Page 96 of Coronation
Around us, the room has fallen totally silent once again.
Obviously keen on getting things back on more peaceful soil, the PM plasters a fake look of contrition on his sour face. “Of course not, sir. I certainly didn’t mean any offense or disrespect. This isn’t a matter of my opinion of her. Stelland’s constitution was written to prevent rulers or external entities from gaining an inordinate amount of power or holding themselves above the law. I see no other choice but to convene a special council to determine what actions should be taken.”
Yes, I thought he would threaten that.
The right for Stelland’s Parliament to unseat a monarch with a two-thirds majority vote isn’t a power they’ve ever exercised, though if the family stories are to be believed, several of my ancestors more than deserved it.
For such a vote to occur, the special council would have to investigate the offense in question, bring in witnesses and legal experts, deliberate, then, if need be, call for a parliamentary vote. They would need to present their findings to the entire governing body, then I would be allowed time to speak in my own defense, and even after all that, whether such an action would actually lead to my removal seems unlikely. Especially given my wife’s popularity amongst their constituents.
The whole affair would take months, however, and I’m determined to avoid putting Zelda under any more stress than she has already been. As such, I have no reservations in playing every card I have at my disposal.
“I believe it is relevant to this matter at hand to also disclose that Her Majesty is pregnant with our first child, and due in March.” I stare around, waiting for a single comment, but—most wisely—none come. Encouraged, I continue, “If you would like to drag my family through the hellish ordeal of a special council and vote to determine my worthiness to serve this country, I cannot stop you. However, it may be argued that such an action would be hypocritical, given your party’s long-standing commitment to family values.”
Apparently I’ve touched a nerve, because the PM splutters, “Family values? You have married a woman sixteen years your junior, presumably as a response to this pregnancy. It would be one thing if she were a citizen of Stelland, but to do so withan Americanactress—” His tone reflects exactly what he thinks of Zelda’s career, and in an instant, I feel something inside me shift from irritation to something far more hostile.
“Enough,” I snarl, getting to my feet and pointing directly at the man as hot fury spreads through my chest. “What’s done is done. I married her, and if Parliament decides that the price is my crown, then I will hand it over. Until that time, I am your king, and thatAmerican actressis my wife.” Leaning forward, I brace my hands on the top of the table, glaring over it at the prime minister, whose lips have pressed more firmly together as my tirade progressed. “You will pay your queen the respect she is owed.”
The PM’s face has gone chalk white during my tirade, and the bastard doesn’t seem to have a thing to say as I glare at him, fury still pumping through my veins. He has exhausted any patience I had with the theatrical, political bullshit. All I want now is to leave these goddamn people and go home to my wife—who is undoubtedly worried sick that she is somehow responsible for this mess—and tell her it’s all behind us.
Unfortunately, for that to happen, I need to show thisman he has far more to gain by giving me what I want than by making an example of me with an antiquated law.
Straightening up at long last, I sink back into my chair and endeavor to return my voice to a reasonable volume as I begin to speak again. “You have a choice. Either you can have a happily married king and queen, and their child in Ashwell Palace. Or, if I’m forced to, I will abdicate and the crown will go to my unmarried, childless brother.”
His wince at the mention of Leo has me gritting my teeth, exercising every bit of self-control I possess to stop myself from losing my temper again. The man is a prick, but telling him that won’t help my case.
“Regardless of which course of action you decide, I want an answer today, and I’m certainly not going to beg for your forgiveness. My wife is hugely popular and has improved my favorability by association. Public interest in our relationship has thrust Stelland into an international spotlight. Surely you’re aware that tourism trade spiked ten percent in just two months? Imagine what she could do with two years.”
Two years is, not coincidentally, the same length as the PM’s remaining term in office. I know from experience that whether or not they can truthfully claim any credit for an accomplishment is irrelevant to politicians. As such, having a booming economy to coincide with the PM’s term won’t do poor things for his reelection campaign.
My wife is an asset to this nation, and if this stodgy old fuck won’t do away with an outdated law to keep her, then on his own head be it.
Apparently well used to saving this man from the embarrassment of admitting he’s wrong, his second in command pipes up from the end of the table. “We’ll see what we can do.”
Ashwell Palace announces surprise marriage of King Benedict to American girlfriend, Zelda Flowers
The King of Stelland has chosen his queen.
In a surprise announcement early Friday morning, Ashwell Palace Press Corps confirmed the marriage of His Royal Highness, King Benedict (41), to American starlet Zelda Flowers (25).
The nuptials, which were held under heavy secrecy, occurred three days ago at Mercy Hill Church in the quiet village of Fernhill. Inside sources report that even senior royal advisors had no idea the marriage had taken place until after the fact, fueling a whirlwind of speculation about what prompted such a sudden and unconventional union.
After going public with their relationship two months ago—following the publication of a photograph with an uncharacteristically heated look on His Majesty’s part—the couple has since gone on to capture worldwide attention, thrusting the small but historic island nation of Stelland into the global spotlight.
King Benedict, long known for his icy and reserved public demeanor, has avoided press attention whenever possible. By contrast, his new wife has thrived in it, her authentic, charming demeanor winning over reporters around the world, long before she was connected to her now-husband. Though the match might seem an odd one to some, those who have been in the couple’s company have spoken of their obvious connection and attachment.
“They love each other,” confirmed one of theHollywood starlet’s closest friends, fellow actor, Davina Lovette. “I was actually present when they met, and it was kind of magical, watching two strangers just click like that. Am I surprised they eloped? Not even a little.”
Miss Lovette declined further comment, but her statement added fuel to the fire of speculation, and the question everyone is asking:Why the rush?Were the happy couple merely caught up in a whirlwind romance, or is there more to the story?
While the palace has officially firmly declined to comment, online forums have abounded with theories, which range from a surprise heir to King Benedict’s desire to have Zelda at his side during the upcoming coronation ceremony.
The morning’s announcement from the palace was quickly followed by yet another surprise: Parliament had voted, nearly unanimously, to repeal the Royal Marriage Approval Act, a largely unknown law that was put in place nearly two centuries ago to prevent hostile foreign entities from infiltrating Stelland’s monarchy. The act prohibited monarchs from marrying foreign nationals and required Parliament’s sign-off before any such royal union took place.
“This is the twenty-first century,” said Prime Minister Percy Worthinger. “The founding mothers and fathers of Stelland’s constitutional monarchy could never have predicted a world of jet-setting actresses and viral romances. As the world changes, so, too, must our great nation. Her Royal Highness, Queen Zelda, is a most welcome addition to the royal family. I, along with my party, wish Their Majesties a lifetime of happiness.”
Is it so simple, though? Following this announcement, reports were unearthed of a mysterious “closed-door meeting” between the king and several high-ranking members of Parliament, which occurred not even twenty-four hoursafterthe secret wedding, adding fuel to the fire of speculation.
Was there pressure behind the scenes? A political bargain?Or simply a case of star-crossed lovers in search of their happily ever after?
