A New Legacy

Chapter XIX: May He Rest In Peace

Sixteen years into William's reign

The Abbey is lonely without Edward around, Edward officially signed up for Ruthin just around a year ago, we write letters to each other every day. I know it's good for him, it just pains me to know that I put too much pressure on him. Alix and I are now forty four, time has flown by. Kane passed away last month, he decided he wanted to be buried in Gwent. It will be hard without Kane to guide me, but I must stay firm.

I wipe my face of sweat and dirt, the warm water engulfs me. " Your Royal Majesty", John says after knocking on the door. I swiftly wipe my face and snap on my eyepatch, " Enter", I command. John opens the door and bows, " What is it?", I ask firmly. " I apologise for barging in, we just received word that King Arthur of England died three days ago, he died peacefully in his chair, of old age", John informs me softly. Arthur was a brother of mine, how will I explain this to everyone? My blood runs cold, I shudder in fear. I take a deep breath, " Does anyone else know?", I ask. John shakes his head.

" I'll inform the Queen", I say softly. I walk down the hall and into our bedroom, Alix sits in bed writing a letter, Samuel lies peacefully in his crib. A thickness fills the air, I shut the door gently. " Darling, are you crying?", Alix asks with concern. I wipe my tears. " I don't know how to tell you", I say softly. Alix has a sorrowful look, " Archie passed away, three days ago", I inform Alix. The room remains silent, cold wind blows through the window. Alix tears up, I sit on the bed and hug Alix, " Hey, it's okay". Alix weeps into my shoulder, I rub her back, the hair on the back of her neck stands at attention.

" He can't be", Alix cries out. I hold her tight, " I'm sorry", I whimper out as tears stream down my face. Alix wails in pain, " No", Alix cries out. " I'm so sorry", I say after wiping my tears. " It's going to be okay, we'll push through, together", I whisper softly. Alix lets go of me, she wipes her tears. " Archie", Alix says, her voice strung. I grasp Alix's hand, " I need to go tell Edward", I say softly. Alix nods, " Be gentle with him", Alix says softly. I nod, " Of course, if you need anything John is here, I'll be back in a couple of days with David", I say after standing up.

I kiss Alix's cheek, " We'll do this together". I march out of the room and march down the stairs, John stands by the door. " Johnny, make sure everything goes smoothly", I command. John bows, " Of course sire". I open the door, " And I would like you to fly the flag at half mast", I add. John raises his eyebrows, " Are you sure sir? That is a luxury only given to members of the Dinefwr Family", John explains. I scoff, " Do as I say John", I scream as I walk outside. John nods as I climb into the carriage, " To Ruthin, quickly", I say after slapping the top of the carriage. We race off towards Ruthin, How will I explain this to Edward, that his uncle has passed and he has to leave school to attend a Royal event.

The carriage comes to a halt, " Welcome to Ruthin", the driver says after opening my door, I step out. " Stay here, I'll be out in a couple of minutes", I say firmly. I walk up to the door and knock on it, a young boy, maybe around fifteen, opens the door. " Who are you?", the schoolboy asks. I clear my throat, " I'm King William, I need to speak to Headmaster Robert", I answer. The schoolboy laughs and nods, " Right, are you manic?". Thudding footsteps approach the door, Robert stands firm. Robert quickly bows, " Your Royal Majesty". The schoolboy has a puzzled look on his face, " This is King William?".

I nod, " Yes, now shall I have your head?", I ask angrily. The schoolboy frowns and bows, " I'm just joking with you, I need to speak to Edward", I say firmly. Robert nods, " Of course, come in", I step inside and shut the door. Schoolboys read books at a table, Edward is absent. " Where is he?", I ask firmly. Robert bites his tongue, " He's in the dormitory, he already finished his reading", Robert informs me. I nod and walk down the hall, I open the door, Edward sits on his bed in dress shorts and a dress shirt. " Papa, what are you doing here?", Edward asks softly.

I can feel the tears beginning to swell my eye, " I have bad news, Uncle Archie passed away four days ago", I tell Edward, his heart shatters. I sit down next to him, Edward begins to weep. I hug him tightly and rub his back. " I'm sorry this happened, he had a long life", I say softly. " I love him", Edward cries out. " I love him too David, we need to leave. We have to attend his funeral", I inform Edward. The clock ticks forward as Edward weeps, Edward wipes his tears and sniffles. " Will I come back?", Edward asks. I nod, " Of course David".

I hold Edward's hand, " I don't know if I can handle it Daddy", Edward says, his voice defeated. I kiss Edward's cheek, " I don't know if I can handle it either, but we must, Arthur would want us to", I respond softly. " Is Mummy okay?", Edward asks with concern. A pain swells in my stomach, " Yes, but I need your help. Mummy is burying her final sibling, we need to be there with her, to support her", I answer. We both stand up, Edward wipes his tears. We walk into the hall and toward the door, " Your Royal Majesty", Robert says after bowing yet again.

" I need to take Edward out of school for a week", I say firmly. Robert nods, " I need a reason sir, just to put on the record". I bite my cheek, " Funeral service", I whisper, I don't want the other kids to know about Edward's duties, they may pick on him. Robert nods, " Okay, I'll see you next week Dinefwr", Robert says, he pats Edward on the back. Robert opens the door, Edward and I saunter towards the carriage. We climb inside, " Back to Strata Florida Abbey", I say loudly. Edward lays his head on my lap. I run my hand through his short blonde hair, May God bless us all.

Hymns are sung by choir boys, the room is full but seems empty. My heart pounds, I can hardly hear my own thoughts. " We are gathered here today to remember the life of His Royal Majesty, King Arthur of England, Arthur was such a kind and loving man, he truly cared for his family, especially his youngest sister, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Alexandra of Wales, Ireland and Scotland. Arthur cared for his realm, whether a Royal Duke or a commoner. Arthur reigned for fifty years, he celebrated his Golden Jubilee two months before his death", Archbishop Jones says softly.

Alix cries gently, I wrap my arm around her and kiss her cheek. " Arthur is the longest reigning monarch in English History, he ruled from the age of nineteen, all the way to sixty nine. May we bury this gentle soul, may Arthur rise to heaven, and unite with his King. And condolences go to His Royal Majesty, King Henry of England. May the Lord advise your decisions, may you have a long and fruitful reign", Jones gives his closing statement, the hymns are sung louder. Henry is four years younger than me, we have spent many years as close friends. May God Save The King.