Episode 17

The king sat in his study, beset by a stifling cloud of self-reproach. He perceived himself to have failed his first love, tarnishing her honor, and believed he had also let down Majic. His intention had been to groom her, to shape her into the perfect consort, so as to shield her from palace intrigues. In due time, when she came of age, she was to transition into the role of his wife, bearer of his heir, and queen of Fontana. While the affection he felt for the girl was absent, respect was non-negotiable.

Tesko entered the study bearing documents for Princess Majic's signature, a necessary step to initiate the preparations for the second wedding. He placed them on the desk, and observing the blank expression on the king's face, Tesko grew concerned that the sovereign might renege on his decision.

"Do not be overly harsh on yourself. Controlling emotions can be challenging. What happened with Lady Zarila must have stemmed from the profound love you have always held for her," Tesko offered.

"I wish not to discuss that matter. Let it not be spoken of again. Whatever you witnessed must be as though it never occurred. Lady Zarila's dignity shall not be called into question – it is I who was the rascal, and it shall not be repeated. Thus, do not raise the subject again," the king pronounced with a stern countenance.

With hastened steps, Tesko withdrew, having glimpsed a look in the king's eyes reminiscent only of the battlefield. He was jolted into recalling that his liege was indeed a formidable warrior. To remain silent on the matter was prudent; the truth could lead their heads to roll upon the ground.

At noon, the king helped Lady Zarila into the carriage. Unsure of what to say, she could only gaze at him with a shamed expression.

"Grant me some time. I will speak with the princess. Afterwards, I will dispatch the marriage proposal to your father. Upon his consent, the wedding shall proceed. Understand it must be a modest affair, not to outshine my original nuptials, which were themselves quite simple," the king said, devoid of emotion.

"I understand. Do not fret, Your Majesty," Lady Zarila replied.

Suddenly, Princess Majic emerged in the courtyard, bearing a bouquet of roses she had gathered, presenting them to Lady Zarila.

"Thank you for the gifts. Though I have nothing to offer in return, miss, I hope you like the roses," said Majic with a smile gracing her face.

Lady Zarila accepted them, feigning joy, while the king felt a sharp pang in his heart. Unaware of the underlying tensions, with her characteristic innocence, she had shown genuine kindness to the woman vying for her husband's complete attention.

Once Lady Zarila's carriage had vanished in the distance, Princess Majic took the king by the hand, surprising him with her boldness.

"I would like to show you something, Your Majesty. Will you accompany me?" Majic asked, smiling.

The king nodded silently and followed the young girl hand in hand to a fountain in the garden.

"See how the water cascades from the stone swan's beak. Don't you find it magical?" queried the princess with a look of wonder.

"Yes, it is magical, just like you," the king replied.

Majic blushed. She was confounded by the array of emotions the king's presence stirred in her. She relished being by his side, and his firm hand holding hers imparted a sense of safety. If this was what marriage entailed, she found joy in it being with him, she reasoned to herself.

A tear cascaded down the king's cheek. Burdened with guilt, he realized the young girl was forming an attachment to him. While he could not reciprocate any sentiment at present, he hoped to in time. The recent debacle with Zarila, however, reminded him that he must tread lightly around the red-haired child before him.

"Are you in pain, Your Majesty?" inquired Majic as she wiped away the tear.

"I think something got into my eye. You seem very joyful today. You've never ventured to touch me before," replied the king.

"One is not to touch the king, of that much I am aware. Only, Lady Marila said that as your wife, I may. However, if it displeases you, I shall refrain from doing it again," the princess answered timidly, looking down.

"It doesn't bother me. You may do so whenever you wish, princess," said the king.

"Then do you promise not to be displeased if I touch you?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.

"It's a soul's promise, Princess Majic may touch her Majesty whenever she wishes, and it will not cause any upset," the king vowed to her, and she beamed a broad smile.

The king and princess meandered through the garden much longer. Fortem found amusement in the princess's whims and briefly reclaimed the feeling of youth, until the looming conversation about the second wedding brought him back to stark reality.

Before dinner, as the king reviewed the papers for the second marriage, knowing the commitment to Lady Zarila was inescapable, Lady Marila knocked.

"Come in, Lady Marila. Please, have a seat. Can I offer you anything?" asked the king.

"Yesterday, I asked whether Your Majesty would take Lady Zarila as his second wife. I need the truth to craft a program to prepare Princess Majic to be the proper consort. It greatly depends on if she is to be the sole or the first wife," inquired a decidedly resolute Lady Marila.

"Indeed, it is my intention to make Lady Zarila my second wife. You must prepare Majic to be strong enough to tackle her future role," the king replied, striving for composure.

"Why do it? You are so like your father, although you hide it well, your eyes betray you. Yet, nothing I can do if the decision has been made. Do not ask me to persuade her to sign the consent; that is your duty. But as I've said, my planned program hinges on this, and given the situation, I wish to take Majic away from the palace," stated Lady Marila calmly.

"Why?" the king questioned.

"Because the princess is a teenager falling in love with you. How can she feel secure with your second wife present, so well adapted to this life? She will constantly compare herself, grow frustrated, and her learning will stall. Besides, the court will prefer Lady Zarila over Princess Majic, who remains, after all, the daughter of King Carpio. Here she lacks the freedom to make mistakes and start anew, as she will become the subject of ridicule when compared to your second wife. This possibility was discussed when you proposed aiding her. You, too, considered it," said Lady Marila, with unwavering composure.

"Yes, we did discuss that possibility. However, there is so much to be done, and visiting her frequently will prove challenging..." the king expressed.

"It's beneficial for her as well. Once she acquits enough knowledge, she will be able to distinguish duty from love. She must learn that she does not possess your heart. Your constant presence now would only confuse her, and in love, the presence of Lady Zarila would cause her pain. Do you understand, Your Majesty?" Lady Marila submitted.

The king nodded. For some inexplicable reason, he felt an ache to be distant from Princess Majic, but he knew what the elder woman before him said was true. After all, what affection could he harbor for the young girl besides pity? Furthermore, after their time by the fountain and the walk in the garden, certain past recollections resurfaced, leading him to realize he had unwittingly usurped someone else's matrimonial right. Unintentional though it might have been, if he could dissolve the marriage without perpetuating warfare, he would do so unequivocally.

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