Disclaimer: Power Rangers belongs to someone else, not me. Anything that sounds vaguely original may be mine, however. Please don't sue me, I'm but a poor college student.
A/N: This would be my first post ever, so I apologize for any formatting oddities. As for the story itself, for what it's worth, enjoy it or hate it as you will. My only request is that should you choose to review, please no flames, if you have anything to say, please do so constructively. Thank you.
--Random Reader
sigh Here goes nothin'...
Chapter 5: My Father's Footsteps
Andros' reaction was not unlike Prince Tiernan's when he learned about the black ranger's adventure the next morning.
"Andros, that's enough," Ashley placated. "There was minimal damage and no one knew Carlos' true identity save the man who took him there." To Carlos, she said, "And he will be far more conscientious of his actions the next time."
Carlos was tired and he didn't feel much like arguing that morning. He sighed, "I'm sorry, Andros," he said. "It won't happen again." He felt very much like he had just gotten into a fender bender with his father's car.
The red ranger's eyes were still snapping. "Be careful, Carlos," he warned. "This is no place for fun and games."
Who said anything about games? The black ranger wondered. He took his leave of Andros and Ashley's company.
"Of all the irresponsible..."
"Andros, quit treating him like he's incompetent," Ashley cried exasperatedly. "None of us are children and it was the Queen of Soloria who arranged this for him. Can you blame him for wanting to see what was around?"
"He could have waited, we could have all..."
"And I quote, 'You guys can do whatever you want.'"
"I didn't think he'd interpret that as get into one hell of a scrap!"
"You're taking this too hard," Ashley noted.
"And you're not seeing the danger!"
Ashley's eyes narrowed. "Funny, I thought I was a Power Ranger. I think danger was in the job description." Before Andros could say anything more she was walking out the door and shooting him a scathing look. "Cool off, Lone Ranger. When you're done throwing your fit, come find me."
---
Later that morning, Andros arranged for a meeting in one of the council rooms. The red ranger had since reconciled with his girlfriend, but it was obvious that there was some underlying tension not only between the two of them, but with the entire team; tension that the red ranger set out to alleviate.
"It's no secret that I didn't want you to come with me," he began. "And I owe you all an apology, especially to Ashley and Carlos for losing my cool."
Cassie and TJ exchanged curious glances and Carlos sheepishly relayed his escapade with Connell Brennin.
The red ranger waved his hand dismissively. "I owe you all more than just apologies, but also an explanation."
"You have our attention," Ashley observed.
Before continuing, the Kerovian motioned the others to remove their earpieces. "I wasn't completely honest with you about this mission," he explained. "When I said that this isn't the first time Soloria has requested the Power's presence that was true. However, I said that it was even before my father was on the Kerovian Team and there in lies the falsehood. My father was a member of the original envoy to the Norvolan system fifty years ago. King Aileron's father reigned supreme in those days, and the Old King was notorious for his iron rule. Aileron is nothing like his father, of course, but back then, the Masters and the Council would not allow such corruption and deceit to wield the Power. This was not evil as we have come to know it, it was evil in man.
"My father's team did not leave this system unscathed. There were losses, but my father so rarely spoke about them."
"Why your team, Andros?" TJ asked. "Why did Master Xanthos decide it should be us to come here?"
"Not so much 'us', Teej," the red ranger replied. "It was more about me. It was not easy for the first team to leave here and there were casualties on both sides. My father killed an important man in the Old King's Court. There were no formal repercussions; it was his duty, after all. But things became very strained thereafter. The Old King struck a grudging treaty which still holds to this day. If my father were still alive, I'm sure the Council would have asked him to reprise his role as ambassador."
"So they have sent his son is his place," Cassie suggested.
Andros nodded slowly. "So it would seem."
"But what have they sent you as?" TJ wondered. "A friendly gesture or as a threat?"
The red ranger shrugged. "Now you understand," he grumbled.
"How many times do we have to remind you?" Ashley asked. "We're in this together, regardless of whatever happened here fifty years ago, or a hundred for that matter!" The others chuckled. "You're not your father, and we're not that team. You make it seem like you're absolutely certain history is going to repeat itself. Have faith in us."
"You're right, of course," Andros agreed, but his doubts still lingered in his mind. "I'm taking my caution too far."
"But now we know what to really keep a look out for," Cassie observed.
