Published: 15 Mar 2018

“Mother, I want to have a dance organized.” Ethan stated at breakfast.

Margarete raised her eyebrows, amused at this request. Such things were not normally a breakfast topic, so there had to be something important to Ethan for him to brush aside decorum. She thought for a moment before responding, “I think that is a wonderful idea. Is there a special theme or occasion around this request? And who would attend this dance?”

Ethan thought for a moment. “I think that any and all of the kids that want to should be permitted. They’ve been through some awful things. And many feel . . . uhm damaged. I think it may help many feel beautiful and whole again.”

Again Margarete thought for a moment. “I think that would be a grand idea. Perhaps after breakfast we could talk about it in the sitting room.” She needed time to figure out what was going on with her youngest. And it also reminded him that such conversations should not occur at the table. But this was not a normal request from Ethan. He seldom thought of the needs of others unless there was something in it for him. It’s not that Ethan lacked compassion, but he was still young enough that his world was not too much further than his fingertips or his line of sight. He was growing and evolving.

Dale’s eyes fluttered open still in the haze of the sedative. There was someone lying next to him. His focus sharpened, the events of the night before crept back into his consciousness. He smiled and just stared in disbelief. He took his fingertips and lightly touched Jeff’s face in wonder. The contact made him open his eyes and he smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips and cuddled into him even more. They just lay there enjoying each other’s touch. The doctor walked in, “Good morning! How are you feeling today?”

“I feel like I’m still dreaming.”

“Well the sedative has probably left you in a bit of a haze too. But that’ll pass.” Jeff rolled over onto his back so he could see the doctor more clearly as well. The doctor went on, “Here’s what I would like for you to do. The Crown has arranged for you to both stay at a lovely bed and breakfast for the next week. I want you two to spend time with each other. Reacquaint yourselves with your feelings for each other. BUT! And this is a big BUT! Under no circumstances are you to talk about what has happened. Just spend time with each other, talk about the future. On the fourth day, you have an appointment with a psychologist on the mainland. She’s very good and she will help you resurrect your memories. You have a lot to work through. That’s why I don’t want you talking about it amongst yourselves.” The doctor turned his focus to Dale, “It will be up to you if Jeff sits in on the sessions with you.”

The doctor turned to Jeff, “And please, don’t take it personal if there are parts he doesn’t want to talk about in front of you. He has to work through things on his own timeline and in ways his mind can deal with it. So don’t pressure him to share all. Just because he doesn’t tell you does not mean he is keeping secrets, it just means he has to figure out how he feels about the events before he shares them with you and there may indeed be things he chooses not to share with you for a very long time if ever. You’ll need to respect that and to love him unconditionally. I am sure she will meet with you both together and also individually.” He turned to Dale again, “And remember, Jeff has been through an ordeal as well; perhaps just as awful as yours was. His mind just dealt with it differently. So go slow. Just love each other, support each other. Be strong when the other is weak and when you are both weak, hold each other until it passes. You both have a long road to recovery. But lean on each other and your load will be easier to carry.” He stood up to leave, “For today, just spend time holding each other, this evening you’ll be transported ashore and to your place of recovery. By the way, I’ve stayed at this bed and breakfast when my wife came to visit, it’s one of the most beautiful spots on Bermuda. Enjoy it. Everything is being covered by the crown. So if you need or want something, just ask.”

Dale smiled, “Thank you doctor.”

“Lord Duncan, you’re simply amazing. I’m told that many are already on their way to family and you’ve even managed to expedite the departures of many from France and a host of other countries. I have to ask, how have you achieved this and so quickly?”

“Thank you your majesty. That’s very high praise. It’s because I’m traveling ground I’ve walked on before. I’ve helped in many other disasters so I have acquaintances that I could call on.” He took a breath and thought for a moment before speaking. “Your majesty…”

Arthur interrupted, “Please, just Arthur. There are no cameras here.” Lord Duncan smiled.

“Arthur, I realize this is a new experience for you and I admit, you have done a wondrous job. I’m quite impressed and I’ve said as much to the Queen Regent. But I would like to offer a suggestion if I may be so bold, and without offending you.”

“Of course! I realize I’m young and have a lot to learn. And I’m also realizing that life for me, is such that I seem to have much less time to learn it. I’ll take the help and knowledge wherever I can get it. Please, feel free to speak your mind.”

