Back in Camelot, Arthur stared out of one of the large floor to ceiling windows as he stood in the Seasonal Throne Room, ignoring the various servants running around, trying to get the room ready to hold court. His mind was full of thoughts about the upcoming visit of the Pope. He couldn’t believe the Pope wanted to oversee the funeral ceremony for his father. He knew something had happen between the Pope and the Ruling Family of House Roll. It drove Pope Innocent back to Roma for a few years before there was major religious turmoil. That sent the Pope to travel to the other Kingdoms until there was an attempt on the Pope’s life. Was there a reason why Father Innocent wanted to visit Camelot, now, that his father was dead?

  Arthur frowned, trying to find a reason why the Pope would travel now of all times to Camelot. He couldn’t find one. Perhaps, the Pope didn’t need a reason to travel to the former legendary Kingdom. A feeling settled in Arthur’s gut. Maybe the Pope’s visit was a sign of things to come like a religious resurgence of the Christian faith? Maybe one of things that could change as a result of the Pope’s visit was the end of House Drake, ruling Camelot? Or something else could be in the works, a storm brewing, and once it passes, Camelot would not be same again. He knew there was a lot of different possibilities with the Pope’s visit, but one thing was certain - Nothing will be the same again, once the Pope returns to Camelot.

  The acting King of Camelot heard the Seasonal Throne Room doors open, thanks to the guards on either side of the door, and High Queen Kalliope’s voice rang out as she entered, “There you are, Arthur.”

  Arthur turned to his step-mother and saw she had changed from the simple mourning grown to an elegant pale gold grown with small diamonds set through the bodice of the dress. She wore her hair in a long braid that hung over one shoulder. She went on, “I will be holding court in a few minutes to greet those who have come to the castle for your father’s funeral. Would you like to attend with me?”

  Arthur blinked. He had forgotten that was one of his duties as the Acting King until the Holy Sword choose another. He strolled toward her and said, “It would be my honor to attend court with you, Mother-Queen.” She smiled at him. He reached her side and held out his arm for her. She took it and they walked to the pair of thrones at the far end of the room. Arthur led Kalliope to her Throne and allowed her to seat before he went to the Crown Prince Throne and sat down.

  Arthur let out a sigh as he waited for their court to arrive. He knew it was going to be a long day. The guest list to the actually funeral ceremony had grown over the progression of the day as various lord and ladies, representing Houses of both Minor and Major status arrived.

  The doors to the Seasonal Throne Room opened and the Court Announcer stepped inside, calling out, “Announcing Lord Remus of House Lunar, representing both House Lunar and White Hall.”

  Arthur fought the urge to yawn as Remus of House Lunar stepped into the room and walked down the carpet to the bottom of the raised platform. He paused before he bowed and said, “Thank you, your highness, for allowing me to come to Camelot and I’m sorry for your lose. King Uther was a good man and a great ruler. He will be surely missed.”

  Kalliope spoke, “Thank you coming, Lord Remus, and representing the Houses Lunar and White Hall.”

  “It is my honor, your majesty,” Remus bowed again before he stepped off to the side, heading to where the House of White Hall usually gathered. The Court Announcer called out another name and what house they were represented. Arthur recognized it a minor house who lived on the far side of the Dead End Forest. The representative strolled forward and went through the rigmarole of court greeting, commenting for their lose before the representative to a random spot in the Throne Room. The process repeated again, and again, and again until, “Announcing Lord James Black, representing House Black.”

  Arthur blinked as he heard the name and straightened as his cousin, Nana Bella’s great-nephew, strolled into the room. His black hair was crop short about his head. His gold flecked storm color eyes landed on Arthur. His lips pulled back into a grin. A black cloak rippled out behind him as he crossed the distance between himself and the former crown prince. His dark blue tunic had no signs if he recently arrived or not, nor did the black trousers he wore. However, the black riding boots still had dust on the bottoms.

  “Cousin,” Lord James Black called out, approaching.

  Arthur pushed himself up from the chair, returning his cousin’s grin. He hurried down the steps of the raised platform, “James,” he nodded at the other lord, “Thank you for coming.” He embraced his cousin in a brotherly embrace before parting, stepping back.

  “Your Welcome, Artie,” James smirked as Arthur, hearing that dreaded nickname, groaned softly. The House Black Lord stepped around the former crowd prince and gave Kalliope a sweeping bow, “My lady, your beauty grows more eye-catching everyday.”

