The King in the Shadow

1293 on the feast of our cardinal. 

I fear for the land of Brookshire as the court is reforming for its new king. Master Louis's condition leaves us no choice but to presume the worst. It was an elegant reign unlike any other, and now I fear for our golden age to collapse imminently. Prince Matthew is soon expecting to take his place as the heir. There has to be some other way; there is no world I could live in with that twat running my country. Two years Matthews younger, master Henry on the other hand, If only he were a little bit older. The lad was always a modest child, a keen observer, which, unfortunately, was taken as a creeping by his peers. Always by himself, thinking, learning, I've never seen him gloat; he didn't take his life too seriously. The young master once said to me, "Isn't it so for the better to consider oneself lightly and to the world deeply." He was about the ripe age of eight when he told me this, but his wisdom reflected through his eyes and gave one the impression of an old soul. Master Henry's knowledge of politics and strategy was unrivaled; he was always seen as a freak, especially on that day I took him to the chess hall. After learning the rules, he beat the most gifted child in the room who was ten years his elder! If only he knew just how talented he was. Instead, the boy thanked the others for playing and jutted off to his chambers as if nothing had happened. Of course, the following courtyard beatings would make one think Henry would act differently but he always remianed indifferent. After one such occasion of scurrying off his attackers, I asked the poor lad If he could walk; the boy grimaced, dusted off his loins, and said, "Don't worry, professor, I'm improving," nothing more, nothing less. Even his own family saw him as a nuisance, but their fear of Henry caused such discomfort. I tried to advise the boy that he must seem flawed lest the others grow envious and view him as a threat. To this day, I am amazed by his rebutle. When I asked if he would like to preserve himself for an important political position, he said chillingly, "Why would I want to do that?" But what about the constant beatings? Or the hours locked in the library or the physical training you put yourself through to practice restraint? The lad wanted to better himself for the sake of doing so; there were no ulterior motives, no longings for power or lust, no desire. I was seeing the perfect leader grow before my eyes, a boy who strove for excellence and didn't give a damn what the rest of the world thought of him. If only the rest of the court knew how delighted they'd been in believing Matthew was the proper predecessor to further our golden age. Imbeciles! All of them, I must do something to preserve the richness of Brookshire; I will not allow that twat Matthew to destroy what we've built. Oh, Henry, such an astute learner, such a patriot, if only you were a little older.

-D.B. 

 The brothers were inseparable everywhere they went. Matthew served as the kingly image the public needed, a man of wealth, power, and godliness. However, the majority of his administration was delegated to Henry, who was his crucial advisor in political dealings, warfare, and managing public affairs. Henry did most of the king's work as it was relayed to the public that Matthew was on important expeditions to distant lands. 

One night Henry had an important message to relay to his king, but he was nowhere to be found. So he found a trap door in his chambers that was a tunnel that led straight to the brothels. There he walked into a room full of 50 prostitutes and his king. Henry feared for his brother's health and, more so, his morals, for he was on a path that God would surely punish. Henry read about leaders of the past; his favorites were those who could put their needs last and his people first. That was what a leader meant to him, not someone who disdained world pleasures for the sake of his people. He knew that if he were to challenge his brother, he would be sent to the guillotine the next day, he had to stay the course for the sake of the common good. He loved his land, and he had to play his position modestly. He thought that though he was running the country and nobody knew it, this was for the best. 

The following week there was an influx of inquiries from citizens. Henry was known to oversee these things as the king was off doing far better things for the country, exploring and conquering new brothels. It was only Henry who was capable of managing resources for the sake of the whole. Everyone hated Henry and would constantly demand Matthew and rebuke his authority. "If our king were here, he'd have your head for your avaricious frugality." He took it all on, the insults, the work, the hatred, while receiving no recognition for himself. Henry knew that if he gave the common folk everything they'd had, they would be vulnerable to attacks from the Smitians. Only Henry knew that what he was doing was best for his people. Still, the people were fooled into believing that there was impossible wealth due to the king's drunken public announcements. Not something you'd want your enemies to know; despite his brother's and his aid's advice, the king never understood the gravity of his transgressions. His hedonism blinded him to the harsh realities of the economy and the problems Brookshire faced. "Our enemies plot against us, sire." The people were promised false hopes, and the resentment grew towards Henry like never before as the apparent reputation of the king waned on people's minds. "If only the King knew what you were up to on his expeditions." -(The man king only knows expeditions of whoring) 

1307 Feast of the Holy Moon

The cunning Henry, rightful heir to the throne. He knew people were restless; they needed a scapegoat. Shortly after hearing the guards inform him of riots in the street, he knew his position was precarious. To the people, it was justice. To Henry, it was madness. He loved his country; it was the land where he found purpose, enlightenment, and fulfillment. The people of Brookshire were good-hearted, hard-working, and merry people. Henry knew it wasn't their fault for not seeing things as they were; it was just how things were. This man was unlike any human being I've ever heard of; he was self-validated, a life more than well lived, a dash of honor. He had to sacrifice his happiness for the greater good; he's the hero the people never knew was their hero….. such a sad fate but a damn pure one. 

-D.B.

Henry held a meeting in the council with his most trusted advisors, who were all aware of their unfortunate position. They wondered what would stop them from killing their king. Oh, but the royal guard, how could we sway those brutes? "Even if we got as many people in power in on our scheme, there are always those playing their games, and if the public finds out, who knows the tortures we would face."

- "I have seen this future in my fate, friends; what I am about to propose will require that you all disregard the passion you so strongly hold"- Henry

Three days later…

"YOU IMBECILE!" 

-I gave you one job; I have no time for these petty squabbles. 

-Sure, there's no other choice. 

-The people are starved for their own glory; only a martyr would promise such riches, and yet you have not taketh any strides on these noblest promises. Riots break out on the street, and I fear that your head will be at stake if you do not capitalize 

-What would you propose?

-I suggest you leave my aid to the shadows and let the public know I was a traitor who had deceived them all. We will rebuild and further grow the public belief in themselves. This is the fire we needed to get the people on board with war. Our generals are prepared, and our men are eager. We shall prevail and bring you more glory and honor than even our fathers. 

-Arrange for my fake death and allow my name to be forgotten forever and your rule to be the greatest Brookshire has ever seen. Just give me soliditary and heed my words from the shadows.