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Son or Kingdom

"Your Majesty, this is really important!"

King Radolf stood at the window, looking at his little kingdom with pride in his eyes. Not long ago, his father died, leaving him to rule this small country. Above this beautiful, fertile little country called Rosewall. And now he was about to become a father.

"What's happening, Tempory?"

The king's counsellor came running in breathless. Glasses askew, sweaty grey hair. You could see he was looking everywhere for it. He struggled to catch his breath in between "Messenger...King...of...Drac...mea..dow...nu...asks for...a hearing."

"Dracmeadown?" The king wondered. What can the neighbouring king want? He put his hand on the sage's back. And he patted him with a smile. "You shouldn't set up like that, Tempory, you're not young anymore. I will receive the messenger in the main hall immediately," he said, leaving him there to prepare.

Dracmeadown was a strong and huge country that continued to grow. Because the local king loved fighting. And he sought all kinds of excuses to start a war. He literally surrounded the land of Rosewall, but he did not take it.

Rosewall was a small fish in a pond that didn't provoke anyone and lived a peaceful life. This was the first time the Dracmeadowns king had contacted Radolf. And he could hope for good.

The doors of the main hall opened and a young man in black and red, Dracmeadowns colours, bowed to Radolph.

He walked past him, returned his bow, and sat on the throne. Then, wordlessly, he gestured with his hand.

"Your Majesty, King Radolf. I'm Sir Faleon. King Melichar Dracmeadown's messenger." The messenger bowed once more.

"I am both very pleased and curious as to what the king of such a mighty empire demands of me," Radolph replied. 

"You can tell he's not asking anything of you... Rather, he gives you ultimatums." From his black cloak, he took a sealed scroll of donkey skin and handed it to him.

King took the message, broke the seal, and read.

King of Rosewall.

I think I have overlooked your kingdom for a very long time. For how fertile and rich it is. My advisors advised me with such a piece of land not to take it quickly. However, all the beautiful buildings I admire in your realm would be ruined. That is why I have decided to leave everything to fate. Your wife should have a baby soon. If your son is born, I will see it as a sign that your kingdom will be led by a strong hand and we will become allies. However, if a daughter is born, you will give up the fight and surrender your country to me. You know very well that my army is big enough and we would win in a flash. That is why let fate decide.

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King Melichar of Dracmeadown.

Son or kingdom. Radolf read it over and over again. Let fate decide.

He looked again at the messenger.

"I am ordered to stay here until your queen gives birth. And then return with the news."

"Oh . . . of course." He clapped and a servant came. "Take Sir Faleon to the guest room and be on hand."

At this, the servant and the messenger bowed and walked out the door.

Now what? The king slumped on his throne.

"Your Majesty?"

He turned in that sweet voice.

His queen came out of the servants' door. Charming as ever, with long blond hair in a violet silk dress.

"Karin." Radolf pushed back his fears and smiled at the Queen. "You should rest." He stood up, held out his hand, and helped her sit on the throne in his place.

"I'm bored in my room. My shirts and canvases are ready for our child. And when Tempory told me that a messenger from Dracmeadown had come to see you, I was afraid." Her blue eyes spoke volumes.

It was through those eyes that he fell in love with her. He stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. Then he knelt beside her and laid his head on her stomach. He could hear the heavy kicking. His sweet queen carried the key to their future.

"What do you think it will be?" He asked. his head about her tummy all the time.

Karin was somewhat surprised by the question. "You never cared about this." She smiled and ruffled his black hair. "I don't care if it's a girl or a boy. As long as it's a child with a handle."

He looked up."I wish I had a son." He sighed.

"If the heavens grant him to us.." She stroked his cheek, and he caught a ton of hand.

Suddenly her voice and gaze grew grave. "Then I'll see what you're worried about."

She quickly released her hand from his grasp so that she could unroll the scroll in her other hand, which had been under the king's belt a short while ago.

She outwitted him.

He wanted to stand up quickly and stop her from reading the message, but she blocked him with her foot.

In the silence and with the dignity of the queen, Karin read what was meant for her husband. It took a moment. Then, without a word, she rolled up the scroll and returned it to Radolph, who looked at her expectantly.

She looked back at him and declared. "Your son will be born."

"How can you be so sure? I wish it too, but it's all up to God." He started to object.

Karin stood up and looked into his eyes with an even more serious look."Your son will be born."

***

After three days, a child's cry echoed through the royal residence. The kingdom celebrated and welcomed the arrival of the new heir to the throne.

A boy was born to King Radolph and Queen Karin.

Sir Faleon offered his full congratulations to the royal couple. And the assurance that Rosewall and Dracmeadown are allies from now on.

With information for King Melichar, he left the castle.

Radolf and Karin were alone in the room. They wanted to be for a while.

Radolph held his baby daughter in his arms and looked fondly at the resting woman.

'You will have a difficult life..." he said."Prince Daniel."

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