Ten years into Morgan's reign
When I was born, I was crowned Duke of Man, I never spent any real time on the Isle of Man, but it always felt like a third home, behind Dinefwr Castle and Strata Florida Abbey.
I feel guilty, I am giving away Welsh commoners for Irish land. Today I will be addressing the issue with the people of Man. I want to ease the pain.
I slip on my light blue gloves. It has been easier to move around without the pipe, I feel younger and more energetic.
William knocks on the door and steps in the room. " Hello Will", I say, fixing my crown to my head. " You look great Father, more healthy than when you smoked", William says.
William has turned into a bright young boy. I think he may be smarter than me. " You knew?", I ask. " Of course, you were a chimney", William says smiling.
" Hey, respect your Father", I say after laughing. " Where are you going?", William asks. " The Isle of Man", I answer, fixing my waistcoat.
" Can I come?", William asks. " Yes, I think you're old enough", I say smiling. " I'll get ready", William says as he runs towards his room. " Hurry Icarus", I yell.
Anna and I call him Icarus because Anna always thought I would send him flying when I swung him around the room. I walk down the hall and down the stairs.
" Papa", Joann says pulling my coat. " Hello Princess", I say after lifting up Joann. " Where are you going?", Joann asks. " Me and Bubbakins are going to the Isle of Man. We'll be back in a week", I answer.
" I love you", Joann says, giving me a hug. " I love you too, go see Grandmother", I say after sitting Joann down. William walks down the stairs wearing a purple coat, paints and gloves. I spot the family sword strapped to his waist.
" Icarus, sword", I say firmly. William sighs and hands me the sword. " When you're older", I say while strapping the sword to my waist.
" Remember, stay away from rivers and lakes", I say as we walk outside. " Morgan", Anna says from inside. I turn around and give her a kiss. " I love you", I say holding her. " Be safe M, I love you William", Anna says as we walk to the carriage.
" To Pembroke Dock John", I say as we climb into the carriage. Snow falls onto the carriage as we ride towards the dock. " Why should I avoid ice?", William asks.
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" Morgan, come with me on the river", Bertie says. " No, I'm reading", I say as I continue to flip through my book. " Please Morgan", Bertie begs as he tugs on my arm.
" You're thirteen now, do it yourself", I answer. " Go with your brother", Mother says as she grabs me by the ear and pulls me up. " Okay, let's go", I say as we walk down to the river.
" You know I do love you Bertie, I just like picking on you", I say smiling. " Well don't", Bertie says as we walk onto the ice. " What are we doing?", I ask.
" Playing of course", Bertie says as he hands me a stick. " En Garde", I say as we swing at each other. Bertie slams his stick against my leg, " Good hit", I cheer.
Bertie jumps up and down, the wind quiets, the ice cracks. " Stop Albert", I scream, Albert crashes through the ice and falls underwater. " Daddy, Mummy", I scream and scramble to pull up Albert.
Albert sinks further in. " Out the way", Father says as he jumps into the water. I trip backwards and stand up. I stand silently, waiting. Father emerges from the water, shivering.
" Where's Bertie?", Mother screams, Father remains silent as he climbs onto the ice. I fall to the ground l, why?
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I remain silent. " Father, are you okay?", William asks as I tear up. " I suppose I never told you, that's how Uncle Albert died, he fell through ice and drowned", I say as tears stream down my face.
" I'm sorry Daddy", William says as he sniffles. " It's okay, you have a right to know", I mumble as I continue crying. William hugs me, for a second the world seems quiet.
" Did you, I don't know, was Uncle Albert kind?", William asks. " Yes, he was a sweet bright boy, I miss him", I say as William and I embrace.
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" We're here sir", John says after opening the carriage door. William and I climb out of the carriage and walk onto the boat deck. " Your Royal Majesty, Your Highness", Eric says firmly and bows.
" To Castletown please", I say as William shakes Eric's hand. " Sure thing, the men aren't drunk this time", Eric says as he grabs the wheel.
" Okay son, I have to speak with the men below deck, come", I say as William looks around. We walk below deck, men sit and laugh.
" Your Royal Majesty", a man says, he stands up and quickly bows. " This is my son William, or Icarus, please no knives around him", I ask. " Yes sir", the man says. We walk upstairs. " Settle in Will", I say.
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We arrived at Castletown a couple of hours ago, William is such a bright boy, already a genius. I am scared to address the people, but I know I must.
I walk onto the stage, commoners roar. " Hello Castletown", I scream, The crowd cheers. " I have an announcement, I will no longer be the Prince of Man, or Duke of Man", I say, the crowd quiets.
" Thirty-One years ago I was given the title by my Father, King Rhodri IX of Wales. I am granting you to England. I love you, and appreciate you", I say holding in tears.
" The Forever King", the crowd cheers. I bow and walk off the stage. " Thank you brother, that was incredible, and you're still Duke of Man. Forever", Arthur says as he rubs my back.
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.
