rpg_palace | Marcus gets another job offer. (Reply)

The secretary looked up at the sound of the discreet chime and got to his feet. He walked over and stood in front of Marcus, coughing to get his attention. "You may go in now." he said. "Follow me."

He pushed open the oak door and held it, indicating that Marcus should precede him before once again clearing his throat and saying, "Mr. Schenkenburg, Your Highness."

Marton looked up from the papers on his desk and smiled at the handsome young man in the doorway. He appeared somewhat nervous, yet composed. Should do fine, Marton thought, getting to his feet and coming around the side of the desk with his hand extended. "Marcus, isn't it?" he said, shaking the proffered hand. "Please, take a seat."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Marcus gave a quick bow, than sat down. He glanced around and tried not to fidget. "I have to say I was a little surprised when I received the email. I had heard Prince Craig was going to be gone for some time, and I was wondering what I was to do in the meantime." He smiled, wondering again if 'reassignment' meant being sent back to wait for another position to open elsewhere.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about." Marton sat on the edge of the desk and looked down at the young man in the chair. "We can't have you languishing around with nothing to do." he joked. "And as we have no clear idea of when Craig will be back, we've decided that, if you approve, we can reassign you to a similar position. How does that sound?"

"I would love that, Your Majesty, thank you. I have been in Legal for the past few years, but if you've read my file I'm sure you've seen that my training is in a wide range of fields. And," he ducked his head, "it's not generally listed, but I have a photographic memory. So I can learn anything new rather quickly."

"Oh? That's rather interesting. Not to mention useful." Marton folded his arms, smiling. "I'm sure you've heard or read the anouncement. Prince Christian is now designated Crown Prince, Heir to the Caleran throne and will naturally be in need of his own secretary. Managing appointments and suchlike, beginning immediately. Interested?"

Marcus's mouth fell open. "Prince Christian? You want me to be his...I mean his secretary? His personal secretary?" His mind flew back to their meeting in Prince Craig's office.

"That was rather what I thought I said, yes." Marton chuckled. "Understand, of course, that the duties at first will be fairly light. But they'll grow as his role does, of course. Mainly, I imagine, you'll start off with fielding phone calls, taking requests and booking the appointments which he approves. Not too difficult, unless he gets stubborn, of course." Marton grinned at the idea. "Later on, if you stay, if he doesn't drive you insane, you'll most likely end up organizing his entire life. Rather like my secretary does mine."

Marcus couldn't help his smile. "Your Majesty, if His Highness would have me, I would be honored to work for him. For as long as he would like."

"Oh, he would." Marton got to his feet. "In fact, he has. There's a small office adjacent to this one which will be refitted as his and you will share the outer office with my secretary. Maintenance will be installing partitions and office equipment this afternoon." He waited while Marcus got to his feet and offered his hand again. "Shall we say your duties begin tomorrow morning?" he asked. "Lucius can help you get settled then. Welcome aboard."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I look forward to working with His Highness. And tomorrow morning would be fine. Thank you again." Marcus gave another bow. "And thank you for doing me the honor of asking me yourself. But you must be busy so I'll get out of your way."

Marton walked with Marcus to the door and stuck his head out past him. "Lucius." he called. The tall, thin, imperious-looking secretary got to his feet, his manner as immaculate and correct as his clothes. "Marcus has accepted our offer and will start in the morning." he told him. "Show him around and how everything works, will you?" Lucius nodded and gave Marcus a polite smile. "Welcome." he said. Marton turned to Marcus and shook his hand in farewell. "Look forward to working with you, Marcus." he said. "See you tomorrow."