23⁰ Conflicts part 1

Winter Kingdom

Cassian

After that kiss I can't get her out of my head. What the hell! I've never been like this for any woman, I'm looking like a fool in love, something I'm not, even more so being a married man and having two kingdoms to rule. A romance with another woman being a queen and of the kingdom where there had already been disagreements, would be a headache where they were summed up: in war, death, destruction and losses! That was out of the question, I will not be remembered for a war where they only brought misery to my kingdom. A king who put his people to war over a woman! By doing this I would be being worse than Arthur.

Besides, I have no time for anything. I come out of my thoughts when I hear my name being called, there was no peace in this place.

- Your Majesty, what do you think? - asked one of the councilors.

I was in a meeting and didn't even realize it, my thoughts got so deeply involved that I forgot where I was. I sighed, annoyed with myself for not paying attention.

- Of what? - I snapped back at him, not knowing what he was talking about, and was met with disgruntled looks.

- I can't believe you weren't paying attention at the meeting! You're the king now.

Turning to me, Arthur stared at me with satisfaction; why he was like that I don't know. He was the only one who still thought he was king. I have tried to put him in his place, but he never learns, he is always looking for something to diminish me in front of everyone.

The meeting is about how the kingdom is under my command since now the kingdom has a new king, all the elders are here to solve some problems that have not yet been solved because they are too important.

- All of you. I apologize for my lack of politeness. It's just that my head is full of so many things... Nevertheless, tell me again about what you were dealing with, please. I will give my opinion about it. - I return to my lack of etiquette.

- I knew you were not ready to be king! If you continue like this you will end up bankrupting my kingdom! Since you are all here, I would like to propose that the kingdoms come back under my orders. It will be the best for everyone. You know that

to rule is difficult; especially two kingdoms together. And when my son becomes a father, I would give the throne back to him. What do you think? - was what Arthur suggested to them.

I can't believe I just heard that. Everyone in the room became quiet and looked at each other. I can't believe the possibility that they are thinking about supporting him. They can only be crazy, all of them.

- His time in government is over. And by right the kingdom is now mine, I will not cease to rule these lands. I hope that your silence does not mean that you are thinking about the proposal, because such a move could be seen as a breach that is likely to lead to betrayal by anyone here. However, I am so benevolent that I don't want anyone to be sentenced to the gallows. -he said.

-Your Majesty is right. These lands are yours by right, and no one can take them away. If Your Majesty is in difficulty, we are here to help you, since that is our job. And Sir Arthur, you were once a king. Now it is your son's turn, and since you are experienced, you must help him. - said the eldest of the councilors.

- I don't accept this! He will end up destroying this entire kingdom because he is just an arrogant boy who doesn't know anything, much less how to rule! - Arthur was outraged, I should have known he would not accept so easily to hand over the kingdom to me, he worships... power!

I didn't wait for him to continue: I got up to leave the room before he did something I would regret. I'm holding on in time.

- Where do you think you're going? We're not finished here yet," he said.

- But I'm done here. I have more important things to take care of. - I communicated, losing patience with him.

Before I could actually leave, Arthur grabbed my arm:

- Come back here! And respect me, because I'm still your father," he said, rising from his chair.

I let go of his grip. And when I least expected it, he punched me. I couldn't believe he had the courage to do that. With all the anger I had, I flew at him with another punch, which made him fall to the ground, taking me with him into a fight that ended with the guards separating us.

-Never touch me again because I'm not that little boy you used to beat up taking out your anger! I'm a big boy now and I can defend myself! - I said with my face flushed with anger, "He'll never touch me again.

-And he'll do it again, I'm your father," he said, as if he really wanted to be my father.

- You were never my real father, doing is easy, but caring and giving affection to your son you never did, that role, so don't tell me you are my father. You were just my parent nothing more. - turning my back.

I got out of there as fast as I could, I was feeling suffocated in this castle, here could even be the place where I was born and grew up, but it couldn't be called home, because home is a place where the person feels safe, where he can rest. But here is the opposite, if I could I would no longer live under the same roof as Arthur.

I went straight to the stable to get my horse, I want to forget for a second who I am, the weight I have to carry on my back, and it seems strong all the time, it unloads me so much that I can only think of running away.

-Here, sir," says the horse servant, handing over mine.

Without saying anything, I climbed on to the place where I was getting peace; I went out riding at a speed that many would say is dangerous, but for me it was a feeling of freedom and peace, in less than 20 minutes I had arrived, I walked under the tree and sat down.

- Ah, my mother! If you only knew how difficult my life has been without you here with me! Why did you leave me alone? - I spoke with my eyes full of tears, I couldn't hold back my tears, I cried without caring that I looked weak. I was tired of showing strength, without really possessing it, showing direction if I myself was lost without a destination that pleased me.

My mother was the only one who loved me the way I still love her, because she was the one who always gave me peace and security. I kept thinking about what my life would be like from now on. I was tormented with so many thoughts in my head that I couldn't sleep.