All The Kings Men

Chapter 23 Kings Thoughts

It had been a few weeks since I sent grain to our allied country. Apparently it was worse then their messenger had originally said because I found him back in my court room.

"Please your majesty. Our people are starving. They are beginning to revolt against our young King. The country of Concash is threatening to sweep in on us any day now. We will not be able continue our alliance if you do not help us." The messenger begged. "A plague has swept over our entire nation. Many of the men were unable to work their fields."

"Unfortunately, I gave all our people can give without us starving this coming winter." I sighed. "Please tell your king if he would like to come here and hold a meeting we would be more then willing to discuss how we can help."

Before the man could reply one of my guards began to act Insane. He dropped his shield and sword and began running around the room like a mad man. "Hot ! Hot ! Oh my whole body ! It is burning with the devil!"

The other guards and I stared at him in shock. "Oh no!" Shouted the messenger. "The plague is here!"

"What are you talking about ?" I asked.

"That. That right there. The insane behavior. That is how all our men have been acting for months now. They are in a state of delusion. It's crippling all businesses."

"Isolate him." I commanded. "Bring in the indoor fire pots and start sanitizing the air immediately. Tell no one what this man has said. Fear spreads faster then any illness ever will."

"Yes your majesty." The other guards said in unison, grabbing the man I watched as they carried him off.

"Please return to your kingdom and let your king know I request a meeting with him." I replied.

"Right away." The messenger replied. "May God be with you."

I watched him exit and Cousin Matthew enter. He seemed to have caught a glimpse of the guard being carried out and was having s good laugh. "What a show."

"It is not funny cousin." I scolded.

He chuckled. "Perhaps not and yet I laugh."

"Do you need something ?" I asked.

"I was just letting you know my business takes me elsewhere. I shall be leaving for my estate. But I shall like to return for the fall festival at the end of the month if it is not a bother."

"Of course. I look forward to seeing you." I replied.

"Until then cousin." Mathew smiled at me and left me with an uneasy feeling. I did not have time to ponder it.
A maid flew into my court room with great haste.

"I am so sorry to interrupt your majesty but Queen Thea is requesting your presence in her chamber immediately."

My heart dropped. What could be wrong ? She never has requested me like this before. I rushed out of the room and down the hallway. Running to her door I could hardly wait for her guard to open it. Walking in I immediately became anxious. The castle doctor was at her bedside along with several lady nurses. "Thea my dear. What is this about ? Are you okay? What's wrong my Queen?" I leaned down on one knee next to her bedside.

A soft laugh escaped her lips. She smiled up at me with the most angelic face. Her beauty was truly breath taking. "Absolutely nothing is wrong my king. Everything is perfect. I am with your child."