Arya

Protestants

✿ Reign

"Oliver, don't you think it would be safer if you stay here, where the guards are just a shout away?"

"I would love nothing more than to stay here, but seeing my father's close friend is important."

"Very well." I nodded as I fixed my coat. "Be safe." I gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"I will." He placed his hands on my belly. "Don't do anything reckless. By the time I get back, you better be in bed resting."

"How long will you be away?"

"Shouldn't be for too long. I must get going or the pope will say..."

"The pope shouldn't say anything for their king to be late. After all, you've more than meetings that need you're attending."

As I watched his carriage leave Michael walked his horse inside the gates I smiled at him.

"Michael, when was the last time we've had a conversation?"

"Far too long. How's the baby?"

"Healthy, kicking, and very hungry might I add."

"Sounds like someone I know." He smiled and I shook my head.

"It also causes these massive headaches. Which reminds me of someone else I know."

"He's that bad?"

"Yes very much." I laughed and he smiled.

"How's Aladar?"

"Will not leave Bruno's side."

"Who would? Bruno is a remarkable dog."

"If I give Bruno the slightest attention, Aladar gets jealous. And if Bruno comes towards me, Aladar gets angry because it's not him he's jumping on."

"Not that I wouldn't like to continue talking about the good things in life but there's something you should know." He handed the leash of the horse to someone else and we continued to walk.

"What is it?"

"The people have turned against one another. They're killing each other."

"What do you mean?"

"People in the villages are fighting in the name of the King and Queen but others are killing them because they are starting to believe they should remove Oliver of the throne."

"They? Since when did they start to believe that? They believed in Oliver and knew he'd make a great king."

"The Protestants. Lord Corwin has also spoken to Oliver of an edict."

"An edict? What for?"

"The nobles asked Lord Corwin to speak with Oliver of the edict. It's to publicly declare their faith to the king."

"What?" I stopped walking and looked at him.

"Others have signed in support. This would only force our people to declare their faith, under penalty of death. Lord Carwin states as long as they come forward, they have nothing to fear."

"Nothing to fear if they're Catholic. It's just an excuse to root out the Protestants."

"Not only that but if they lie they committed perjury in front of their king. They could be executed." He added.

"Why are they pushing this now?"

"Lord Carwin says that Avallon and Cumbeachcaux grow weaker to the Protestant threat."