Lord Duncan smiled. He realized that his next few words might sully their relationship in the future. He thought for a moment before speaking. “Arthur, you are going to be our leader. You will guide the actions of many countries and countless millions of people. That alone is a daunting job in of itself. You have a mere 15 years of life experience to draw from. But you’ll not be able to get in and do everything yourself. I think this has been a good experience for you. It’s a massive job isn’t it?” The question was rhetorical. He stood and walked over to a window and peered out for a moment.

“You have at your disposal a vast wealth of knowledge and experience in the people of higher station beneath you. Learn to draw on them and to delegate. If you try and oversee everything you’ll get overwhelmed and other things may suffer because of the time and or attention you’ve devoted to any one task. At the moment this is your only area of responsibility and it’s good that your mother saw fit to let you sink your teeth into it. But let’s look at the rest of the picture. Right now, your time is almost completely tied up in this operation. But what else is the Queen Regent taking care of?” He paused, “Let’s see, the world economy, the financial welfare of the Commonwealth, the grain shortage that we will face because of the civil unrest in the Americas, the readiness of our armed services and funding that will be required to replenish our spent resources. And let’s not forget the natural disasters that are happening almost daily within the vastness of the commonwealth. Resources have to be sent to them as well.” He returned to his seat and leaned forward, his hands clasped. “You see, with so much going on, so much that you will be responsible for that you cannot possibly do it all yourself. No one can.”

Arthur looked at him stunned. He had not realized his mother was in charge of all that. He regained his composure and stood, he thought best when he paced. He thought for a few moments before turning and carefully phrased his question. “How does one accomplish so much at one time? It seems a daunting task.”

Lord Duncan smiled, “You do what you just did. You think and then you ask the right questions. Find out who the experts are and call on them. Contact the Privy council, ask them for the names of people with expertise in your area of need. Then delegate and get out of their way, let them do the job they are suited for. Give them free reign in rescue operations and a short leash in military matters. Give them an open line of communication should they have need of it. Much of your time will be spent reassuring the public that they are not forgotten, that their efforts are valued. Arthur, the adults of the world know what a vast job ruling a country is, that’s why the Queen Regent’s words to the troops mean so much. Time is a valued commodity. Sharing even a moment of it is a powerful thing. Learn to delegate.”

Arthur smiled and extended his hand, “Thank you Lord Duncan. You’ve given me much to think about. I hope I can call on you in the future?”

Lord Duncan smiled broadly, “Your Majesty, I am and always will be your servant. We may disagree at times, but never doubt my loyalty.” With that he gave the slightest bow and left. Arthur sat down. He was overwhelmed with all that his mother dealt with. He knew the job required most of her time but never realized the extent of her… his duties. She was the Queen Regent. She was doing his job until he was old enough to do it. He retired to his room for a hot bath and a nap. He somehow felt like he was cheating by doing so while his mother toiled. He wondered how he would learn so much in just a few years. And what was worse, he didn’t know if he wanted to. Max noticed his somber mood and drew him a bath, while he was entering, Max slipped out and returned with a glass of chilled wine and handed it to him.

Arthur looked up, “Thanks.”

“You looked like you need to relax. Are you alright?”

Arthur took a sip. It was chilled and the water was warm. It was a semi sweet fruity flavor. He liked it. He leaned back. “No, I’m really not.”

Max sat down on the ledge of the tub. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“I just had a chat with Lord Duncan.”

“The man is an ass!” Max exclaimed.

“Not really. He’s just set in his ways and tends to be unbending in what he believes. And he didn’t say anything bad, in fact he praised the work we’ve done here. No, it was his suggestion, and it was eye opening.”

“His suggestion? May I ask what he suggested?”

Arthur smiled, “You can always ask me anything Max.” He took another sip of the delicious wine. “It was just that I should delegate more. And I agree. He’s the second person to mention that to me. No, it was in the reasons why I need to learn to delegate. I had no idea how huge the King’s responsibilities were. And just doing this one thing was taxing and at times overwhelming.” He looked at Max, “I’m not sure I can do it.” He sipped again, “and what’s worse, I’m not sure I even want to try. It sounds awful.”

Max looked at Arthur for a moment. “First, I think you underestimate yourself. You’ve got time to learn. And your mother will be there to help you. You can do this. As for wanting to, Arthur if not you then who? Who do you know that cares so deeply for the people? Who would you trust to always do the right thing for them?” He paused for a moment, “I think you should talk to your mother about this. Perhaps she can tell you something to put you more at ease.”

Arthur smiled, “You always give me sound advice. I know I’ve said it before, but let me say it again. I don’t know what I would do without you Max.”

