*****
“He’s getting better, Orion.” Empress Anita said. They were gathered around the dinner table. It had been almost two weeks since Orion brought a doctor to see his father and took him up to the hospital wing.
“Yea?” Orion wasn’t looking forward to talking about his father. Rick wanted to take him and Joshua on another trip to the city, and Orion wanted to discuss places to go.
“Yes. You should stop by and see him.” She looked down at her half-empty plate. Ever since Orion had told his mother what he had done, she had been feeling a lot better and eating properly again.
“Maybe later. So Ricky,” Orion changed the subject, “can we stop by the park and go fishing tomorrow?”
“He should be healthy enough to return to Olhoe tomorrow.” Empress Anita pressed on.
“Great.” Orion could tell she wasn’t going to let the subject drop that easily. “That means that he’s gonna be out of my hair,” he said exasperated. “Now then, Ricky-”
“We’ve been talking a lot, you know.” Orion gave her an ‘I couldn’t care less’ look, but she ignored him. “He told me that you’re going to be king in less than four years.”
“Is that true, Orion?” Joshua asked. Orion nodded sheepishly. “That’s so cool!”
“Yea, and when I become emperor,” Rick joined in, “we can join forces and finally end this stupid war! Right, Orion?”
“Geez, you guys are so lucky. I’m never gonna be king or emperor, or anything.” Joshua whined.
“Well, actually,” Empress Anita spoke up, “neither is Rick.” The three boys stared at her.
“What do you mean, Mother?” Rick asked.
“Yea, Mother,” Joshua was confused. “Rick’s the oldest, so he’s gonna inherit the empire after you, right?” Orion just wore a quizzical expression, but didn’t say anything.
“Let me explain, boys.” Empress Anita held up her hands for silence. “Like I said, Frederic and I have been talking, and, well,” she paused, unsure of what she was about to say. “We think that the only way to end the telblec-lunimorf war is to unite the two kingdoms under a single king.” The boys stared at her, so she continued. “We both agree that Orion should be that king, and so I’ve decided that he should inherit Lunspae as well as Olhoe on his twentieth birthday.” Joshua didn’t quite understand what she said, Orion was too shocked to speak, but Rick was furious.
“How could you?!” he stood up and shouted from across the table. “Lunspae belongs to me! It’s my inheritance; it’s my birthright!”
“Rick-” Empress Anita began.
“No, Mother! It’s not fair! It’s not-” Tears welled up in Rick’s eyes. He knocked his chair over and ran out of the dining hall. She, Orion, and Joshua watched him go.
“You know, Anita,” Orion spoke softly, breaking the uneasy silence, “I don’t have to be king of Lunspae. Ricky and I can make peace between us.”
“Your father and I had discussed that, Orion.” Empress Anita looked unsettled. “Let’s say that you are king and Rick is emperor. You two make peace, and everything is hunky-dory, right?” Orion nodded. “Now what about your children? What if they don’t get along? Or how about your grandchildren? They could re-start the war.” The realization of what she said hit Orion like lightning. “This way, with the two kingdoms united under one king, there won’t be any competition for power.” She paused and eyed Orion. “Besides, you, nor Rick, have any choice. Lunspae belongs to me for the time being, and I may give it to whomever I wish.” She settled back into her chair, taking a long drink from a silver chalice.
I’m going to be king of Lunspae? Orion thought, half horrified, half excited.
And Olhoe! Don’t forget Olhoe!
I’m going to be king of Olhoe and Lunspae? Will I be able to handle it? Orion looked at his hands, as if he’d find the answer there. Wait, what about Ricky? He’s so mad, he’s probably gonna hate me for this.
“Excuse me,” Orion said quietly, and left the dining hall.