“A coronation is something that is not pressing right now. When William turned over rule of the kingdom to us, we went to work immediately. There is so much to be done, a lavish ceremony would just take too much time and resources right now.” Asna says addressing a member of the court.
“That’s right!” Yorba backs up the Queen.
“The Bend needs renovated immediately, and food must begin pouring in so that all the malnourished children we saw on the way in will be fed. The pomp and circumstance of times past is over. Now is the time to raise the living conditions of all people within our borders.”
A grumbling comes across the court, but no one speaks up against the new queen.
Asna is assertive and controlled. She has trained her entire life for this position, just as all the other daughters of Meego did. She is comfortable in this arena. More so than Aero is, who is a warrior at heart.
“Master at Arms, has anyone reported back in about my father?” Aero asks.
The new Master at Arms is a Bellumi official. He has been placed in the position as part of the negotiation agreement for support. As with all Bellumi people, his position is now his proper name.
“No, my King. The latest report that we received was from last night after the former king left the throne room. One of his comfort women, Gaia reported that he went to the Queen’s Tower and released all his concubines and left. That happened well before midnight, no one has seen him since.”
“Thank you for your report, let me know the moment you receive an update.” Aero replies.
The Master at Arms nods is submission.
“While this court is in session and this has been freshly brought to the attention of all in attendance. I hereby outlaw the practice of a royal having concubines. This is effective immediately and stands for all time.” Asna speaks up.
“But my Queen, shouldn’t the King make that decision? It is his prerogative after all.” A member of the court asks.
Aero begins to speak up, but Asna places her hand on his shoulder as if saying she would handle it.
“I do not care how things were done in times past or the traditions of the crown; but in Meegan tradition, Aero gave himself to me. I will not share him with anyone. He is mine until death. I do not need him to speak for me in this matter.”
All eyes turn to Aero.
“The Queen has spoken, and I agree completely.”
“Now is there any new business from the court?” Asna asks.
A hand rises from the back. It’s a small hand, obviously a woman’s. The Queen calls her forward.
It is Mary, the former next queen.
“My Queen, I am Mary of Northport. My father bid me to come to court to seek an alliance with the new rulers. It is his wish that this alliance be sealed by marriage.”
“Weren’t you the one betrothed to John Henry?”
“I am your grace, that too was my father’s doing, he is trying to secure a good relationship with the crown for the people of Northpoint.”
“Husband, you know this woman, don’t you?”
“Yes, we spent time together as small children. A continued alliance with the people of Northpoint is beneficial to us. That is where the majority of the members of the court live while in the Capital. It is an inroad to essentially every region in the kingdom.”
“Well then, what does your father have in mind?” Asna asks Mary.
“He asks that Prince David takes me as his wife.”
“This is good!” Aero says as he looks over to David standing nearby “I’m excited for you brother, Mary has been a close friend of the family her entire life.”
David slumps where he stands as if a thousand pounds had just been placed on his shoulders. Hesitantly, he speaks “I can’t do this brother. I’m sorry, I am in love with someone else…”
“What? Since when? Who is she?” Aero asks enthusiastically.
“Aero…” Asna calls out to her husband softly but he pays no mind.
“Just someone, I’d rather not say.” David answers heavily.
“Don’t tell me that, I must know.”
“Husband…” Asna calls again.
“I can’t say, please brother…” David replies.
“King Aero, may I have a word?” Roasa speaks up.
“Brother, this is a good thing! You must tell me.” Aero beckons.
“My King…” Ser Stephan tries to grab Aero’s attention, but the king holds his hand up to quiet him.
“Brother, as your King, I command you to tell me.” Aero says jokingly but in a serious tone. The entire court stands at attention as the King awaits an answer.
“Brother… My King… must I?” David begs.
Aero’s curiosity has gotten the best of him “I insist.”
“No, you should respect your brother’s privacy.” Roasa speaks out of turn.
Aero fails to hear her words, and stares at his brother with growing curiosity. Waiting on an answer, David relents “I’m in love with a man.”
The entire court lets out a collective gasp. Prince David has openly admitted to breaking an ancient law, a law that was handed down by King William the Great himself. A law that has stood for thousands of years, and one that carries a penalty of death.
Aero stares in shock, unable to fully grasp what he has just heard from not only his older brother but also the current heir to the crown.
“Who…” Aero slips out.
“Doesn’t matter.” David responds.
David refuses to give up the name of his lover, he is understandably trying to protect him from death. Aero has a million thoughts running through his head, yet he can’t focus on a single one.
“Ser Stephan, did you know this?” He asks.
Stephan hangs his head in shame, unable to answer. His greatest fear is being realized.
“You did know, and you didn’t tell me? How could you?” Aero questions his mentor.
Roasa walks over to the King, she places her hand on his cheek. She draws his gaze to hers. Another embrace between the two that makes evident to all that they could have been lovers.
“He didn’t tell you because he is the lover; but it’s okay.” She says softly.
“My brother and my mentor? How is this possible? This is an offense punishable by death!” Aero says as his emotions get the best of him. “How can I kill two of the most important people in my life?” He asks Roasa as he collapses on the steps to the throne.
Roasa sits by him and holds him as the King weeps.
Roasa looks up to the Queen with tears in her eyes. She is heartbroken for Aero, David, and Stephan, her adopted family from their journey. The men who saved her from certain death. She pleads with the Queen in just a glance, she realizes that the King is too overwhelmed to handle this situation.
Asna steps over to her and her husband. She places her hand upon his shoulder. “This ancient law has seen many good men and women live secret lives in fear that their true nature would be revealed, and they would pay the consequences. It is therefore the decision of the crown to abolish this law and allow love to reign in the hearts and minds of all the people of Avodroc. On behalf of my husband, I pardon Prince David and Ser Stephan and restore their honor and reputations. They will no longer live in fear and shame. The same goes for all who love in this manner. Today, love finally wins.”
Aero looks up at his bride with tears flowing “Can you do that?”
“The only person who could stop me is you. Will you take this step of faith with me?” Asna replies.
Aero stands and embraces his wife. She holds him as he cries. He takes a few moments to collect himself in her embrace.
He turns to his brother, David and walks quickly to him and hugs him.
“You are free to be who you are brother.”
David weeps as feels relief from years of hidden guilt and shame.
Aero hugs Stephan as a sign of forgiveness.
Later in the afternoon, Aero and Asna see off David and Stephan as they head toward the Cave of Brintz on their secret mission for Meego.
But down in the castle dungeon, screams can be heard throughout. They have been going on for hours. A guard finally sent word to Ser Matthew to come.
Matthew approaches the cell that the screaming is coming from “What’s going on?”
“You will let me out commoner! I am the next King!” John Henry shouts.
“You must be forgetting that you dueled your brother for the crown and lost. He knocked you out cold with one punch. You are the king of nothing. The real King, your brother said he would discuss letting you out once you calmed down. Until then, you are going to stay in this cell.”
“I have very powerful friends, Matt… Not only will I be released soon but I will begin my reign! The first duty I will have as King is to remove your head from your body. You may be Aero’s friend but to me, you’re just another deadman.”
“It’s Ser Matthew, not Matt. I’ll leave you alone tonight so that you can learn it. I’ll check on you tomorrow.”
John Henry screams as Matthew walks away. He curses him and threatens him but before Matthew can leave the dungeon, John Henry is pleading with him. Begging for Ser Matthew to come back.
Relics of the Old Age 