I can't believe it, only a month into my reign and already a huge diplomatic issue. A schoolhouse caught fire in Gwent, my advisors have recommended I travel to Gwent to seem like a strong king, who cares for his people
I do care for my people, but my mother and father taught me that stuff sorts itself out. I wouldn't describe my father as being hands off with his realm, he really did care for his people, whether peasants or nobles.
But now I have to deal with a disaster this early.
I sign the last bill, someone begins knocking on my door. My advisor, Dylan, opens the door, he bows his head.
" Your Royal Majesty, you need to make a decision now about going to Gwent or not", Dylan informs me.
" What are the consequences of not going?", I ask after taking a sip of wine.
" You may seem as hands off, and cold", Dylan says as he sits down in the chair across from me. I love my father, but I've seen to many kings fail for trying to live up to their parents standards.
" Tell the people of Gwent I will come, and I want nothing big, no trumpets, no band, no Royal treatment", I inform Dylan.
Dylan stands up and bows his head, " Your Majesty". Dylan walks out of the room.
I stand up and wipe the sweat from my forehead, this is going to be a balancing act.
" So you are going?", Anna asks. I met Anna in a diplomatic ceremony between Wales, England and Bavaria. She was the youngest daughter of the King of Bavaria.
To secure a ally on the mainland Father set up the marriage. We were only 15 when we met, I loved her as soon as I saw her.
We've now been married for 5 years, The realm is still awaiting a male heir, we will try soon. " Yes, I want us to attend", I inform Anna.
Anna begins to rub my shoulders. " You work so hard, you deserve a break", Anna says with a smile. I kiss Anna, " Let's get the carriage ready", I say with a smile.
I know I've worked hard for the past month, but I don't want a break, I love my people.
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I look out the carriage, rubble lies on the ground, stones are stacked and charred, you could never know this was a schoolhouse, let alone where children died.
I smell the air, the most horrible smell ever. "Driver, stop", I say as the carriage halts. I climb out outside, I take Anna's hand and help her step out.
I immediately recognise my close friend and cousin, Kane, The Duke of Morgannwg. Kane's father was my Uncle, his mother was Irish and Celtic.
" Let me offer my condolences, for the lives lost", I say after walking up to Kane. " 54 children died, and 3 teachers died", Kane informs me. I shed a tear, " Where are the parents?", I ask.
Kane point over to a crowd of mourning peasants. " Stay here Anna", I say as a I walk over to the crowd. A woman quickly curtsy's and wipe her face of tears.
" There is no need for that, please come sit with me, all of you", I say in a sorrow voice. We walk over to a patch of grass and sit down. " I am sorry for what has happened to you, my brother died at a young age, he was 13, he was playing out on ice and slipped in. My father couldn't save him in time", I inform the crowd.
" I don't know how you feel now, but I know a similar feeling. The world felt cold and empty, I was only 16. I promise, it will get better", I say, nearly crying.
I stand up, " Thank you, your majesty", A woman says. " No need to thank me", I say. I kiss the woman's hand and walk back to Anna and Kane.
" I need funding, We need to rebuild the schoolhouse", Kane says. " I'll see what I can do", I say as I walk into the rubble. I look down and see a young boy burnt, lying on his back. He's dead, I bend down and get on one knee.
" I'm sorry", I say while standing up. I walk out of the rubble. " Let's go home", I say to Anna. " Be good brother", I say after hugging Kane. Me and Anna climb into the carriage. " Back to the abbey", Anna says.
" Those poor families, they've lost everything", I say while tears drip down my face. I lay my head down on Anna's lap. She rubs her hand through my hair. I've only cried a couple of times, when my brother died and when my father died.
Never have a crowd impact me so much. " You did a great job Morgan", Anna says trying to cheer me up. " I don't know if I can carry on", I say with sorrow in my voice.
" You did your best M, I love you honey, I really love you", Anna says in a soft, soothing voice.
" It will get better", I say as Anna continues to rub my head.
YOU ARE READING
A Sacred House
Historical FictionKing Rhodri IX of Wales has just died in the year 1449 after serving 37 years on the throne. Rhodri's son, Morgan, has to now steer his way diplomatically and militarily through the mess.
