The Royal secret

Darius

I placed the fork slowly on the table with a sigh and answered, "Father, I just came back and am still trying to process the fact that I have to take over Avalon while my father is still alive and you are more worried about me finding a wife."

My mother's eyes widened; her eyes then darted from me to my father. "Honey, what is the prince talking about?"

As I locked eyes with my father, a sickening suspicion grew within me like a black hole devouring everything in its path. My mother had no idea about his illness. A gnawing guilt clawed at my insides as I realized that the barrage of questions she'd been asking since my return to Avalon was an attempt to glean information about her husband. I was drowning in a sea of secrets and lies, struggling to keep my head above water. Suddenly, my world narrowed down to the two figures before me, their stillness belying the tumult raging beneath the surface.

My father glared at me with fierce intensity, his eyes blazing like fire against my skin. Then he shifted his gaze to my mother, a look of love and admiration flowing from him like an eternal river.

"My Queen, I'm sorry. I did plan on telling you, but I didn't want you to break down. Yes, countless times you have mentioned that it is forbidden for the prince and me to be under the same roof. But now it's not, because as it is, I, your husband, the king of Avalon, can no longer lead the nation. I am unfit to lead, that’s why the prince is back. Don't blame your son; he recently found out and didn't know you didn't know I was sick." I stared in utter shock as my mother's trembling hands quivered away from my father’s touch. Her terror was palpable, and her disbelief was obvious. I felt a chill run down my spine as I watched the horror unfold in front of me.

She sprung to her feet and frantically scanned the area for any sign of maids or courtiers who may have heard that the king was unwell. Her lips quivered, releasing a steady stream of tears as fear crept into her widened eyes. She had never looked so terrified before. Her body was shaking with terror. She's scared. My mother, the fierce Queen of Avalon, is scared. My mother has always been a strong woman, but right now, she looks weak, and if anyone saw her like this, they wouldn't believe it was her.

"I am not dying, my Queen, that I can assure you of." She spun around and glared at my father, her eyes burning with rage. The fear that once threatened to overwhelm her had been replaced by an icy determination.

"Then, why is the prince back if you are not dying?" My mother asks.

"This has been going on since I was 24; it was hidden from everyone. And I am so sorry for keeping this a secret, my love. But it was to protect the throne from the people who were after it. I knew my reign wouldn't be long from the start." My father's words crashed into me like a tidal wave, rolling over my body and flooding my senses with the realization that I had no choice but to give them space so that they could talk.

"I'll be in my chambers." My father's words stung me like a slap, and my heart ached as I realized I had to step back in order to give them the space they needed to discuss the issue at hand.

"Son, I want you to hear this. I am not dying, and the elders knew about this from the get-go. They swore not to let it slip. until the condition worsens and they themselves ask me to bring you back before everyone notices. I knew it was time for you to come back, even before the elders suggested it. It is forbidden for a king to lead the nation if he has epilepsy." My mother gasped in shock, her hands flying to her mouth as a piercing scream threatened to tear through the air.

"It is forbidden for a king to lead when he's having such a condition, Edward." My mom whispered, making sure no one heard her.

"My Queen, I did what I had to do for this kingdom and for the family. There was no way I was giving the kingship to him." My father looks at my mother with a gaze that pierces the depths of her soul, and she nods in acknowledgment of his silent wisdom, accepting the seriousness of the situation without uttering a single word.

I was left with an ever-growing sense of dread. Who was this 'him'? Would they try to usurp my throne? I wanted to ask who 'him' was, but the words stuck in my throat. Instead, I tried to brush off my fears. When this is all over, I'll ask my second in command. Yet as I looked into my parents' eyes, I saw fear. This 'him' seems to be a problem.

My mother slowly swiveled towards me, her gaze piercing my very soul as if she knew exactly what was on the line. Every muscle in her body tensed, and I could sense the fear radiating off of her as her eyes locked with mine. "Prince Darius Alexander of Avalon, you need to find a wife. As soon as possible."

"Mother!" I yelled.

"Not negotiable, your Highness. You cannot take over the throne as a single man. You need to be appointed along with your queen as soon as possible." She says as she sits back in her chair and leans forward, her gaze piercing as her words hit me like a physical blow. Her hands are clenched so tightly that her knuckles turn white and her fingernails dig deep red lines in her skin. She is almost shaking with desperation as she implores me to take a wife as if her future hangs in the balance of that decision.