Read Online The Path Of Destiny by Mike Shelton - Free Book Online Page B

king. “What . . .”
    The King cut him off with a flip of his hand and raised his
voice. “You are one of the few I trust to work with me. There has been quite a
bit of dissension in some of the other cities. I’ve tried to make these
uprisings seem not so serious. I don’t trust some of the lower councilors. They
would use these things against me to their advantage. They see me as weakening,
without having an heir to the throne.” King Edward’s voice rose in agitation
and he stopped in front of Richard. “I always know that you won’t ever betray
me. That is why I need to keep you here days at a time and through the nights
to work on important negotiations and assignments I trust to no one else. I
fear trouble on the border with Gildan is coming again soon, and now this
trouble in Belor. Do you betray me now?”
    “Betray you? NO!” exclaimed Richard. “Never would I do that.
I just need to spend time with my family. I don't want to lose them. Is that so
wrong?”
    “In another time, or with another person maybe, it might be
fine. You have no idea how important your family is to me, Richard. But I need
you. I am sure you don't want to lose everything I have given you or could give
to you, do you?”
    Richard was becoming extremely confused about what the King
was saying. It didn't seem to make any sense. “I am not asking to leave, my
King, but only that some of the others handle some duties. There must be others
you can trust? Jonathon or Aaron?” His face reddened as he named the other
upper councilors to the King.
    “Enough of this foolish talk. I don't know what you have
been thinking. My father took you as a poor runaway boy and gave you land to
make something of yourself. I have never stopped promoting you, until you stand
almost equal to me in the kingdom. I pave your way with gold, money, art,
prestige, learning, and power. I give your family everything any man in the
entire world would hope to have. You have more power and riches at your
disposal than many kings or emperors do. If you want less than that, then you
will get nothing. I need you at my disposal always. That is what is expected of
you as my senior councilor!”
    “Edward!” exclaimed a bewildered Richard, wondering what had
gotten into his good friend. He realized his hands were shaking. “I have never
seen you like this. You have gone mad. I am not asking to leave you, but my
family . . .”
    King Edward paced the floor a few times, his face turning
red, opened his mouth, then shut it again as if continuing to think. He slowed
and motioned for Richard to sit down on one of the Belorian-made chairs, which
sat in front of his desk. He moved the chairs closer together. Richard sat in
silence and rubbed his hands back and forth on the carved wooden handles. Years
of wear made them almost as smooth as glass.
    The King took the other chair facing the desk and turned it
towards Richard. He sat motionless for minutes, looking up at the large
painting some artist had done of the Everlasting Meadows.
    Edward took a few deep breaths, leaned forward, and spoke as
if in pain. “Richard, I am sorry about your family. You are not aware how
important they are to me. I . . . am.” The King stumbled for his words before
continuing. “I wasn't going to tell you until you needed to know.” He paused,
and Richard wondered what bothered the King so much. Usually so direct and
confident in his speech, this was unusual for the Edward There was nothing
pertaining to the Realm that Richard didn't already know.
    What was going on? What is the King hiding from me?
    “My family? What of them?” Richard leaned forward.
    “You know I don’t have a son to follow me to be King.” His
speech slowed.
    Richard nodded. This was public knowledge and had been a
worry to the King, the councilors, and as well to the Realm in whole. Everyone
had always wondered why he hadn't re-married. Many said he couldn’t find space
in his heart to love again. Many councilors