Carlos cleared his throat. "I guess I have something more to tell you too," he said quietly. "More about last night, I mean."
Ashley frowned. "Whatever do you mean, Carlos?"
"I was not only in the company of a member of the Silver Guardsmen, but also of His Majesty Prince Alandor, under the guise of merchant named Alan Wainwright." The black ranger then recounted the night's event, including the minor details that he had left out when he first told it Andros and Ashley.
"What do you make of this, Andros?" TJ asked when Carlos had finished telling them of the spidery language that didn't translate and the glow that surrounded the two men.
"Magic is not uncommon," he replied, "not even on your planet, although other systems have a much different regard for it. Such methods are not unheard of, either. But this information brings with it far more elements than I had first anticipated." He looked to the others, "Take note of everything, even more so than we would have before. As for tonight, when we are presented before King Aileron, we should remain unmorphed." Silencing his teammates' objections, he added, "Our explanation shall be that we wish to make Prince Alandor's celebration all the more special, and that way, the King will not be insulted."
"We'll be able to keep everything under surveillance," TJ added, as the team caught on to their leader's plan. "We'll have a little under two weeks to gather information."
"Does the King know of the eligibility?" Cassie asked.
Andros shook his head. "No one ever does. Choosing Rangers is not something done overnight. None of you knew that you had been chosen, and your predecessors didn't necessarily apply either. Things are done differently in my part of the galaxy, but it was never guaranteed that I would become one."
"Well now the objectives are laid out completely," Ashley noted. "Perhaps it would be best if we continued these little meetings."
"Agreed," said TJ. "But we'll have to be careful not to draw any suspicion."
"We will meet with the Lord Herald this afternoon in the Hall of Kings. In the meantime, we should probably subtly learn more about Soloria, especially about its magic."
The rangers nodded respectively and fitted their translators back into place before leaving the council room.
---
The King of Soloria also sat in council, surrounded by his advisors and the Heads of Houses. His sons were also present, as was custom for the Lord Prince and the Commander of the Silver Guardsmen and his subordinate to be accounted for.
"It would seem, your Majesty, that Kethwell has formed an alliance with Ledvia," Knight Commander Gareth reported.
Aileron Han Caldon raised a brow. "Fercher and Somerled would openly strike a bargain?" The King was startled by this claim, as were others seated in the room. Planets Kethwell and Ledvia had a long standing grudge between them that spanned not only the reign of King Aileron, but some of his father, King Tirghan's, as well. One of Soloria's strengths had been diplomacy between the two planets. A treaty between Kethwell and Ledvia could either be a threat or an advantage to Aileron and his people.
Gareth nodded gravely. "According to sources, Somerled plans to supply Kethwell with access to Ledvian rablon mines and in exchange, Fercher will return control of Sigom 4 to Ledvia."
"Rablon?" Lady Eadan Han Ustan echoed. "Fercher's supply of arms rules most of this system! He would never dare..."
"But the possibility is there, my lady," Tiernan pointed out. The Younger Prince seemed to direct this observation to his brother, whose face revealed nothing of what the Heir was really thinking.
"It is my suggestion, Highness, that we send out patrols to monitor our perimeter and limit off-planetary communication." Gareth paused. Finally, "Also, it may be in our better interest to contact our own neighbors so that at least Planet Soloria will have some force behind it."
"We already do, Commander," Prince Alandor noted. "Rhovia stands beside us, and House Caldon has relations in Nola and Vastonne. Cerevais hasn't given us trouble in several years. I think it would be safe to say we are well fortified. And let us not forget," the Heir smiled, "we have stores of our own weaponry, and should the need arise for us to bring them out again, we shall have them."
"My Lord Prince forgets that we have not used energy propelled weaponry since his honored father's thirteenth year of reign in accordance with the Treaty of Five Nations."
"And we were not weakened then, Gareth," Duke Vincent Han Jovis observed. "If I recall correctly, it was your own predecessor who enforced this rule."
"Your Grace humbles me," Gareth replied, feeling slightly defeated. He was a young commander in the eyes of the council. But the King did not appoint him his post because he lacked experienced, for the same reason the Commander took on Tiernan as his second-in-command. They were both excellent field commanders as well as military strategists. They had had their chance to prove themselves when Soloria came under threat from Tavil 7 but two and a half years ago. "But I still think that we should not stand by and let this plot unfold."
