Pursue a meeting

“I think that’s an excellent suggestion,” says Stewart. “See what you can do to set up a meeting at the earliest opportunity. I wish it to be known that my administration is not afraid to pursue bold, new measures.”

“I will see to it myself, Your Majesty,” says Mayweather.

The other ministers remain silent, but Stewart can detect a note of unease among some of them. He realizes some of his advisors must still harbor doubts about his suitability to reign in his father’s stead.

He is about to speak to the matter when a page steps in and waits to be acknowledged.

“Forgive the interruption, Sire, but Her Royal Highness wishes to speak with you at your earliest convenience.”

Stewart calls a recess and steps to a nearby room to speak with Adella. He finds her composed, but the evidence of her emotional distress is evident on her face.

“Stewart, I know you have much to do, but I just wanted to plead with you to start things right with regard to women — and me in particular.”

Stewart is surprised. This is not what he expected to hear from his sister. He had heard scolding remarks from her in the past about his bed-hopping, and he thought that’s what she was referring to, but why she included herself in the topic was a mystery.

Sensing his confusion, Adella says, “I’m not talking about your womanizing; I’m more concerned about perpetuating this patronizing attitude toward women. We are not second-class objects, incapable of anything beyond bedding and birthing!”

Stewart nodded. Now he understood. She was on her equal rights kick again.

“I understand, Adella, and I don’t disagree with you about this, but you have to be patient,” says the new king. “Only just a few minutes ago I authorized a bold, new initiative in an attempt to normalize relations with the magical community, and you should have seen the scandalized expressions of my own ministers!”

“Even in that, Brother, has it occurred to you that the decision of such magnitude was made by a man, advised exclusively by men? Where do any of you have specialized knowledge in such things? Your education is based on military strategy, customs of governance, and the like. Did you ever think to consult with one who specializes in studying magical culture?”

Stewart considered Adella’s words, for there was much truth in them. Adella, in fact, was a bit of a fanatic in her studies of obscure languages and customs of the magical community. Stewart and Duncan frequently teased her that she had better hope that she married a librarian, since the only things with which she ever shared her bed were massive, musty-smelling books.

“You raise a fair point, Sister, and I promise to give your words fair consideration. Let us get past Father’s funeral, and I promise you and I will sit down and discuss your passion for modernization.”

“I wanted to speak to you now, before the funeral, Brother,” she said, earnestly. “I’m certain your ministers are already putting words in your ear about marrying me off to secure a treaty with such-and-such, or to promote good will in the kingdom through a big wedding celebration.”

Stewart nodded. While it had not yet been discussed in Council, he knew this was on the agenda, and he was not looking forward to the conversation. He knew from first-hand experience how unpleasant it was to have someone else have the power to decide whom his spouse would be. To now be the one who would make that decision for his sister was definitely not one of the perks of wearing the crown.

“Do not treat me as a chess piece to be moved about, manipulated, and traded, Stewart! Everyone is watching you in these days to see what manner of king you will be. Take this opportunity to demonstrate that you will be an enlightened, empowering monarch!”

With this earnest plea, Adella leaves Stewart to his thoughts and massive responsibilities. He looks out the window at the royal standard, now flying at half-staff. He sighs as he considers all that must happen in the next few days as he leads his kingdom in mourning the loss of his father. In many ways, he wishes he could just skip right past all of it.