Her Predicament

Chapter Two: A New King

     Days with Alex were long and somewhat awkward.  Hazel had no idea how to behave like a proper Queen.  Of course she had the guiding hand of Helen on her shoulder, but the uncomfortable atmosphere seldom felt quite like home.  Alex was lovely and considerate.  He spent his days pulling out chairs for Hazel, holding her hand during peaceful strolls through the garden that he had planted for her, filling the stables with every type of horse he could find, and setting up a paint room for his wife to express herself.  Despite all of the chaotic and demanding duties he had to manage as King, he was consistent in making time to spend wooing Hazel.  He gave pleasing speeches to the people about carrying out his father's wishes, the kingdom fell in love with him, and they fell in love deeply with the beautiful woman on his arm.  Although Hazel still gave her opinion on political matters from time to time, there was often not much to say. This time of peace and happiness could not last, unfortunately.
After countless meetings about how to carry out the deceased king's wishes, King Alexander knew what he had to do. He planned to set out with a small army of trusted men, including Cedric, the best friend of his father, and the father of Hazel, Jacob, for the journey to the border. Helen begged him not to go, but Hazel understood that this was what he needed to do. Alexander left his kingdom armed with the sword of his father and prepared to battle the men of King Javar. Upon arrival at the first border marking, Alexander was greeted by supporters of the deceased King. Alex gave speeches about his movement at three different markings before the campaign was compromised. All of the surrounding countries agreed with his movement but one; Luthivira. Luthivira remained stuck in their ways. Javar caught news of Alexander's work, but he handled it differently this time. Alex was warned. A letter was right to Alex by a marking guard who had been instructed to deliver the letter discreetly to the King of Alagaesia. The letter read:
"Alexander, King of Alagaesia, your speeches of equality and freedom have caused revolts in the villages of my country near the border. Your words are spreading quickly. I am not pleased. As your father knows, my happiness is vital to your life. But, as I now know, taking the life of the king is not enough. This is your warning. I have already sent men to live discreetly in your country. Men who will be living very close to you to give you further instruction, and men who you will know nothing about. My men will report their findings to me. If your people are free, my people will get the idea in their heads that they can be free. The revolts have already ended. Those PEOPLE had to be ended. Would your father be proud of the deaths of innocent people due to your actions? I suppose not. Launching a war will not help you. My men are already across the border, you will not find most of them. Do as they say, or people will die. People including your wife, your mother, the father of your wife, and the closest friend of your father. Be careful. I have eyes everywhere."
Alexander's heart dropped to his stomach. All fury and motivation to end the life of the man who killed his father had died. His fury was replaced with fear.
"My men. Gather your belongings and make way to the kingdom. We must return promptly," urged the King.
"My King, we have yet to reach the four remaining border markings. What has changed your mind?" Prodded Cedric, the King's closest friend and the bravest man to fight at his side.
"We have matters to attend at home. Make haste. The clock is ticking, my friend," Alex answered sternly.
After Alexander's return to the castle, he was never the same. He lacked hope, desire, and motivation. He lacked the bravery of his father. His opinions slowly but surely changed. No longer did he push for equality and religious tolerance. No longer did he urge his people to love and accept each other. No longer did his people love and respect HIM. Along with the love of his people, Alex began to notice the loss of love of his wife. She caused uproar in political meetings. She refused to give up the fight against persecution. She became disgusted with her weak husband. This was not the courageous man she married, and this was not the man who wanted nothing more than peace. She spent days alone in her chamber searching her brain for any reason Alex would have to behave this way. No one knew about Javar's threat but Alex.
On more than one occasion, Hazel passed Alexander's office and heard deep voices she did not recognize. She heard voices that had things to say that she did not like.
"I simply cannot do this. Hazel will be outraged. Cedric will leave my side. My mother will disown me. I will lose the support of Jacob," Alex complained.
"Would you rather those people be angry with you, or lose them forever? We will find them, and none of them will take another breath. What say you, mighty King? Feelings or life?" The unknown voice questioned.
"Okay, okay. I will do it. I will do all of it. You have my word," the king whispered.
After asking Alex numerous times what this conversation was about, Hazel accepted that this man was someone she didn't know, and he was someone she didn't want to know. Alexander's quickly shifting eyes and nervous stance made her uneasy. Out of fear and anger, she became distant. She often disappeared without warning. She spent hours in the garden writing in her journal. Every loving gesture of her marriage was now gone, and she feared the love of her people would now be gone as well.