Coal Crown (Forging Royalty)

by Maggie Lee

  I give her a nod in understanding as she passes me on the way out. Taking a deep breath I try to shrug off the whole thing and go finish the chili. I wish I had Teijan around to talk to everything about, he always saw everything with more understanding. He had a better grasp on the world. I make a mental note to put that in this month’s letter, to ask if that came from training to be king or if he was born that way.

  Once a month, I’m allowed to go along with the Grocers on their trip to the closest farmers market. During my time in the city, I visit the post office that’s just a block over from the market. Teijan helped me set a box up there when he left for college. So each trip I go, I pick up his letter and write one in return, all while the Grocers shop. The two ladies in charge of the Grocer trips, a mother and daughter set, haven’t questioned me yet. Maybe it’s because of who I am, or because in my time working in the kitchen and joining them on these trips I have made a small friendship with the daughter, Evana.

  When I return, June is still in her same spot. She picks at her nails with glazed over eyes. I continue working and she never looks up at me until she jumps from her spot off the counter.

  “I’m going to go unpack. I’m going to start working on setting up my office in the spare bedroom.”

  “You mean Teijan’s old room?” I ask, hurt evident in my voice. For all of my fantasies about them being together while she was away at school, I was clearly wrong.

  "It hasn't been his room for a long time. Kenzie, you have to let go of him. We can’t change what has already happened. It’s time to focus on moving forward." She takes a step forward, lifting a hand to rub my shoulder, but I back away where she can’t reach me. She gives me a sad pitiful smile before turning and leaving the kitchen.

  While I’m sad to see her go, really, it's better this way. If we have this fight, it's going to ruin the night of her homecoming. Putting everything together goes quickly, so I leave the chili to simmer in a pot while I adventure out for a few minutes. Hopefully Sydney won’t see me go.

  In the dark, I follow the stone path I know by heart. I make the walk a brisk one since I forgot to bring a jacket out with me today. Despite the outside temperature, my soul warms when I open the door to our Palace’s Greenhouse. Everything comes alive at night with the twinkly lights I had hung up in here last year. The flowers have their own magical halos around them and the edible plants look that much better to eat in the magic of the night.

  I grab one of the baskets that my mother’s old maidens wove for me and start picking out herbs to dry for upcoming meals this week. Enough to replenish what we’ve used in the kitchen this week. After I have everything I need, I stop by the flowers and make a small arrangement for our table tonight. June always loved sunflowers and they’ve just started to bloom. The floral smell eases my heart.

  June’s right. It hasn't been his room for some time. Honestly, I'm not sure I can be mad at her for listening to our Father. It’s safer. Teijan was the rebel of the family, and I’ve always been on the fence, but June, June has always been his angel.

  He cast out my brother and made us say our goodbyes. She isn't writing letters with him like I do. For her, he is dead. She’s said her goodbyes and maybe I need to learn to accept that. What he did wasn’t an accident. When you get a visa to visit out of the country, you only get so much time. Every country in our continent has the same rules when it comes to the visas. You can request longer time at the end of your allotted stay. You can even apply to change your residency and become a permanent resident. What you can’t do is stay longer than you’re allowed and then try to pass along borders. If you abandon your country by staying longer, there are consequences. You’re illegal in both the country you’re from and the one you’re currently in.

  He could have requested time, or even legally requested the permanent residency change. Father would have still disowned him, obviously. However, he wouldn’t be an illegal immigrant wherever he is. He would be safe.

  His need to leave is understandable, but to disappear? The only way I know he’s still alive is through our letters. He didn’t want to run our country. June doesn’t understand the pressure behind it, she’s never had Father treat her how he does us. He’s always been hardest on Teijan. How could she not see that? No wonder he didn’t want to run the country under Father.

  I snort to myself. I don’t want to lead this country either. I was happy to work with our country’s future and the children of our society. Now, I may not get to do that at all. The last time I asked father about my future, it did not go well.

  “Father, who will take over Education?” I asked innocently at dinner one night just after June left for school.

  “That's of no importance to you. Once your husband is prepared to lead our country, he can decide our next Head of Education. I’m far too busy to worry about what your future will look like when I have to worry about the country’s.” His tone was dismissive, but I continued on.

  “But, Father. What-” My words were cut off when he gave me crisp slap in front of my maiden. After that he walked away and I was left to wonder if I was ever going to fully take my uncle’s spot. I may have the best education possible, but he’s never once let me be a part of the Education Board like June has with the Medical Board.

  Something that has been passed down through the king and their heirs is the tradition of three. Each king is to have three heirs. The first is to lead, he should be the wisest. The second is to work with our country's future, in education. Then the third should keep the country healthy. We each had a place, Teijan leaving has thrown us all off course.

  Chapter 2.

  I check my watch. There’s about thirty minutes until dinner will be served. Time to clean up and get ready. I pass through the kitchen again on my way through to my room. The craziness has sorted itself and everyone is back to that well-oiled machine I’m used to. I stir the chili I made for the staff and turn the dial down to warm before sneaking past as Jade, our head of service, lays into someone for setting the table incorrectly.

