Page 6 of A Royal Obligation

As he stared out at the pavilion in the gardens, he couldn’t help but wonder if she would be proud of the man he had become. He hoped he would receive another letter from her soon.

The old, handcrafted oak table he worked at was almost as long as the family’s main dining table and was worn from years of use.Barrett ran his hands over the dents and grooves of the wood, smiling at the thought of all of the memories that had likely been made around this table over the years. He brushed all his thoughts aside as he sat down in his typical seat next to the head of the table.

Almost immediately, Wadsworth walked in with Barrett’s breakfast. Wadsworth was their head butler and had been with the family for as long as Barrett could remember. Although he was about forty years Barrett’s senior, he had become a confidant and friend to Barrett over the years. Sometimes, it felt like Wadsworth knew what Barrett needed before he even knew it himself.

Wadsworth wore the typical butler’s attire consisting of a black waistcoat, white shirt, black vest, gray striped trousers, black tie, and white gloves. He carried a silver tray in his hands with Barrett’s breakfast request, his hands still steady despite his age. One wouldn’t even know he was getting up there in years if not for his grayed temples.

“Your usual English tea and vanilla bean scones, Your Highness,” Wadsworth said as he set the steaming mug, extra pot of tea, and scones next to him with his gloved hands. He stood with his arms behind his back as Barrett nodded his thanks.

“And what exciting read do we have today, Your Highness? Ah,Wistonian Policy of the Past and Present. Riveting,” Wadsworth teased.

Barrett let out a small chuckle and shook his head as he watched Wadsworth exit the room. He took a sip of tea and a bite out of a scone while he flipped to the page where he had left off yesterday and felt his stomach turn at the title of the chapter.

The Marriage Law.

No need to go over that again. He’d had enough marriage talk for the week. He flipped to the next chapter.

Wistonian Trade Policy.

Much better.

Barrett continued to read until the afternoon sun shone brightly through the window. He sighed as he marked his place in the book and stood, stretching his back. It was about time he had some more comfortable chairs set up in the library.

The sound of an incoming call on his cellphone interrupted his stretch. He saw it was Wadsworth calling and answered.

“His Majesty the King would like to see you in his study right away, Sir,” Wadsworth said in a rushed tone. The urgency in Wadsworth’s voice left an unsettling feeling in Barrett’s gut. He had come to know that whenever anyone referred to his father as “the king” rather than “your father” they meant business. He let the butler know he was on his way as he quickly collected his items and hurried to the king’s study.

Wadsworth met him at the door and opened it after a quick knock. “You may enter now, Your Highness.” He gestured to the room with a sweeping motion. Barrett nodded and walked into the room, setting his things on a side table near the entry.

Liam paced in long strides near the king, his hair mussed and sleeves pushed to his elbows. Every now and then, he glanced at his father, then quickly pulled his eyes away and continued to pace. He straightened as he caught Barrett’s eye.

King Henry was already sitting in a chair at the round discussion table in the room. He leaned back against the seat as if he needed its support, although his face was still stoic. He kneaded the patch of skin between his thumb and finger until it was red, and his forehead bore waves of wrinkles that deepened as Barrett crossed to them.

“If you’re passing the throne over to me instead of Barrett, I accept,” Liam teased. Barrett gave no reply to the joke. Neither did the king. Their father motioned for them both to join him at the table, so they sat down and waited for him to speak.

“I suppose we should get right to it,” King Henry stated. “I met with Doctor West, and my results did not come back as we had desired. They have diagnosed me with an inflammatory disease called Sarcoidosis.”

“What is that?” Barrett inquired.

“It’s a disease where growths occur from small collections of inflammatory cells. It can affect many different parts of the body. Mine is affecting my lungs the most which explains why I have been coughing so much.” The king paused to clear his throat. “The doctor said I would need to go to the hospital to get more detailed testing to see how far it has progressed, but I would not like to pursue that at this time.”

“I can’t believe this. I want you to get a second opinion,” Barrett stood and paced the room, his frustration mounting with each step. “Why on earth would you not get further testing? You could find out there’s a treatment that could help alleviate your symptoms,” Barrett rebutted.

“I don’t understand why you have the opportunity to discover more about this disease but are choosing not to get the answers. We already lost Mom, and you’re not going to do anything to keep us from losing another parent?” Liam huffed.

The king raised a hand to silence both boys.

“I would rather live each day to the fullest, not knowing when my last might be. I have accepted my diagnosis, and one day you both will too. Now, Barrett,” he said, turning to face his eldest son. “This means you will likely be ascending the throne earlier than we anticipated. I know that you’re ready. You have been training for this your whole life. However, we have one issue.”

“The marriage law,” Barrett muttered as a queasiness took over his stomach, threatening to rid itself of the scones he just ate.

“Precisely. That is another reason why I don’t want to pursue treatment. I want to give you as much time as possible to marry. I am concerned that if I pursue testing and treatment, I will be deemed as unfit to rule. I’m sorry to put you in this situation, but I don’t have much choice. You must find a bride.” He rounded the table and set a hand on each son’s shoulder.

Liam looked away toward the window, resigned from the situation. Barrett curtly nodded.

“I’m going to retire until our meeting later tonight. You have some preparations to make,” the king said.

Barrett walked outside after dinner was over, enjoying the breeze that hit him in the early fall heat. He said a quick hello to the guards who were on duty before he headed into the gardens.