King Aileron sighed. "We should think on this more," he said, at length. "Gareth, I would like to have the evidence of your report before the end of banquet tonight. The rest of you, I would like to hear your positions individually, but after we have had the chance to retire. Duke Vincent, I would like to hear from you first in one half hour. The rest of you shall be summoned accordingly."
"By your leave, your Majesty," the council chorused.
"I shall see you all again tonight at the presentation of the Power Rangers." The King rose and the others stood as well to pay their respects to their ruler. "Good day to you all."
---
Ashley wore a tiny smile as she looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing one of the yellow gowns she had brought from Earth, only now it had some fittings of Solorian design. It was no longer floor length and was cut just above her ankles. It hardly looked like her old prom dress, far finer than anything she could have purchased at home.
"You are considered a warrior here," Andros had explained. "Women of the warrior class must have certain mobility, even while dressed in finery." He kissed her on the forehead, "Warrior or not, you're beauty rivals any courtier."
Their conflict had long since been resolved, but Ashley could still sense a dread feeling from Andros. She did not bring it to his attention, though, for she did not want to initiate another argument. While she understood her boyfriend's apprehension and doubt, she had still been insulted by it.
"You look nice," a voice remarked. Ashley started a little and turned to see Carlos standing in the doorway.
She smiled at him. He looked very handsome in his own suit. It was fashioned like the Marines dress blues, but it was colored in various shades of black. "You're looking great yourself, Mr. Vargas," she replied. Her brow furrowed, "Wait. How did you get in my room?"
Carlos gestured towards the door. "The door was open. I knocked, but you didn't answer. I just let myself in. Sorry."
"You okay?" Ashley moved away from the mirror to be closer to her friend. They had been romantically involved once, in their Turbo days. They decided they were better friends than a couple and mutually went their separate ways. Ashley still felt a bond to Carlos, however.
"I'm fine," he said. "I've just been thinking about what happened last night."
"Don't worry about it so much, Carlos." The yellow ranger hugged her teammate. "We have enough people on this team brooding, we don't need any more!"
Carlos gave a half hearted smile. "Don't I know it," he agreed. "Speaking of brooding, where is our fearless leader?"
"I think he went to find the Lord Herald." Ashley and Carlos returned to the front room and sat on the sofa. "He looks just as dashing," she commented. "I feel like I'm going to my first prom!" she added with a laugh.
"We're about to meet a King," Carlos observed, "I'm just as nervous." His humor was slowly returning. "I'm certain to trip down that runner. Could they have made it any farther away from the door? I feel like I'm going to walk a mile before I even get to where I'm supposed to and I have dozens and dozens of spectators waiting for me to trip!"
"Now you know how a bride feels on her wedding day," Ashley remarked.
The black ranger laughed. "I'll remember that when I get married and have my wife-to-be train for it like it's a marathon."
Ashley jabbed at him playfully. "What woman in their right mind would ever marry you?"
Carlos kissed her cheek. "I had you for a while there," he noted, bringing a rosy blush to the yellow ranger's face.
"Carlos..."
"Don't worry, Ash," he said quickly, "you've got a better man. Besides, I was far too charming for you - you were constantly keeping an eye on me!"
"Yes, that was exactly how it was."
"Come on," the black ranger stood and offered her his hand. "We had best find that loverboy of yours and the others or else they'll start getting ideas."
The two of them walked companionably into the corridor and were met by TJ and Cassie. The pink ranger shot Ashley an amused look. "Rekindling old flames you two?" she quipped.
"Most definitely," the black ranger replied, grinning. "Ash couldn't keep her hands off of me. It took me like ten minutes to remind her that she and Andros had a thing and ten more to get her to come out here."
His humor has definitely returned, Ashley sighed. "I dig guys in black," she said affectionately. "I saw him there dressed like that and I was like Andros who?"
The others laughed. They hadn't been in such high spirits since they landed and it was a welcome change.
"Stealing my girlfriend, Vargas?" Andros appeared at the end of the hallway as if he had teleported there; one of the pages was beside him, a smothered grin on her face. The Kerovian was beside Ashley in five easy strides.
"I'm leaving you," she said flatly.
Andros' brow arched. "Is that a fact?" He kissed her lovingly on the lips until TJ cleared his throat.
"If you two are quite finished," the blue ranger declared, "I think it is time we make our way to the Hall."