The apartment door opened and Euan strolled in. Max’s hand slipped in his hurry to stand up and his arm went into the tub. Arthur caught him by the nearly submerged shoulder and stood up helping him to right himself. The action left Max’s now soap suds covered hand very near the crown jewels. Euan smirked, Max was in full on panic mode, Euan put his hand on Max’s shoulder, “Relax Max.”

Arthur just smiled, “You should probably get a dry shirt on.”

Euan interjected, “Or get out of those clothes all together. You can’t have much fun in a tub if one of you are dressed.” Max exited the room.

Arthur blushed crimson, “Euan you are . . .” He staggered looking for the word.

“Right? Insightful? Accurate? Let me know if I’m getting close.”

“Impossible!” Arthur said in exasperation.

“So, a dance?” Margarete asked? Perri, Raj and Ethan sat with her in the sitting room. “What made you think of this?”

Ethan fidgeted in his chair, “I was on the ship and we were getting something to eat and I noticed this girl sitting alone and I could see she was really troubled.”

“Ah, a girl? You want to hold a dance so this girl will date you?” The Queen Regent asked with an amused smirk.

“Mother it’s not like that. Well it is and it isn’t. She’s really pretty. But I was thinking that if she felt this bad there might be others.” He explained their conversation. And he explained what he had told her.

Margarete thought for a moment. She looked at him and then spoke, “Before I answer, I want you to know how proud I am of you. Telling her she is whole and beautiful, just injured, not damaged was something very insightful. And because of that insight, I’m going to say yes and no.” Ethan looked perplexed.

She saw his look and went on, “First, why is this girl special to you?”

Raj spoke up, “She’s a damsel in distress. And she’s very pretty.” Ethan scowled at him. And added his own reply, not taking his glare away from a withering Raj.

“She’s very smart. And she’s very hurt. I want her to be beautiful inside again.”

“Alright, then a public dance, I’m going to say no.” Ethan started to protest but was stopped when she raised her hand. Let me explain. These girls and boys have been hurt in some unimaginable ways. If you held a dance many would not come. And those that did, would be hurt more if they were not asked to dance. It might reinforce that they are not wanted. Although your idea is a noble one, I think it would hurt more than it could help. Now, having said that. Why not do something grand for this young lady, what was her name?”

“Andi” Raj and Ethan said at the same time. Ethan gave Raj another glare.

“Yes, Andi. Let me ask you something Ethan, what are your future intentions with her?”

Ethan looked aghast. But she held up her hand again, “The reason I ask is if you are going to just have a dance you might be leading her on. And she is very fragile. If your intentions are romantic then I must ask you to go very slowly with her. Because dumping her or walking away from her could hurt her even more. And when you go back to school you will still need to reinforce your friendship if nothing else. Are you willing to do that?”

“Yes, I told her that if nothing else, I would like to be her friend. And I meant that.”

“Alright, then I have an idea . . .”

“I’m going to have to go back to London. We’ve put together a summit to discuss how we can bolster the American economy. Can I count on you to stay with Arthur and help him out? It’s going to be a short but intense summit. We only have a few days.”

“Of course I will. When do you have to go?”

“Sunday.”

“Wow, that is quick. What about Norris’ visit?”

“I forgot all about that when I was making these plans. Do you think Arthur can handle it?”

Durrel laughed, “He’s your child and he has his father’s wits about him. I don’t think there is much he can’t accomplish once he puts his mind to it. Besides, I think it might be good for him to get some experience talking before a large crowd. With things winding down here it might be good training to have him visit several military bases to boost the morale a little. It’ll get his face out there too, perhaps help his image if they see him doing something more mature. You’re only as good as your last mistake when it comes to the press.”

“As always, your perceptions prove to be spot on. I guess I was hoping he could go back to being a kid a while longer but I can see that’s not to be. He belongs to the world now. And Ethan is not far behind him.

“I’m so proud of them both. Did I tell you what Ethan asked me tonight?”

“No, what did he ask?”

“He wanted me to have a dance to help the broken feel whole again. Seems there is a young lady that has captured his heart. And she was… hurt in the worst way. Ethan said he wants her to be beautiful inside again.”

“A romantic! He takes after his father on that one.”

“Yes, yes he does. So we are going to have a Cinderella night. There will be 4 attendees. The young lady, her name is Andi, Ethan, Raj and Perri. They’re the chaperones.”

Durrel looked shocked, “Well say goodbye to THAT one’s virtues!”

