The Kingdom Of Asterin

Chapter Four

"What the hell is wrong with you?" The Queen of Asterin screamed. Arthur and Edmund solemnly stood within the throne room. They had their heads lowered, both boys upset about how disappointed their mother was. "Fighting with family members?" She judged. "In public?" She sighed. "How do you think that makes us look?"

"But mother," Edmund began.

"But mother what?" The Queen pushed. "Nothing can explain your actions." She now looked to her ward. "Arthur, what happened?" Her voice faltered, if any of her sons were to do such a preposterous act, she never thought it would have been him.

"It's my fault," Arthur admitted. "I'm sorry."

Edmund scoffed. "It's Salvador's fault. He started it."

The Queen rolled her eyes, "he started it? Edmund, you are no longer little children." She shook her head in disbelief. "Not only have you crushed his nose but you've crushed his pride." Edmund couldn't help but smirk. "And you think this is funny?"

"No," Edmund replied. "Just a long time coming."

Arthur was quick to interject the Queen's fury. "What he means to say is that he's sorry." Edmund glared at his brother.

"Mother, what was Arthur to do? Salvador knocked me out, I would have done the same for him." Edmund stated clearly.

The Queen took in a deep breath, deep down she knew where her boys were coming from but she had to make it clear this was not to happen again. "What you should have done was walk away, I would've dealt with the matter."

There was an awkward silence, where the Queen decided what was to happen next. "You must apologise." She finally spoke.

Edmund groaned loudly. "No way!"

"You must!" The Queen yelled. "It is the only way."

"With all due respect," Arthur mumbled. "I cannot apologise for something I am not sorry for, I'd do it all over again for my brother."

Arthur's words never failed to have some sentimental value, the Queen glanced up from her stare on the ground to her newest son, a soft smile playing on her lips. Edmund was just as giddy, he valued Arthur so much more than he knew. But the moment was only temperamental as the doors to the room flung open, a heavy stomp being heard, the boys didn't need to turn around to gather who it was.

"I want him gone!" Uhtred seethed, his spit being visible from a mile away.

The Queen sighed once more, "my love, let's talk about this somewhere more private."

"My son, the Prince, is with the Court Physician, his face is covered in blood and he says he cannot see!" Uhtred raged.

"Now that's a little dramatic, he's had a little fight, so what?" The Queen's blood son mocked.

"Edmund." The Queen warned as she watched the King's fury heighten.

"He has attacked a member of the royal family." Uhtred narrowed his eyes at his wife. "By law, he is supposed to be hung."

At this, the Queen shook her head, "no. You go too far."

"Have you not babied this boy for too long? He was supposed to leave years ago!"

"Uhtred!" The Queen rose her voice.

"I shall give him a day to leave." The King folded his arms. "To return is on pain of death."

Edmund's anger allowed his body to shake. "You have no right!" The boy spat.

Uhtred bit the inside of his cheek. "I am King." He chuckled. "And if your mother were not here, you'd be on your way too."