Chapter Two-Part III: Betrayals

Chapter Two
Part III: The King's Birthday

The King’s birthday celebration was an event to behold. It was the dawning of a new era in Aideen. Henry toasted his court and Queen, all gladly talking in long drafts of the good wine.

The food was unbelievable. Never in Henry’s reign had he seen such spectacle. The spirits of all were lifted and the future seemed brights and endless.

Suddenly, a quiet descended over the Great Hall as a dirty rider quickly approached the dais. The King stood and beckoned the man closer.



“Forgive me Majesty...” the man faltered, fear gripping his face. Richard quickly came near.
“What is it man?” The King asked, grabbing the messanger’s shoulders.
“Uh...It...T’is the Prince, Majesty,” He stammered
“What?” Henry’s voice raised in fear.

“He...he is dead sire. Oh, please forgive me,” he cried, falling to his knees.
Henry’s arms dropped. The Hall was completely silent. Everyone froze, unable to believe the news.
Henry slowly turned, walking past the Queen into his chambers beyond.
Erik jumped up from his place and ran after the King.

The Queen’s face was frozen in horror and shock. Her ladies huddled around her, Seraphina helping her up.

“Annette, listen to me,” Seraphina whispered. “We are going back to the bed chamber.”
Annette nodded weakly, letting Seraphina hold her right arm.
“Think of your unborn child. Do not let yourself let go!” whispered Marie-Louise, taking her left side.
Annette let her ladies lead her from the Great Hall back to her chambers.

.......

Meanwhile, Erik walked from the King’s chamber, having the door slammed in his face. He stopped short when he saw Richard and a few others gathered. He hid behind the drapery, eaves dropping.

“We are in a perilous situation, gentlemen,” Richard said quietly glancing at the door to the king’s chamber. “We are more than ever at threat from Phillip who has a healthy son. If he invaded...” he trailed off. The men looked at each other.

“Surely the Queen will deliver of a healthy male soon,” the Richard, Duke of Monty said, forcefully optimistic.
“That is if she keeps the child she is now carrying,” the Stewart, Duke of Capp said, less optimistically.
“Who is heir in the mean time?” asked Francis, Earl of Wessex, more realistically.
Richard thought a moment. “None other than the Duke of York, Phillip...that is, unless some misfortune befell him...”



"What of Erik, Duke of Lancaster? He has a close tie to the throne. He is a better alternative to Phillip," Stewart said.
"No," Richard said blankly. "We can control neither, therefore we will not risk either coming to the throne.
"How can we stop it then?"
"Do not fear," Richard replied calmly. "We will not have to worry about Erik or Phillip for much longer."