Chapter 1

"What else did he say?"

King Randor heard the barely contained rage behind her clipped tone. Few knew it, but Queen Marlena had a temper. He could'nt blame her for being angry. It had taken every ounce of self restraint he had not to floor that bastard, Holden, for daring to stand before him, in the presence of the council, and bring his son's character into question.

Randor, had no intention of telling his wife about the incident, especially since, in his mind, he had already squelched the matter rather decisively. However, when he went searching for her after the meeting, he found her waiting for him in the conservatory. She had already heard much from her lady-in-waiting, who had heard it from the steward, who had heard it from... Palace gossip traveled so fast, it made his head spin.

"Marlena. don't do this."

"What else, Randor?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Not matter! Your council thinks that your son is not fit to rule when his time comes and you say it does not matter!"

"It is only the opinion of an ignorant few." He knew that Lord Holden had to have some support for else he would have never exposed himself. "I assure you, Holden does not speak for the entire council."

"So you demanded that each member state his position."

"No. I did'nt have to, because it does not matter what they think."

"You're right. It only matters what you think."

Randor sighed and leaned up against the glass. He folded his arms and looked out. They were high up and he could see people merrily going about their business below. "There is much time before we have to worry about Adam becoming King. He is still young and you don't think your husband is that old, do you," he chuckled lightly, trying to lighten the mood, and looked up at his wife. She was not laughing.

"Worry. You worry about Adam becoming King?"

"Don't put words in my mouth—"

"I didn't put anything in your mouth."

"Marlena."

"Tell me what you think. If Adam wasn't your son, would you be comfortable with him as Eternia's future King." He hesitated a fraction too long.

"Marlena. Marlena!" He called after her but she was already marching away.

Adam rose slowing from under the shade of a giant broad leaved plant he was sitting under. He dusted the soil from his pants while he watched his father catch up with his mother then turned and walked away.

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