The year is 1479, King Morgan the Great of Wales, Ireland and Scotland just died at 51 after serving 30 years on the throne. Now King, William is looking to cut out a new legacy.
It has officially been one year since Father died. The Royal Dukes of the realm have come to submit to me. Joann is happy with James, they have really formed a new life.
Andreas left last week to live in Uncle Willy's court, I love Andreas, it kind of hurts to not see him everyday, but it's something I'll deal with.
Mummy is slowly coping, I wish to help her out as much as I can. Alix and I are trying for kids, we'll see what works out. I miss Daddy, but he'd be happy and proud of me.
" Dylan", I say loudly as I sit at my desk. I've sent out thousands of letters this last year, thanking people for the support they had during Daddy's funeral and my coronation.
I love writing letters, nothing is as powerful as words. No military can defeat a diplomat. Diplomacy is the most important thing to learn, you can win a war without raising a single man.
Dylan steps in and bows fervently. I sigh as I begin another letter. " Yes Your Royal Majesty?", Dylan asks, his eyebrow raised. " When are the Royal Dukes arriving?", I ask, I dip my quill in ink yet again.
" Within the hour sir, who are you writing to?", Dylan asks, he pulls out the chair and sits down. " Harold of Gloucester, I heard Father and him had a rivalry", I respond, I stop writing for a moment and look up at Dylan.
" Yes, they did for a couple of years, they had forgiven each other", Dylan informs me, I begin writing once more. " Do you have any other questions sir?", Dylan asks, I sign my letter in big, bold letters. His Royal Majesty, King William of Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
" Yes, tell me if you like this. Dear Harold, thank you for meeting with me during my late Father's funeral and my coronation. Your steadfast response is inspiring, His Royal Majesty, King William of Wales, Ireland and Scotland ", I read as Dylan listens closely.
Dylan nods, " That is good", Dylan says smiling. " Thank you, can you have the maids pick me out an outfit?", I ask as I fold my letter in half. I gently slide the letter into an envelope and seal it.
" Yes of course", Dylan says with a bow. Dylan saunters out and shuts the door. I grab my candle and tip it onto the letter, wax drips and quickly dries. I sit down the candle and blow the envelope.
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I push my pin and brooch into my coat. The maids quickly swipe any dust off of me. " Thank you ladies", I say as I step down from my stool. The maids picked out an all red outfit. A servant gets on his knees and begins to shine my shoes.
I grab my crown and fix it to my head. " You look great William", Alix says as she leans in the doorframe. I shoot her a quick smile, " Thank you dear, you look beautiful as always", I say as the servant stands up.
Alix wore a light blue dress with white gloves, her bright, blue eyes sparkle in the sun. The servant and the maids begin cleaning up quickly. " Icarus, come on", Alix says as she saunters towards me.
I hook her arm and we stroll out of the dressing room and down the hall. " Are you nervous?", Alix asks as we walk down the stairs. " A little, but when am I not?", I answer humbly.
" William", someone calls from on top the balcony. I look up, Mummy waves at me. " Good luck", Mummy says with a grin. " Thank you Mummy, get some rest", I call back.
We march stroll down the hall and outside. The Abbey seems to shine in the sun. " Welcome Your Royal Majesty, let us go", Dylan says after bowing, he opens and holds the door.
We walk inside, the door latches behind us. " Okay, you two go sit down. They'll be here soon", Dylan advises. Alix and I quickly walk into the court and sit down on our thrones.
I breathe rapidly, my heart feels like it's beating out of my chest. Alix squeezes my hand. " Calm down Will, breathe", Alix insists. I breathe softly and hold Alix's hand. A weight is taken off of my shoulders.
" Your Royal Majesty, Duke Abel of Moray, Duchess Sigrid of the Isles, Duke James of Albany, Duke Kane of Morganwgg, and Duchess Matilda of Powys", Dylan announces after opening the doors, nobles quickly flood into the room.
They all swiftly line up. Abel quickly steps up and bows, " I fully submit to you, my liege", Abel says. Abel steps out of line as James strolls up to me, he bows. " I yield to you my liege", James says in a soft voice.
James stands up and bows yet again, he steps out of line as Sigrid steps to me, she quickly curtseys. " I fully submit to you my liege", Sigrid says, I give a nod of approval.
Sigrid steps out of line, Matilda saunters towards me, she curtseys. " I concede my power to you my liege", Matilda says, she steps out of line. Kane quickly walks up to me and bows. " I submit to you", Kane says firmly. I give everyone a nod of approval.
" I have come to serve, not be served. Let us have supper", I declare after standing up. We march out of the court and down the hall. " Please remind me to send a letter to Kaiser Fritz tomorrow", I command Dylan. Dylan nods, " Of course sire", Dylan concurs.
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Plates are laid in front of us, wine is quickly poured into glasses. " Thank you for meeting us son", Kane says smirking. Kane and Father were first cousins, their fathers were brothers. Kane has always been kind to me, he is a great friend.
" You're welcome. I insist it's no problem", I say smiling. Everyone eats their food. I stand up, " I wanted to say thank you, for all you've done for our realms. It is really remarkable", I say firmly. Cormac walks in and bows, " Your Royal Majesty, Royal Advisor Dylan would like to speak now", Cormac informs me. I swiftly chew my food and accompany Cormac.
" What does he want?", I ask stiffly. Cormac doesn't answer as we walk upstairs. We stop in front of a window. Cormac turns and looks at me, his pale skin glistens in the moonlight. Cormac gently slams me against the wall and kisses me passionately.
I smack Cormac across the face, he gives me a look of excitement. I slam him against the wall and kiss him intensely. " Are you nearly done William", Alix screams. I quickly wipe my mouth, " Yes dear", I say loudly. I can't do this, I have a wife. I'm a Catholic.
" Stay away from me", I order loudly. I march back downstairs and sit at the table. " Sorry about that", I say after a laugh. " Thank you all for coming", I say after taking a swig of wine.
I love how Cormac kissed me, no, I can't do this. Not to Alix, she's been loyal this entire time. I mustn't, it would be a disgrace on this house and to the faith. Alix holds my hand, I bury my emotions deep, where nobody can find them.
