The King’s Kindness Is No More

A spacious and comfortable room decorated moderately with luxurious items, three children were present in the room, and they listened attentively to their royal tutor who exuded an elegant charm.

”What is the most important virtue a ruler must uphold? ”

The three children thought long and hard, each coming to their conclusion.

”Honesty ”, the eldest of the three, Vivilian Keiran answered resolutely.

”Courage, ” the youngest of the three, Grace Keiran said, trying her best to not blush.

The middle child, Aiden Kieran stayed silent, deep in thought.

” Whats your answer, prince? ” the royal tutor asked, prompting the young boy to finally open his mouth.

”Kindness…..isn that the most important virtue? ”, the boy asked, more to himself than to his teacher.

****

People cheered and screamed in glee as the royal family graced them with their presence, all the members of the prestigious Keiran dynasty waved and cheered as they looked down upon their subjects from their palace.

”These are our people, Ai. ” the King, Aidens father said as his smile became more radiant, ” As the prince….you must serve them, never forget that. ”

”Yes father!!! ” the boy said, slightly overwhelmed by all the noise.

****

”We don think the prince should be given the title of crown prince…. ”

”Why not? ” the king asked while maintaining his composure.

”Well….to be completely frank your majesty, out of all your children he is…the most average in all aspects. It would have been fine if he was even remotely talented in something but- ”

”Hahh ” the king let out a deep sigh, his brows furrowed in annoyance.

”I know this must be tough to hear, your grace but this is just the plain truth. As your advisor, it is my duty to give you my counsel. ” the middle-aged man hesitated but continued, ” Moreover….theres a rumor spreading around the kingdom that….that your son is a bastard. ”

…

Silence fell heavily on the room as the king contemplated the facts laid before him.

”Rumors are of no importance…. ”

”But they do matter…your grace, the people will not respect a king they think is a bastard. ”

” Sigh… ”

”Its alright father….I do not wish to be the king, I also think the throne would suit my elder sister more than me. ”, the prince commented silently from the corner of the room where he had made himself comfortable.

****

”I do not wish to marry you. ” Aileen Hover said glaring at me.

Aileen and I first met when we were seven years old, she was brought to me as my future wife. I was stunned by her beauty then and now, but Aileen didn want this marriage.

After our first meeting, we met again after twelve years on the day of my marriage, today. It was obvious that she wouldn want to marry me…we barely knew each other but as the prince, I have to fulfill my duty to the kingdom.

”Lets try to get alon- ”

”I have a lover, ” she said, avoiding my gaze.

****

My father and elder sister have died.

Im the king now.

My mother will soon die as well, shes gone mad from despair.

Thankfully Grace is alright, shes a mother now. I find it hard to believe that the little girl that used to follow me around is al