The King

Chapter 2; You'll be next

Arthur's POV

It is almost dark outside when I am back home from riding my horse. Unfortunately, I couldn't sneak out this time. My mother saw me leaving and send the guards with me. Sometimes I can sneak out without being seen and I can just ride all day. This morning my parents told me that they found a bride. I knew this was coming someday but I didn't expect it to be so soon. Alright maybe I am not being fair. I am 19 and my parents were married at that age. My father said that I should be ready for the time I am King.

After I heard the news I was confused and a little angry. But while I was riding, I calmed down a bit. She is going to be my wife and she is going to listen to me. She probably loves the idea of getting married to a King next in line. Well that is what mother said to me.

The girl should be arriving the day after tomorrow. She travelled from Bellmare and I believe it's a 7- or 8-days trip. I don't know much about her, but I sense her coming here has something to do with the conditions of Bellmare. I know the King has been sick for some time now and that it isn't doing great in war.

Father has been teaching me how to be a king for years now. I help in sometimes when he is busy. Other than that, I am always shooting arrows and riding my horse. The castle has a lot of room outside and some woods nearby. The woods stretch over a big part of the kingdom. Some parts are filled with bandits. So, it's better to stay clear of the forest.

I freshen up and I am just in time for dinner with the family. Everyone except father is already seated. Just like always everyone is quiet until father sits down and tell us to eat and be quiet or eat and talk. He looks to be in a good mood, so I think we could get some talking in here.

''Eat and talk.'' Father shortly says as he sits down, and the maids bring our plates. My younger siblings start to do talk immediately. Joanna, James and Tomas are all three under the age of ten. At that age I barely could shut up. My parents and the maids went crazy sometimes. I have learned to control it more. I try to speak the words of a Prince becoming a King.

After dinner we part and go are own ways. Father has been silent all night and mother has been busy setting all kind of stuff up for tomorrow. ''Father?'' I ask him as he is just sitting in his chair. He looks up at me and gives me a small smile. ''Is something wrong father? Maybe I can help?''

''Son everything is fine.'' I can see that something is bothering him, but I am not sure what it could be. ''Has it something to do with the guest coming here tomorrow?'' He looks up at me again and he stands up.

''Come son. Let's have a talk in private.'' We go to his study. Father sits down and leans on his desk. He sighs and then looks up at me. ''Son I don't know if I made the right choice for you.''

''What do you mean father?'' I ask him.

''The girl, she is the youngest of her family. I may have thought more about my friendship with her father then I should have done. The girl isn't known for her great behaviour. I am not sure if she is the right girl.'' I am not really sure what to say. I never would have thought that my father would choose a wrong girl for me and the kingdom.

''Father we'll just see how it goes when she gets here tomorrow. Maybe it won't be that bad. Can't you send her back when it doesn't work out?''

''No, I can't send her back. If I do that, we'll be in war with Bellmare. Her father is dying, and his last wish is that his youngest daughter gets married before he dies. She doesn't know about him dying. So, when she gets here tomorrow do not mention it.'' I nod and leave the room to let him think. I could see he is stressed about something.