A New Legacy

Chapter XVIII: The Duke of Gwynedd

Fifteen years into William's reign

Alix gave birth three months ago, Samuel Alfred Dinefwr. Edward was ecstatic, David is constantly holding Sammy and helping Alix around. Edward has really matured, I'm proud of him. Andreas has been King of Bavaria for three years, he has satisfied the Bavarian people, he's adopted their customs and language. Joann had her second kid, Eugene Dinefwr. I am happy, Alix and I decided to have no more kids, we feel we've gotten too old to raise them. The Royal Dukes are happy and satisfied. Admiral Spackman recently set sail for India again, I cannot wait for him to return.

I fix my crown to my head, someone knocks on the door. " Enter", I command. John steps in and bows, " Your Royal Majesty, His Highness and Her Highness, Duke Kane and Duchess Matilda are here to see you, they said it was urgent business", John informs me. I lean back in my chair, " Send them in". Kane and Matilda step in, they bow and curtsey. " It's good to see you two, what's the occasion?", I ask as the two sit down. Matilda clears her throat, " We came to His Royal Majesty, King Morgan with the same issue. Samuel will grow to be great, but he is lacking a title", Matilda says firmly.

" I wanted to suggest the Duchy of Gwynedd or maybe the County of Snowdon", Kane suggests. I haven't really thought of giving Samuel a title yet, I wasn't given the Duchy of Dinefwr until I was eleven. I take a sip of tea, " The Duchy of Gwynedd then". Kane nods and turns pale, " I have something else to tell you". I raise my eyebrows and pick at my skin, " Yes?", I question. Matilda holds Kane's hand, " I am sick, cancer has caught up to me". Kane and I have always been close, he's my second cousin. I frown and lower my eyebrows, " Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, you two have always been kind to me", I say softly.

Kane grabs my hand, " It's okay son, I lived a long life, sixty six years. My title will not go to my kids, Your grandfather made a law saying that Royal Duchies held by members of the Royal Family will be passed down one generation. My sons will keep my castles, but you will become the Duke of Morganwgg", Kane informs me. I nod, " Yes of course. Thank you for your service to the realm", I say shaking Kane's hand. " Would you two like to have supper?", I ask. The two nod, " Good, we'll serve supper in a couple of hours, make yourself at home", I say softly.

I stand up and walk down the hall and open my door, Alix, Edward and Samuel read a book. " Darling, David, how are you?", I ask. I plant a gentle kiss on Samuel's head. " Good Papa, I saw Kane and Matilda, why are they here?", Edward asks after bowing his head. I smile and sit down on the bed, " They suggested we give Samuel a title, The Duchy of Gwynedd", I answer. Alix rubs my back, " That's a good idea, David, tell your father what happened", Alix responds. I raise my eyebrows, " What happened son?", I question.

" Daniel taught me to play chess", Edward says with a smile. I ruffle Edward's hair, " Good job son, I wanted to ask you a question". I fix my hair, " Would you like to take a Royal tour with me around the realm, we'd stop in Uncle James and Aunt Joann's court, we'd tour Ireland and meet the Mayors. And then we'd finish off here in Wales", I propose. Edward has a puzzled look on his face, " What would I have to do?", Edward asks.

Edward is very shy, he hardly talks to any guests that are around. I understand that, when I was David's age I was only close with family. I never really spoke to any commoners. " All you would have to do is speak when spoken to, remember, these are your future allies", I say firmly. Edward nods, " Yes, I guess I can go". I kiss Edward's cheek, " You don't have to go David, it's entirely up to you". Edward nods, " No, it's good for the realm, I must", Edward says firmly. Edward pulls away from me, " I'll leave you two", Alix says softly after picking up Samuel, Alix shuts the door.

I grab Edward's shoulder, " I know how you feel son, I was the same way when I was your age. I was a nervous wreck, many said I lacked compassion to rule. But, then I changed. I folded, I never explained myself to Grandpappy, how I was feeling. Please explain to me, please", I plead with Edward. Edward stands up, " I don't understand myself, why can't I be normal. I try and I try, and I fail and I fail", Edward screams softly.

Edward paces back and forth, " I can't be normal, I only feel comfortable with family, how will I be a king when I can't even have a conversation with a commoner, or a Duke, or a noble. I can't explain it, how can you be such a good Diplomat? You can talk your way out of any situation", Edward continues. I stand up, " David, we'll work on it. Small steps at a time, I understand what you're going through", I say as I grab Edward's shoulder. Edward tugs away from me, " I'm not a little boy anymore Papa, I want something. I just want you away, you make me nervous", Edward blurts out.

I never knew Edward felt this way, how do I make him nervous? I back away from Edward, " You put these expectations on me, I can't do everything that you expect of me. You want me to meet troops, captains, Dukes, Kings, hell even Kaiser Fritz", Edward says as tears fill his eyes. I wipe my eye, " I'm sorry son, I didn't know you felt this way", I say softly. Edward wipes his tears, " I just need a break from this family, just for a year or two", Edward says firmly.

I wipe my tears, " I don't want to lose you David". Edward frowns, " You'll lose me if I don't get a break, not with family. With other kids", Edward proposes. The boy needs a break, I felt the same way when I was his age. Father wanted me to always remain his little boy, but then he wanted to rush me out of the house. " How about you spend a year in Matilda's court?", I ask. " No!", Edward screams. I take a step back, " No royal duty", Edward says softly. " How about Ruthin Boarding School, there are boys your own age", I inform Edward.

Edward nods, " I'm sorry for yelling", Edward squeals out. " I only want the best for you Edward, and if you think the best would be for you to leave, that's okay. I just want you to tell me how you feel, everyday. Just try, you don't fail until you stop trying", I say firmly. Edward hugs me tightly, " I'll try Papa, I'll try", Edward whimpers out. I hold him tight, my troubles float away.