I watched as another pair of dignitaries were rudely sent away. Taking the opportunity, I slipped a letter towards one of the men. He turned to me in anger at being assaulted randomly, before he saw my appearance. He recognized me and held his tongue. He glanced at the letter before deftly hiding it away on his person. I trusted that he would make it reach the members of parliament. That was all I could do. I anxiously waited as the days passed. I knew not how they would reach me back, but they must. My doubts grew as more suns rose and fell and still no response was brought. After two weeks, a butler knocked on my door and handed me a letter. It seemed they had more connections in the palace than initially understood. Even the loyal butlers had begun to conspire. The members of Parliament expressed gratitude at my condolences. After further discussion, they reached a consensus that if possible, they sook to maintain the dynastic succession as long as their conditions were met. A formal paper with a series of stipulations was attached to the letter, and under each one was a line for me to sign.

> To King Emil, our Most Excellent Majesty. Sovereign Lord, Spiritual and Temporal, we of Parliament assemble to petition our Majesty for a series of rights to correct the err of proper rule and governance.

King Emil. This was not a document that had any legal binding; I was not King and held no power. By calling me by this title, they are affirming their support for my reign. They are saying that if I sign this document it will become legal. I will become King. Below this they declared the injustices of the previous King.

> He has denied Parliament the right to convene. He has disrupted the division of power and denied the People and Parliament their due rights. His actions have undermined the sanctity of our Nation. Through this, He has renounced his right to the Crown.

They demanded for a series of rights and restrictions.

> I. The King may not levy taxes without Parliamentary consent

>

> II. Laws would be created and passed by Parliament

>

> III. Freedom to elect members of Parliament and freedom of speech within Parliament

>

> IV. Freedom from unjust arrest and punishment

>

> Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

>

> V. The right to petition to the King

>

> VI. Inability for the King to raise army during times of peace

Under these six sections many more clauses were clarified, but nevertheless it revoked much power from the King. Taking my pen, I signed each and every legislation with care. Whether I was a puppet or what, it was unimportant to me. Carefully resealing the letter, I stamped it and had that butler send it back.

I could only be thankful for these events. Parliament had taken an even greater risk than I imagined. This shows their seriousness. To bring such a document right under the nose of the King, something that could only be answered with death, was quite surprising to me. It cast away all my doubts about how long it took; this was clearly deliberated over daily and heavily planned. They must have amassed more force than initially expected to be so bold. Maybe they’ve already got this palace surrounded. It was heavily guarded, but if they have rallied enough support from the surrounding commoners, they could storm it any second. My sense of impending danger seemed to be more correct than I suspected. Without that piece of paper with my name on it I would have been in the same boat as my father and brothers. They’ve lost their minds, the lot of my lineage. So deluded by their power they forgot who gave it to them. It was not God nor was it tradition; it was the population who they ruled. I would not lose sight of this.

Slumping in my chair, I breathed a sigh of relief. Father’s head would roll, and I would live. A fine sacrifice. His actions would never be forgiven. A poor father and King alike, he has harmed his people and those he called family. Father. No, this word wasn’t fit for him. Johann, you’ve sinned. More than one could imagine. I take not blame for what happens. You will become my Lamb.

As my mind drifted, I thought of Hedrick. How was he; were the Farlands treating him well? Where he was, I knew not. I couldn’t send a letter nor would I. Not now at least. I needed Johann to trust me for a short while. What were those lands like, across the sea- thousands of miles apart? Were they free there? They practiced self-governance even though they were out colony; no King had enforced their power over the colonies yet. Their freedom was not mine to have. I was born with a duty; power that robs one of liberty. Yes, it would be possible to escape to another nation. I could live without obligation being supported by a foreign dynasty wishing to preserve me to be able to restore our rule. I wouldn’t be free, but I’d have freedoms. Nevertheless, I refuse. I must right the wrong which my predecessors have repeatedly made. This nation was not ready to abolish the monarchy. Parliament and I agreed on this. Too much had we become ingrained with this system. How much blood would have to be shed before the way was found? This was better. A few would die for the many. It should be no other way. Parliament composed of the House of Commons and House of Lords would decide. I just need to be there.