Duties and Decisions
’Father...........’
’You have to make sure prince Theoden stays safe and
meets the princess of Enara. We didn’t think of considering
this marriage proposal till the recent events in Deladra, keeping
in mind that sometimes one small decision can make or break
the world. I know you are loyal to your duty, to your king. This
is what you have been trained for, it is time to serve your
calling. And remember, not a word about this to a soul till you
reach Deladra, not even your brother. If anyone here comes to
know about it, the kingdom will recede into instability with
fear of the unknown. Only king Durian, me, and you know of
this.’ Kaleo gripped onto Sela’s palm.
’How about the queen?’ Sela questioned.
’The queen does not know of this. Like the others, she
presumes it is to strengthen ties. However, she does know that
the prince will be meeting the princess. The king has ordered
me not to let her know the rest, as she might not agree to it.’
They both heard a council member walk out and call for
Kaleo.
Kaleo signalled asking for a moment and turned to Sela ’I
do not have much more time now, have a council to answer
to. Promise me you will do this.’
Sela was disturbed but he paused for a moment and,
’I will father, and you know it!’
Kaleo was filled with pride, he embraced Sela.
’We knew the prince might not be happy with this sudden
turn of events, the king and queen await him in the king’s
personal royal gardens,’ Kaleo added as they walked back and
he called Dena towards him,
’My son, heed to your brother’s every word and never
disobey him, follow him blindly wherever it may lead to! I am
proud of you both,’ Kaleo walked away after embracing Dena.
’What is it? Why did father speak so?’
’Shall we?’ Sela walked past him.
’Sela............!’
’We must hurry. The king and the queen await the prince,’
Sela quickened up his pace and Dena followed him.
As they left, they heard the loud discussion in the council hall resume.
Theo was not happy to hear that Sela and Dena did not
have anything more to say than before.
’Aaaah!’ he threw the drink in his hand to the floor, ’Now
I have to hear him complain how disappointed he is with me!
I do not want to meet my father if I could help it!’
’Pardon me sire, things seem out of hand, we couldn’t sort
it out. The only way out of this is for you to see your parents.’
’And say what?’ he flared up
’You can keep doing this, but nothing will come of it, so
better get moving if you want to put an end to this now.’
Dena’s voice was stern.
He was frustrated with all the drama
that has been going on and the fact that Sela or their father did
not say anything. He was curious if he could find some answers
when Theo meets the king and the queen.
’If that is what it takes for me to stay put… fine!’ Theo
agreed.
Theo, Sela and Dena reached the king’s royal garden.
Extending over several acres of land, it had been the king’s
personal garden ever since the castles were first built. The
sculpted pillars and fountains looked grand and old, yet
untouched. The garden hence had a unique feel to it, it seemed
as though the kings from the past always kept watch.
The king and queen were standing under the high stilted arch,
’Come and have a seat,’ queen Visi welcomed them,
pointing to the table set for them as Sela and Dena bowed.
Theo remained silent. In the next moment Sela and Dena
were seated at the table, while he stood frozen at his place.
’Does something bother you?’ Visi got up and placed her
hand in Theo’s.
’You tell me mother,’ he answered swiftly, pulling away,
’Why the harsh decision to make me an assist and send me
away?’ he pouted and walked way.
’How long do you intend to ignore your duties then?’
the king demanded aggressively as he stood up.
King Durian had to resume the throne when he was just
twelve. His father had passed away due to an untreatable
illness and Durian had been burdened by the responsibility of
the kingdom ever since.
His brother, prince Kherian abandoned him and left seven years later.
He was heartbroken ever since. He constantly worried if Theo would turn out to be
like his brother, who turned away from his responsibilities. So,
he had always been stern with the prince and Theo never saw
his father smile.
Sela and Dena had sprung up from their chairs instantly
as the king rose.
’Have you not had enough time for your lavish fancies,
wasting your time away? You are the crown prince of Anmara,
it is time you know your place.’ Durian glared at Theo.
Theo remained silent and looked at the floor without a
reply just as he seldom did in his father’s presence.
Queen Visi walked to Theo and placed her hand on his
shoulder.
’This will be good for you and will help in ways you
cannot imagine. You will see it soon,’ she assured him, but he
did not look pleased.
’There is something else as well, I did not announce this
in the court.’ Durian paused and looked at Sela and Dena.
Sela held his breath....
’We had received a request from the kingdom of Enara
quite a while ago, asking for your hand in marriage to their
princess. I did not put much thought to it then. But now, it
seems like a good move to keep the alliance together. You will
also be travelling to Enara, once everything is settled in
Deladra, this is to remain a secret. You must make sure Theo
meets the princess,’ Durian added.