  Kalliope arched an amused eyebrow and drawled, “Thank you, Lord James, for both the compliment and for coming during our family’s dark hour.”

  “It is what I do best,” James countered, “Bring a shred of light everywhere I go.”

  Arthur patted his cousin on the shoulder, bringing the other lord’s attention to him, “Have you seen Nana Bella, yet?”

  “Not yet,” James replied, “I will be tracking Aunt Bella down after court.” He lend closer to Arthur, “After all, you will need all the allies you can get when you claim the crown.”

  Arthur sighed deeply. He forgot no one knew about the Holy Sword’s ability to choose the next king. It would be coming out soon. He saw James frown at him and replied in the same volume, “I’ll explain later.” His eyes darted around the throne room. James did the same before he met Arthur’s eyes and nodded in understanding.

  Arthur returned to his throne as James roamed to the far side, Arthur’s left, of the throne room where Belladonna’s throne sat empty. He saw James frown at the empty throne and lend against the wall. Arthur knew James was watching the entire room as the court Announcer called out the next representative and which house they were representative of, starting the dull process once again. It ended when there was nobody else to be announced or they were running late. It had been known to happen.

  Arthur’s eyes roamed over the room. Nearly all the 150 Ancient and Noble houses had sent representatives to stand witness of the burial of the King. If he remembered correctly, there were three or five more Scared Houses that still need to have representatives. However, the 100 minor houses also sent relatives to representatives. He sighed. He always had trouble remembering the scared houses and the minor houses leaders and their crests. He knew the court scribes managed to do that somehow, which is highly impressive in his eyes. He also knew there was a chance to see a few of the minor houses representatives were running late.

  The God’s Holy Light Church would be packed to the brim a few days’ time. He gasped as he remembered the news they received earlier in the day. He heard the Court Announcer called, “Announcing Lord Genesis of House White Hall, General of the Explosive Brigade.”

  General Genesis strolled in, his head held high and shoulders back. Arthur immediately took note that the General didn’t wear his usual red trench coat, labeling him as the Explosive Brigade General, but a nice cape that flowed out behind him. He exchanged the black tunic for a tunic that showcase his house colors and crest, but he kept the black pants and boots. He still wore his sword belt which held his rapier and several bags of explosive powder and one of the newest invention within the last four decades, hand held cannon.

  The General approached the throne before he bowed deeply and stated in a loud voice that echoed around the throne room, “My Queen, My Prince, I express my deepest sympathies for your lose. I, General Genesis, heir apparent to the House White Hall Lordship, have came to represent the House of White Hall, one of the 150 Ancient and Noble houses that once sat at the Round Table during the time of our founding King, King Arthur, the First of his name, of House Pendragon.”

  “Thank you for coming, General Genesis,” Kalliope spoke up with a small smile, “How are the preparing coming?”

  “We will be ready for the Funeral Ceremony and the Pope’s arrival, my lady,” Genesis replied, formally. The court fell silent at that announcement.

  Arthur internally winced. He had forgot the Pope was coming to oversee the ceremony until he saw the fiery General. He glanced at Kalliope who look a bit bashful. She apparently had forgotten too. He noticed Genesis’ eyes dart between them before he let out a sigh.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  Kalliope stood up, taking the issue in hand. She looked at the General as she spoke, “Thank you for reminding of Pope Innocent’s visit, General.”

  “You are most welcome, my queen,” Genesis bowed before he strolled to join the other representatives of House White Hall and its Minor Houses.

  “As General Genesis reminded me, the Pope is currently traveling to Camelot,” Kalliope started. That spark the court to whisper, talking about the Pope and his last visit. She waited until the murmurs to drift away into nothingness, “The Ruling Family has made adjustments as a result. The Funeral Ceremony and Parade will be the day after tomorrow, still at the same time.” She paused, her eyes landed on someone at the far end of the Throne Room.

  Arthur turned his attention to the far end and his shoulders slumped. The former High Queen Belladonna strolled into the room with a furious expression.

  “And why was I not informed of this arrangement, earlier?” Belladonna thundered. Arthur sighed.

  “Because, Queen Belladonna,” Kalliope’s voice rang out, “You left the meeting we had earlier when we received news of the Pope’s visit to deal with a trivial matter.”

  Arthur had to give it to his step-mother. Kalliope could be a diplomat when she wanted to be. This was a situation where she had to be. He knew she wouldn’t be if their court was not here. She was in the role of High Queen, meaning she was holding herself at a higher degree. Plus after that little speech she gave earlier in front of the Magi, the Generals, and himself, she was finally acting out as an authentic High Queen, instead of a symbol of the position.

