By Nathan Veyon
“All right, Sire, the Kosimas will handle the ceremony. However, the treasury needs approval for banquet expenditures.”
Falton stared at fluttering drapes. Window’s closed though. Gelaid was literally driving him mad.
“Sire, the royal magistrate wants to discuss writs of authority, the speechwriter needs to meet. After that… Sire?
Falton fell face first on his bed. “Gelaid, let’s go to war with someone. It’d be less paperwork.”
“Undoubtedly.” Gelaid marked his list. “That reminds me, it would be wise to add guards to your personal security. The general populace can be overeager in their excitement.”
Falton rolled over. “You sound excited.”
“It is my duty to serve, and there are numerous administrative tasks prerequisite to a royal marriage. Let’s get started before your clothes are a rumpled mess.”
Falton left his rooms and grimaced at the extra men-at-arms. “I’m so glad you’re asking for my opinion on these matters.”
Gelaid, ignoring him, led the way. “First we…”
Falton tried to block out the mounting list of things he wasn’t prepared for. The walls felt closer than usual. If he wasn’t slightly terrified of Malise, he’d consider canceling the wedding and be done with this nonsense.
“Sire! Are you listening?”
“What?” Falton threw his hands up.
Crack! A chandelier broke free and crashed in front of them.
The guards enveloped him. Falton’s pulse raced, and he reached to staunch the blood trickling down Gelaid’s forehead.
The captain grabbed his arm. “Move!” The soldiers hustled down a side passageway. “We have to get you safety.”
Falton closed his eyes. Malise would be here shortly. The small room had no windows and multiple guards outside. Things can‘t get worse.
He studied an old pitcher across the room. Suddenly, it exploded, and water splashed everywhere. Falton began shaking. What is happening?
A knock sounded. “The lady Malise here to see you.”
“No! I can’t see her right now.” He thrust his hand forward to stop the guard just as Malise walked in. Her hair and dress flew back as if floating on a strong breeze. His energy flagged, and he slumped against the wall. Blackness invaded the edges of his vision.
Malise rushed to him. “Falton!” She caught him and lowered him to the chair. “Guard, fetch more water.”
Falton pushed at her. “You need to leave. I’m doing this.”
“Doing what?” She rubbed his shoulder.
He gestured at the broken pitcher.
“Did you drop it?”
He avoided her concerned eyes. “I didn’t touch it. I was upset and looked at it. Then…” He shook his head.
“Like magic,” she whispered.
“What?” He struggled to his feet. “Magic isn’t real.”
She pushed him back down. “There are rumors from the Ildan trade routes. They say it has returned to our world.”
No, no this can‘t be happening. “What does this mean for the ceremony?”
“Falton! If you dare use this as an excuse to get out of the wedding, magic will be the least of your worries.”
Falton took a deep breath. “I’m concerned I’ll hurt someone or… or kill you. What happens if I shatter a building during the vows?”
Gelaid entered, head bandaged, carrying a pitcher of water. “Your majesty. My lady. What happened?”
“Falton can do magic.” Malise turned to Falton “And he is being dramatic about the wedding. He thinks he’ll destroy the chapel. Ridiculous!”
Falton stood and dodged an attempt by Malise to keep him seated. “Ok, maybe I can’t bring down a building, but I can hurt people. Look at Gelaid.”
“I don’t have a contingency for magical powers.” Gelaid scribbled down a note. “The way I see it, Sire, you have three options. You could postpone the wedding—” Malise’s nostrils flared. “Ahem. I mean you have two options. Perhaps you just need to stay calm. When agitated you seem more prone to… incidents.”
“I don’t see that happening by tomorrow.” Falton paced the five steps across the room. “What’s the other option?”
“Learn to control it.”
“We’ll help.” Malise grabbed Falton’s wrist and pulled off his signet ring. “Here.” She handed it to Gelaid. “Finish whatever needs done for the wedding. I’m sure Falton isn’t feeling particular. By the time you return, he’ll be magicking like a wizard. Then I can finish my wedding preparations.”
Falton shook his hand free. “Who’s king here again?”
“You are, of course, Your Majesty. I’ll be back when I’m done.” Gelaid strode out.
Falton turned to Malise, who had a disconcerting gleam in her eye. It was going to be a long day.
Gelaid’s return found Falton resting his head on the table and Malise pacing in small circles.
She marched past him into the corridor. “Hopefully you do better.”
Gelaid stared at the door as it slammed shut. “It didn’t go well, Sire?”
“No,” Falton growled.
Gelaid pulled up another chair. “Let me guess. She made you even more nervous.”
Falton’s shoulders slumped.
“You wanted to impress her, but you were scared of hurting her. And she just kept pushing.”
“I mean, I guess.” Falton looked away.
With a flourish, Gelaid produced his list. “I have an idea.”
The next morning was a blur of servants and tailors, dukes and earls until Falton found himself standing at the front of the palace chapel across from Malise in her wedding gown.
The officiant’s dry intonation filled the chapel. “Symbolizing her support for the throne, Malise will place the crown on the king’s head.”
Malise lifted the golden circlet and set it on Falton’s brow.
“Now, to symbolize the authority bestowed on the queen, the king will crown her.”
Falton raised the circlet, the fiery King’s Heart its only adornment, and placed it barely above her head. A slight breeze ruffled her hair, and he left it hanging.
He lowered his hands, winked, and the crown settled on her head.
“How’d you manage that?” Malise whispered.
Falton smirked. “Gelaid told me to focus on how it felt when I gave you a frog. He said I’m most confident when I’m surprising you.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
So cute! I love it when magic goes awry.
I remember that frog. :)
If you’re interested in more of The Heart of a King series be sure to click the gift link for a bonus story.
‘Twas another interesting read, Nathan! I’m curious to see what these stories would look like as one collection or one big story.
“Falton fell face first on his bed. “Gelaid, let’s go to war with someone. It’d be less paperwork.” ”
Okay, this is HILARIOUS! XD I absolutely adore the combination of these characters, they fit together so well. Falton’s mopey, and a tad-bit dramatic personality is one of my favorites! (AND MALISE. MALISE IS EPIC. She’s so chill about finding out Falton can do magic, lol).
And Gelaid is a BOSS. That’s it. He’s amazing. XD
Hands down, I need more stories about these three in my life!