To Bend The Knee

SETTING: After winning the trial against her father, Maximilian Calypse is urged to divorce her husband, Riftan Calypse, in order to ensure her power over the Duke of Croix's property. Miscommunication, fluff, gratuitous intercourse, and angst ensue.

"You two need to get a divorce."

Maximillian remembers a time, long ago, where she realized she never wanted to be a Croix again. It took a while for her to realize how much she hated the noble name. Her father had always made it seem as if she was unworthy of it, the word "Croix" not befitting for a foolish, impudent stutterer. Now, she only felt liberated at the fact that she no longer took part within the Croix family's semantics. The freedom of leaving the ugly, dirty surname made her heart buzz, especially when she knew it was replaced by the surname of the person she cherished most in the world.

Which is why the King's words sent a shockwave throughout her.

"Absolutely not!" Riftan barks, but the king doesn't even flinch, only staring at them lazily.

"You ask for my help during the trial, I told you I would ask for something in return. This is how you repay me, Calypse?"

"I never would have thought that Your Majesty would go to the extent of divorce!"

"Jesus Christ, will you stop wailing like a ghoul?" King Ruben groans, and Maximillian could only shrink in her seat. She gives Riftan a look that mainly said please stop screaming at the king but she knew Riftan and the king have known each other for a long time, sometimes they talked like two bitter friends. Oddly enough, the King allowed Riftan to growl and bark as much as he pleased.

"In order to ensure the loss of his power, we need to sign off his properties to a proper heir." The king says, taking a quill and furrowing his brows at the parchments in front of him. "He has no male heirs and two daughters. During the trial, your father was planning to pass off his inheritance to a close advisor, but his right to do so is revoked ever since he was found guilty. Therefore, it is befitting that his titles should go to you."

King Ruben's gaze flits to her, and Maximillian can only blink owlishly with confusion.

"Your father might attempt to climb his way out of exile, so we must do our best to prevent such a thing by gaining an iron clad hold over his rights and titles." King Ruben says, frowning. "You've ensured that your loyalties lie with the crown, so I trust that you will do nothing drastic should you gain hold over your father's power."

"But Your Majesty... I am a woman. I thought-"

"A woman receiving ownership over lands is unusual, but not impossible. Should I will it, everything your father owned can be passed onto you or your sister." King Ruben says, and a strange thrill runs throughout her the way a tide sweeps over the shore. The thought of having what her father held dear the most, right in the palm of her hand, felt strangely exhilarating. Yet for some strange reason, she also felt afraid.

"Nonetheless, the nobles and clergy might have varying opinions should I enact this decree. There might be an uprising amongst the upper class, so the council agreed that the more amicable decision would be if the person who received the titles were a full-fledged Croix. I know it seems tedious, but not causing an uproar amongst the nobles and their clerics would benefit us all in the future."

"Then just give it to my wife." Riftan spits out, his eyes glinting.

The King only leans back into his chair, raising an eyebrow as a sardonic smirk lifted the corners of his lips.

"Ah, but she is a Calypse no? You both seem to be very proud of that." King Ruben drawls, and Maximillian's cheeks redden at the statement.

"So give it to her sister." Riftan then says through gritted teeth, and Maxi could only shoot him a helpless look. King Ruben just spits out a laugh.