  “I had planned to inform you, Queen Clarine, Queen Vivien and the rest of our previous Queens later tonight when we gathered for our evening meal, as it is part of tradition for the grieving family to do during their time of mourning,” The High Queen went on, her eyes becoming steely as she stared down the Warrior Queen.

  Man, Kalliope was on a roll, Arthur mused as he watched the exchange. Kalliope was starting to show her true colors and her backbone, tossing the fact Nana Bella was a traditionalist back in her face while avoiding the entire court that there was problems within the Ruling Family. He wanted to clap in appreciation. However, a glance at Nana Bella.

  Belladonna’s face was hard to read, but her eyes flashed angrily as she stared down the High Queen. Arthur felt something harden in his stomach at the familiar look in her eyes. His great-grandmother was going to start a verbal fight in front of the entire court when his cousin, James, stepped forward, out of the crowd, crying with excitement, “Aunt Bella!”

  Belladonna turned her attention to James and blinked in surprise. Her anger faded away replaced by a small joy. She spoke, “My nephew.” She opened her arms and James stepped into them, getting a hug. “How have you been?”

  “Perhaps, we can talk somewhere more private, dear Auntie,” James asked, “I don’t want any of these beautiful ladies swooning over my daring adventures.”

  Arthur held his breath as he waited for Nana Bella’s reply. Nana Bella just laughed softly and agreed. James offered his arm to the warrior queen. She took it and together they walked out of the room. Once the doors shut behind them, Arthur let out a sigh of relief. Crisis avoided. For now.

  Remus frowned as he watched Lord James Black escort one of the former High Queens out of the Seasonal throne room. If he remembered correctly, the Queen was Belladonna of House Drake, formerly of House Black, though she still considered herself a member of the Black Family and often give input to the Black Family matters, acting the Matriarch; and Belladonna was Lord James’ great aunt. Silence fill the room after the doors shut. He glanced at Genesis. The General shook his head and mouthed, “Later.” Lord of the House Lunar nodded in understanding.

  A thrill shot through Remus’ veins. At first, he thought the duration of his time in Camelot, to honor the passing of King Uther would be boring. Vincent, one of Genesis’ younger brothers, often complained about his boredom in Camelot when Remus managed to visit the White Hall Estate. That was not very often for personal reasons. One of these personal reasons was avoiding his Grandma Freya finding him a bride. So far, he had been lucky unlike Jacob.

  He knew Jacob would be leaving by the end of the month to retrieve his bride to be from the Isle of Florence. He had managed to take a peek at the ship’s route to the Isles. The ship would be taking Jacob too close to the Kingdom of Mercy. His connections within the Mercian Kingdom giving him information about the current events, he was aware of the meeting happened just that morning between the Kingdoms of Mercy and Frank. The fact they had met up for a possible meeting disturbed him and his associates deeply. He hadn’t heard anything from his connection yet, about the result of that meeting. However, he knew it wouldn’t be long before he did.

  Remus yawned, regretting the fact he stayed up all night, driving the wagon to Camelot. Grandma Freya, once she heard about the King’s passing, had gathered Rosemary, Jacob, and himself and ordered them to represent the Ancient and Noble House of White Hall as well as their own minor Houses. The three of them had been just stopping by the Estate to restock on provisions when the family matriarch managed to catch them. Rosemary had planned to travel to Camelot, anyway, to start searching for her own husband while Jacob was trying to enjoy his time as a free man before he set out to travel South. As for himself, well, Remus was on a secretive trip that he couldn’t give the detail to his family, in case things went south for him, and didn’t inform any of his family members of it.

  He glanced around the room as the court broke out into whispers, wondering what exactly happened between the High Queen and the Warrior Queen. However, High Queen Kalliope interrupted the court, saying, “Please enjoy your stay within the Walls of Camelot.” Arthur moved closer to the young queen, holding out his arm to her. She took it. Together, they walked out of the room. Eyes watched them move out of the seasonal throne room. They disappeared out of sight.

  Rosemary immediately questioned, turning to Genesis, “So, what was that about, dear cousin?”

  “Just a verbal disagreement between Kalliope and Bella,” Genesis commented in a off hand way. Remus cocked his eyebrow at the General.

  “That didn’t sound like a normal disagreement between the two queens,” Rosemary said in a disbelieving tone, “It almost sounded like Kalliope was trying to diplomat over the said disagreement.”

