A Royal Quest

Heather found her father, the highly respected King of Raspen, in his tattered dressing robe, seated in his shabby easy chair, on the terrace outside of his Royal Chambers. With his chin tilted upward, his face lit by the morning sunshine, he appeared healthy and confident—the way he’d looked before his health had deteriorated in the past few months. For a moment, she could almost imagine that he was well and whole, ready to rule his empire for another twenty years or more.

“What a lovely morning.” Heather planted a kiss on his creased brow. “And it looks as if you’ve eaten most of your breakfast, Father. Good for you.” She plucked a leftover strawberry from a crystal bowl and popped it into her mouth. “Are you feeling better today?”

“I am trying to be well.” He frowned as he patted his chest. “I have heeded the Royal Physician’s advice, taken his herbs and treatments. My primary goal is to last long enough to see my daughters’ eighteenth birthday. And then, when the time is right, to place the crown upon your fair head.”

“Oh, Father.” She tried to keep her voice light. “Don’t worry. You’ll be here to celebrate out birthday. You’re going to get well soon. I just know it.”

He looked out at the rolling fields, green with spring grass and wildflowers, but Heather could see his gaze was farther away. “I hope you are right, dear daughter.”

“Of course I’m right.” She patted his shoulder, wishing he didn’t feel so frail beneath his robe. “Keep following the physician’s directions and getting good food and sunshine, and by midsummer you will be your old self again.” She was aware her father had been discussing his future with Sir Edward and the rest of the council, planning for when he was gone. But she never liked to hear of it.

“I know you don’t want me to speak of this, Heather. But there is the chance you will be ruling as queen before you are twenty.”

“Twenty is a long way off, Father. We have plenty of time to discuss this later.” She knew, based on her lessons with Sir Edward, that her father was doing all in his power to prepare her for leadership. And that would happen…someday. But today, she wanted to be free. Still, he needed reassurance. “But just so you know, I will do my best when the time does come. You have taught me well, Father. And, hopefully, years from now, I will make you proud.” She picked up another strawberry, examining it in the sunlight before biting into it.

A faint smile played on her father’s lips. “I know you will make a fine queen, Heather. I can feel it in my tired old bones.”

She sat down on the footstool beside him and, taking his pale, wrinkled hand in her own, she attempted to rub warmth and life back into it. Apparently, she was not going to get away without having this talk. Again. No one besides Heather and the Royal Physician—not even Rose—knew of the king’s real condition or that his illness might be serious. Still, she refused to give up hope. She wasn’t ready to be queen. She wanted Father to get better. She wanted to go riding with him again, to visit the archery range, to go on a hunt next fall.

“I want to believe you are right, Father—that I will make a good queen.”

“Certainly you will. Sir Edward always brags about you, my child. You are his most promising pupil.”

Heather controlled the urge to roll her eyes. Sir Edward had only three pupils, and one of them was Rose. The other was Sir Edward’s son, twelve-year-old Luther. “Sir Edward is a good teacher and a wise advisor, but I still feel uncertain, Father. I’m not sure I’m ready to take your place—to rule Raspen the way it should be ruled.” She wanted to add that she wasn’t ready to stand up against the Royal Council. Sometimes she wondered if her father stood up to them enough. Especially when he was ill. But she wasn’t about to mention that now.

“My worst fear, my daughter”—he let out a long, sad sigh— “is that I have not left you an easy kingdom to rule.”

She tilted her head to one side as she gazed out beyond the terrace, out over the wall and toward the village where most of the residents seemed happy and peaceful. “What do you mean?”

“I fear I’ve been neglectful. It began when your mother passed away and grew worse when my health began to falter. I fear that I left too many of my duties to others.”

“But that is why you have your Royal Council, Father. Certainly they have cared for your concerns. After all, they are wise and learned men.” She knew this was only partially true. Most of them had the kingdom’s best interests at heart. Especially Sir Edward. But she didn’t trust all the councilors.

“I’m not so sure I should tell you this.” He lowered his voice. “I don’t like to say it, Heather, but I am not convinced we can continue to trust the Royal Council.”

“What are you saying?” She stared at him, curious if he were about to declare what she’d suspected for the past several months.

“I am saying that I’ve decided to remove two councilmen. I plan to see to it today.”

“Two councilmen? Really?” Heather had a good hunch which two Father meant, but she wanted to hear him say it.

“My Council Head and the Royal Treasurer.” He stared out the window, but his empty gaze wasn’t taking in any of the view.

“Sir Rupert and Sir Barnaby.” She grimaced. “That will not be easy, Father.”

