we’d all be successful, wouldn’t we?” Michael said, shaking his head.
“Oh, stop feeling sorry for yourself, little brother,” Stephanie said. “So you froze up at a dinner. Even I dislike giving speeches like that, so stop beating yourself up and just move forward.”
“That’s exactly what I told him,” Teddy said.
Sensing Michael’s discomfort, Jessica stepped in.
“Why don’t we talk about something else?” she suggested, nodding at the grateful look Michael gave her. “Teddy? I’m sure we’d all like to hear about your time in Torenth.”
“Well, there’s not that much to tell, really,” Teddy said. “I spend most of my time at the embassy, but I’ve done a bit of sightseeing. Torenth is lovely, but it’s certainly not home.”
“Have you met the imperial family?” Stephanie asked.
“Only once,” Ted replied. “At the Torenthian Museum of Natural History. The emperor and empress were honorary chairpersons of the annual fundraiser. The emperor and I chatted for several minutes. He seems a decent sort.”
“He is,” Stephen replied. “A bit stuffy, but it runs in the family.”
“What are your plans?” Stephanie asked. “Will you be here for a while?”
“Only a few days,” Ted said. “But I want to spend some time with friends. Michael and I are meeting Freddy and Brent for drinks later tonight.”
Stephen stood.
“Well, just don’t forget your responsibilities, son,” he told Michael. “We’re meeting with the labor delegation from Grenville Bay tomorrow morning bright and early.”
“Can’t you handle that on your own, dad?” Michael asked.
“That’s not the point and you know it,” Stephen said. “I’m trying to prepare you for the throne, Michael. It’s not a responsibility you can fulfill only when it’s convenient.”
Jessica stood and spoke softly to her husband.
“Michael has been very diligent in his duties, and you know that,” she said, softly. “I think he’s earned a bit of time off, don’t you?”
“Very well, then,” the prince said with a sigh. “Consider yourself on vacation until Teddy returns to Torenth. But I’ll expect you to redouble your efforts when that happens.”
“I will, father,” Michael said, smiling. “I promise.”
Bixby entered quietly.
“Dinner is served, your royal highness,” he said.
CHAPTER 1 | BEGINNING OF PART 4 | PREV | NEXT
Continent of Oceana | History of Weston | History of Corwyn | History of Torenth | History of Allycia
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 303
Sokka speaks with Omashu's Enforcers, intent on convincing them to join him in retaking Omashu. In a bid of desperation, Aang resorts to airbending to defend his allies, but even that cannot fully secure a victory over the Fire Nation defenses in Omashu's central square.
Upon riding the chute system, Sokka will come across a new threat: a former gladiator from the Superior League. In the heights of Omashu, Toph and Jet's bid for victory, as well as to release Bumi from his inhumane imprisonment, proves to be a challenge that even the powerful Blind Bandit struggles to overcome...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
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