Toddy: Emperor of America

Chapter 10

The next few weeks passed. Toddy did all he could to rule both Ireland and America.

"Toddy, please go to bed. You look so tired," Hil sighed.

"This is so hard."

"What is?"

"Ruling so much land."

"Toddy, you've had your fun. You became emperor. Why don't you just step down?"

"Hil, I can't do that. That's the quickest way to anarchy."

"But how long can you do this until you crack, or someone starts to oppose you."

"I don't know, Hil."

"What are you not telling me?"

Toddy sighed but didn't answer.

"Toddy, you'd better tell me right now."

"I'm moving to Ireland. I'm leaving you and Oliver to lead America. You will report to me, but rule mainly how you see fit."

"Toddy!"

"Hil, going to Ireland has been a dream of mine since we were kids. You know that."

"Yeah, so take a long vacation. You don't have to rule. Greed has been the downfall of many dictators, just be careful."

"I will."

"I know. I'm gonna go find Oliver."

"Okay, goodnight."

"Night."

After leaving the throne room, Hil just stood in the hallway. She banged her head on the wall for a minute trying to get control of her emotions. Finally, she went to Oliver's room.

"Greetings, Duchess," the guard smiled.

"May I enter?"

"I will ask."

She wasn't waiting long.

"You may go in."

"Thank you."

Oliver sat on his bed reading.

"Hello, beautiful."

"Hey, Ollie."

"What's wrong?"

She sat on the bed beside him.

"Toddy's leaving. He wants to rule Ireland, and leave us in charge of America.

"I know. He talked to me this morning."

"I will rule, but I want to get our people ready for Presidents and the Constitution. Get America back on its feet again."

"That's fine with me."

"Good."

* * *

Emperor Toddy placed his seal on the law. Prince Oliver and Duchess Hil were now to rule America. Toddy was to leave for Ireland at the end of the week. No one at the palace wanted him to leave. Too soon, the week passed. His belongings were all packed and loaded onto ships.

"I'm going to miss you guys," Toddy said standing near the ship.

"We're gonna miss you too," Oliver returned.

The two friends hugged then Toddy turned to a crying Hil.

"The last time you left me, I was imprisoned for forever."

"Nothing is gonna happen to you. Craig and Josh are leading the army. They will protect you."

"I know. Do you have to go?"

"I will not be happy until I do."

"Then go, but come back soon."

"I will."

He hugged her then boarded the ship.

"Come on, Hil."

Oliver put his arm around her and led her to the palace.

Toddy watched them go then turned to the front of the ship toward Ireland. It didn't take long for him to reach the palace. He entered with an air of authority about him. Excitement filled his body. All his dreams were being answered. It seemed time flew for Toddy. He was always doing something. He explored the Green Isle often. After being there for a few months, he learned that Oliver and Hil had given up their power and were turning America back over to the people. A new President had been elected and the Constitution was reinstated. He wasn't angry at his friends, but he was sad. Apparently, news reached the people of Ireland as well. Unrest ran rampant in the people. Claire, he assumed, was behind much of it. One day, it peaked and the palace was attacked. Toddy was imprisoned and Claire was put as president. After much debating and pleading, Toddy was released to America. When his ship landed, many people were there to greet him. Cheers rose from young and old. His people still loved him here.

"Toddy!"

He scanned the crowd trying to find the voice. To his right, Hil, Oliver, Craig, Jecca, and Josh stood waving. It was then that Toddy realized what was truly important to him. He loved being emperor, but those people were the ones that truly mattered. Who cared that he had been a ruler? They were the ones that had stood by him no matter what. A subtle form of regret crept into Toddy. Out of foolishness, he had put all of them in danger. His greed had almost cost him his life.

Toddy ran to his friends.

"I love you guys so much."

"We missed you, Toddy," Oliver said.

"I was so worried," Hil cried.

"I'm so sorry for everything I put you through."

"Don't worry about it."

After five years, the friends returned home for the first time. Their childhood was over, but their friendship would last a lifetime...maybe even longer.

* * *

An eighteen-year-old Toddy closed the book. Hil sat beside him on the playground.

"Well, Hil, I think this is your best story yet."

"Of course, you think that, dingbat, it was about you. I wish you could really live your dream and become emperor, but I'd miss you too much," she smiled.

"Yeah, there was one thing wrong with the story though."

"What was that?"

"There's no way I'd make you duchess."