Above All Else

Chapter Twenty-Three

"Sir, I- I'm not sure what you mean," Harold says, seated directly beside me. The members of the council are seated around the large oak table, all staring at me with quizzical brows. I stare back at them, knowing what I want. Harold Linely seems to be sweating. "Your Majesty, these customs have been in place for the entire duration of England's history... and they've worked. No one has complained before."

"Women are the vast majority of the world, gentleman. I think it's time we progress- for the greater good. Just because I am king does not mean my wife has to trail behind me. It doesn't mean I have to always be one step ahead. It doesn't mean that she has to remain in a parlor all day, sipping tea and inviting other women to chat. My wife should be allowed to raise our son how she sees fit, not how the men at this table see fit."

"Sir, the queen does not have relatively any experience in political affairs. I understand that you would like to make her happy and have a purpose here-"

"My wife just had open heart surgery, sir," I utter, firmly, pressing my hand gently to the table. "She flat-lined on the operating table. I will not stand by and let the years pass with no regard for what she wants, what she needs. If she wants to sing, sir, then I'd like her to sing."

I watch their faces contort in horror. "But that would be quite impossible, sir! The security measures alone-"

"We can figure out a screening process. Harold, we send out over fifty men every time I leave the palace. The Fountain is only a place where the elite society go to have fun. An event every other month wouldn't harm the monarchy, in fact, her talent would make people love her more. We could definitely use that kind of publicity right now."

I breathe in. "This way, everyone wins. The crown looks secure and progressive to the public, Parliament looks progressive to the public. We have already agreed to donating more funds to LGBTQ and poor housing communities after the mess that Richard created. The way to win the public back is the small things. We need to fight every decision Richard ever made. And frankly, Nicole sat around and did absolutely nothing when she wasn't entertaining visitors. Richard did almost all events solely on his own. I want my wife there- directly by my side."

"Too much change could hurt the country, Henry. This land is full of people who are very used to traditions."

"You wanted me in this seat, Harold." I look to all the rather silent men. "You all voted for it. You knew what having me on the council would pertain. I want a strong country, where peace and respect- for men and women alike are paramount. Will you back me on this?"

Harold glances at the men surrounding the table. Two beside me look down at their laps, they both are nearly ancient so I hadn't expected their support anyways. I'm glad when the rest nod to him. Harold finally looks to me and sighs.

"Very well, Your Majesty. We hope you know what you are doing."

I smile with a nod, feeling rather confidant. I've never felt this before.

...

Casterbury is a extravagant, remote home an hour from London. It's a known fact kings are never supposed to leave the palace to visit someone. The person summoned is always to go to the palace. In this instance, however, I want Nicole as far from the palace as possible.

I step from the car, feeling a mild chill as the wind picks up, blowing the falling leaves onto the paved path. The door opens immediately and a tall servant steps out. She turns to let Nicole pass. Her newborn son is in her arms.

She surprises me as she approaches, smiling. I try not to grimace. When I look at her, I see Richard. Specifically, I see Richard red-faced and in the throws of panic. I clear my throat, uncomfortably.