“I know…but it must be done—and before you become queen. I wish I’d done it sooner, my dear.”

“Do you want me to remain here, Father? To stand by you when you make these announcements?”

“No!” He shook his head. “It will be better if you are not part of this, Heather. Best if you are far away. If Rupert and Barnaby wish to protest, and I fear they will, let their actions fall on my head.”

“Are you certain?”

He nodded. “It strengthens my heart to know I will see to this nasty piece of business before you are crowned.” He patted her hand. “I only hope that it is enough.”

“Enough?”

“I’m not sure. It’s possible that Rupert and Barnaby have poisoned others.” He sighed. “I believe you can fully trust Sir Benjamin and Sir Gordon. They are both good men. And, of course, Sir Edward can be trusted implicitly. But as for the others, time will tell.”

She was relieved that Father was this aware. And perhaps cleaning out some bad councilors would prove to be good medicine. Maybe this meant he was ready to rule with the authority of the throne.

“What I can say for certain, Heather, is that you must see with your own eyes, you must hear with your own ears, and you must think with your own mind.”

“What else would I use, Father?”

He smiled sadly. “Yes, exactly. Although you have good council in Sir Edward. That is a reassurance.”

“Perhaps Sir Edward would agree to become head of the Royal Council.”

“That’s an excellent idea.” His smile brightened. “And that is why I feel the monarchy will be in good hands…when I am gone.”

She squeezed his hand and looked into his eyes. “Father, you must hold on. And follow the physician’s directions. I will need you to guide me, to prepare me for the day when I take the crown. In the meantime, I hope I can be of help to you…to rule our people together.”

He just nodded, but his pale blue eyes looked doubtful and tired and worried.

“Maybe I should forget this trip,” she said. “I won’t go after all. The timing is all wrong, and—”

He shook his head again. “Your plan to explore our regions is a wise one, Heather. I will admit, I didn’t think so at first. But I do want you out among our people. I want you to see and hear what is happening with the farmers and the tradesmen. In the villages and the towns.”

“That’s what I hope to do, Father.”

He gazed out over the landscape. “I regret I did not do this myself. You have my blessing, dear child. Go on your journey.” He placed his hand on her head. “This is my present for your eighteenth birthday. I hope you’ll enjoy it. I pray it will help prepare you for the day you accept your royal responsibilities. Have a grand adventure.” His eyes lit up, making him appear younger and healthier. Perhaps he was improving.

Heather grinned. “Thank you, Father. It will be the grand adventure I’ve looked forward to for so long.”

“What did your sister say about it?”

Her smile faded. “What do you think she said?”

“Never mind that. We knew she wouldn’t approve.” He rubbed his whiskered chin with a thoughtful expression as he looked out over the gardens. “I still remember the day you two girls were born. Almost eighteen years ago, on a day much like today.”

“Springtime was unseasonably warm,” she filled in for him. How many times had she heard this story? “Both the heather and the roses were in bloom at the same time that year.”

“That’s right. I named you, my firstborn, for my favorite plant. The hardy and resilient heather that so bravely springs forth—sometimes even while the snow is still on the ground. You are my strong child, my Heather.”

Heather nodded. “And Mother named Rose for her favorite flower.”

The king gave a rueful smile. “A lovely bloom, the rose. But it has its thorns. And, as you know, your dear sister can be prickly too. I’m afraid she has never gotten over being the second born.”

“Don’t I know it.” Heather grimaced.

“You understand that she envies you, don’t you?”

“Envies me? She hates the way I live, Father. She thinks I’m unfashionable and unprincessly, and she’s certain I will make a terrible queen.”

He let out a quiet chuckle. “That’s because Rose doesn’t understand what’s important in a ruler. She never has. That is why I’m so thankful you were the firstborn, Heather. You were born to rule Raspen.”

“I will do my best, Father. In the meantime, I should go.” She looked out to where the sun was moving higher in the eastern sky. “I hate to leave you, but I did promise Sir Edward that I’d meet him at the outer stables by midmorning, and it’s getting late.”

“Yes, yes, do not let me detain you with my old reminiscences.” He reached into a pocket of his dressing gown and removed a golden ring with a large sapphire stone circled by diamonds. For as long as Heather could remember, Father had worn this ring. It was the Royal Ring of the Kingdom of Raspen. “This is for you, dear daughter.”

“But it’s your ring, Father.” She stared at the gleaming stone.

He removed a gold chain from his pocket, carefully threading it through the ring. “This will be your ring from this day forward—for as long as you live and rule. Keep it with you at all times, my child. It is the sign of the kingdom and of my—”

“But, Father—”

“I insist. I do not want you to go on this journey without it, Heather. Do you understand me?”

