***

The king strolled into a full court; his steps, weak and breathing, heavy. The court ministers stood as he made his way to the throne. Sighing, he took a look at them.

“Sit,” he ordered and they obeyed. No one needed a prophet to know that the queen orchestrated the entire court to make an appearance. What she was up to, he could not imagine nor did he have any intention to do so. Looking at the tensed nature of the hall, he had a bad premonition.

“It's good to see all of you so eager to do the kingdom's work, but you are going too far to call a court gathering at this time of the night,” the king said.

“Your Majesty, we are here because your health is getting worse as days pass,” one of the ministers said.

“We but worry, Your Majesty. Forgive our intrusion at this unholy hour,” another continued.

“So, you are all here because of my health? Then you should have waited till morning so that I may rest a bit more,” the king said.

“Your Majesty, we plead your ears in this matter. In light of your health, the ministers have all decided it is time your majesty considers naming an heir,” one of the ministers said and the king frowned. He knew the queen hoped he named Prince Thelmus heir, but he had put it off time and again.

“Official Ghuil, His Majesty has but one son, there is no problem in that area. His majesty shall name Prince Thelmus when he feels like it,” another minister countered, causing the King to raise a brow. you say this yet you still came at this time of the night.

“Yes, I am in support of Official Jorge. This is only one of the many reasons we came here today. The matter of Crown Prince Thelmus will come later,” another said. They bring it up and put it down so fast? From Prince Thelmus to Crown Prince Thelmus in seconds; the king could not help but sigh.

“Your Majesty, after several deliberations, we would like to present a new law for your approval. That is the first of all things. We wish to make sure all unmarried ladies cannot hold a property with a title, without a legal guardian. If one is not present, the property is to be held by the crown till the lady marries, after which it will be transferred to her husband's name,” one of the ministers said.

Looking at them, the king could not help but burst into a fit of laughter. This was already a done practice, but since it was not set in law, there were exceptions to this; there were times, a man's property in the absence of an heir or brother, would pass to his wife if she had the right amount of support, there were times women would be granted titles by the royal family when necessary, and there were times that a female heir would be chosen to inherit. What was his wife planning this time that she had them raise this?

His laughter sent the hall into deathly silence. Tension could be felt in the air. When the king had calmed down, he looked at his ministers. He was obligated to give them a response.

“Official Lerphs, have you found your king so incompetent that you have taken it upon yourself to name the crown prince?” The king asked.

“I wouldn't dare, Your Majesty,” Official Lerphs bowed his head.

“He has not been named crown prince, yet you have already added the title to his name. I wonder if it is I you serve or he?” the king asked.

“I deserve death for my impudence, Your Majesty,” Official Lerphs bowed even lower.

“Yes. You all deserve death,” the king said, sending everyone into the frozen hills.

“But tonight, you will all live,” the king said and they sighed a relief.

“Your Majesty is benevolent!” they all chorused with a bow.

“The ability to name the crown prince remains the right of the king and no one else. I will hear no more about this issue. As for the other, we currently have no unmarried lady holding property and title without a legal guardian. When that day comes, you may congregate and ask again. That is all I will take for today. The next gathering will only hold when I call you. Without receiving an invitation do not gather again,” the king gave his verdict and got up, leaving them with no chance to take into mind what he had just said.

Leaving, he could not help but frown. New laws; in the middle of the night? Why are they rushing? He could not shake the feeling of bad luck looming over him. Sighing, he told himself to be patient; his beloved wife will make a mistake.

“Your Majesty!” he heard a voice say in alarm and he found the queen and her entourage rushing to him. Pausing before him, she took a bow and her entourage followed suit.

“You should be in bed, Your Majesty,” she said with concern. She was a redhead way past her mids but still looked to be in her thirties.

“The ministers seem to have a mind of their own these days. I wonder where they get the courage to call for me so late at night,” the king said, looking at her deeply.

“The ministers? What would be of that much importance this time of the night?” the queen asked.

“Worry not, my queen, it is just this and that. They are treading dangerous waters. I will not save anyone that falls,” he said slowly, letting his words hang in the air.

“My lord?” the queen's confused eyes rested on him.

“Nothing to worry your head about, rest well,” the king said walking past her towards his chambers, while the queen stared at his leaving back.