Once Upon The Life of The Wise King

The Priestess' Visit

ONCE UPON THE LIFE OF THE WISE KING

Volume 1

The Birth of The Wise King

Chapter 16 - The Priestess' Visit

Priestess Bhavisha sat in her room. She had all window curtains drawn close. In front of her were dried flowers on the table. She arranged them one by one into the vase.

"The wind's blow is not smooth lately," she spoke. "Someone is disturbing it. Most likely those puppets are doing it." She placed one last dried flower into the vase. "I hope Libra did it."

A knock on the door sounded. "Priestess, a message from His Majesty."

Priestess Bhavisha stood from her seat. She sauntered towards the door and opened it. The maid held out an envelope with the King's seal When the door opened.

"Thank you," the Priestess said.

"You are welcome, Priestess," the maid replied and excused herself.

The Priestess closed the door and made her way back to her seat by the table while opening the envelope. She read the letter that told the news of the Queen's pregnancy. "They conceived fast this time. It has only been a year since Prince Alphonse was born, and now they are going to have another baby."

Standing up, she called for her maids to help her dress up as she planned to visit the Royal family. The maid quickly choose a dress for her, fixed her hair, and powdered her face.

"Priestess, we have prepared a carriage for you," one of the maids told Priestess Bhavisha as they made their way out.

"Bring me my mare," the Priestess order.

"But, Priestess. You must use the carriage. We are worried that if you use your mare, you will have an accident."

The Priestess knew she worried her maids the last time she went to the palace, so she relented and allowed them to help her up in the carriage.

"I will not take long." The Priestess sat inside the carriage.

"Yes, Priestess. Be safe."

Back at the palace, the King listened to his subjects arguing over some issues in the courtroom. The council members were arguing whether or not to increase the taxes to prepare for the incoming stormy season. Last year, a storm had damaged more than half of their crops, which used a great number of funds to rebuild the damages.

"The harvest is not good this time. We exported products less than what was average, which is alarming. Understandably, the people don't have enough money on them. We can not increase the tax!"

"So you want our kingdom to suffer this stormy season? What if another great catastrophe comes and we don't have enough funds? What then?"

"Then, we can just give half of our salary!"

"Nonsense!"

"That is insane!"

"This is our salary. We're already paying taxes. We can not give more!"

"I say increase the taxes for everyone! that will be fairer!"

"But the people are not that rich! They also have a family to feed!"

Listening to them arguing back and forth caused headaches for the King. He fully understood the need for more funds, however, he did not want to starve his people at the same time. He already thought of a possible solution, but he had to ask his Queen's opinion first.

King Wenhart sighed as the argument was getting out of control as crumpled paper balls can be seen flying across the courtroom and personal insults can also be heard.

"Silence in the court!" the King bellowed, gaining the silence he wanted.

"Both of the opposing parties have a point," the King said. "We need more funds, but we can not starve the people, too. I understand your concerns well, but I do not want for you to fight over this."

The council members quieted down as they listened to their King.

"Let me think over this matter. Everyone dismissed."

The King stood up and left the courtroom first. Earlier, he had sent a letter to Priestess Bhavisha. He thought that the Priestess must have arrived, so he directly went to the Queen's room.

Inside the Queen's room were Priestess Bhavisha and Queen Cielisse. The Queen remained sitting on the bed while the Priestess sat beside the bed. They were joyously talking when the door opened, revealing the King.

"Your Majesty," the Priestess greeted as she stood up.

The King nodded back at her, who sat again and walked to the other side of the Queen's bed. "How are you feeling?" he asked his wife.

"I am fine," Queen Cielisse answered. "How was the meeting."

"Chaotic." The King exhaled. "I will tell you about it later."

"Okay."

Priestess Bhavisha watched them exchange some words, then she stood, gaining the Royals' attention.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty. I received your letter so I rushed here to see. It seemed that Her Majesty is at least one month pregnant."

"Thank you," the King said while the Queen smiled at her.

"Also, I have news to tell. Great news in fact." The Priestess smiled mysteriously.

"What kind of good news?" Queen Cielisse inquired.

"Your Majesty," Priestess Bhavisha touched the Queen's abdomen. "What you are carrying is another young prince." She paused as she took back her hand and smiled widely. "In fact, not just a prince, but also an heir to the Luciel Kingdom."

Both the King and the Queen widened their eyes. "Really?"

"Yes, My King. The kingdom's heir had finally arrived."

Queen Cielisse could not be any happier. Her wishes to conceived an heir came true. "Wenhart..." she cried, leaning to her husband's embrace. "Finally. Finally, we have it!"

"Eh-hem."

The Royals turned to look at the Priestess.

"It is indeed good news. The heir is finally conceived. But, I want you to be more careful. There are people out there who want to kill the heir. It must not be known to others that you are carrying the heir. Even to your sons. Not until the child is big enough to protect himself," the Priestess warned them, and added, "Also, take care of your health, Your Majesty. I can feel that you are a little weaker. The heir needs his mother to be strong to grow up quite healthy."

"I understand. Thank you so much!"