The Loneliness of a King
King Merin heard the door open behind him, and a moment later, the herald announced his visitor. He turned in time to see Akkarin sweep through the door, bowing to one knee as custom demanded. "Rise," Merin said. Akkarin smoothly rose to his feet. Though he had just passed his fortieth birthday, Akkarin's face was still unlined, his eyes were as sharp as ever, and his hair had only a hint of grey at the temples which seemed well-suited to him. Merin often wished he had aged as well as his friend. "I am sorry to bother you on Midwinter's Eve," Merin apologized. "I hope that we can settle things quickly, but I had a few questions about defenses based on some recent reports, and I wanted to go over them with you as soon as possible."
"Of course," Akkarin agreed.
They spent a few minutes talking through Merin's questions before he finally had the information he needed. At that point, their conversation turned to more personal topics. "Are the children excited for Midwinter's Day tomorrow?"
"Let us just say the summons was not completely unwelcome for me."
Merin chuckled. "I have no idea how you can manage four of them."
Akkarin's lips twitched. "Practice," he said simply.
"Are you considering having more?" Merin asked the question in an offhand manner more because it was an expected question during a conversation about children than because of a true desire to know. He expected a negative answer anyway.
Surprisingly, Akkarin's lips pressed together, and a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes. "Ah. . . we have certainly considered it." Merin studied him for a moment before realization hit.
"Sonea's pregnant?"
"The baby is due in June."
"Well, congratulations."
"Thank you."
They stood in silence for a few moments, and Merin felt an unexpected wave of jealousy pass over him. Of course, he did not want five kids—he was not even sure he would be able to handle one—but it would have been nice to have an heir. "You know, I envy you," he remarked, turning away so that Akkarin could not read his expressions. Of course, the magician could have reached for his surface thoughts, but Merin trusted his friend not to invade on his privacy in that way.
"Are they pressuring you about an heir again?" he questioned with surprising gentleness. Merin nodded in response. "I thought you named Dimitry."
Merin had, in fact, named his cousin as heir, but that had not helped much. "Dimitry is only a few years younger than me, and he's unmarried and childless. They fear that it's not a. . . permanent solution." Having managed to bring his emotions under control, Merin turned back to Akkarin. "I'm tempted to just tell them you will be my heir. At least they cannot complain about a lack of successors."
Akkarin's lips curled up slightly. "I feel they would have other objections to that. Besides, there is still a possibility for an heir in your direct bloodline."
"I'm forty-two."
"Plenty of men have fathered children when they are much older."
Merin sighed. "I inherited the throne far too young when my father died. I would not want that for my own son."
"You likely have many years left to live. I do not think you should give up hope just yet, Your Majesty." Merin studied Akkarin thoughtfully, noting a familiar gleam in the other man's eye.
"It sounds like you have a plan in mind."
"At least the beginning of one."
"Well, if your family can spare you for a few more minutes, I would like to hear it."
Akkarin was quiet for a few moments before remarking, "Actually, if you do not have other plans for today, perhaps you would like to return with me. I think you will find Midwinter's Eve to be quite the. . . experience with four young children."
Merin opened his mouth to object, but after a moment, he changed his mind. He had never truly experienced a Midwinter's Eve with a family—even as a child, his father was often working during Midwinter's Eve and Day, and a celebration with his mother and nanny was simply not the same. He also did not have any pressing business, and a break would likely do him well. "I would like that," he agreed. "Let me just let a few people know."
"Of course. I will meet you at the carriage." With that, Akkarin bowed and left, leaving Merin with much to consider.
