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.
Alix is pregnant, she recently started showing. I'm so happy, soon we'll have a kid, a real family. Today I am meeting with Arthur, Charles and Wilhelm to decide the fate of the alliance. I would like it to carry on, but I can tell others want it to end. We'll see what happens.
I push my pin and brooch into my coat, maids quickly swipe any dust off of me. " Thank you ladies". I step down from my stool, " Come on Will, they'll be here soon", Alix says, she stands in the doorway. I shoot her a quick smile, " I'm hurrying". I strap the sword to my waist and hook Alix's arm.
Alix rubs my arm, " Do your best Icarus". I nod, " Of course darling, go get some rest", I say as we walk down the stairs. Alix grabs my cheek and kisses me intensely. I smile as Alix walks back up the stairs. " Your Royal Majesty, King Arthur of England, King Charles of France and King Wilhelm of Bavaria", Dylan says as the three walk in.
" Welcome to Strata Florida Abbey gentlemen", I say shaking everyone's hands. " So nice to see you all", I say as we walk into the meeting room. Velvet tapestries cover the walls. We sit down, " Okay, I've never done this before. Guide me through please", I say firmly.
" We'll talk about the alliance first", Wilhelm presents. " My position is staying in the alliance", Arthur says firmly. " I would like to continue these ties", Wilhelm adds. My eyes widen, " As would I". Everyone looks towards Charles. " I don't particularly want the alliance, it hasn't changed anything", Charles says.
I bite my lip, " Didn't my father help you conquer Brittany?". Charles nods, " Yes Will, but I have no reason to continue. We fought hard in the crusade, but without Malcolm in this alliance, I will not continue", Charles says with firmness.
" Malcolm has been dead for thirteen years. We have a lot to offer to each other, all of us together are ninety thousand strong. We must stand together", I say after taking a sip of wine. " I stand with William on this issue", Wilhelm says after adjusting his crown.
" Of course you would, that's your nephew. And you're his brother-in-law. William, I loved your father, he was a kind hearted man. But even he would say this is foolish, keeping an alliance that doesn't help anyone", Charles says firmly. I take a breath, " My father considered you all brothers. He would want this alliance to continue".
" Morgan is dead, he has been for nearly half a decade. I love you William, like a son. But I will not allow the opinion of a dead man to persuade me", Charles screams. " Then think of it like this, we have been supporting each other, not just militarily, but economically. Why break up the alliance just because my father died?", I ask.
" I need something tangible William, a guarantee", Charles says calmly. " And that guarantee?", Arthur asks. " We move on Kaiser Fritz, he is old and weak. I want the Kingdom of Provence", Charles proposes as eyes widen. " You want me to move on my liege?", Wilhelm asks.
Charles nods, " What would Arthur and I get out of it?", I ask. " You and Arthur would get gold. Wilhelm will become the Kaiser and I will the Kingdom of Provence", Charles answers. " I need something better than that Charles", Arthur says. " Okay, Arthur can have the Kingdom of Frisia, what do you want Will?", Charles asks.
Fritz has always been kind to me. I take a deep breath, " I don't want this, this is your move". Charles stares at me, " William, what do you want?", Charles asks impatiently. This is not what Father would have wanted, he wasn't a man who liked to take the offensive.
" I don't want a piece, this is on you three. The beast will awake eventually". " I don't want to be Kaiser, I am perfectly happy being King of Bavaria", Wilhelm says. " The rule of the alliance is that we help each other when we are attacked, not when we are attacking", I respond firmly.
" I am giving you a choice for me to stay in this alliance, take it or leave it", Charles says. " We'll leave it", Arthur says firmly. Charles chuckles, " My brothers, nephew, may God bless your nations. For I shall no longer", Charles says calmly, he stands up and walks up.
" Damnit, we'll continue without Charles. How about we add another member?", Wilhelm asks. " Who?", I ask. I take a drink of wine, I think I made the right decision. " King Karl of Switzerland, Wales, Swabia and Bavaria had an alliance years ago. I think it could work", Wilhelm presents.
" Yes, any other business to discuss?", Arthur asks. " No, I would like to have supper though", Wilhelm says. I smile widely, " I can have that organised". " Willy, how are you?", Mummy asks as she and Alix stand in the doorway. " Anna, we're about to have supper. Please join us", Arthur says with a smile.
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Plates are laid in front of us. " It is good to see you Archie", Alix says after taking a sip of wine. " I'm happy we can all be here. Have you two thought about kids?", Arthur asks. " Actually I'm expecting", Alix answers. " I'm happy for you two, how have you been Anna?", Wilhelm asks.
" Well enough, I miss him. Morgan", Mummy says with sorrow. " He was like a brother to me, but he is now with his parents and his brother", Arthur says. I raise my glass, " To Daddy, he accomplished everything he wanted. He had great friends and family", I say with a smile. Everyone toasts and drinks, we sit around the table and laugh.
