Love and Other Crimes

The Letter

Henry had asked for his council and his siblings to assemble. A letter from Sigmund, king of Redland, had just arrived.

Redland was a powerful kingdom too. As a consequence, Redland and Malgravia had a long history of clashes. Henry's father had managed to put an end to those times. Soon after his death though, about four months after young Henry had assumed the throne, king Sigmund had brought the two countries on the brink of war. Henry restrained the threat. Since then, the two countries were bound by peace treaties. But as his father put it, "nothing lasts forever". Especially treaties of that kind.

An adjutant stood before Henry. He read loud.

"Your Majesty, my Friend,

I hope my letter finds you well.

Please accept my warm greetings and wishes for yours and your kingdom's prosperity.

Malgravia and Redland are experiencing a long time of prosperity and friendship."

Henry perceived a whisper. It was Edward talking to Edith. "Despite his sincere efforts for the opposite!" A muffled giggling followed. Henry admonished them in a blink and they stopped. He beckoned the adjutant to proceed.

"Your late father's, yours and my efforts have paid off. However, we live in a constantly changing world in which we can take nothing for granted. As a result, it is a necessity to preserve the fruits of our hard work through joint efforts."

The Council members worriedly looked at each other. What the hell is this supposed to mean?

"It is my strong belief that we need to further cement the bonds between us. The most effective way, in my opinion, is to bring our two families together. As you may know, the youngest of my daughters, Princess Brigitte, is not married yet. So, it would be wonderful and a great honor to me personally and my kingdom if you consented to marrying her."

The letter went on and ended with common formalities.

Henry first took a look at his speechless and agitated council.

"So, I'm listening! What do you think?"

He beckoned his siblings to hold their outburst. But it wasn't easy for them.

The council unanimously agreed on the mistrust against king Sigmund and his intentions.

Hours later, at about dusk, Henry called Maxwell in his study room. Maxwell was the oldest member of the council. He first joined it at Henry's grandfather's time. And he had been serving the kingdom since then. Henry highly appreciated his wisdom and his loyalty. So, it was his opinion he was mostly asking for at crucial times.

"So, Maxwell... What do you think?"

"Your Majesty, I..."

"We're alone, Maxwell! I've told you a thousand times! I'm Henry!"

"Okay then... Listen, my good child... I don't trust that snake Sigmund! I've told you before! I'm sure there's an extra, hidden plan behind this letter. However, I think he's left us out of options. All we can do, is say yes!"

"And you say that because..."

"Because of the words that worried you mostly, too! It would be a great honor to me personally and my kingdom... Let's say it was just a typical expression of kindness. But why him personally and his kingdom? That last addition worries me mostly. Are you supposed to insult Redland do you say no?"

Henry walked to his window and stared at the horizon; like whenever something worried him. Maxwell had just verified his fears.

He wished from the bottom of his heart to avoid that fortune of the royal families; choosing a spouse according to politics. Apparently, he wouldn't manage to. He felt a hand touching his shoulder. Maxwell stood by him.

"There's one more thing you should keep an eye on, though. Keep your siblings away from this agreement and your marriage. You know... No one's good enough for their god - brother... If possible, try to marry them. Send them far away from this palace!"

"Maxwell! It's my siblings you're talking about! My family! After all, they would never do anything that would put me into danger!"

Maxwell sighed.

"Henry, son... You know you're a son to me and I would do anythingin my powers to help you and the kingdom. Both Edward and Edith are good kids.But a lot of things are going to change after this wedding."