Ashley took the red ranger's offered arm and gave Carlos an apologetic look. "I'm fickle, what can I say?"
Carlos shrugged, smiled at her good naturedly and followed after them.
"Now remember what Herald Ysandar said this afternoon," TJ reminded them. "We have to make this look sharp."
Carlos hummed "Here Comes the Bride" and Ashley stifled her laughter.
The page brought them a few feet from the Hall. "His lordship Herald Ysandar will let you know when it is time to come. In the meantime, please wait here." She bowed to them, "By your leave, Honored Rangers." Then the page turned on her heel and marched down the hall to her post by the door.
While waiting to be presented, Ashley thoughts drifted to earlier that afternoon.
"Their Majesties are very pleased that you are able to join them tonight," Herald Ysandar had declared, ushering the rangers into the Hall of Kings. "This affair almost rivals the Honored Princes Ceremonies of Knighthood in pomp and circumstance!"
"We are honored to be so well received," TJ said.
The Lord Herald brought them to the middle of the hall, several feet away from where the Thrones of the Royal Family were situated. "Their Majesties will already be in position when you are brought to the Hall. It is customary for you to be waiting outside the doors until you are called forth. Protocol dictates that you pay your respects before the King and the Queen fifty paces from the Thrones, here," the Herald indicated the proper position. "If his Majesty the King is gracious, he will incline his head in response and you may make your proclamation from thirty paces away. If not, you are required to speak loudly and clearly from this point. Am I to understand that you, Andros of KO-35, will the one to speak on the Council's behalf?" He addressed the red ranger, who nodded his reply. "You may step forward from the group two paces, so that you may distinguish yourself. Afterwards, the Court will move to the Great Hall for dinner. It is Their Majesties wish that you be seated at their table."
"And it will be our pleasure to do so," Andros replied.
"Well then, I should see to it that you are properly tailored," said the Herald. "I must tell you, Rangers, that while I approve of your decision, I must admit that I had wished you had told us sooner so that we could accommodate you all more properly. The Tailors were in such frenzy when I told them of these plans of yours."
"It was mostly my fault," Ashley explained. "I wanted so much to be presented at Court in finery rather than uniform."
Ysandar smiled. "Yes, well, I could understand such fancies. It is not often that such honored handsome young people grace this Court."
The outer doors to the Hall of Kings opened and the page beckoned the Rangers forward into the antechamber. "Their Majesties have just taken their places," the page whispered. "His lordship will make his announcement soon, at which point, these great doors will open and you will walk down toward the Thrones. I believe you know what to do from there," she winked reassuringly at the Rangers, who shifted a little nervously.
A trumpet sounded through the doors. "Here we go," Ashley breathed as the doors opened wide. The Hall of Kings was full of people from the Solorian Court, all eyes fixated on these foreigners who wielded the Power. This is what they call a "brief audience"? Ashley thought. It seemed as though half the kingdom were situated in the Hall.
Lord Herald Ysandar rapped his heraldic staff three times to silence the Hall and spoke loudly and clearly into the audience. "By leave of Their Royal Highnesses King Aileron Han Caldon and his queen Brielle, I have the distinct honor of introducing the Power Rangers of Earth: Andros of KO-35, Red Ranger and Team Leader, Theodore Jarvis Johnson, Blue Ranger and second-in-command, Cassandra Chan, Pink Ranger, Ashley Hammond, Yellow Ranger and Carlos Vargas, Black Ranger!"
Another fanfare played on as the rangers made their way gracefully down the runner to the designated area. Ashley was surprised to hear the Court actually applauding them as they walked.
King Aileron Han Caldon sat beside his wife, Queen Brielle, with their sons situated on the lower dais. The Lord Prince had a warm smile on his face; one that the rangers were now accustomed to, while Prince Tiernan regarded them with an aloof expression.
The rangers bowed in the Solorian fashion fifty paces from the Thrones. A ripple of approval coursed through the gathered courtiers.
King Aileron startled all those gathered in the Hall when he rose and gestured for the rangers to approach the dais. The rangers did not falter in their movements as they continued down the runner to the second designated spot and bowed again.
"I bid you welcome, Power Rangers of Earth," the King's voice carried clearly throughout the Hall. "We are honored by your presence."
