Cantrell Chronicles RESET, Part One

Working Within the System, a Cantrell Chronicles Reset update- Chatper Twenty

[Greatly revised]

 

Erik left early enough in the morning for his concert, the sun not fully up, but for some odd reason the concert didn’t get started quite on time. Normally, this wasn’t an issue, but today was a Thursday. His father held Court twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays. He also knew his father had a special announcement to make.  The last thing Erik wanted to do was to show up late, or worse yet, not make it at all. 

 

This week was yet another eventful week. While Joseph the Second was busy pulling this government together after the near shambles Alexandra had left it in, as she worked hard to reverse all of Uncle Joe’s changes, the kids were coming to the end of their first quarter. Finals would take place tomorrow. Erik took time to study in between things, so he was feeling as confident as anyone else. So long as he could stave off his demons who constantly had him doubting himself on just about every aspect of his life, that is.

 

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

 

At the stroke of ten am, King Joseph the Second called Court into session. Erik and the others strolled into the deep throne room, properly dressed for Court. Having just arrived, he didn’t perceive being able to change his clothes so fast. Alfred patiently guided the youth into his clothes in record time. Joseph the Second gave a Welcoming Speech and then listened, patiently, to the People’s grievances. Some were rather amusing and he struggled to keep from laughing outright. “Your flowers speak to you?” he said, brow furrowed. Apparently, the vegetation was complaining at the constant noise of the neighbors who partied often.

 

“And that is the current state of Ondarion’s finances. As you can see, we are doing quite well.”

 

With that the king walked back to his throne. “At this time I have a Proclamation to announce. To the entirety of Ondarion’s population, I hereby Enact the Discipline of Vitality Act, which will allow for all to get the healthcare they need, at affordable prices. Doctors must disclose the full cost of any procedure and a pathway for affordable medications, should they be needed. There will also be easy access to the healthy food they need to eat to stay that way and a program for fitness. I will brook no slackers. A healthy kingdom, after all, is a happy kingdom. And faith and tolerance of each other starts with physical health.”

 

*~~*~~~*~

 

Being also Harvestfest, or as the king insisted it be renamed, Thanksgiving, the family made ready for the Royal Banquet they were throwing in the late afternoon.

Together Princess Brianna and Kayleigh saw to it both long dining tables were properly set, with fresh flowers in the center of each.  Staff watched from respectful distances, in case an error in placement occurred. Nodding with approval as not one fork, knife or spoon was out of place. "Well done, Ladies," the Butler, as the Head of Staff, said. 

 

The guests arrived, a smattering of both Ordinary folk and nobles. The plan was to get them to mix it up and realize there was no reason to despise the other because of their differences. Joseph believed unity was key to a healthy kingdom.

 

As the evening commenced, Joseph found Margrave Ermelinda Abrantes off in his private office.  Rather than snap at her, his computer being completely secured against hackers, he smiled and struck up a conversation. “I am so very happy you came,” he greeted.

 

“I hope you don’t mind me having a look around. I love what you’ve done with the place. Spruced it up and brought life back to these ancient stones.”

 

“Thank you. I have a proposition for you, if you’re willing.  I have done some research, and our dynasties have much in common. Diplomacy being only one idea we converge upon.  Are you open and willing to form an alliance with the House of Cantrell, by chance?”

 

 

“Why you’re such a cad, your Majesty, and here I thought you were meaning another sort of proposition. Sorry, just an old woman’s fantasy, I suppose. Most certainly we can forge an alliance. The Abrantes Dynasty would be proud, sire.”

“I am overjoyed.”

 

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

 

Friday came bright and early. Once again Erik was up with the chickens, as he liked to tease.  In fact, he did spend some time with the livestock. Their mini goats and mini sheep were just too cute not to pay any attention to.  They offered him a certain amount of calm, too.

 

Before he knew it, eight o’clock was upon him. Erik went off to campus to sit the final test. Out of the five of them only two had tests before their final grade could be decided. Friday was also Night on the Town.  Joseph the Second took his family plus his younger brother and Noble Advisor, Reginald, out to the Knight’s Valley. Another ancient castle whose owners chose to renovate into a lovely high-end restaurant. 

 

The family took seats around the largest table in the place.

 

 Moments after the Server had taken their order, the five college students, in turn, curiously enough, had their phones go off. Grades were in on this first quarter of their first term.  One down, three to go and their first year would be behind them.

“So, since I have the entire roster for the five of you,” King Joseph said, “do you mind if I read off the grades?”

 

“Kayleigh, A-plus, GPA A-plus; Joey A-plus. GPA A-plus; Erik A-plus, GPA A-plus; Brianna A-plus, GPA A-plus, and last but never least, Aaron A-plus, GPA A-plus. Well done my young scholars I couldn’t be more proud!”

 

A moment later, confetti flew into the air, escaping the many hands that held it.

 

The meal was served just seconds later. The family enjoyed their repast and then after their glasses were drained, gave a hoopla as wasn’t expected. Out came horns and spinners.

 

The family quietly got up from their table and went home. Happily, it was still early enough for them to get a head start on the next quarter’s studies.

 

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

 

All five of them sat down at the table provided up in the Study Room.

 

 

While the others studied, Queen Louise caught up with the baby just attempting to turn the doorknob on the Study room. Quickly she snatched him up. Sat the baby down and began to teach him to talk. “Oh, you know what? You can’t go in there right now. All the kids are studying. Tell you what, how about if I teach you to talk? Would you like that?”