The King's Collie

Part V, Chapter 3: Of A Given Flask

"Good morning, love," Felix softly growled as he woke, but Ophelia was gone. It was just him, and the sun was shining brightly. He must have slept in.

Cameron came in, and smiled. "Well, good morning to you, too."

"Aww," the lion chortled, and whisked his tail back and forth. "You know, Ophelia's not around, for whatever reason it may be. How about we—"

"I'm way ahead of you, Your Highness," the collie said, closing and locking the door before undressing.

—

Iago stared at the castle, visible from his office in the church's spire, with great intent. This was a hobby of his, simply staring at the castle, but it wasn't because of its pretty architecture or simple significance. Once again, the Cardinal thought about what sin must dwell there. A King was supposed to be holy.

He dwelled upon Ophelia and her wicked will. He dwelled upon Lætitia, sweet Lætitia, taken and violated by that awful, mangy bard, Marco. Speaking of bards, he thought about Cameron. That must have been the source of impurity and rot for all the kingdom.

A collie. A field-breed. Being a better farmer's serf is what he should be up to right about now, not tracking mud through the castle grounds. And there he was, walking around in the smooth halls of the castle. This street-pleader, now a royal company-giver. And everyone was walking around so blind, pretending nothing was happening. It was a desecration more ominous than a lion in Rome.

Most of all, though, he thought of Felix's confession. It had to have been Felix, and it had to have been true. Male flesh. It ruffled his feathers to even think about it. The sheer thought of an heir unable to be produced, not because of Ophelia's infertility, but because the King reserved such potency for men! He grimaced more at the castle, scowling. If only he had evidence to show the people who their King Felix really was.

And the evidence came walking right through the door. Ophelia had a look of concern.

"Can't you see I'm busy?" the bird squawked crankily, then gasped at the mistake of so hostile a response. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, what are you doing here? Still, off with you," he then gave his hostile response now that he was aware of it.

"Your Holiness," the lioness mewled desperately, "I do realize we've squabbled in the past, but I need your advice more than ever."

This change in tone was greatly pleasing for Iago. "My apologies, again, Your Majesty. My duty comes first. What is your concern?"

Ophelia hesitated, understandably. Was she really going to say what the true matter was? She didn't want to incriminate her husband, but she knew this was gravely wrong. "Promise you'll keep it a highest secret, or you'll regret it!" she yelped out, using this very vague threat.

Though the Cardinal knew this was a bluff, he still knew that a queen had the power for such an execution, even in the literal sense of the word. "Fine. Sworn to secrecy, on my holy honor."

"My husband, Felix..." the Queen hesitated once again in saying what was wrong.

"I do think I suspect your problem, but I am bound by the Seal," the Cardinal reminded.

"He makes bed with another man. Our Sir Cameron," Ophelia choked up as she told...

"He confessed attractions earlier this spring, as did the collie," Iago woefully responded.

The Queen fell to the floor. "Iago, I simply cannot believe it! He writes him love songs, and they— they sneak together every night and—"

"Say no more, no more!" the Cardinal sympathetically said. "You have lived like this for far too long. It must be stopped!"