She nodded. “Yes, Father.”

“Tip your head toward me, Daughter.”

She leaned forward, waiting as he slipped the sturdy chain around her head, feeling the heavy thud of the ring against her chest.

“Thank you, Father.”

He lifted a trembling hand and pressed his finger against her forehead. “Bless you, Princess Heather. Take the authority of Raspen with you wherever you go.”

“I will.” There was a long silence as they both sat there in the sunshine. Heather looked away and blinked back her tears. She wanted to appear as strong as her father believed her to be, but at the same time, she felt like a little girl.

“Be careful out there,” he said. “Heed the advice and warnings of Sir Edward. He has your best interest at heart. And I do recommend you appoint him Head of the Royal Council. He may be unwilling at first. The good man prefers his books to politics. But I’m sure you can convince him. Whatever his role, Sir Edward is to be depended upon. He’s my dearest and oldest friend, and I entrust him with your life, my child.”

She nodded. “Please, don’t worry. I have great respect for Sir Edward. I’ll heed his counsel as if it comes from your own lips.”

Her father’s eyes brightened. “I am glad to hear that young Luther is going on this expedition with you. For a boy of twelve, he has a fine head on his shoulders. Someday he will make a wise advisor on your Royal Council.” His expression turned grim again. “Even in his youth, Luther would be far preferable to Rupert and Barnaby.” He waved his hand. “But never you mind about all that. I will see to these changes before the sun goes down.”

“Speaking of the sun.” She peered at the sky again. The sun was already over the treetops. “I should be on my way.”

“God go with you, Princess Heather.”

She reached out to embrace him as she kissed him goodbye. And then, sensing he was as close to tears as she, Heather stood and turned away. Without looking back, she walked from the terrace and exited his chambers. She was barely down the hall when she was assaulted by waves of guilt.

Was she wrong to leave her father like this? His health was fragile, but perhaps dealing with those crooked councilors would make him feel stronger. More in control of his kingdom. Besides, Heather wanted to prove her sister wrong. This trip was not selfish. It was part of her education and an important preparation for the day she would rule Raspen.

In fact, this escapade was as much for Father—and for the kingdom—as for herself. And, really, what would be the harm in having a bit of fun along the way? Chances were, it would be her last time for such adventures.

Heather found her father, the highly respected King of Raspen, in his tattered dressing robe, seated in his shabby easy chair, on the terrace outside of his Royal Chambers. With his chin tilted upward, his face lit by the morning sunshine, he appeared healthy and confident—the way he’d looked before his health had deteriorated in the past few months. For a moment, she could almost imagine that he was well and whole, ready to rule his empire for another twenty years or more.

“What a lovely morning.” Heather planted a kiss on his creased brow. “And it looks as if you’ve eaten most of your breakfast, Father. Good for you.” She plucked a leftover strawberry from a crystal bowl and popped it into her mouth. “Are you feeling better today?”

“I am trying to be well.” He frowned as he patted his chest. “I have heeded the Royal Physician’s advice, taken his herbs and treatments. My primary goal is to last long enough to see my daughters’ eighteenth birthday. And then, when the time is right, to place the crown upon your fair head.”

“Oh, Father.” She tried to keep her voice light. “Don’t worry. You’ll be here to celebrate out birthday. You’re going to get well soon. I just know it.”

He looked out at the rolling fields, green with spring grass and wildflowers, but Heather could see his gaze was farther away. “I hope you are right, dear daughter.”

“Of course I’m right.” She patted his shoulder, wishing he didn’t feel so frail beneath his robe. “Keep following the physician’s directions and getting good food and sunshine, and by midsummer you will be your old self again.” She was aware her father had been discussing his future with Sir Edward and the rest of the council, planning for when he was gone. But she never liked to hear of it.

“I know you don’t want me to speak of this, Heather. But there is the chance you will be ruling as queen before you are twenty.”

“Twenty is a long way off, Father. We have plenty of time to discuss this later.” She knew, based on her lessons with Sir Edward, that her father was doing all in his power to prepare her for leadership. And that would happen…someday. But today, she wanted to be free. Still, he needed reassurance. “But just so you know, I will do my best when the time does come. You have taught me well, Father. And, hopefully, years from now, I will make you proud.” She picked up another strawberry, examining it in the sunlight before biting into it.

A faint smile played on her father’s lips. “I know you will make a fine queen, Heather. I can feel it in my tired old bones.”

