Royal Advice

A Page entered the study of the King of Mercia. He bowed, “Your Majesty, you have a visitor.” “Send them in.” the King responded, looking up from his papers. The Page motioned for the visitor to walk through the door. An older man walked through and the Page left, closing the door behind him. “Fenris Loken, it has been too long,” the King stood and rounded his desk to greet his friend. “How long has it been.” He questioned. “Nearly ten years, my old friend.” The men shook hands. “Has it really been that long?” the King asked. “Yes, it has. I have been serving my King and defending my country and I have a twelve-year-old daughter. She is brilliant and actually why I have asked to speak with you.” Fenris answered. “They grow up so fast. The last we spoke; you never mentioned a daughter. What is it that you need?” The King asked. “ I know, she was so young, and I have tried to keep her from Court. She is a very reserved but trusting girl. I know that she will be easily led by those who would use her to further their own agendas.” Fenris explained. “I understand. I have done my best to protect my own precious daughter. She is my pearl, and I would do anything to keep her from suffering at the hands of those with darker intentions. What is it that brings you here today.” The King inquired. “I know that I have no rights to ask for favors but I have been called back to the front lines. The Hoards are threatening invasion of Alcantara, and King Maximo needs me to keep them out. I cannot take Rosalina with me. With her mother gone I cannot leave her home alone.” the General explained. “She is old enough to take care of the household in your absence.” Edmund suggested. “She is old enough and more than capable, but I cannot expect that of her again.” Fenris said. “What do you mean 'again'?” Edmund questioned. “When Rosalina was just eight years old, she watched her mother die in childbirth. My wife had just given birth to my son, Finn. I was away and Rosalina had taken on the responsibility of caring for her brother and the household. When Aracelia died Rosalina tried to become a mother to Finn and to take on the responsibilities as lady of the house but was so young and unprepared.

When he was two years old Finn got sick and died. She blames herself and says that she should have done more to protect him. I keep telling her that it was not her fault and that there was nothing more she could do. She was just a child taking on more that she should have. I do not want her to have to take on more than she must before she is ready. I would feel even better if she was in a place where I know she was safe and well taken care of. She is all I have left in this world.” Fenris explained. “I understand she has been through much and she should have the opportunity to learn how to take care of a home and family. With no mother to teach her it will be a hard life for her. What do you think of her living in the palace?” Edmund asked. “I do not know how I feel about that. I never really considered her living in a palace. What did you have in mind/” Fenris questioned. “We could place her in the Queen's household as a lady in waiting. She can live here and learn from the Queen and the other ladies. And you will not have to worry about her safety because I will personally watch out for her, and I am sure that the Queen will care for her as her own.” Edmund suggested. “Are you sure, Your Majesty?” Fenris looked unsure. “Yes, I am sure, and I think that it will be an important opportunity for her to learn and to make connections within court.” Edmund answered. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Fenris said shaking the King's hand. “You are welcome, old friend. Bring her here tomorrow to meet the Queen.” Edmund said. Fenris bowed and left the study.

The King returned to his papers. He finished the new laws that he had been working on and his plans for Josephina and their future. He put the papers away and put the books back on the shelf. He left his study, running into his best friend along the way. “Edric, how do you fare today?” he asked. “I am well, M’Lord. How do you fare?” Edric responded. “I am not as well as I should be.” The King admitted. “Still considering leaving the Queen?” Edric questioned. “You know, as well as I do, my marriage is unlawful before god. I cannot continue to lay with my brother’s wife.” The King replied. “Your Majesty, the Queen has been loyal and loves you deeply. I remember when you returned how you confessed your undying love for her and lamented how your brother was being handed such a jewel. Did you not say that she loved you as well? I doubt she ever loved your brother. And that is all that matters in a marriage.” Edric explained. “Love is not the law of God. Love is not enough to not commit a crime against God by taking my brother’s wife as my own.” The King got frustrated. “You swore that she should be your wife not James’. You swore to God that she was supposed to be your wife. Before God, you vowed to be her husband. You married her before the papers were signed. She is your wife and you her only husband.” Edric stated and walked away. The King was angry at his friend and refused to change his course. He knew that he has angered God and was being punished by not being given the son that he needed to continue his dynasty. He continued his journey to the Queen’s apartments.

The guards allowed him to enter the apartments. In the dining room the ladies-maids were preparing the evening meal for the Queen. The King cleared his throat and the ladies gasped and turned. They bowed to the King. “My I join you?” he requested. “Of course, your Majesty. You are always welcome at my table.” The queen responded. The maids provided a plate and utensils for the newcomer. The Queen seemed happy to see her husband. After the previous meeting between the two, the ladies were not sure that they would see the king here for a meal again. The couple sat at the table and started to eat. “How are you faring today?” he asked. “Not well.” She responded. “What ails you?” he questioned. The Queen looked at him wondering what he could be thinking. He obviously didn’t believe she should be upset. “Nothing.” She responded. She felt it better not to start a fight. “How are you faring, M’Lord?” she asked. “I am well. I have just finished a few new laws and had a successful hunt yesterday.” He responded. “What of Lady Ivrea?” The Queen asked before she could stop herself. “I do not wish to discuss her at this time.” He glared at her. She rolled her eyes and looked away. “I have come to tell you that your new ladies-maid should be arriving sometime today.” He announced, ignoring her eye roll. “I can’t believe that you would place another lady in my household without talking to me first.” She complained. “I am the King; I will appoint anyone to any position I see fit.” He responded angerly. “Just another lie you told me.” She whispered. “What is that supposed to mean?” he questioned. “You promised to love me for the rest of our lives, that didn’t last. You promised to rule this country with me, I haven’t been privy to any information concerning “our” kingdom in years. You promised that my household was mine to manage. You said that I would choose who was to be in my household. Just another promise broken.” She explained. “This is MY kingdom, and I will rule it as I see fit. You are not my true wife and therefore you have no power here.” He yelled and stormed out. Rosette’s eyes grew and tears fell once more.

The tears were a mixture of heartbreak and mostly anger. She had never imagined her beloved husband could be so heartless and cruel. she was so angry he would force her to accept a new lady that he wanted there so much. This made her think that it was just another whore for him to bed. She decided that if she had any say in the matter the woman would not last long.