The Prince’s Heart

18. Chapter 18

Chapter eighteen

I ’m sure there are parts of a king’s job that are enjoyable—there must be some reason why people are willing to fight to the death to wear the crown, after all—but attending meetings of Soeria’s Council of State is definitely not one of them. They are almost as boring as reading reports, with the added punishment of having to be around other people.

The first session was short, probably because everyone—including myself—was still in shock. In a way though, it was almost tolerable, since my mind was elsewhere pretty much the entire time. The second one, a few days later, was much the same.

This one, however, is closer to the one I went to what feels like decades ago. There’s still a heavy pall in the room, but the shock seems to have worn off. The assorted lords and ladies drone on for hours about random topics like everything is normal. The combination of the raw grief I’m feeling and the constant sense that Samis and Father should be here instead of me makes it seem like time has slowed down. It certainly doesn’t help that I never expected to be here, sitting at the head of the table, at least not regularly. The only thing that keeps me going is the knowledge that it will end sometime, and that I’ll get to see Tag when it’s done.

Like the first time, I mostly keep quiet during the discussion, letting the councilors guide me rather than the other way around. For the most part, they seem happy to accommodate my lack of experience, although some of them can be a bit condescending at times. It bothers me a little bit that I can’t command the same respect Father did, but I suppose I haven’t really earned it yet.

Finally, after what feels like days since the meeting has begun, the discussion of the last item on the agenda—a trade agreement with Raktos—wraps up. I don’t waste any more time before asking, “Does anyone have any further business to bring before the Council?”

According to Samis, that’s what Father would ask at the end of every meeting, and as far as I know it was uncommon for anyone to respond. I’m sure I’m not the only one who wants to get away from this room as quickly as possible .

Not this time, apparently. Duke Zoran Arondel, one of the older members of the council, clears his throat. He’s been a common fixture at the court for as long as I can remember; he’s old enough to be my great-grandfather, and Father once told me that he’s been on the council for nearly six decades. As always, his clothes are rumpled, as though he slept in them and forgot to change. He’s apparently almost as deaf as Laya at this point, relying on his ability to read lips to participate in council meetings, but otherwise his mind seems sharp enough considering his advanced age.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty,” he says ponderously, stroking his long, white beard. “I realize this meeting has gone on long enough, but there is one more thing I believe we need to discuss.”

I nod to him, perhaps a bit more deferentially than I would for another councilor. I have no idea what’s so urgent that he feels the need to discuss it now, but it must be important. “Go ahead, Arondel.”

“I doubt I need to say that these are turbulent times for Soeria.” His voice is deep and resonant, his words heavy with gravity. “I'm certain Your Majesty will agree that it is the job of both this council and Your Majesty to reduce that turbulence, to ensure stability for the kingdom as best we can.”

His words are eminently reasonable, but something about them puts my guard up. “Of course I agree with you, Arondel. What would you have me do?”

“Why, the same thing that any young man in Your Majesty's position would do, of course: marry and have children so that the line of succession can be secured. Of course, this council understands that producing an heir will be different for Your Majesty than it would be for some, but surely it would still be best to begin considering suitable candidates for marriage sooner rather than later. Since Your Majesty need not be married before adopting a child, the search for an appropriate heir can proceed in parallel. I understand that your late father did not have any siblings, but there are several members of Your Majesty’s extended family who have young children. I’m certain any of them would be happy for Your Majesty to adopt their child as your heir.”

My hands clench into fists; fortunately, they’re under the table, so nobody can see my annoyance. I can't believe he's discussing this so soon after Father and Samis died . “I understand your concerns, Arondel, but there is already an heir,” I say through clenched teeth. “My sister may only be nineteen years old, but she is perfectly capable of stepping in should something unfortunate happen to me.”

Arondel nods. “I did not mean to imply that Princess Emma is in any way incapable, Your Majesty. However, in light of recent events, surely we can all agree that it is better to prepare for the worst, even as we hope for the best? Should something happen to Your Majesty and Her Royal Highness before either of you has children, the succession would be in doubt, and Soeria would be thrown into chaos.”

I can't deny that what he's saying is true, but I'm nowhere near being in the right state of mind to discuss this now. “You’re right, Arondel. I agree that this is something to consider, but it sounds like a complex issue, and one that will take quite a bit of thought before any decisions are made. Perhaps we should discuss this in more detail at a later date, when we’ve all had some time to come up with a solution?”

He nods again. “That sounds reasonable, Your Majesty.”

I nod, not exactly happy about it, but knowing it’s the best I’m going to get for now. Something tells me this won’t be the last I hear about this.

I go to end the meeting again, but it seems Arondel isn’t quite done. “If I may, Your Majesty, even if you are not prepared to adopt an heir just yet, there is still the matter of a potential marriage. The king’s hand is a valuable bargaining chip, even if there will be no natural heirs. Your Majesty should at least consider the possibility of forming a connection with another royal family through marriage.”

I wish I could tell them about Tag, but I can’t, not while everyone thinks I’m courting Arbois. I just need to get them off my back so I can have time to work things out myself . “While I understand your concern, I am in no rush to marry, especially so soon after the deaths of my father and brother. As I’m sure you’ll agree, choosing a consort is an important decision, and I would rather consider my options carefully and make the right choice than charge blindly ahead and take the first suitor who comes along.”

“What about Prince Arbois of Jirena Sadai?” Archduchess Rolsteg prods. Her green eyes are locked onto mine in a gaze that’s almost mesmerizing. “He is here to negotiate a marriage treaty with Your Majesty, is he not? There is no doubt that this council would consider him suitable, and an alliance with Jirena Sadai would inure greatly to Soeria’s benefit, especially now that the continuation of our pact with Zeteyon is in doubt. From a political perspective, it is unlikely that Your Majesty will find a better match.”

As much as I want to, I don’t have the heart to fight them right now. “You are correct, Rolsteg. I can see the benefits of a match with Prince Arbois, but as I said, I’m in no rush. Still, I will continue the negotiations that my father started. I can’t say for sure what the end result will be, but if all goes well, I suppose I would be amenable to marrying him.” A lie if I’ve ever told one. “Now then, I suggest we end the meeting there. If necessary, we can continue discussion of this topic at the next meeting.”

I can tell that Rolsteg and Arondel, and perhaps a few others, aren’t happy with my non-answer, but they appear to recognize it’s the best they’re going to get for now. With that, we disperse, and I go to my study so I can try to make a dent in the pile of reports and petitions that seems to grow larger with every passing minute. But I can’t quite escape the sound of a ticking clock that reverberates in my mind, reminding me that the Council won’t let me put them off forever. I just have to figure out a way to get Arbois to agree to an alliance that doesn’t include us getting married before the council gets fed up with me .