Influence of a King

PROLOGUE

Dear Reader,

When I reminisce about that day I walked into a lavish, theatrical drawing room tagged with a royal name and bolstered with baroque designs, impressive paintings, a grand fireplace, and 1930s inspired furniture, I am awestruck at the fact that global events on whatever scale imaginable do align to fit God's purpose for us all. I had just fin- ished the final chapters of this novel, and in real life, literally walked into a scene from the novel. It marked my closure.

On a grand scale, Influence of a King should remind anyone who is in doubt that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

This love story, set during World War II, also underscores the influence and indirect impact British royalty and colonial rule may have had on the lives of the privileged and seemingly unknown indi- viduals in unrecognizable regions of Africa. It points to the complexity and connectivity of the human race, thus inspiring our reverence for God and acknowledgment that "the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."

The fictional characters and locations in this novel do not bear resemblance to any person or place.

Enjoy!

Titi Horsfall

Prologue

A

In the Buckingham Palace ballroom, six-year-old Chad stood still and watched with keen interest as his beloved grandfather knelt on the investiture stool before the king of England.

Draped in his royal apparel and jewel-encrusted crown, the king rose to his feet and raised his knighting sword toward Aaron Eichenwald.

Chad took in a deep breath as tension bristled his softly coiled hair. He fastened his eyes on the king's sword, while the king tapped the flat side of the blade on Aaron's right shoulder and then on his left.

At that moment, a military command was issued. The uniformed guards placed their right arms across their chests. Their eyes were trained on the king, and their salute seemingly lent support to the recipient of the king's honor. The ambience of golden ceilings, cream- colored walls, soft red carpeting, and elaborate scagliola decorations enriched the royal candor of the proceedings.

Chad imitated the uniformed guards. He raised his right hand to his chest, gazed at the king, and silently confirmed his love for the kingdom.

The Lord Chamberlain approached his grandfather.

"You may please rise to your feet that His Majesty may formally

bestow a token of the British Empire's glory upon you."

Aaron Eichenwald did as he was told.

Chad looked on with pride as his grandfather stood before the

king.

The king reached for the royal insignia—the Grand Cross—and

pinned it to the lapel of Aaron's suit.

"This is to honor you with the Knight Grand Cross of Victoria for your service to the monarchy and the British Government," the Lord Chamberlain said.

Chad's grandfather lowered his head in acceptance of the honor and stood erect. The king stepped away to return to his throne.

The Lord Chamberlain turned to the gathering. "With His Maj- esty's consent, I herewith present to you, Sir Aaron Eichenwald."

Chad, his parents, extended members of the Eichenwald family, and their distinguished guests responded with resounding applause. The king's children, all five of them, rose to their feet in honor of Sir Aaron.

At that moment, Chad's eyes caught the intense scrutiny of one of the king's sons. The prince smiled at him.

Chad smiled back. His missing front teeth no doubt elicited the wide grin he got from the prince. He turned his excited gaze back to his grandfather.

Now elevated to the ranks of nobility, Sir Aaron bowed and stepped away from the raised platform where he had received his honor. With the private ceremony over, everyone in the ballroom stood in solemn regard and bowed to the king as he was ushered out.

Chad ran to congratulate his newly knighted grandfather as he made his way to his family. Sir Aaron smiled heartily, lifting Chad to his chest.

"I am proud of you, Grandpa," Chad gushed.

Sir Aaron responded by ruffling Chad's hair into a fluff and plant-

ing a kiss on his rounded cheek.

"Grandpa, can I know the name of the king's son?" Chad asked.

Sir Aaron paused in his tracks, his eyes scanning the room.

"Which one?" he asked with deep interest.

Chad pointed.

"Oh! That's Albert, the king's second son. Why did you ask?"

"Nothing!" Chad responded with a coy smile.

Sir Aaron resumed walking, covering the remaining distance to

meet other members of his family. His stance clearly showed that he

wished to maintain solemnity.

He led the Eichenwalds and invited guests to the palace quadran- gle to pose for the royal photographers.

Following the photo session, everyone reached out to exchange handshakes and warm felicitations of goodwill with Sir Aaron.

Chad stood impatiently beside his father Oliver, who now held his hand in a firm clasp. Feeling suffocated, he yearned to return to Sir Aaron, whose charisma was infectious and drew many to him.

When all was done, the Eichenwalds and their guests departed Buckingham and headed for the Eichenwald Palace Hotel where a lav- ish reception awaited them.