The King's Decision
My father walked back into the castle. Nathan walked Lady Amelia back to her house. I was about to take Isabel’s hand in mine when a page rushed out to me.
“Your Highness, your father wishes to speak with you.”
“He has called an emergency council meeting.”
"I will go at once."
I glanced at Isabel, offering an apologetic smile. She returned it gently before heading toward the gardens. With a sigh, I made my way to the throne room. Inside, my mother and the council were already seated around the grand table. My father’s piercing gaze greeted me as I took my seat. The council members shifted uneasily, clearly anticipating the king's judgment. My father's voice sliced through the silence, sharp and commanding.
"Now that we are all here, let the meeting begin.”
"Today, one of our oldest lords was humiliated in public, and we cannot tolerate such ignorance festering in our kingdom."
I glanced at my mother. Her composed expression was a warning not to speak out of turn. My surprise grew when Lord Matthew, Nathan’s father, was led into the room. He bowed low, his posture exuding both respect and tension.
"Your Majesty," Lord Matthew began, his voice steady but taut, "I am humbled to be in your presence."
My father’s gaze grew colder.
"Lord Matthew, your son has caused considerable trouble since he arrived at court," my father stated, his voice firm.
"You assured me he would not be a problem."
Lord Matthew’s face tightened as he straightened.
"Your Majesty, the boy is clumsy, yes, but he means no harm."
"Clumsy?"
My father's patience was wearing thin.
"With the amount of money I have spent on him, I would expect better."
Lord Matthew's desperation flickered, though he tried to maintain his composure.
"Your Majesty, I assure you, your investment was not in vain."
The king's expression darkened.
"He has insulted some of the kingdom's finest leaders.”
“His behavior last night was appalling."
Lord Matthew’s face flushed with anger, his previous humility giving way to fierce protectiveness.
"He was defending a young girl’s honor, Your Majesty," Lord Matthew declared, his voice rising in conviction.
"I believe you would have done the same for your queen."
My father’s eyes narrowed, cutting through the growing tension with a sharp warning.
"Matthew, you are overstepping," he said coldly.
Lord Matthew did not back down. Instead, he stepped forward, his defiance plain for all to see.
"Your Majesty, I will speak freely," he said, his voice strong but laden with emotion.
"My son is no different from yours.”
“He made a mistake, but he stood by it.”
“Surely, you remember a time when you were his age, and not so princely yourself."
Gasps rippled through the council. My father’s face flushed crimson with anger.
"Lord Matthew, you forget your place," my father growled, his voice dangerously low.
"This is my court, and you will respect it.”
“Tread carefully if you wish to have your request granted."
Every gaze fixed on Lord Matthew.
"I understand the gravity of my words, Your Majesty," Lord Matthew said.
"I speak as a father, defending his son.”
“Nathan acted from a sense of justice, not malice."
Lord Matthew continued, his tone shifting to one of cautious hope.
"Lady Amelia has accepted his claim to her hand," Lord Matthew said.
"I humbly request that you lift my wife’s sentence, if only temporarily, so she can attend their wedding."
A murmur of uncertainty passed through the council. I caught my mother’s eyes, her hand covering her mouth in silent protest. My father’s gaze remained icy as he weighed the request. Finally, he raised his hand, signaling for silence.
"I will grant this request," he said, his voice carrying the weight of finality.
"You will bring your wife here for the wedding.”
“After the ceremony, you and your family will no longer be welcome in my kingdom."
The words struck with the force of a decree. Lord Matthew bowed deeply, his face a mixture of relief and sorrow as he accepted the king’s judgment.
"This court is dismissed," my father announced.
"Adeline, Andrew you are to stay behind."
The courtiers and council members filed out. Whispers filled the air like the faint rustle of leaves. I exchanged a worried glance with my mother, who remained seated beside me, her expression carefully controlled. Once the room emptied, my father’s gaze softened, though only slightly. He looked between us, a flicker of weariness breaking through his hardened demeanor.
"Adeline, Andrew," he began, his voice lowering.
"There are matters we need to discuss regarding the future of this kingdom."
Mother nodded, her posture unshaken, while I leaned in.
"Today’s decision was not made lightly," he continued, eyes locking with mine.
"The kingdom must remain stable, and sometimes stability requires difficult choices.”
“Lord Matthew and his family jeopardized that."
Mother stepped forward, her voice laced with concern.
"Alexander, Cecelia will not leave quietly.”
“She still harbors ambitions for the crown."
My father raised his hand, silencing her.
"I am aware, Adeline.”
“I will deal with Cecelia.”
“We cannot let her disrupt the kingdom."
"Alexander," my mother’s voice grew more urgent, "you must take precautions.”
“Cecelia's return could incite unrest."
My father cut her off, his tone final.
"Adeline, my decision is made."
“I cannot afford to have you question my commands.”
“You were the one that wanted to let the boy prove himself before he was judged.”
“Cecelia as his mother should be allowed to see her only son's wedding.”
Silence fell over the room, the flicker of firelight casting shadows across my mother’s face as her composure slipped for a brief moment. She straightened quickly, her resignation clear, though her worry lingered in her eyes.
"I will support your decision, Alexander," she said quietly.
"We must be vigilant."
“We cannot afford divisions within our ranks.”
He nodded, acknowledging her words.
"We shall.”
“Now, let us prepare for the wedding."
“The sooner the wedding is over the sooner we get rid of these unfortunate complications.”
“We must put on our regal façade and act happy.”