"We are the ones who are honored, your Highness," Andros replied solemnly. He stepped forward two paces, as dictated to him by Lord Herald Ysandar. "On behalf of the Council of Power, we come in peace and humbly request His Majesty's blessing." Andros again bowed and awaited the King's reply.
"The King of Soloria acknowledges your request, Honored Guests," Aileron answered formally. "Stand and be recognized as Champions of the Realm."
The Court buzzed with startled conversation. The Power Rangers had just been promoted to one of the highest stations in the realm. These untested, unknown foreigners were now considered members of the kingdom's defenses. It was a bold move for the King to be making.
Ashley glanced at the Princes, trying to gauge their reactions, but to her dismay, neither Alandor nor Tiernan betrayed their true feeling in their faces and she was too far away to see their eyes.
Aileron further startled his Court by descending from the Throne and approaching the rangers. He smiled warmly at them, and Ashley was reminded of the Lord Prince. "I am very happy you were able to join us," he told them. "You have no idea what this means to me."
"Thank you, your Majesty," Andros kept his gaze low. Until he was certain where he stood with the ruler, he knew it wise to not look the King in the eye.
"I know you don't I, young man," the King murmured. Aileron had watched the young leader from the moment he entered the Hall of Kings.
Andros hesitated. I'm not my father. "His Highness sees another man in me," he explained.
"You may look upon me, Red Ranger," the Kind commanded. When Andros complied, Aileron nodded slowly. "So it is true. The son of Kalavandros has come to Soloria."
"I am honored that you remember my father, Majesty," Andros declared.
"I do indeed, Andros of KO-35," said the King. "Kalavandros was a good and noble man." He seemed to see the other rangers for the first time. "You are all most welcome here. Please, let us continue our festivities in the adjoining Great Hall." He smiled at them again before turning back towards his throne. He gestured to the Guardsmen posted at the doors that were parallel to the dais.
The heralds again played a fanfare and the Court shuffled out after the Royal Family and the Power Rangers.
---
Ashley grinned broadly; for the first time in almost four days, she and her teammates were at ease.
The feast seemed to be a never ending supply of courses; Ashley couldn't remember the last time she had seen so much food! The fare far surpassed anything the finest caterer could ever dream of dishing up.
The yellow ranger and her teammates chatted easily with the various people who engaged them in conversation. There were courtiers and wealthy merchants, government officials and foreign dignitaries. Ashley had never felt so regal.
There was dancing afterwards. The rangers watched with interest as the Solorians executed some of their traditional dances for them. One courtier suggested that their guests do the same, but Andros respectfully declined.
"Our dancing is not nearly as colorful and well choreographed as yours," Carlos added. "We would look like wandering cattle in comparison!"
The Court favored this remark with smiles and chuckles. But Ashley and her companions did partake in some dancing.
All the while, Ashley kept a close eye on all things. Everything seemed in order, but there were things she knew that she wouldn't be able to catch. She hoped that between her and her teammates, they would be able to formulate some sort of conclusion about the Court of Dahnmara.
"His Majesty is very kind to all his subjects," one courtier agreed. "He is not like his father; King Aileron has a much softer hand."
"He is well liked?" Ashley asked casually.
"Very much so," was the eager reply. "The House of Caldon is very wise indeed."
The yellow ranger smiled and the conversation shifted to general chatter about both their respective planets.
"Any luck for you?" Andros asked, as the couple danced a waltz.
"Not really," she admitted.
"I've spoken to the others and they're in the same boat." The red ranger dipped his girlfriend gracefully as the dance ended. He leaned down low, as if to kiss her. "There must be something we're missing. It's up to our eyes then; keep them sharp."
"I will," Ashley answered. "And you're an awful tease," she added dourly.
She was rewarded with one of the Kerovian's rare smiles. "You're cute when you pout," he noted. He kissed her chastely on the lips.
"Hey, it gets me what I want," Ashley laughed.
As her boyfriend moved to seek others, she turned and almost collided with Prince Alandor.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she cried. Ashley felt her face cheeks begin to flush. She bowed shortly and recovered. "Your Highness, how clumsy of me."
The Prince smiled easily. "It is I who is at fault, gently lady," he returned. "I startled you, I apologize."
Ashley couldn't help but smile at this Prince Charming. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Highness?"
"I realize that the waltz has just ended," he lamented, "but I thought perhaps you might indulge me in conversation instead?"
