Cantrell Chronicles RESET, Part One

 

Death of an Advisor, a Cantrell Chronicles update, Chapter Seven

 

 

“How dare you impede me like this,” King Joseph found himself ranting. Standing just outside, he noted how cold it was. Freezing, in fact. What a day.

 

“How is it you blame me for this? I just reap what was sown.”

“Likely story. You’ve left me without an advisor, that’s what I mean. Just what am I supposed to do now?”

 

“Are you asking for my advice, my Liege? Plan a funeral.”

“Well, yes, of course. Thank you, Captain Obvious.” 

 

With that King Joseph turned on his heel and proceeded back indoors where it was likely far warmer. He found his wife and queen standing just inside the throne room. Joseph found it difficult to reconcile the two events. One moment there was a joyous celebration and then with a streak of what could have been lightning, the moment had twisted into a hideous event. Seeking the words, he knew Louise and Alexandra had struck up quite a friendship right off, he just gazed at her.

 

“Joe?”

“I am sorry. So very sorry,” he murmured. Thankfully, Father James had sent the guests home. He really didn’t want his People to see him like this.

“Joe, what is it, who is it — not one of our children — I couldn’t bear it.”

“No, it was Alexandra, my Chief Advisor.” Breaking down into sobs, Louise placed her hands on her husband’s arms, consoling him in his grief.

 

“I know how close you two became, so quickly, too,” he went on. “She was barely in her mid-twenties. So young . . .”

 

Hugging the king closely, Louise whispered, “I’ll be your advisor, if you wish.”

“Thank you, my dear best friend, for the offer, but I am convinced I must choose one of my half-brothers for the job, just to keep the peace in the dynasty. We’ve been steadily rising in rank all of this time. I don’t wish to lose momentum, you understand.”

 

Wrapping her arms around him, Louise turned him toward the staircase. “Come, I’m taking you to bed,” she said. Gently pulling out of her grasp, he gave her a wan smile. “Sweetheart, I am not one of our children.” He did climb the stairs and change into his bedclothes, however. He even crawled into the large, comfy nest. A moment later, he shot off of the mattress. “I have something very important to take care of before I retire. Where is Erik? Is he still here?”

 

“Check the music room below,” she said, slipping into the other side of the bed.

 

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

 

 Joseph did, indeed, find his second son there. 

“Got a minute?” the father asked. Erik turned around, the question of the day, clearly on his lips.

“Alexandra got hit by a meteorite, killed instantly it would appear. But I have other news to convey upon you.”

“Sure, Dad, whatever you want, your wish is my command. Darn, I’ve been waiting to say that forever.”

 

 Joseph laughed deeply and hard. “I knew I could count on you to lift my spirits.”

“Seriously, Dad, what is it you need?”

 

“Your brother, Aaron, came to me begging to be released from his position as heir, not just of the dynasty but of the throne, itself. So, I consulted Alexandra while she was still with us, and after some extensive prayer, I have decided on you. You’ve been the only one so far who shows any real interest in our family, our dynasty and climbing the Noble Career Ladder. You put your heart and soul into everything you do. I can think of no finer a candidate for a future king, than you. What do you say? Are you willing?”

 

“And before you ask, yes, you can continue on with your music career. Hey, you’re only two stars from the top. Your mother told me you reached B-Lister, just the other day. Way to go, Son. I’m so proud of you.”

 

“I accept,” Erik said quietly.  Joseph gave his son a huge squidge, in return.

“Thank you, son, that takes another load off of my mind.”

“I know this is probably premature, but any thought on just when the Grand Ball might take place, to celebrate your coronation?”

“We changed that to Winter Ball, remember? In fact, I let you set it up. You did set it up, right?”

Erik flipped through his little book. “Yes, I did. It’s next Tuesday. I hope in light of current events, the timing is still okay.”

 

“That’s a perfect time. Get some rest, Erik, I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Dad. Oh, and God save the King!” With an almost bright smile, the monarch climbed up the stairs.

 

Erik drew his private journal out of his desk drawer and took a few minutes to jot down the day’s events. This one is surely for the books.