Part 1: The King of Bern


Chapter 1: A Son's Promise

Staring out at Bern castle from the manse where he and his mother resided, Zephiel wondered how Guinevere was doing. It had only been two days since they had last seen each other, and already he missed her greatly. Up until recently, there hadn't been any problems. It was only after the archery competition Zephiel participated in and nearly won that King Desmond had banished him to the manse where his mother had already been living. Even before his banishment though, Zephiel visited his mother every day and often times slept at the manse with her.

Why? he wondered as he watched the sun slowly creep over the mountains that surrounded Bern. Why does father not wish for me to not see my own sister? Have I done something to offend her to the point that she would ask father not to be seen by me? Or perhaps I did something to offend father. I must find out.

"Zephiel?" Surprised at the unexpected voice, Zephiel jumped slightly as he turned to face the unknown person.

"Mother," he said, his voice somewhat shaky. "I did not expect to see you awake so early. What are you doing up?"

"I was about to ask you the same question."

"I was just…thinking."

"About what?"

"Guinevere."

"Guinevere?" Zephiel swallowed nervously. There was something unsettling about the way his mother said her daughter's name. It was not one of love, the way a mother should feel toward her daughter. He wasn't sure how to describe it, but he knew it was of an ill nature. "You are aware of your relationship with her, aren't you?"

"Of course. She is my sister."

"No, Zephiel. She is your half-sister."

"What does that mean?"

"Your father had relations with another woman merely months after he and I wedded. The one you call your sister is a result of their abomination of an affair." Zephiel still had a look of confusion on his face, so Hellene explained further. "You both have different mothers, but the same father."

"And that's bad?"

"Very."

"Why?

"What?" Again Zephiel heard the same unsettling tone from his mother.

"Why is that a bad thing?" Zephiel said nervously. "Does that simply not mean that we have a bigger family?"

Hellene sighed heavily. "You have much to learn about the world, Zephiel. There are many people out there who would do all in their power to see you fail. Both Guinevere and King Desmond fall into that category."

"What? But why?"

"Because they do not care about you."

"But Guinevere and I always get along so well. She has never been hostile toward me or you." Hellene's face turned into a permanent scowl when she heard that. "And father allows me to stay here at this manse with you." Now Hellene was practically snarling. "Surely such kindness is proof they care about me."

"They don't. If they show you any sign of concern for your well being, it is merely an attempt to win your favor so that they may exploit your position once you become the King."

"I see. And…do you think I'd make a good King?"

"Of course. You will be far better than Desmond ever hoped to be."

There was a short pause before either spoke up. "Mother?"

"Hm? What is it?"

"Thank you," Zephiel said, embracing Hellene in a hug that clearly caught her off guard. After a few moments, he released her and left her alone. Misguided as she was, Zephiel saw her as merely trying to protect him from what she perceived to be a dangerous situation. It was up to him to show her otherwise.

Going toward the small study upstairs, Zephiel readied a feather with ink and began to write. He did not need to think or consider his words, as they already said what he believed to be true.

'I know a King must be strong and wise for his people, so I will become both in every way imaginable. From this day forward, I will hone my skills and become someone father deems worthy of passing the throne to. If I am to be the King of Bern, I swear to do all that I can for the people of Bern. But most of all, I wish for peace amongst my family. That is what I want above all else.'