  Our chambers are all on the same floor, but father is in a different wing than us. As kids, it made it seem like we had a sort of freedom, but now this whole place is beginning to feel like a prison. I’ve been looking forward to the day that we are released to live outside of the palace and in the houses father had built for the members of his parliament. They aren’t outside of the palace walls, but they are at least separate buildings. One is set up for the future king and queen, a sort of engagement home. It’s where he and my mother stayed once married, until he took over as king. Teijan was to live there, but now it’s mine. At least, it will be once I’m married.

  Even with the housing on property he likes to keep guests closer to the front of the castle in the receiving wing. He never invites more than that wing’s rooms can hold. He would rather keep people close, where guards can handle any disturbances than have people he doesn’t trust roaming free around the property.

  “Good evening, miss.” Jodi Ann, one of my sister’s chambermaids, greets me as I come over the top of the stairs. I give her a small wave and then let myself into my room.

  As I throw myself on my large four poster bed, I regret giving Alexis the night off. With June coming home, tonight will be more formal and I'm sure we will have guests. That means I need to dress appropriately, but nothing in me wants to get ready for this dinner.

  A knock sounds at the door as I slide off the bed to finally inspect my closet. "Come in."

  "Hey, what are you wearing tonight?" June asks as she enters my room in only her undergarments.

  "I have no idea. I've been stalling and we don't have long before dinner. Maybe twenty minutes before they come for us?" I give her a pointed look about her current outfit and she waves a hand dismissively.

  "How about we both choose classic evening gowns and match, like old times?" She gives me a little grin and I wrap my arm around her, steering us into my closet.

  She won't be able to wear anythin
g of mine, but she can at least help me pick a dress that will match what she has.

  "Pink or peach?" I pull out the same dress in two different colors, ones I know she loves.

  "Peach, then nude heals?"

  I give her a nod as an answer and hold the dress up to me. It’s a simple A-line gown that flares out just below our rib cages to give us an elegant Cinderella look. Puffy sleeves and all.

  "I'm going to miss you as my next door neighbor," I tell her as she makes her way to the door.

  "I’m not going anywhere. You have me until uncle retires or you find a husband." She stops at the door and rests a shoulder on the frame.

  "Well, we don't have to worry about that yet. Nothing has changed in your five and half months away. Still haven't had a single date." I make a face and she gives me a sad smile before turning and disappearing into the hall.

  I have my gown on and my hair twisted up just in time for Alexis to retrieve me for dinner, despite her supposed day off.

  “I thought I told you to take the evening?” I whisper as we get to the stairs.

  Without looking back she answers, “I did. Now I’m taking you to dinner so I can go eat mine miss. I’ll be around if you need me.”

  I follow Alexis to our large dining room. The table is full of people and servers buzzing about, refilling already empty drinks. In an unusual fashion, I am last to the table tonight. Seeing my father already seated at the head of the table sends a shot of worry. I must be last and the idea of another punishment from him sends shivers down my spine. When my father clears his throat and stands to greet me, everyone quiets and I panic internally at the sudden attention. When I look into my father’s eyes as he puts an arm around me to guide me to the only empty seat in the room, I don’t see the usual frustration.

  My eyes scan the room and I find June sitting to the right of Father’s empty chair. He guides me to the seat beside her and gives me a quick kiss on the forehead before moving back to stand in front of his seat. Everyone remains silent waiting for my father to say his official welcome.

  With each breath in anticipation my heart continues speeding. My hands are clammy and something about the night already feels off. The last time I was late for dinner, I was dismissed and Father made me eat outside with the barn animals for the next week.

  "Welcome to dinner in my home. Tonight is a special occasion. Let's toast." Father leans forward just slightly and picks up a mostly empty champagne glass. A newer server rushes forward and pours my father more champagne when he clears his throat loudly, clearly waiting for more.

  I reach over for my glass and notice the man beside me for the first time. I've never seen him before, but that isn't surprising since we sometimes have guests that are from the royal families of the surrounding countries.

  His dark rugged features make him stand out against the clean cut men around us. Something tells me his thick beard is kept short, more likely for convenience rather than style. He looks like he belongs in a workshop, but his suit screams dignified. His ruggedness makes the businessman that he must be seem like a dangerous combination. Especially with the militia stars he’s sporting.

  He's one of the new leaders in our army?

  "As I said, we are here tonight to celebrate! I want to welcome our new generals—Arden, Michael and Kraus. I'm proud to break bread with the new leaders of our country’s safety. You are easily the most important men to our country with the upcoming changes our beautiful land will soon see and it's an honor to eat with you." I look around and notice the other militia-starred men in the room. Only two others hold the same emblems as the man beside me. I would expect men of importance to be older, but the man next to me can’t be much more senior than me. I assume he and the other general across from us are in their late twenties or early thirties. "Then I want to welcome Lieutenant Generals who will be working alongside these men to get us ready for if, God forbid, a war does break out. It is you men that will keep our country alive and well."