Sela and Dena nodded in agreement.
’But father, marriage! I am not ready for this; this is all
quite............’
’My queen, remind him that the duty to his kingdom is
above everything else, and a prince needs to behave
accordingly. We just need him to meet the princess. If we can
give our word for now, the wedding can happen later.’
Theo turned around and stormed away.
’He never listens,’ king Durian was frustrated. ’And I
hope you two understand your duties,’ he looked
authoritatively at Sela and Dena.
’Yes sire! We will do our best and won’t let you down,’
Sela assured as they bowed and hastily followed Theo.
’Do you have to be so hard on him, my lord? He is still
young, and this is all so...........’
’He is not that young my queen; he turns eighteen soon.
He has to mend his ways before it is too late. It is time we give
our people some hope. I cannot let him turn his back to his
responsibilities like my brother….’ he looked deeply into her
eyes, reminding her of the incidents from the past.
She couldn’t take it and turned away for a moment.
’It is important that our allies understand that too. Our
kingdom has always been the head and I have to make sure it
stays that way…even after me.’ Durian had a straight gaze that
didn’t seem to quiver.
Visi could see tears rolling around in his eyes as she turned back.
The wind felt colder than usual,
’I will have a word with him my lord,’ she sighed and left.
Queen Visi walked across the garden lost in thought. Now
that she was reminded of the past, it kept bothering her. She
had buried all those feelings in a dark deep corner of her heart.
She walked on, unaware of the surroundings or the cool breeze
that touched her.
She snapped out as she heard the tables and
chairs being thrown and thrashed as she walked past the pillars.
She quickened her pace.
Theo stopped it the instant she entered. Sela and Dena
bowed to the queen, and she dismissed them with a sway of
her hand. They quietly left, closing the door behind them. Theo
collapsed down to the floor, tired and hopeless. She sat on a
chair beside and caressed his hair with her hands lovingly.
’Theo, listen to me patiently. I always wish the best for
you. You are the only heir of Anmara, do not forget that. I
know this is something you have never done before and the
decision was made without your consent. But it is in the best
interests of everyone. All you have to do is visit the other
kingdoms in the alliance and assure them. You must prove to
them that you have what it takes to lead the alliance after your
father. As the future king of Anmara, this is your burden.’ Visi
spoke softly.
Theo was restless but did not say a word.
’You can always return whenever you please. We have
not given our word for the marriage yet. You can take the
decision after you meet the princess.
You might like her, I heard she is quite the beauty.
Your marriage to the princess of Enara will mean one less isle to worry about.
They would never think of or will have a choice to join the adversary forces
to turn against the alliance. Being a king is not a pleasure, it is
a great responsibility, and sometimes you have to make
decisions for the welfare of your people.
Do not misunderstand your father, he had to do this for the sake of our kingdom.
You will understand one day. Most importantly, since the
announcement has already been made, I do not see a way to
take it back. It would instigate more doubts against you, just
adding to the rumours. What do you say?’ she looked at him
with a faint smile as she could see he was obliged.
She stood and helped him up along with her and embraced him.
’You are the best queen Anmara will ever see mother,’ he
smiled as he embraced her.
’I will do this. I will prove myself, to my father and the
others too. I will make you all proud.’
’Your father will be pleased to hear this,’ she patted him
on the back.
’Anything for you mother.’
’Remember this Theo, a true man always stands up to his
word and has the courage to face this world no matter the
consequences. Only a coward turns his back towards his loved
ones, and I believe I raised you to be the former rather than the
latter….’ tears rolled down Visi’s eyes and her voice started to
tremble towards the end.
’Mother! you seem very disturbed all of a sudden!’
Visi turned away to dab off her tears, ’No dear, it is just
the thought of parting with you that is making me uneasy but
I’m always looking forward to the day you make me proud.’
She sniffled holding back her tears, ’Now now…I will have to
inform your father, he must be restless recalling his harshness
towards you. Get some rest now. You had an eventful day.’
The queen walked away without another word.
Theo turned away the very moment and poured himself a
glass of wine as soon as she was out of sight. He walked
towards the mirror and raised his glass,
’To me, the future of the alliance! If I think about it, it might be
time for lords of Deladra and Enara to meet me. I shall do it, not for
my kingdom nor my parents but for me. I will remind everyone that I
am the only heir and give them a taste of my charms. I cannot think
of any maiden in the world worthy of my affections, but the princess
would make a great stepping stone in my path, so I could entertain her
for a while I guess….!’
When it came to taking pride in one's self, prince Theoden
was next to none, and queen Visi always knew exactly what to
say to oblige him.
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