She sat down on the footstool beside him and, taking his pale, wrinkled hand in her own, she attempted to rub warmth and life back into it. Apparently, she was not going to get away without having this talk. Again. No one besides Heather and the Royal Physician—not even Rose—knew of the king’s real condition or that his illness might be serious. Still, she refused to give up hope. She wasn’t ready to be queen. She wanted Father to get better. She wanted to go riding with him again, to visit the archery range, to go on a hunt next fall.

“I want to believe you are right, Father—that I will make a good queen.”

“Certainly you will. Sir Edward always brags about you, my child. You are his most promising pupil.”

Heather controlled the urge to roll her eyes. Sir Edward had only three pupils, and one of them was Rose. The other was Sir Edward’s son, twelve-year-old Luther. “Sir Edward is a good teacher and a wise advisor, but I still feel uncertain, Father. I’m not sure I’m ready to take your place—to rule Raspen the way it should be ruled.” She wanted to add that she wasn’t ready to stand up against the Royal Council. Sometimes she wondered if her father stood up to them enough. Especially when he was ill. But she wasn’t about to mention that now.

“My worst fear, my daughter”—he let out a long, sad sigh— “is that I have not left you an easy kingdom to rule.”

She tilted her head to one side as she gazed out beyond the terrace, out over the wall and toward the village where most of the residents seemed happy and peaceful. “What do you mean?”

“I fear I’ve been neglectful. It began when your mother passed away and grew worse when my health began to falter. I fear that I left too many of my duties to others.”

“But that is why you have your Royal Council, Father. Certainly they have cared for your concerns. After all, they are wise and learned men.” She knew this was only partially true. Most of them had the kingdom’s best interests at heart. Especially Sir Edward. But she didn’t trust all the councilors.

“I’m not so sure I should tell you this.” He lowered his voice. “I don’t like to say it, Heather, but I am not convinced we can continue to trust the Royal Council.”

“What are you saying?” She stared at him, curious if he were about to declare what she’d suspected for the past several months.

“I am saying that I’ve decided to remove two councilmen. I plan to see to it today.”

“Two councilmen? Really?” Heather had a good hunch which two Father meant, but she wanted to hear him say it.

“My Council Head and the Royal Treasurer.” He stared out the window, but his empty gaze wasn’t taking in any of the view.

“Sir Rupert and Sir Barnaby.” She grimaced. “That will not be easy, Father.”

“I know…but it must be done—and before you become queen. I wish I’d done it sooner, my dear.”

“Do you want me to remain here, Father? To stand by you when you make these announcements?”

“No!” He shook his head. “It will be better if you are not part of this, Heather. Best if you are far away. If Rupert and Barnaby wish to protest, and I fear they will, let their actions fall on my head.”

“Are you certain?”

He nodded. “It strengthens my heart to know I will see to this nasty piece of business before you are crowned.” He patted her hand. “I only hope that it is enough.”

“Enough?”

“I’m not sure. It’s possible that Rupert and Barnaby have poisoned others.” He sighed. “I believe you can fully trust Sir Benjamin and Sir Gordon. They are both good men. And, of course, Sir Edward can be trusted implicitly. But as for the others, time will tell.”

She was relieved that Father was this aware. And perhaps cleaning out some bad councilors would prove to be good medicine. Maybe this meant he was ready to rule with the authority of the throne.

“What I can say for certain, Heather, is that you must see with your own eyes, you must hear with your own ears, and you must think with your own mind.”

“What else would I use, Father?”

He smiled sadly. “Yes, exactly. Although you have good council in Sir Edward. That is a reassurance.”

“Perhaps Sir Edward would agree to become head of the Royal Council.”

“That’s an excellent idea.” His smile brightened. “And that is why I feel the monarchy will be in good hands…when I am gone.”

She squeezed his hand and looked into his eyes. “Father, you must hold on. And follow the physician’s directions. I will need you to guide me, to prepare me for the day when I take the crown. In the meantime, I hope I can be of help to you…to rule our people together.”

He just nodded, but his pale blue eyes looked doubtful and tired and worried.

“Maybe I should forget this trip,” she said. “I won’t go after all. The timing is all wrong, and—”

He shook his head again. “Your plan to explore our regions is a wise one, Heather. I will admit, I didn’t think so at first. But I do want you out among our people. I want you to see and hear what is happening with the farmers and the tradesmen. In the villages and the towns.”

“That’s what I hope to do, Father.”

He gazed out over the landscape. “I regret I did not do this myself. You have my blessing, dear child. Go on your journey.” He placed his hand on her head. “This is my present for your eighteenth birthday. I hope you’ll enjoy it. I pray it will help prepare you for the day you accept your royal responsibilities. Have a grand adventure.” His eyes lit up, making him appear younger and healthier. Perhaps he was improving.

