The Way Things Are (UKUS)

Long Live the King

My visits to the Thirteen Colonies became more frequent after young Alfred's dreadful Revolution.....attempted revolution. I'd given him half a year to think about what he'd done before I couldn't bear it any longer. I had to see my precious brother again. I was already en route to his brother's house anyways so I stopped by to bring him his tea and other goods and pay him a visit.

Needless to say, he wasn't pleased to see me. He threw a book at my head. It was a book I'd happened to give him as a child, Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica. I remember he was so cute when I gave it to him, playfully telling me to "Dwop dead, Engwand!" so adorable! But now he was a hormonal teenager.....I still loved him. He was still cute even if he was angry.

There was a few small rebellions in the years that followed the Revolutionary War, but I quashed each of them. There was no need to fight in this family anymore and I would not tolerate it. But soon enough, Alfred settled down. Resigned to his position, submissive to me.

In the year 1820, I traveled the sea to bring grave news to my dear Alfred. I had written to him saying I would be paying him an urgent visit before I undertook the journey and when I arrived, dear lad, he had tea waiting for me.

When I entered his home, I removed my silk top hat respectfully and took a look around. I couldn't help but notice his home was a bit.....rundown. I suppose, in part, that was my fault for forcing him to pay for the war after I won. But I knew things would get better for him....he was a strong boy.

As we sat in his rose garden, he poured me a cup and asked, "What's this 'urgent news' you wanted to tell me?" His blue eyes looked tired but curious, I reached out to rub his cheek but he flinched away. I pretended not to be bothered by it, but it still hurt.

"King George III, has passed. God rest his soul. His son, King George the IV has taken over the throne." I took a sip of my tea and studied my colony's reaction.

"Hm. Wasn't George IV already in charge since old Georgey number three went batty?" His lips curled in a sneer but he didn't push his limits.

"Now that is no way to speak of either of your kings. Former or current." I scolded him and he looked down acquiescently.

"Yes, sir. But what does this have to do with me? Does the death of the King mean I'm being given freedom?"

"No, dear boy, you're far too precious to me. I'm here to let you know.....that I've decided to have you come and meet the new king. You and a few delegates.....you may even be granted a voice in Parliament."

"......Really?" Alfred's eyes shone with hope. That glimmer I'd caught all those years ago on the steps of his capitol building was there once again, twice as much as before. I reached out and ruffled his soft, blond hair and this time he didn't flinch. He was a little tense but that melted away once he felt my gentleness.

"Get to packing, we leave in three days."

Those three days went by quick and soon enough we were aboard my ship with a crew of Englishmen and a small group of the colonists. The trip would take about six weeks if weather was on our side. I spent the time instructing Alfred in the proper etiquette once he was introduced to the King. After all....this would be his first time on British soil. The first time he's ever met face-to-face with his king.

I was searching for him one day towards the end of our journey and found him resting on the top deck, port side. He had his arms folded on the edge of the boat, the sleeves of his white, button-down shirt pushed up as he gazed across the sea. I smiled proudly to myself, he seemed to be growing into a handsome, young man.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" I startled him a bit as I came to stand at his side. "We should be able to see land any day now."

"Yeah....I'm pretty excited. But....also nervous," he glanced sideways at me and I gave him a reassuring smile, patting his back gently.

"You'll be fine, Alfred. Don't worry. Just be polite."

Within the next few hours, we were docking. That night, we stayed at an inn.....tomorrow would be a big day for us both.