  The men around the table let out a chorus of cheers and it’s clear the excitement has spread among them. My eyes slip back to the gentleman beside me. I’m curious about who he is.

  My uncle, the head of our country’s Health and Medical board, stands and raises a glass, using my father’s pause as a time to speak up. “Let’s all welcome my niece, June, back from school. She is to start her apprenticeship with me in the New Year.” He raises his glass and the table mirrors him, except for my father. His joyous facade slips for just a moment before he starts speaking again.

  "Yes, as I said, tonight is the night for celebration. Our whole family is under one roof again.” He nods to both of his brothers. They’re both seated at the far end of the table near a few of Father’s consultants. “Let's also celebrate that tonight, my eldest daughter Mackenzie meets the man she will soon marry. Our youngest General and weaponry expert, Arden Rithers."

  Everyone lifts there glass except me and the man beside me. Air intake becomes impossible and I look around with wide eyes. Expressions are varied between excitement and disbelief.

  My mind moves at high speed and I can’t seem to grasp a coherent thought. Nothing makes sense, yet it all does. We always knew this day would come. It’s something Teijan and I had discussed. I knew I would end up married to whoever father picked, but it never felt real before. Teijan couldn’t handle the complete control father holds, it’s one of the main reasons he left. I’ve imagined joining him wherever his is so many times before, and for the first time it feels like a real possibility.

  "Breathe and take a sip of champagne," June whispers to me harshly.

  I snap out of my haze. My inhale is sharp, and gains the attention of my father for a just a moment before I throw a smile back on my face and take a long sip of the crisp champagne.

  The bearded man reaches for his drink as well. "What in the actual fuck?" he whispers to himself. I watch the muscles of his strong arms flex through the suit sleeve. My eyes linger on his hand for a moment as my brain scrambles to catch up. Nothing makes sense, and I can’t tear my eyes away from the metal ring wrapped around two of his fingers.

  Oh god, he's...

  "Arden Rithers,” he whispers to me gruffly and extends a hand. I awkwardly put mine in his and the size difference between us makes me feel small. His hands are hard and clearly stained from years of work. “I'm assuming you're Mackenzie?"

  The way he says my name makes me think he wishes I wasn’t who I am. It stabs at my ego in a way I didn’t expect and I have the urge to call him on it. I don’t even know him and he’s already disappointed in me.

  “Yes,” is all I can say.

  My mind tries to wrap around the bigger picture and not just his instant rejection, but all I can think about is that small moment. Married. His rejection feels like a bigger issue than the impending marriage we have coming our way. Of everything coursing through my mind, his reaction is taking the forefront.

  There is no way this is how my father would introduce us, right? My father is a cruel man at times, but he wouldn’t just treat me like a show animal? I’m not a prize to be given in trade for taking over his kingdom!

  I set my glass back down without taking a sip after the next toast and start to push away from the table. Two different hands land on mine, stopping me. I look from hand to hand, confused and aggravated at them stopping me. June’s eyes are pleading with me to not make a scene and Arden’s face is hard. He looks as upset as me suddenly. His eyes meet mine and all I get is a head shake, which annoys me enough that I pull my hand from his.

  “Don’t go, not yet. We will talk about all of this later,” he says, moving back to focus on the bread that’s being passed around. Anger floods me, who is he to ask me to stay? He doesn’t have a right.

  “Kenzie, just eat dinner. He’s right, we’ll talk about this later.” June’s voice is hushed, but even with father talking to someone else, I’m worried he heard it. “After dinner we’re being excused to have desert in the tea room with him
and another general.”

  June gives my hand a slight squeeze before letting go and taking the bread basket from Arden. I don’t look at him more than a few times during dinner. Actually I don’t look up from my plate more than the few times I look at him. June is the one who actually makes sure food is served to me every time things are passed around, but other than a few bites, I don’t eat or acknowledge anything.

  “Now that dinners done, I’m going to have them come out and pour another round of drinks to go with dessert, while my daughters join two of our new generals in the tea room. If we’re lucky we will have two weddings in the spring instead of just one!” My father says, giving a wave of his hand dismissing us. My temper flares and I fling myself out of my chair, stomping loudly in my heels on the way to the stairs.

  I take them two at a time, but I feel a large presence behind me following closely. Before I can look back, Arden is around me and in my space.

  “What is wrong with you?” he asks harshly and I feel crowded in the small entryway to the tea room.

  I try to come up with an answer, but with him this close, nothing comes out. I just stare at him angry and confused. Steps come behind me, a set of dress shoes and June’s sharp heels. They stop at the top of the stairs watching us interact without actually interrupting.

  When I don’t answer him and it’s clear I won’t, he steps closer. His movement startles me and I prepared to fight if I have to.

  “Mackenzie, tea room, now!” Junes voice is sharp and it breaks through my fight or flight reflex. Without acknowledging her, I listen and squeeze myself in the small space between Arden and the door.

  He asks again, but a little gentler once we’re inside the decadent room, “What is wrong with you?”

  “Arden, step back. She didn’t know any of this was coming tonight,” June says, pushing Arden back from me.