  “She was,” Genesis agreed, “Kalliope, I guess, finally had enough of what Belladonna was trying to pull and grew a backbone.”

  Vincent and Victor was wrong about Camelot being boring, Remus concluded, as Rosemary gasped, “What about?”

  “Ah, the gossip of the court,” Jacob muttered, loud enough for the White Hall representatives to hear, “I didn’t miss it.”

  Rosemary glared, playfully, at Jacob as her lips twitched into a smirk and turned back to Genesis, “Why did Kalliope finally grow a backbone?”

  “Belladonna, as you may already know, dislike the fact she had to step down from the position of High Queen when her husband died and her son, King Charles of House Drake took over with his wife Susan, the Beautiful as the High Queen,” Genesis explained, “Belladonna tried to rule through the other Queens. She has tried to peruse King Charles to push the various laws she wanted in place. After King Charles died and his brother took over as King Edward, Belladonna tried to the same or at least to the various rumors I have heard over the years that I have lived here,” Genesis explained. Rosemary nodded in understanding. Remus eyed the General as he listened. Jacob sighed.

  The General went on, “She did the same thing when King Donald of House of Drake was crowd with his wife Queen Brenna The Knowledgeable, and again with King Cedric and Queen Holly. When Uther became King, she managed to talk him into passing a series of laws about the non-humans, limiting the freedoms of the lower class, etc. This was about the same time I entered the military. It wasn’t until Kalliope became High Queen, Belladonna began to have trouble. They use to fight over the smallest thing Kalliope did that Belladonna didn’t like.” Genesis took a breath before he sighed. “There have been many things that Belladonna has done over the years, I have noticed, that not many people like.”

  “You mean the non-humans?” Remus questioned.

  “The Lower class?” Rosemary suggested.

  “Everybody outside the court?” Jacob quipped.

  Genesis raised an amused eyebrow and replied, “Yes.” Remus smirked as his red haired cousin went on, “Earlier today, Kalliope basically told Belladonna that she was no longer High Queen and she needs to stop acting like it, that Kalliope will be pushing her own agenda forward and if Belladonna doesn’t like it, she could go back to the Noir Estate and live out the rest of her days with the Blacks.”

  Rosemary gasped while Jacob let out a low whistle and Remus nodded, “I heard the servants talking about that.” Genesis gave him a curious look. “Apparently, there was a couple servants nearby when Kalliope gave Belladonna a verbal slap down. They didn’t keep quite about it for long either. The entire serving staff knows about it, Gen. They are hoping for a change, a good change.”

  “Maybe they will get that change with Arthur as King,” Rosemary said, looking between Genesis and Remus.

  “I don’t know. It just depends on what is going to happen,” Remus replied. He caught Genesis’ eye. When he had the General’s full attention, he nodded, trying to give his cousin a hint that he knew about the Holy Sword. “I don’t think anyone would want to deal with another era of a Kingless Kingdom.”

  Genesis shrugged, “All we can do is hope and prepare for the worst.”

  Rosemary shuddered, “I still remember that time.”

  “We all do,” Jacob grumbled, “What are the chances of it happening again?”

  “Right now, High,” Genesis glanced around a moment later, before he lend toward his cousins, “Arthur isn’t taking over. He was found unworthy.” Rosemary’s eyes widened with horror and surprise. Jacob’s spine straightened. Remus muttered a curse that would had their family matron slap him on the back of the head. “Merlin and Morgana are planning to test the Knights then the Lords before it goes to Public Choosing.”

  “Public Choosing?” Remus gapped, “That hasn’t been done in a century or two.”

  “I don’t know when it last happened,” Genesis admitted, “But it has been long enough where the average person doesn’t remember it. They think the position is passed down from father to son, or father to son in law.”

  “Did would they explain the Era of the Kingless Kingdom?” Rosemary asked.

  “They can’t,” the General went on, “They are under the impression that our Enemies wanted the Throne bad enough where they had march during our weakness point and tried to claim the Throne. Plus, it doesn’t help The Drake Royal Family has been known to back stab each other in the back for a long while now.”

  Remus glanced around the Seasonal Throne, noticing most of the Court had filed out, in small groups of 6 or 7, talking among each other. He knew this court session was over, for now. There was a possibility of more representative of the other houses could be showing up over the course of the next few days. A feeling settled in his gut. Court of Camelot won’t be boring for long. He resisted the urge to smirk.

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