Heather grinned. “Thank you, Father. It will be the grand adventure I’ve looked forward to for so long.”

“What did your sister say about it?”

Her smile faded. “What do you think she said?”

“Never mind that. We knew she wouldn’t approve.” He rubbed his whiskered chin with a thoughtful expression as he looked out over the gardens. “I still remember the day you two girls were born. Almost eighteen years ago, on a day much like today.”

“Springtime was unseasonably warm,” she filled in for him. How many times had she heard this story? “Both the heather and the roses were in bloom at the same time that year.”

“That’s right. I named you, my firstborn, for my favorite plant. The hardy and resilient heather that so bravely springs forth—sometimes even while the snow is still on the ground. You are my strong child, my Heather.”

Heather nodded. “And Mother named Rose for her favorite flower.”

The king gave a rueful smile. “A lovely bloom, the rose. But it has its thorns. And, as you know, your dear sister can be prickly too. I’m afraid she has never gotten over being the second born.”

“Don’t I know it.” Heather grimaced.

“You understand that she envies you, don’t you?”

“Envies me? She hates the way I live, Father. She thinks I’m unfashionable and unprincessly, and she’s certain I will make a terrible queen.”

He let out a quiet chuckle. “That’s because Rose doesn’t understand what’s important in a ruler. She never has. That is why I’m so thankful you were the firstborn, Heather. You were born to rule Raspen.”

“I will do my best, Father. In the meantime, I should go.” She looked out to where the sun was moving higher in the eastern sky. “I hate to leave you, but I did promise Sir Edward that I’d meet him at the outer stables by midmorning, and it’s getting late.”

“Yes, yes, do not let me detain you with my old reminiscences.” He reached into a pocket of his dressing gown and removed a golden ring with a large sapphire stone circled by diamonds. For as long as Heather could remember, Father had worn this ring. It was the Royal Ring of the Kingdom of Raspen. “This is for you, dear daughter.”

“But it’s your ring, Father.” She stared at the gleaming stone.

He removed a gold chain from his pocket, carefully threading it through the ring. “This will be your ring from this day forward—for as long as you live and rule. Keep it with you at all times, my child. It is the sign of the kingdom and of my—”

“But, Father—”

“I insist. I do not want you to go on this journey without it, Heather. Do you understand me?”

She nodded. “Yes, Father.”

“Tip your head toward me, Daughter.”

She leaned forward, waiting as he slipped the sturdy chain around her head, feeling the heavy thud of the ring against her chest.

“Thank you, Father.”

He lifted a trembling hand and pressed his finger against her forehead. “Bless you, Princess Heather. Take the authority of Raspen with you wherever you go.”

“I will.” There was a long silence as they both sat there in the sunshine. Heather looked away and blinked back her tears. She wanted to appear as strong as her father believed her to be, but at the same time, she felt like a little girl.

“Be careful out there,” he said. “Heed the advice and warnings of Sir Edward. He has your best interest at heart. And I do recommend you appoint him Head of the Royal Council. He may be unwilling at first. The good man prefers his books to politics. But I’m sure you can convince him. Whatever his role, Sir Edward is to be depended upon. He’s my dearest and oldest friend, and I entrust him with your life, my child.”

She nodded. “Please, don’t worry. I have great respect for Sir Edward. I’ll heed his counsel as if it comes from your own lips.”

Her father’s eyes brightened. “I am glad to hear that young Luther is going on this expedition with you. For a boy of twelve, he has a fine head on his shoulders. Someday he will make a wise advisor on your Royal Council.” His expression turned grim again. “Even in his youth, Luther would be far preferable to Rupert and Barnaby.” He waved his hand. “But never you mind about all that. I will see to these changes before the sun goes down.”

“Speaking of the sun.” She peered at the sky again. The sun was already over the treetops. “I should be on my way.”

“God go with you, Princess Heather.”

She reached out to embrace him as she kissed him goodbye. And then, sensing he was as close to tears as she, Heather stood and turned away. Without looking back, she walked from the terrace and exited his chambers. She was barely down the hall when she was assaulted by waves of guilt.

Was she wrong to leave her father like this? His health was fragile, but perhaps dealing with those crooked councilors would make him feel stronger. More in control of his kingdom. Besides, Heather wanted to prove her sister wrong. This trip was not selfish. It was part of her education and an important preparation for the day she would rule Raspen.

In fact, this escapade was as much for Father—and for the kingdom—as for herself. And, really, what would be the harm in having a bit of fun along the way? Chances were, it would be her last time for such adventures.