“I'm afraid I can't comment on that, sire,” Winter said, because he hadn't heard anything about that either. “I have simply heard that he was a man who is resistant to change, perhaps. Could that be true?”
“It’s possible, I suppose, although it could just as easily be that when a man is raised to believe he’s the center of the known universe, he simply refuses to share the spotlight with anyone else.”
The king’s sigh was heartfelt, and Winter realized how much it had cost the older man to admit the faults of his only son. That idea was reinforced when the king continued.
“At the core of everything, I have to believe my son is a good man. But he is so insistent on playing up to the crowd of people that he surrounds himself with, I despair of him ever making a sensible decision. And with the time looming for him to have to step up and run this country, you can understand why I was so concerned.”
Actually, Winter didn’t know. But he would before he was married. August and Pippin were good at sourcing information even in a foreign land. “I do understand, sire. Tell me, if you don't mind, because as I pointed out, I’m unfamiliar with this area, but are there issues in Simigile that I need to be aware of?”
“No, not particularly,” the king said. “For all my aides fluffing around as though I don’t have a thought left in my head, I do still have full control of my faculties. For how long, I've got no idea. But everything here is peaceful and calm, the way you would expect any country under the World Council rule to be.”
“You’ve ruled a long time, sire,” Winter said, because that was something he did know. “That peace and stability are a true credit to you as king.”
“I appreciate the flattery, boy, although there’s no need. The issue, as I see it, is that even in good times, people need to see their royal family doing something positive for them. Hunting boar and attending every social event for miles around is not a full time job, but for Rupert, that’s all he’s interested in doing.
“You’ll forgive my bluntness, but there are countless rumors about how many women Rupert has slept with, and yet he never commits to any of them. I am not suggesting for a second that he behaves improperly – his attentions are always welcome. But he refuses to settle on one person. That was why I needed to see him married, in the hopes that the people would start to see him as someone who could act more responsibly.”
Another sigh escaped the king’s lips. “I trust my deception in not communicating this issue to you or your father before you traveled hasn’t concerned you, or made you question your decision to marry in any way. However, since meeting you, I do believe you have a right to know.”
Winter always appreciated the honesty in others, and he could see how badly the king wished his situation were different. “Our paperwork is already filed with the World Council,” he said. “Your son and I are technically already married, whether he wants to be or not. But tell me, what is it that I can dofor youto help set your mind at ease? I know my father would insist that the Martingale royal family should assist you in any way we can in this difficult time.”
“Hmm, you have a heart, too,” the king said. “That concerns me a little, because I fear you’ll need to be a little bit heartless to deal with my boy.”
“I’m a strong believer in not worrying about issues until they’re raised, Your Majesty,” Winter said softly. “Now tell me, if you have a mind to, what concerns you most about your son ruling in your place? What do I need to watch for?”
“Make sure he doesn't raise the taxes. The people here are paying what they can afford. Also, try to ensure Rupert doesn't use the military to accompany him on hunting expeditions. Their job is better served by monitoring the borders on the northwest corner of the country.”
Winter frantically tried to imagine the map of Simigile in his head. From memory, in the northwest corner there was nothing but mountains. “Do you have issues with people living in that direction?” he asked.
“Nothing major,” the king said, although he glanced at his aide. “At least I haven’t been informed if there is anything major goingon there,” he added dryly. “However, there are a few tribes up there who don't consider themselves under our rule, and that’s perfectly fine.
“I’ve never tried to move them on, and I respect their right to live as they please. But every now and again, there have been a few incidents where they've come closer toward our townships and caused a few problems - stolen stock, tools, issues like that. Nothing of major concern, but our troops are better deployed there than anywhere else in the country.”
“You talk as though you're discussing a form of land-based pirates, perhaps.” Winter smiled to show he was teasing. But the king nodded.
“That's a good term for them,” he agreed. “As I say, I don't think there are any major concerns. Most people in this country just want to carry on with their lives. They want to have the right to an education when they are young. They want to know they’ll be supported in building a house or purchasing land because I believe everyone has a right to a warm home. I don’t have any issue with what they chose to do for business, provided they are gainfully attempting to provide for themselves and their families.
“We offer free healers and medical care in all of our major cities. We have traveling healers who visit the more rural outposts. It would mean a lot to me to see those maintained. That was one of the systems that I set up after my father’s death, and it’s an issue I believe is truly important. For now, our coffers are full. The treasury reports we have a healthy balance.
“The treasury man, I’ll arrange for him to meet with you. Honestly, Lord Cable's a bit... He tends to look down his nose at everybody, even me on occasion. And unfortunately, he and Rupert, on the odd occasions they have met, definitely aggravateeach other. But I’m hopeful you will have a more positive interaction with him.”
“I don’t make a practice of annoying anyone if I can help it.” Winter mentally filed the name away for future reference.
“Just try and keep this country solvent and out of war. I confess I do worry occasionally that Rupert might inadvertently do something one day and cause us problems with the World Council that we could really do without.”
My goodness, he’s serious.Winter made a mental note to find out more about Rupert’s companions. “I appreciate your advice,” he said out loud. “That is all truly helpful for me going forward, and I thank you. However” - Winter had a strong urge to inject some levity into the conversation - “we have no idea if Rupert will even turn up for the ceremony.”
“Oh, he'll turn up,” the king said. “He might not be keen on the idea of marriage itself, but he does love a party, and there will be a large reception held after the vow ceremony. I invited all his friends, so if he wants to see them, he’ll have to be here.
“Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the reception – the healers are adamant about that, apparently – but I will be there to see you exchange your vows. In the meantime, I have excellent staff who have arranged the wedding beautifully, despite the short time span. In case you were wondering, I have been planning this for a long time.”
Winter chuckled. “I truly appreciate you making me feel so welcome, sire,” he said. “I promise you I will do my best, both for your son and this country. My brothers and I have always hoped that anyone marrying into my father’s family would feel the same way about their new king.
“I give you my word, not as your son's fiancé, but as a man who sits here with you now, that I will do the best I can to keep yourson on the straight and narrow. I've got to admit, if he has been causing trouble, he's been very discreet. There's very little gossip about him, and you should be aware that I've been listening for it as we've traveled here.”
The king laughed. “A sensible thing for any fiancé to do. But tell me, as a man who listens to gossip, what can you tell me about other people? Because, quite honestly, as much as it pains me to say it, talking about Rupert is not one of my happiest topics. Do you get out much? Have you visited interesting places? Tell me what happened at the coronation ceremony you attended. What were your impressions about King Serron and his two husbands?”
“It was an incredible event, Your Majesty, and yes, I had the opportunity to speak to a number of people there,” Winter said, settling in for what would prove to be quite a lengthy conversation. “Did you know, for example…”
