Heir

Chapter 2, Scene 10

Balderik stood by the bedside of his brother-in-law, King Caiden. The king was only a couple of years older than him, but the illness that ravaged his body had left him appearing much older. They were alone in the dimly lit room. Caiden was weak, but he seemed more alert than he had been the last few days. Balderik thought it was entirely possible that the king might live to see his sons arrive in the next few hours.

“Balderik, my friend, I feel stronger than I did yesterday, but I fear that this respite may be quick in passing.” King Caiden said. “Thus, I have something I must confide in you.”

“Of course, My Liege.” Balderik spoke calmly.

“It is regarding my heir.” Caiden began. “I admit I was not prepared for this sudden illness that has taken me, and I had given little thought as to which of my sons should be my successor. But, I have come to a decision.”

The king paused as he inhaled deeply and then let out a sputtering cough.

“Yes?” Balderik pursued. “What have you decided?”

“The crown must go to Roan. My youngest son.” Caiden announced.

“He is only a boy, Your Highness.” Balderik commented.

“Yes, but he has the purest heart of any of my sons, and he has all of his brothers to learn from.” Caiden explained. “I have no doubt that he will make a fine king.”

“Of course.” Balderik acknowledged. “It will be as you say. But who will rule until Prince Roan comes of age?”

“I must leave that to Aldric. He is short tempered, and a little too pragmatic, but he is a man of honor with the experience to lead. The people will rally to him.”

“Yes, My King.” Balderik would not argue with that. Aldric was a strong willed man who would not easily be manipulated through threats or deception. This made the king’s decision counterproductive to Balderik’s plans. In fact, anyone of the other princes might be a better fit for the role the steward had in mind. Prince Roan might be especially pliable, but he was too young to be of use immediately, and Balderik had already waited long enough to put his plans into motion. No, his best option was to pit the princes against each other and see who was the most easily manipulated.

Balderik had to make sure that nobody else was made privy to the king’s decision. Since the King had stopped accepting the poison Balderik had been feeding him, he had begun to recover little by little. He would certainly never recover completely, but there was a good chance he would live to see his sons arrive and tell them of his decision. Balderik could not allow that to happen.

“Here, allow me to make you more comfortable, My King.” Balderik offered, as he retrieved another pillow from the foot of the bed.

“Thank you, Balderik.” King Caiden said as he allowed his body to relax and his eyes to close. “You have been a most loyal friend, and a wise councilor.”

“You are too kind.” Balderik spoke graciously as he settled the pillow over the king’s face and pressed down on it with all of his weight. The king struggled briefly, but he hardly had the strength to even raise his hands in protest. After only a short time he ceased moving altogether. The king was dead.