TO LOVE AGAIN

THE KING'S PROMISE

Lord Alphonsus welcome! King Oscar hailed as he watches him draw close in brisk footsteps.

The king was sitting on his throne well arrayed and adorned.

Your honor! Alphonsus greeted with a bow.

Please sit. King Oscar ordered as he directed Alphonsus, gesturing with his hand for Alphonsus to sit next to him. You asked to see me, and you said it was urgent, what could be wrong? The king asked.

I bring report from our neighbouring communities about their welfare. Things are not so good out there. Alphonsus said as he lifted his eyes to look into the king's face.

He was expecting some emotional expressions, but the king didn't seem moved.

Hmmmmm! Go on. The king commanded.

They barely can feed properly, their young ones are dieing. Because their major source of lively hood has been taken from them. The local fishermen are pleading that the rivers be left alone. They say that the dam will destroy everything they have, plants and even fishing will become harder.

Lord Alphonsus what actually do you want ? The kind asked sitting up slightly, still looking very uninterested in the conversation?

Your honor this is not about me, it's about the people. without the people there is no rulership, their complaints matter your honor! Alphonsus answered.

The people can perish for all I care!

You want to be their king?

I think they should have someone as soft as you are as their king, because I am not weak, and I will not allow their silly tears make me weak. The river belongs to us. We own the source. We empty into theirs that's why they have it all. They can't be telling us what they want, we should make the rules here. They should get other sources of lively hood, farming for example is getting highly lucrative. The dam is a must! I mean how else are we supposed to generate steady electricity of which we have even extended to them? King Oscar Fernando asked obviously beginning to loose his cool.

My king I'm sorry if It looks like I'm taking a gullible stance. Only that I have gone to see them and what their conditions looks like, and honestly it's not a good sight! Lord Alphonsus said and paused, as a short awkward silence followed in the room.

Your honor, they threaten to go to war!

Alphonsus speaks up again.

King Oscar Fernando laughed sarcastically in a very loud manner. Then let them come to war. It doesn't matter. You don't even need to train your knights for us to win, it's going to be an effortless win.

We've never gone to war before. It might end up being a case of the government killing her people... Lord Alphonsus expressed more fears

So what? Then let them die. King Oscar Fernando continued in his sarcasm.

They have the United nations at their back. They have alliances, it's not as shallow as it is. They plead for a fare hearing, or they go to war. We can't afford to go to war your honor. Our knights are becoming old and frail, we need recruitments, we need able young bloods who can fight. It will be total fallout of our men if we try. Lord Alphonsus responded.

Do I sense fear in you? Lord Alphonsus you speak like a chicken, the king spoke looking surprised but not tensed at all. You're a mighty warrior and so are your men. It's only a threat, that would never come to limelight. Don't worry about it. King Oscar Fernando spoke making light of the matter.

See this your honor, Alphonsus replied as he stretched forth an envelope to the king.

The king received it and open it immediately. The letter had the United nations seal. The king was quiet.

Your honor, they are only angry about the fact that we didn't come to them to tell them of our plans and intention.

We have co-habited in peace and harmony. We have enjoyed a loving relationship in time past. We don't want to get all that ruined. They do not say that they are oblivious of the fact that you have good plans, they only want our fair consideration...

money right? Yes they only want compensations! King Oscar Fernando cuts lord Alphonsus short. Those hungry thieves. They have been looking for a way to steal from us, and because of our security has been very tight, they want to get our treasures by all means. But they'd get nothing. I owe them nothing. I'm not in a position to satisfy their hunger. King Oscar Fernando said as he dimmed his eyes as if he was reading his speech from a wall directly opposite him.

Lord Alphonsus, he called as he continued. I am not scared one bit of loosing friendships. A strong man doesn't have many friends, so does a strong nation. They are of no use to me. Their friendship has never been beneficial, It has never been a balanced relationship, they enjoy our proceeds, what do we gain from them? King Oscar asked rhetorically. We get nothing Alphonsus, nothing!

Your honor, we might be doing something good, but they're feeling it's a bridge of our prior agreements.

What agreement? We had no agreement! King Oscar Fernando retorted angrily. I can't go to them. We own this thing, and I rule my kingdom the way I deem it fit. They should come to us, and not giving some empty threats. You may be the head of the knights, but I remain your Grand Master, and what ever I say stands! King Oscar commanded intimidatingly.

And lord Alphonsus, you dare not try to rule my kingdom for me. That will be rebellion, and I will not hesitate to treat you in the manner that rebels are often treated. If you won't take the lead, you'd leave me with no choice but to get myself someone new that can get the job done. This people are little potatoes that can be sent to the dust by one slice of your swords on their throats.

I won't have you shaking like a baby when you can go out there and prepare. We don't have men? So recruit men. We are not going to let this people tell us what we should do. The king ordered angrily.

Yes your honor! Lord Alphonsus acknowledged with his head bowed.

You may leave now! King Oscar Fernando ordered obviously not wanting to continue the conversation.

Lord Alphonsus got up to his feet, took a bow and turned to leave.

I hear of strong men at Town of Babel, your recruitment should start from that angle, since you don't know what to do, let me tell you how to go about it. The king said obviously angry now.

Yes your honor. Lord Alphonsus replied, took a bow once more, and left.

My princess! Lord Alphonsus greeted princesses Sophia on his way out. Sophia smiled in return, as she walked into her father's chambers gracefully.

Father! May you live Long. She hailed as she slightly bowed.

A pale smile appeared on his lips.

Sit! King Oscar Fernando ordered.

How long have you been standing out there? He asked

Oh I just got here! She replied. He nodded

There was a short silence...

You don't seem to be in a good mood, peharps I should come back later. Princess Sophia spoke lightly.

No it's nothing! The king stopped her, what's the challenge?

Father I wanted to apologize for the unruly behavior I put out on the dinning table yesterday. It was never intentionally. I was being silly and my actions were uncalled for. I promise it will never happen again. Please forgive me father. Sophia spoke softly almost coming to tears.

Sophia you know how much I love you and how much you mean to me. I would give you anything you ask for, but I don't want to loose you out of my carelessness or because I want to prove my love to and for you. You already know I'd give up treasures for you. I could literally give you my life. King Oscar expressed deeply.

I'm sorry father! Sophia added gently.

However, I have taught about the best way to mark your 18th years birthday and I'd just grant one out of your wishes...

Sophia's eyes lightened up as she looked up to her father's face in expectancy...

I will have letters sent out to all neighbouring kingdoms, we shall have the best ball party ever told of, or heard of in our times both past and present, it will indeed be grand! I will showcase to the world, what beauty I have for a daughter!

Oh Father! Sophia said in a gasp, totally thrown off balance in excitement

Thank you! She expressed her gratitude amidst her excitement.

Go and prepare! We just have few weeks! Her father instructed.

Princess Sophia stood up, gave a slight bow, and began to away briskly like someone going to share a good news to someone.