Liam

"My concern is not what she wears tonight, give her one of my mothers dresses but I want the royal dressmaker brought in first thing tomorrow. Her clothing will be of my choosing, Mrs. Laught." I said as the woman just stared at me.

"What more?" I asked.

"I do hope you take under consideration the princess will not easily be removed from her room to celebrate your victory today. Your victory is her loss, the child mourns the loss of her husband tonight." She said and I considered her words carefully. If I want under the witch's good graces I must display respect for the dead.

"Fine, have a proper meal delivered to her quarters and I will leave her for the evening. I want the guards on duty at all times and she is not to leave her quarters until I call for her tomorrow." I said just as my doors opened.

"Sir Edward Raines to see you, Your Majesty."

"Of course he is, please allow him in. That's all, for now, Mrs. Laught." She curtsied then left the room as I am now faced by the head of my council who also happens to be the uncle I did not allow to join us for battle. He walked in and bowed before me while not saying a word.

"Please do start your rambling." I sat behind my desk.

"It seems my nephew now has himself betrothed to a witch." He said.

"I am not betrothed nor will I be anytime soon," I said.

"Council and the church are already demanding your nuptials. It's the best solution to both unfortunate circumstances now facing you. The people want a queen and who better than the princess of A Stór? The war would be over and you could start producing male heirs." He said.

"So you wish for me to marry a witch?" I toyed with the old man.

"We didn't raise you to believe such hogwash." He said and I smirked.

"You haven't seen the fallen angel as of yet." I chuckled. "My death would be her greatest glory, it seems the Prince believed in true love," I said.

"Did he claim her?"

"That's up for debate, only the girl knows the answer to that question," I said.

"Will she be joining us for the festivities tonight?"

"We are celebrating a battle that took the life of her husband. If we want in her good graces we will not force her to partake." I said.

"Very well, the council will be meeting in the morning if you want to attend to plead your case." He bowed like he is about to leave.

"What case do you speak of?" I'm curious, not that it matters.

"Your marriage, Liam. Have you not been listening? Either marry the princess or the court will find you a suitable bride you may not fancy to so easily. The Archbishop is leading the cause." He said and anger built up inside.

"I will choose my own bride when the time comes!" I yelled at him.

"Your bride must be of hearty royal stock and not some whore here at court. That was your father's fatal error with your current stepmother. You need a wife that will be loyal to the crown and understand her duties as queen." He said.

"She would never be loyal to this crown," I responded.

He smirked. "Any woman can be seduced into loyalty.  This princess is ideal as she could ensure an alliance with A Stór."

"Nevermind, just go. I'll be down shortly for our victory feast."

I sat back and pondered over my dilemma before joining my men. It would be in the best interest of my men to make peace with A Stór instead of a war but I can't be at war for the rest of my life with the woman that would bear my heirs. Her loss was significant and forgiveness may be difficult but if she is a good Christian woman she will forgive. The true problem is whether she will ever forget her thirst for vengeance.

A royal from another land just maybe another option but what will I do with the widowed princess? There is always the option of sending her to death but that won't win any favors from the other royal families and will cost me the people of A Stór and Lámhach no matter if the king falls to my feet.

My only option is to earn the widowed princess's respect but that won't be an easy task.

I got up and went down to the gathering where my name was chanted. "Long live the King!"

I stood at their attention and congratulated them for a victorious battle. I looked around the room and noticed almost no formal ladies and very few proper men in my court. Whores and noblemen of no morals surround me which is not how I imagined my kingdom. The castle itself isn't the only thing that needs cleaning. I noticed almost none of these men bring their wives to court.

I allowed them to enjoy one last night with the whores, myself included, but tomorrow reform will begin. I will run a beautiful Kingdom, will be powerful and most of all somewhat respected. I will never claim to be a good man but I will be remembered as a good king.

My first mistake? Taking Lámhach in such a bloody manner. I may not of had a choice in challenging that King but I have made enemies before I even had my Coronation. There's no doubt any of these men could turn assassin so my food will be tasted and my most loyal guards at my side.  My greatest enemies are miles away while one lives just a few doors down from my own chambers.