Margarete slapped him in the arm playfully. She enjoyed their private times when she could drop the propriety with Durrel. “It’s more so that she does not feel threatened. He’s not out for conquest. We spoke about his intentions. He knows she is very fragile.”

The Queen turned to her ever invisible aide, “Find a dressmaker then arrange for Andi Cavelli to be picked up by limo from the Disney ship and have her transported to pick out a formal outfit and have it fitted. Arrange for a quartet to play this Saturday night here in the ballroom during the dinner. Get a florist to adorn the ballroom. Nothing too over the top. A corsage fitting her dress. We’ll need matching boutonnieres for the boys. Have the tailor make Tuxes for the boys, he has their measurements already. Have the staff set a table for four and have it plated with servants to serve in concert. Have Ms. Giddings prepare the menu with something that they might like. Get a DJ with some more contemporary music for after the dinner. OH! And we’ll need for a limo to pick up Ethan, then Andi and to bring them here. We will need for them to return them when the night is over. I think a photographer should be brought in as well. Perhaps the Governor can get the Royal photographer to handle it for us. Can you think of anything I’ve forgotten?”

Her aide responded, “Do you want a Royal Herald to present her with an invitation?”

“I think that is an excellent idea. And could you send a car around to pick up her mother? I think we should have a little chat before we do all this just to make sure she is alright with it.”

“Yes ma’am, I’ll get right on it. Would right after lunch be alright? You have a 20 minute window.”

“Perfect, provided she is amenable to it.”

Max returned with a dry shirt and a slight grin. He took his seat and retrieved his notepad and began reviewing the day’s itinerary.

Euan smiled, “Max, you need to learn to relax. I am Arthur’s best friend and you need not fear me.”

“Thank you Euan. But you have to understand; my position must remain completely professional. A breach of protocol could be devastating to Arthur and I would be finished.”

“Believe me when I say that no one is more aware of that than me. I know that Arthur has feelings for you, and I think I know how you feel about him. We both want him to be happy. So relax and stop panicking when it’s just us.”

“Uhm, hello? The King is right here?”

Both Euan and Max looked at Arthur and said simultaneously, “Oh shut up Arthur.” They both broke into laughter before Euan continued. “We’re having a conversation over here.”

Arthur sat down in a faux pout. Euan laughed louder. “Arthur, a pout? Let me know how that works out for you. Max stood up and made his way over to Arthur as he spoke to Euan, “I don’t know though, it looks sorta cute don’t you think?”

Arthur just blushed as Max pulled him to his feet and wrapped an arm around Arthur’ before giving him a small kiss on the cheek. Arthur blushed furiously.

Eager to change the subject, Arthur looked at Max, “Can you check with my mother to see when she might have 15 or 20 minutes for me?”

“Certainly.” He picked up his notepad and shot off a message to the Queen’s aide. It was just moments when he got a reply. “She has an opening about 2:30 this afternoon. Would you like to meet with her in the sitting-room?”

“Yes, that will be fine, Thank you.”

Euan scoffed at him, “You just suck all the happiness out of life sometimes Arthur. Has anyone ever told you that?”

Arthur just grinned, “Hey, you’re the one that started all this with your ‘Arthur you need to put on the crown!'”

“So I did. Hey, we all make mistakes, don’t we?”

“So what happens when you go back to school? I wonder what becomes of me.” Perri asked to no one in particular. Raj and Ethan just looked at him. Raj spoke, “What do you mean?”

“Well when the Queen was talking to Ethan, it reminded me that you’ll be going back to school too. It started me wondering, what will happen to me?”

Ethan grinned, “I suspect you’ll be going with us. You’re a Royal now.”

“I’m not a Royal and never will be. I’m just a… a… Well I don’t quite know WHAT I am other than the Royal charity case.”

Raj moved closer to Peri and wrapped him in a hug, “Hey, you’re my prince! blood does not a Royal make.” He paused as he looked at Perri who was looking back with one raised eyebrow. Raj giggled, “OK, so I was wrong about that. But you’re here because Arthur saw something really good in a boy who was also really hurt. Believe me, if there was a chance you might be an embarrassment to the Royal family you wouldn’t be here now. That alone should say something. Did you know he asked the Queen about that very issue?”

“What issue?”

“Arthur asked the Queen if you would be considered a Royal if he adopted you.”

“How do you know that?”

“Ethan talked to the Queen’s aide when he saw what she was researching.”

“Wow. What was the answer?”

