Chapter 4

Quickly, Prince Robert wore his cloak and called his servants, who promptly came in and dressed his hair. Making sure he looks presentable, Robert walked out of the room, his servants behind him. When he got to the door of the hall in which his visitors waited, he dismissed his servants and walked in.

King William, the king of Gladion, sat in the dining room already served food and fruits of all kinds. The servants cleaned the long table, which stood, arranged with adorned chairs made for the royals. The old jumpy king stood up with a smile on his face. He walked closer to Robert, who came into the room, hugged the young prince, and gently pats him on his shoulder. He wore a red doublet with broad wings, matching full breeches with soft pleats.

“It is good to see you, Robert. I know you can’t wait to be king, and we all can’t wait either. I know you will do an excellent job just like your father,” he let out, his face filled with smiles.

Robert nods as he manages to smile at the old king before him. “I will try my best,” he replied.

The king’s wife, Queen Clara, who sat before her husband, stood up with a smile on her face. She wore a long green gown with sleeveless tunics that matched her green eyes. Her servants beautifully adorned Queen Clara’s blonde hair placing a pink rose on it. She smiled beautifully, revealing her deep dimples. “It is a pleasure seeing you, Prince Robert,” she acknowledged.

Queen Arundel sat staring at them with a happy expression.

“It’s good seeing you too, Queen Clara,” Robert asserted, glaring at the woman.

He walked up to his seat, which stood at the center and was perfectly made for kings. “You all may sit,” he said to the king and queen, turning to his mother, who nodded calmly.

They all sat down, the servants serving the meals to them. Prince Robert glanced at this mother and back at the old king who began to munch his meal.

“So, Robert,” King William said, breaking the silence. “Tomorrow, you will ascend the throne as king of this mighty kingdom. What do you intend to do immediately after your coronation?” he asked as he placed a full spoon of food in his mouth, chewing slowly.

Robert looked up at him rolling his eyes. “I intend to attend to issues concerning the system of trade in my kingdom. There are certain issues in that aspect that need great caution and attention with immediate effect,” he responded.

“Hmm,” King William looked up at him, dropping his spoon. “That’s good, but what do you intend to do about that? I just want to be aware of your plans. You know that your father and I were good friends, but I know you will do better than he did,” he commented, placing his attention back on the food as the women present glared at the two men.

A smile appeared on Robert’s lips. He looked at the man. “It is great having you here. Well, the rate of trade isn’t good enough for business. When my father was alive, he wanted to set strategies concerning this issue, but unfortunately, he couldn’t due to his illness which took his life. But as his son, I will help him achieve those plans he didn’t get to execute. First of all, I will reduce the price of certain goods to enable both the nobles and the poor to purchase those goods. And also, I think the rate of tax-paying is too high, that should be cut low…”

The sounds of spoons dropping on plates cut Robert. He looked up to see eyes glaring at him in shock.

“That is outrageous!” King William burst out, staring at him with bulging eyes. “You can’t reduce the rate of tax! Your kingdom, my kingdom, and other neighboring kingdoms need it for the expansion of our total revenue,” he said aloud, his eyes still fixed on Robert.

Robert frowned. “The rate of tax-paying is high. Only the nobles can afford it. You don’t expect the poor to provide such an amount of money?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

King William picked up a napkin and gently wiped his mouth. He placed it on the table beside his plate and looked up at Robert. “It is not your responsibility to worry about how they afford it. It is a law which they have to abide no matter the amount charged on them,” he asserted, returning his attention to his food. “I know that if your father were alive, he wouldn’t think of doing something like this,” he mumbled.

Robert stared at the older man, anger rising in him. Queen Arundel looked at Robert and noticed his expression change. Gently, she placed a hand on him. Robert turned to her, his eyes locking with hers. Queen Arundel nodded, signaling him to keep cool. He bounced back and faced his meal, eating quietly.

The rest of the dinner went by quietly. After his meal, Prince Robert excused himself and walked out of the dining hall. His servants tried following him, but he stopped them and walked alone. Getting into his room, Prince Robert removed his cloak and undershirt. He entered a small but beautifully adorned bathroom, slowly undressed his inner clothes, and sat in the bathtub, the warm water touching his skin tenderly. The bath was prepared by the maids, and they did it according to his taste.

He stayed there for a while, relaxing his mind. The event of what happened at the dining with King William flashed through his mind. How greedy could he be? The poor were also his subjects, and he couldn’t throw an enormous tax rate on them.

Exhaling deeply, he got out of the tub, cleaned his body, and walked out into his room. Slowly he dressed up, walked toward his bed, and lay on it, different thoughts running through his mind. Gradually, his tired eyes began to close, tossing around. He rested his head looking out through his window. A few minutes later, he drifted off. A cold air filled the room.