A New Legacy

Chapter XIII: William Firmus

Ten years into William's reign

Jonathan has not been seen in a year, I worry he'll strike soon. Adjusting to life with one eye has been tough, the rebels call me William the Sodomite. I can never forgive what happened to Corley, he was kind, and loving. My followers have begun to call me William the Firm, for my swift and steadfast response to the rebellion. Daniel took his fifty lashings, he now stays in my court as a servant. Daniel is kind to our family, John is aging and I would like Daniel to replace him when he passes. I must stay strong, and firm.

I stare out the window at Dinefwr Abbey, just one year ago we were attacked, Abel and Sigrid were killed, they both were young and without heirs. I chose to give both of the duchies to James, he's handled them well so far. Someone knocks on the door, " Enter", I say firmly. John steps in and bows, " Your Royal Majesty, I have received word that Pope Louis passed away two weeks ago, you are invited to his funeral", John informs me. I met Pope Louis on multiple occasions, he was always very kind to this family, of course Father was a Prince of Rome.

I grab a piece of parchment and dip my quill in the ink, " Your Serene Highnesses, I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of His Holiness, Pope Louis. I will attend the funeral and burial, today we lost a child of God, His Royal Majesty, King William of Wales, Ireland and Scotland". I fold the parchment and hand it to John, " Send that to the cardinals, and please prepare the navy for transport", I say firmly. John bows and walks out. I know Father appreciated everything that Louis did for him, Father described Louis as a close friend and a mentor on faith.

" Darling, how are you?", Alix asks as she stands in the doorway, " I'm well, I am leaving for Rome tomorrow", I say softly after we both sit down. " Yes, I heard Louis passed, do you want me to come with you?", Alix asks. I smirk, " No dear, I need to do this alone". Alix nods and rubs my hands, " Be safe Icarus, Jonathan is still out there, lurking in the shadows". I want Alix and Edward to be safe, I'll make sure the Abbey is secure before I leave. " I'll leave a garrison here, don't worry hon", I say softly. I wish I could protect Alix and Edward more, but with only one eye, I can't do much. I pick at my skin, " What's wrong?", Alix asks.

I wipe a tear, " I-, I don't feel good anymore, about myself". Alix stands up and hugs me tightly, " You'll always be handsome to me Will, and I mean that", Alix whispers softly, she kisses my cheek. I shed a tear, " Thank you Alix". Alix rubs my cheek and reaches for my eyepatch. I give a nod of approval, Alix lifts up my eyepatch. I take off my eyepatch every night, I always hide it from Alix, I don't want her to see me differently. Alix smiles, " I love you Icarus, no matter what". A flurry of love flies through the Abbey, I kiss Alix passionately.

The wind blows gently across Rome, it was an easy voyage, no major hiccups along the way. I shake Frederick's hand, " Thank you Ric", I say firmly. Frederick bows, " Of course Your Royal Majesty, it's my duty". I walk off the boat and onto the red velvet carpet, " All hail King William of Wales, Ireland and Scotland", a guard screams. I bow my head as I walk into the church. A thickness fills the air, a sorrow. Pope Louis lies in an open coffin with his eyes shut.

" It's good to see you son", Wilhelm says as we hug. " I'm sorry for your loss, I heard you and Louis were close friends", I respond. Wilhelm gently nods his head, " Yes, Lou and I were very close", Wilhelm answers. " Everyone please find your seats", a cardinal says loudly. We all sit down, a seat next to me lies empty. I bow my head, I respect Louis, he always tried his hardest, " May I sit here?", a soft voice asks. I look up, Jonathan stands beside me in red.

I scoff, " Go, now", I say angrily. Jonathan smiles and sits next to me, his warm arm wraps around my shoulder. " How is your eye?", Jonathan asks lackadaisically. " How dare you disrespect me, go", I say, pushing away from him. " I bet it is well, you're probably wondering how I got invited?", Jonathan says calmly. Jonathan smiles, " My uncle, Julius, is King of Jerusalem, and my Father was a crusader, as was yours", Jonathan adds.

Wilhelm flattens his hand and smacks Jonathan across the face, " Get out now", Wilhelm says firmly. Jonathan stands with disgust on his face, " Goodbye William the Sodomite", Jonathan says loudly. Other nobles glance towards us, " I'm sorry everyone, I think Jonathan had too much to drink", I say firmly. Jonathan grins and walks out of the cathedral. " Today we are honouring the life of Louis Jacques Francis, or as most of you know him as, Pope Louis", the cardinal says loudly.

Hymns are no longer sung, " Pope Louis was a good man, and a good friend. He called a crusade against the heathens of the east. Louis also crowned, His Royal Majesty, King Morgan I of Wales, Ireland and Scotland as Prince of Rome, Prince of God, and Defender of the Faith. Louis showed the piousness of a saint, and for that I am christening Louis as Saint Louis", The cardinal says. We all bow and head and pray, I know Louis is in heaven, with God. Right where he wanted to be.