Chasing the moon

King Tus III

I SIT COMFORTABLY on my throne made of polished gold and adorned with precious stones but my heart is disturbed. I haven't slept well in the past few nights and I haven't eaten properly either. How can I be happy when something threatens the very stability of my household?

I dismount from the throne and pace to the balcony of the stone throne room. Looking down, I'm faced with the marvelous sight of the orchard, the stream that flows across it and the bridge that looms over it. I catch a glimpse of the horses race past under the supervision of the stable attendants and grooms.

Why can't I be as carefree as the mares and ponies and stallions that populate my stable? Why can't I be free of worry and the burden of over thinking?

I'm distracted by the soft sounds of footsteps against the stone floors. Whirling, I catch sight of Queen Elunia — my graceful wife. I bow slightly and return my gaze to the horses.

"Beautiful creatures aren't they?" She sings out. The scent of myrrh from her tickles my nose.

"Indeed," I say. She glances at me with a worried look on her flawless face.

"What's wrong, my Lord?" She moves closer and lays a dainty hand on my shoulder. "Is it still about our son?"

It is unfortunate but I don't want to admit this, I shake my head not taking my eyes of the orchard. Why would the heir to the powerful throne of Altsas refuse to take a bride? He has reached maturity and most of his mates are already fathers. I don't understand his reluctance, he'll get married before the end of the year whether he wants it or not.

"It's about Kyan, isn't it?" My Queen asks with her melodious sing-song voice, her words are laced with worry and I don't want to upset her the more.

I take her hand from my shoulder, facing her and looking into her hazel eyes that hold me captive even after all these years. I kiss her slender hand. "Yes, you know I only want what is best for him."

"My lord, if our son refuses to be wedded, why insist? Maybe he has good reasons for refusing."

"And what reasons would that be?" I ask.

She sighs. "I don't know. But I know we shouldn't force him, maybe we should give him more time—"

"More time?" I drop her hand and struggle to keep the anger out of my voice. "Surely you are joking, my Queen. He turned sixteen a year and a half ago! I've given him that long."

"Please, listen to me; if we force him into marrying he might do something outrageous. Believe me, I've heard stories."

"Nothing outrageous will happen in my castle, my Queen. I sincerely hope not." I turn and stare at the orchard again. "Everything should be in unity, in pairs. Don't you think so?"

"Yes, my lord." I can hear the humility in her voice.

"Our children, my Queen, are unpaired. What do you think the subjects are thinking? I will not be a subject of mockery," I spit out.

My Queen remains silent and together, we stare out to the orchard and watch the stream of roaring water flow past. I can almost hear it, almost smell it.

"What do you suggest we do, then?" Her voice wakes me from my brief reverie.

"We must find him a bride." I take my time to reply.

She remains silent, considering my answer then says, "What if he does not like her?" She whispers, her voice like a breeze.

"He will. He'll grow to love her." turning, I face my beloved wife. "It is sad he can't find love like we did." 

"I do wish it for him." She looks away.

"Hopefully," I reach out and touch her arm, "our daughter will be lucky."

"Hopefully." my Queen echoes.

Just then, sharp thuds of boots echo across the vast room. My wife and I turn to the direction of the interruption.

"Kyan," my wife gasps. "You're back!" She flutters across the room like a dove and throws herself into the arms of the defiant son of mine.