Six years into Morgan's reign
Life has been good for the last year. Keegan was recently crowned as Lord Protector of Ireland, he still lives in O'Brien Castle but comes to visit every so often.
Keegan granted me the Duchy of Meath, he granted Arthur the Duchy of Leinster and he granted Malcolm the Duchy of Ulster.
Keegan still owns his castles and his land, he seems happy. Anna is pregnant again, we're both happy.
" Do you have to go Morgan?", Anna asks as she cuddles me. " Yes dear, I have to meet Pope Louis. I'll only be gone for three days", I say as Anna holds me tight.
" Are you sure you want to leave Mr. Dinefwr", Anna asks as she grabs my waist. " Another hour", I say smiling.
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I slip on my black gloves, today I'm wearing all black. I grab my cane and walk down the hall. " Daddy", William says running up the stairs. " Hey Will", I say as I grab William and spin him around.
" Where are you going?", William asks as I sit him back down. " To meet Pope Louis, you met him last fall during dinner", I answer as we walk down the stairs.
" I love you Dad", William says as he runs into the lounge. " Your Royal Majesty", Dylan says as he bows. " Yes Dylan?", I say as we walk outside.
" You have two stops along the trip. First you will meet with Harold, Duke of Gloucester, for wine. Then you will meet his Royal Majesty, King Arthur of England, then off to Canterbury", Dylan informs me as I climb into the carriage.
" Take care of Anna and William", I say, Dylan bows and walks back inside. " John, to Gloucester Castle", I say as I lay back in my seat.
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The carriage door swings open, " We're here Your Royal Majesty", John says as I fix my hair. " Thank you John", I say as I climb out of the carriage. Harold walks down the stairs and stops in front of me.
" Good afternoon Your Royal Majesty", Harold says after bowing. " Please, call me Morgan", I say as we walk up the stairs.
" It's been two years since we last spoke, how have you been?", I ask we sit down at a table. " Great, I never thanked you for speaking to Pope Louis, so thank you", Harold answers.
" You don't have to thank me, I made a mistake and I fixed it", I say with a smile. A man pours wine into our glasses. " To your health brother", I say raising my glass.
I chug down my wine, " Thanks for meeting with me", Harold says smiling. " My pleasure, I have to go meet Arthur, see you soon brother", I say as we stand up.
I hug Harold, " Love you man", I say as I rub Harold's back. I let go of Harold and walk down the stairs. " Bye", I say as I climb into the carriage.
" To London", I yell. I lay back down.
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" Wake up", A man says, I quickly open my eyes. Arthur stands outside of my carriage.
I left home two days ago, I miss William, Anna and Mother. I spoke to the physician when I was getting dressed, he said Anna should be giving birth soon.
I am excited, William is such a sweet boy and I love him with all my heart. I open the door, the sun shines into my eyes.
" Hello brother", I say after hugging Arthur. " Thank you for meeting with me", Arthur says as we walk down the trail. " Yes of course, we need to make it quick of course. I have to meet with Pope Louis tomorrow", I say adjusting my crown.
" Sophia gave birth last week, Henry Wessex. I need some advice to raise him, I know William is four now", Arthur says as his voice gets softer.
" Love him with all your heart. Me and Anna hardly ever leave William, I made a promise to him that I would never leave for more than two months. I make mistakes all the time, but as long as you love him, you'll do a great job", I answer tearing up.
" Thank you brother", Arthur says hugging me. " I love you, trust your gut", I say as I walk back to the carriage. I wave and climb into the passenger seat.
" I know you're tired John, you can rest", I say, John climbs down. " Thank you Your Majesty", John says as he climbs into the back of the carriage.
I whip the carriage forward, onto Canterbury.
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I park in front of Canterbury Cathedral. I look up, the huge cathedral towers over me. I climb down and knock on the door, " Wake up John", I say loudly, John springs to life and jumps out of the carriage.
Guards line the door. " All hail King Morgan the Great of Wales", A guard screams, trumpets blow. I walk down the aisle and into the church.
Pope Louis sits at a pew. " It is an honor to see you again sir", I say as I get on one knee. Pope Louis stands up, I kiss his hand. " Let us sit", Louis says as I stand up.
I sit down, " I wanted to meet with you today to tell you I want to make you Prince of Rome, a Prince of God", Louis informs me.
" It would be an honor sir", I say smiling. " The last Prince of Rome was crowned over three hundred years ago, are you up for the task?", Louis asks.
" Yes sir. Thank you for everything, you've been such a good friend. I brought you a gift", I say as I pull a scroll out of my pocket. " What is it?", Louis asks.
" It is rumored to be a scroll sent from Alfred The Great to Ivar the Boneless", I answer. " I can't possibly take it, but thank you anyway", Louis says with a smile.
" Anna is pregnant", I say. " You seem like a great father, thank you for meeting with me. I will be at Strata Florida Abbey next year to crown you", Louis says as we stand up.
I get on one knee again, Louis sticks out his hand. I kiss it delicately. A Prince of Rome, a Prince of God.
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.
