H̶e̶l̶l̶ Hail King || ONC 2021(Longlister)

XXV. Tall walls

"They are still holding Sir Katju hostage. They solicited that you pass an order in their favor and against the offenders in exchange for your cousin's freedom., my King"

Edward closed his eyes and exhaled through his mouth, perturbed to the top of his head. How dare these plebians demand anything of him? "What about negotiation? Did you send a representative from our side?"

"Of course, but they refuse to budge."

"Did they state their demands?"

"No. They are more inclined on you to decide for them."

"I see. Give me an abridgment from the beginning with key points, leaving out what you informed me about just now. Before that, when is my father coming back?"

Edward would never admit it to anyone or the man himself, but his father was his rock. Did he have to leave four days after my coronation?

"In a week's time," Renard informed. "Is there anything else, sir?"

"No. Proceed."

"Tirrorians started reaping their crops before our farmers. They were done with it and the harvesting three days earlier than us. The same night all their work was done did they begin making preparations for the burning of the field. Our farmers demanded they don't do it as their fields were adjacent to each other and were at a high risk of catching fire and burning to a crisp. For two days, Tirrorians kept the peace but on the third day, they had the legal parchment from the royal court. Unrestrained, they burnt their fields. Our farmers' crops bore the damage to their doing. The rebellion has been going on since that day."

"Legal parchment? Who approved it?"

"You did, sir."

"When? Was I made aware of the situation or simply given the paper to sign?"

"I read it for you myself, sir. You said - one day would not make a difference."

Edward distinctly remembered the day as Renard spoke his words verbatim. He was gutted because of the whole Jupiter ordeal and did his work with half a mind. Blame should not be on him; he was not a fortune teller, right? Albeit having no regrets regarding the situation, he regretted grilling his advisor in front of Jupiter. Feeling his lover's eyes bore into his skull, he tried defending himself. "So? One day does not matter. This was an uneventful event. I can only make decisions based on the present. What the future holds, none of us know. Find a way to get Katju back safely. You may leave."

As soon as Renard left, Jupiter sat up straight. "Really, Your Majesty?"

"Call me by my name."

"If you are going to act your title and above all, then I am going to act mine."

"Lower your voice, Callum is right outside."

Jupiter lowered his voice as per his request yet the emotions in his baritone were vehement. "You don't understand. They rely on their crops to have their daily needs met, to have their children fed."

"I understand, darling." He did not. "However, you too need to understand something — the Kingdom of Tirror is an ally of Pigeoda."

"Ed, they are your allies and not the kingdom's. Even if I am incorrect in calling them your allies, I am not wrong in saying that they do not hold Pigeoda's best interest at heart."

"We have been affiliates for a long long time. Our kingdoms went through thick and thin together many times."

Jupiter was royally pissed now. If possible, he would have been puffing air out of his nostrils. "Why do they have a literal wall built against their allies then?"

"Safety purpose. They cannot leave any gaps open for enemies to attack."

"Why do our side not have a wall?"

"Because Father says - we don't build walls all around us. We, as wise humans, shall leave gaps open at the places where we can get the most help from. Told me that it was a rule that all foll..." Edward trailed off and his lover gave him a meaningful stare. Not used to being the wrong one, he childishly announced — "I trust them. They are loyal to me."

Jupiter laughed humorlessly.

"You expect the king of a neighboring kingdom to be faithful to you when you are not faithful to your own people?"

Challenged, Edward glowered at him before muttering curses under his breath. A defeated sigh later, he meekly asked – "What do you want me to do?"

Jupiter smiled victoriously. His excitement was starting to scare the man in front of him a little bit. "Pass a decree that says that any help regarding food and medicine will be provided to the farmers at any time of the day. And break the treaty."

"WHAT? No. Are you crazy?"

"I am."

Edward couldn't help but smile at his words. Shaking his head, he muttered – "I cannot believe I am listening to a sentry."