Magistrate Cillian Mareyi quietly stared at the young King who had great vision and aim. He just realized that the current King was quite similar to his father, his predecessor.
People used to say that the King was nothing like his father but in a good way. However, that wasn't the truth. Magistrate Cillian served King Regan for two years before he stepped down and he knew the former king quite well.
"Do you know this, Your Majesty? Your father discussed this topic with me a few times before he step down," he said to the King who seemed to be surprised by the revelation.
"He did?"
"Yes," Cillian Mareyi said. "Whenever he brought up this topic to me, I asked him why he didn't take action for it. Do you know how he responds? He said to walk the path bravely, he has so many things to lose."
Arin was confused at first but slowly, he started to understand.
"You, the former Queen and Prince Morin... he said that he isn't brave enough to put everyone in danger by walking down the hard path. Having power is one thing but... having the courage to wield that power is a different thing, Your Majesty," Cillian Mareyi explained.
Observing the King's reaction for a while, the Magistrate added, "But the retired King also told me one thing."
When the King looked at him, the Magistrate said, "Your father said you're different from him. Once the power falls into your hands, you won't hesitate like him. So, he will leave the work to you. That's what he said."
Cillian Mareyi slightly smiled and continued, "When I heard that he's abdicating, I wasn't surprised at all. It's because I know he already waits that for a long time. He can't wait to see you achieving things which he couldn't."
"You remind me that I don't know my father at all," the King pointed out. "He said many things to others but not me."
"He doesn't want to influence you," the young Magistrate explained. "He wants you to have your own view in every matter." Hesitating for a bit, he finally said, "He isn't proud of his years as the King. That's why he wants you to be different from him."
When Arin Helev maintained his silence, Magistrate Cillian said, "You are right, Your Majesty. Change requires sacrifice." He made a deliberate pause and continued by saying, "Will you be willing to put your loved ones in danger for the sake of your vision of a better world? The more enemies we have, the more our loved ones are in danger. In your case, Your Majesty, the whole kingdom knows how much you love your wife, the Queen."
Arin Helev understood why his father was hesitating. No, he didn't just understand. He felt it.
He can imagine many things but... if he ever lose Iria, he didn't know if he would be able to get back on his feet.
Once was hard enough.
"My Queen shares my vision and I know that she will be willing to go to any lengths to achieve that," he said to the Magistrate. "If there is a problem, I think that lies with me."
"I know it's not an easy decision to make," Cillian Mareyi promptly said. "You can take your time, Your Majesty. However, if you are willing to commit to your plan, please let me know. I will assist you until the end."
The King recalled the dream that lived with him since he was just a child. Now, he could finally work on fulfilling that, but... what if the price was too high for him?
After the incident from a year ago, he was so determined to not put Iria in danger again. She must be capable but he still wanted to protect her. After all, he was her husband. He couldn't even imagine a future without her but... if anything goes wrong...
He wasn't confident.
He was always firm in other things but whenever it concerned his wife, he became a coward.
* * *
In the palace, Iria was meeting with General Hanson Lorin.
In the past, the General would always accompany his friend on his every tour but since Arin became the King, Hanson had to look after the Royal Army and he couldn't accompany him often anymore.
The Queen explained the situation in the Sera Province to the General who listened to her attentively.
"We have to pay more attention to the security there, Hanson," she said. "If the cycle goes on, it will be hard to calm down the people. We are talking about children as young as 8."
"I understand what you mean, Your Majesty," the General replied. "I will arrange soldiers and sent them to the Province. Do you want me to check out other provinces as well?"
Iria gave a quick thought and said, "I don't think we should overlook the other three cases as well. Tomorrow, we will open a formal investigation for this incident. We will look at other provinces as well to see if there is another case."
"Then I will send soldiers to each province, Your Majesty. It's better to be alert than risk the children of our kingdom."
"That's right," Iria said. "I think it's a relief that you don't follow Arin this time. At times like this, I still find myself struggling. I'm not confident in dealing with the soldiers as well."
"You don't have to feel that way," the General said in an assuring voice. "The soldiers respect you a lot. I bet they will be happy to follow your lead."
"I appreciate that," the Queen said with a little smile.
The wind was quite strong that particular night and when a chilly breeze made its way through the opened windows, Iria could feel the cold.
She was busy since she returned and only entered her chamber when the General arrived. So, she didn't even notice the opened windows before. As someone who grew up taking care of herself, she hated to be surrounded by servants in her chamber and they rarely entered the chamber unless she asked for them.
Feeling the chilly weather, the same old pain in her shoulder resurfaced. In a way to keep herself in check, she ended up squeezing her dress.
"Is something wrong, Your Majesty?" the General asked, noticing the slight change in the Queen.
"No, it's fine," Iria promptly said. "Then I'll count on you, Hanson. It will be best if the soldiers reach the province as fast as possible."
"I understand. I will work on it right away," Hanson Lorin responded. However, the expression on his face told Iria that he wasn't convinced by her response.
For a few seconds, he glanced at the Queen with a hint of concern. Then he finally left the palace to comply with her instructions......
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