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I spent most of my days after Christmas with my father in meetings. I was shadowing him, preparing for my time as king that would occur when I turned twenty-two. I still had four years before I would assume the throne, but there was much preparation to be done.

Besides preparing for my wedding to Ella. Ah Ella. She was with mother, learning what befell the Queen duties. While she wouldn't have as her first title as Princess, she would be addressed by it at royal functions, as she would be addressed as Queen after mine and her coronations.

"His majesty King Erik of Pu is suffering from a debilitating illness according to our ambassador." Chancellor Thomas told my father. "His heir Princess Megra wasn't pleased about the announcement of Prince Charmont's engagement. To quote her, "Charmont is lowering himself to a commoner by marrying one. Not a true princess or queen." Says the ambassador."

I felt rage sweep through me. Princess Megra was a young naïve woman. She had been bitter since her marriage to a foreign prince had ended with his death. She had sought out my hand, but since she was four years older to me, Father declined on my behalf. I couldn't be happier when he told me that. To insult Ella though was inexcusable to me.

Father nodded. "Princess Megra is just upset that I rejected her suit. She also was embarrassed by her father for seeking out Char's hand without consulting him. I believe if Erik doesn't live and Megra assumes the thrown we may have a slight problem, but it's of no urgency at this time." All the chancellors and advisors nodded. I agreed.

"Next matter of business is the dignitaries coming in for the Prince's wedding. All must be housed, and the palace is already full, surrounding palaces and inns, by order of Queen Daria, have begun to be cleaned, and prepared for them." Father nodded. "Very good. How does the trade with the elves, the giants fare Ambassador Jin?" On with the normal functions of the kingdom.

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"The only aspect that bothers me is the Pu situation." Father told me as we walked to the drawing room to join the family before having dinner.

"How does it bother you father?" I asked, sharing my worry.

"King Erik has been ill on and off for the last year, ever since Megra's husband died. It's been suspicious but no one has been able to connect anything as to why he's ill."

I saw the distress in my father's face. "You and Erik are friends right father?"

He nodded. "We met at a function with Oscaro and became friends." He chuckled. "Thick as thieves till I met your mother. Suddenly she was everything and I was helpless but to love her. I went to visit Pu, shortly after a terrible fight with her, and Erik and I had fun at a dignitary meeting held by his father, my father and Oscaro's father held to discuss trades and problems between our kingdoms." Father's eyes grew distant at the memory. "I could never get your mother out of my head, but she forbade me to speak with her. I then got word that your mother was ill. Severely ill with scarlet fever. I grew frantic, torn between my love for her, and my love for my country, as your grandfather wanted me to stay and watch the meetings since it was close to the time I would become king." Father shook his head. "Oscaro and Erik both saw how I was. They snuck me out one night, as I rode to your mother's side to help her, they developed a story involving elves and needing my help." Father chuckled. "Agulen was happy to cover for me as well. I thank him every time I see him for helping me be with your mother."

Father smiled. "My father was proud of me for taking matter of the situation, and when he saw me next, he told me he knew I went to your mother and was pleased. He blessed our marriage, and I became king. A year later Erik married. His wife then had Megra, and sadly died." Father shook his head. "Oscaro married next, and he and Adaria welcomed Ijori two years later. When she died, he married Ivi."

I stared at my father. "Why did it take you and mother so long to have me and then Cecilia?" Father glanced at me. "Your mother was weak after the fever. She couldn't have children we thought." His eyes misted. "It upset her so much. I kept her spirits high, telling her I loved her no matter what. Then, four years into our marriage, we found out we were expecting. There were celebrations in every kingdom. Your mother was so happy, as was your Grandfather." I nodded, eager to listen. "He wasn't doing so well, he was very ill, but wished to see his grandchild. Then, in early summer Daria had you." Father looked at his hands. "You were so tiny it seemed, but wailing loudly as I held you. I never knew how much I could love till that moment." He smiled. "Your grandfather was so happy holding you. He held you nearly everyday."

I chuckled. I'd heard grandfather named me cause he thought I'd 'charm' everyone into doing what I wanted. "Then Edgar lost it." I looked at father again, who stopped in the hall. His eyes were sad. "I was sitting in bed with your mother holding you when he barged in. He started yelling at me, cursing me to anywhere and back. Your mother was still recovering and was holding you. She kept trying to calm Edgar down, but he kept ranting. I had the guards remove him from the room. Not before he threatened me, telling me I wouldn't live another fortnight and neither would you."

My mind whirled. My father rarely told me about Uncle Edgar, or what happened before I was born. I nodded, wanting him to continue. He ran a hand through his hair. "I comforted your mother. She was upset and tired. She held you to her, telling you how strong of a king you would be, how much you would be like me. I wrapped my arms around both of you, telling her that nothing would happen."

"I confined Edgar to his room, but his plan was in motion. At your christening, the coronet that was to go on your head was laced with purified snake venom. The bishop was about to place it on your head when you suddenly screamed. Your mother pulled you close comforting you. I motioned to the bishop to hand me the coronet. I touched it and absorbed some of the poison on the rim. I fell down right there." He chuckled. I didn't find it that funny. "Your mother constantly teases me that I took another five years off her life. Erik, as your godfather saw the coronet and saw the venom dripping from it."

"They called every healer but none could cure me. Your mother sat next to me with you all the time. Every praying that I'd make it through while my advisors set up the preparations to have her rule till you came of age, as your grandfather was also ill." He sighed.

"Edgar came in to see her one day, surprised that you were alive. Your mother, ever clever, knew he had done it. She begged him to help me. That if he truly loved her, he would heal me. Edgar wanted nothing more than to please your mother, he gave her the potion to heal me, if she would bestow some token of hers to him. She gave him a carved staff that was gifted to her from a fairy."

Father looked at the painting behind me. I turned and saw that it was father and his parents and sibling. In their youth, Father stood out as stronger, proud, while Uncle Edgar looked strong, but more sly and mischievous. "She gave me the potion, and I healed. My first edict was sending Edgar to the reptile conservation area in Leopal." I recognized the ghost town that I was told was inhabited, and no longer on any maps. "Edgar grew sufficient there, and renounced his title of being a duke. Told me three years ago that he was a passionate man back then, wanting what I always seemed to get as the crown prince and thought he wanted it. Turns out all he wanted was his own place. Which he has now." I turned to him.

"You saw uncle Edgar?" Father nodded. "Of course. That was the last time. He told me that he was content, and no longer wanted visitors." He shook his head. "But this illness looks too much like mine was. I must write to him and ask if he does any trading."

He smiled. "Erik was very happy that your mother and I finally had you. Then ten years later little Ceci." His smile faltered. "I still wish your grandfather had been able to hold her. One must though know that she has his spirit in her, and his gentleness."

I smiled. "Thank you Father." He looked at me surprised. "Whatever for son?"

"For sharing with me. I always wanted to know more about you and mother, so thank you." He stepped forward and hugged me. "Always endeavor to know more Char. It will help you make the right decisions as a king."