The Kingship

Chapter 2

Opposite of what Athaliah would have considered a small victory for herself, I was on time for dinner- my least favorite time of the day. The atmosphere at the dinner table is more frigid than the climate of the Islands. You could cut the hostility at the table with a knife. There is absolutely no sound except for the sounds of clinking china and people chewing. It wasn't until dessert that I finally worked up the courage to ask my father if I could meet him in his office for a private meeting afterwards. There was no response.

"Hashish, thy son asked thee a question." Mother said timidly.

"What do you think I am? Deaf? Bah, I heard him alright and we have no need for any meetings, public or otherwise," my father growled.

"Hashish, thou hast not even heard what thy son wants to say to thee," Mother spoke up with more courage. Normally, she would have held her tongue but as this was a private dinner I believe she felt she could speak out safely enough.

"I have no reason to and neither have you," Father growled again.

"He art our son and thy successor. How then sayest that thou nor I hast no reason to hear him out?"

"Silence your tongue, woman! What right do you think you have to speak?!"

I could tell Father believed himself to be crossed now. I wanted to tell Mother myself not to try anything but I knew that would be a bad move for even me. Mother didn't seem to mind. In fact, she went on like there was no tomorrow.

"I speak because thou hast neglected to speak. Oh, thou talkest, Hashish. Thou talkest. But all that comes from thy mouth art ramblings and things unfit for a king. Who dost thou think takes the brunt of the complaints that cometh from our subjects? Thou hast forced me into a very nasty position, Hashish. I'll wager that this art where you want me to be. Dost thou even knowest who art responsible for everything thy sons know?"

"Oh, so now I know who to go to when Llama the Lazy drives the kingdom into bankruptcy," Nociv tossed out carelessly.

"Watch it, Nociv." I growled making a fist under the tablecloth. See what I mean when I say my brother and I are not the best of friends?

"Oh, I'm watching, Llama," my younger brother taunted coolly. "I'm so scared."

"That wilt be enough from thou two," Mother admonished sternly. "Hashish, if it comes to it, I wilt hit thou in the head if that is what it taketh to make thou hear me or thy son."

Father laughed. He had an ugly, sort of, deranged laugh that made me cry with fright as a small child. As of today, it merely gives me chills up my spine and a headache.

"Woman, I've been married to you for sixteen years and I know you don't have the guts to-"

There was a sudden crash and a flow of what I first thought was blood, but then realized it was the red wine left in Mother's crystal goblet, which she had just smashed over my Father's head. I have never seen Mother take such a crazed, violent action before. Even Nociv was taken aback by Mother's action and whistled.

"Looks like Mama isn't gonna be pushed around anymore. Is she, Father?" I had no idea who this statement was supposed to make angry but it made both of my parents angry. Mother grew white but only called for a towel for her hands. Father grew purple underneath the coat of purple-red that already coated his grotesque face. I know it was mean, but I hoped that some of the glass had lodged into his skin and drawn blood.

"What was that for?!" he roared at my mother.

"If that is what it takes to intercede on Llama's behalf so that he might have just five minutes of thy time, I wilt do it again. Dost thou wish to see?"