"I would be happy to, Prince Alandor."
He offered his arm to her. "I thought a breath of fresh air may do us some good," explained the Lord Prince, as they moved towards one of the open doors.
"A very thoughtful gesture, your Highness," the yellow ranger agreed.
"You know, you don't have to keep up such formalities. You may call me Alandor."
"Is that so, Majesty?"
"It is my wish, yes," answered the Prince.
"Thank you, Alandor." Ashley looked up into the sky, as her teammates had done the evening before. The cool night air was a welcome relief. She hadn't truly realized just how warm it was in the Hall.
There was silence between the two, but it was not uncomfortable. Ashley wondered vaguely what this Prince was like. Is he really as cool as he seems? No, of course not. She reasoned. What is he hiding?
Alandor was seated at one of the benches that lined the enclosed courtyard. He looked on at the young woman staring at the sky. She must have felt his lingering gaze for she turned to him with a quizzical expression.
"You said you wanted to talk to me," she observed, "more or less."
The Prince nodded. "I did indeed." He gestured for Ashley to sit. "If I may say so, Ranger, you look lovely."
"It's Ashley, and thank you." The yellow ranger sat beside him.
"I really just wanted to get to know you better is all," explained Alandor. "I have had the chance to really speak with Carlos, which I'm sure you know all about."
"I may," she admitted.
Alandor chortled. "You must have a horrible impression of me."
Ashley chose her words carefully. "I dare to say that I don't have much of an impression of you at all. As you mentioned, we barely know each other."
He flashed his winning smile. "How very true, Ashley." The Prince regarded her thoughtfully. "I was hoping perhaps you would tell me a little bit about yourself, and of your home."
The yellow ranger laughed. "There really isn't much to tell, your Highness. I'm really very ordinary, with the exception of the Power Ranger thing. As for Earth, my home is nothing like your world, and I'm sure you would be saying the same thing if you were in my place."
"There's nothing more you can say than that?" The Lord Prince was unconvinced.
Shrugging, Ashley continued, "Seriously, Alandor, everything about me outside my Ranger duties is average. I have family back home, I graduated from school and once this mission is over, I'm going to pursue a higher education. Where I come from, that's incredibly normal." She favored the Prince with a bright smile. "It's nothing like what you've done in your life, I'm sure."
"'To each his own', is that not a common saying where you come from?"
"It is."
The two lapsed back into the silence. He's up to something, thought Ashley. What in the world can he possibly gain from me? Or maybe he really is just asking innocent questions.
"You will have to see the countryside," Alandor said casually. "I would like to take you and the others there some time during your stay. Soloria may not boast a beautiful seaside like Cerevais has, but it has the Skysong Mountains and the Dominion Hills. The span of the kingdom would probably take us weeks to go through, though."
"I'm sure we would be happy to see more of your kingdom, Alandor," Ashley agreed. "After all, there are two weeks until your birthday, isn't that right?"
Something in the Prince's demeanor shifted. "Yes, of course," he said rather stiffly.
The yellow ranger raised a brow. She decided to pursue. "Have I said something to upset you, Highness?" she questioned.
Alandor recovered. "No, no, not at all, gently lady!" He laughed, "It's just so hard to believe that I will have full powers of regency."
"From what I understand, Alandor, you are already acting upon your privileges."
"My father has many expectations for me," Alandor explained, "for my brother and for me."
Ashley nodded. "Most parents do, I would venture to say."
"Yes," Alandor sighed. "I must tell you, though, Ashley, that it's something entirely different when you are born into a Royal House. The expectations are not only from familial obligations, but also from the people." His eyes seemed to reflect a sort of regret.
"I'm sure you are more than qualified," Ashley assured him. "So far, I've heard nothing but good things from your people."
Alandor laughed again. "Of course you would, my lady," he noted. "What fool would insult a man of power in his own house?"
Ashley made a mental note of this. Of course indeed, she thought. If we want to know what his people really think of him, we have to go to the real people. How foolish of me! "His Highness has made a very valid point," the yellow ranger noted.
"My father is a good man," the Prince said suddenly. "I can only hope to be the kind of king that he is."
----
Thank you again most graciously for taking the time to read my chapter. I hope to get another one out soon, but I have auditions to run and 10-minute to direct, so we'll see how well that goes! Until next time...Happy reading!!
--Random Reader