“I’m not sure. But the act of adoption brings that person into the bloodlines of the adoptive family. So I think they determined it would make you a Royal but they were unsure if that made you in line for the throne should it ever come to that.”

“Wow. I’m just . . . stunned.”

“So no more of this self-deprecation. It’s unroyal.” Raj just smiled and leaned in a gave him a kiss that would have grossed young Timothy out for years to come.

“Hello Mother. Thank you for taking the time to see me. I’ve just realized just how busy you are. In fact that is what I asked to see you about.”

The Queen could see a troubled look in Arthur’s eyes as she placed a hand on his and smiled. “Come, sit. YOU are my most important task. I will always make time for you. Now, what’s this all about?”

“I need you to tell me how to do all the stuff you do.”

The Queen smiled, a little amused. “Can you be just a LITTLE more specific? That’s quite a broad topic.”

“That’s the point.” Arthur stood and started to pace. “Lord Duncan told me about all the things you have to handle on a daily basis and just the thought of it all not only overwhelms me, but I must admit, it terrifies me.” He paused and looked a little sheepish, “just a little.”

The Queen smiled, “And that’s good.”

Arthur looked at her, astonishment clear on his face.

“Arthur if it didn’t terrify ANY sane person just a bit then they aren’t fit to rule. That feeling of terror makes sure you don’t act quickly or rashly. And it lessens when you have people in place you can trust to delegate to, knowing that if there is something that I need to attend to, they will bring it to me. You’ve got to think in circles and pods. I am surrounded by a circle of people who handled a specific aspect of the government. For instance, Lord Haversham handles agriculture for us. He’s trustworthy and knows how to keep the needs and surpluses in balance.”

“So Lord Haversham is in your circle and his pod is Agriculture?”

“Exactly! And there are areas where pods overlap. So it’s good to make sure those in charge of their pods work well with those they overlap with. THAT can sometimes be the most challenging part of it. And then you move on to other things knowing that that area is being covered. You need to check back with them. I’ve seen an area suffer because the person was new to the position and was afraid any sign of need would be taken as a sign of weakness or failure on their part. It made for a most unpleasant cleanup when it finally festered to a point of being noticed by others and was brought to our attention. By then the staff had been told to work with what they had and to make it happen or they would be replaced by someone who could. It changed the dynamics of the entire department and ultimately services were not adequate for our subjects.

So it’s very important to stay close until you are sure they can and ARE doing what’s best for our people.”

If you’re interested in who does what for us, I suggest you look at my aide’s notes of the past. It’ll show who we have where and why. It’s an unofficial official book of who’s who for the throne. It’s not something anyone else has access to, but I’ll make sure you will. Just make note that there are some things in there that should never be made public. Now, does that alleviate some of your terror?”

“Yes mother. Could you make sure Max has access to it too? I have the feeling that if I ever needed to find a particular person for a task he would be better able to find it than I.”

“Of course, that is a wise suggestion. Arthur, Lord Duncan spoke glowingly of your efforts. I just want you to know that I am so very proud of you. You have taken on a man size job and I could not have done it as well. Learn to trust yourself Arthur. You have a good head on your shoulders and compassion in your heart. Trust yourself. You’ll be alright I assure you. Will you make mistakes? Of course you will. We all do. But weighing all the information from the people you trust will minimize your stumbles. And when you do, get up and fix it as best you can. The most difficult times are not when you fail or make a mistake, it’s when the answers are distilled down to the lesser of two evils. A situation where the only available answers are unpleasant. When that happens, you have to go with your intuition. Sometimes it will mean sending some of our subjects into harm’s way. It is what it is in those instances and we have to look towards the greater good. But you have years before you’ll ever have to face something like that.

“Now, I have a favor to ask. I have to go back to London quickly for an impromptu summit regarding the world economy. This civil war in the United States has really caused some problems. But I was supposed to meet with Admiral Norris to talk to the troops. It’s a little thing but it is so very important. Do you think you could manage this task for me? Angela will forward my notes to you.” The Queen glanced at her aide, then back to Arthur. “I can only hope that your Max is as good of an aide as my Angela. I would be lost without her.” A silent smile and a rare glow emerged on Angela’s face as she kept her gaze on her notepad.

“Certainly mother. I’ll do whatever you ask.”

“Thank you. Now, I’m late for my next appointment, so if you will excuse me.” Arthur rose and leaned in a gave her a kiss on the cheek as he whispered. “Thank you mother. I love you.”

Ricky’s only reward are the emails that you send to him. If you are liking this story, let Ricky know: Ricky at CastleRoland dot Net