Worring news

Almost as the weather felt her disposition, it became cloudy again the next day and it continued so for a while, bringing light rain on some days. There wouldn't be much left before winter was due, as well as Lord Walter's departure. The preparations for the journey started the next day when the news was delivered and everyone hurried to do their jobs. Everyone except the lady of the castle.

Iris continued to take care of the estate and all the calls from either the servants, merchants or even the townspeople who needed approval for building a new butchery. But her effectiveness went down by a considerable bit. Her mind was often preoccupied by the unforeseen leave of her husband as well as with different ideas of how to seize more moments together for their time together was reduced even more. In the end, she decided to just wait patiently and hope that her actions would be rewarded.

Two days before Benjamin's departure, Iris was in her study working on some ledgers when she heard a knock on the door.

"Enter."

"Your Grace, a letter has arrived," Mary announced while entering the room and approaching her with hurried steps.

"Thank you, Mary. You may leave."

The maid made a reverence before leaving the room while Iris opened the letter which she quickly realised was from her friend Elisabeth. It was already more than two months since the wedding and the last time she met her friend. Her absence was deeply felt, especially now when Iris wanted someone who she could confide in.

My dearest Iris,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and happy as a newlywed. At the same time, I have to extend my apologies that my actions might disturb your precious time with your husband.

It is already acquainted that two newlyweds mustn't be disturbed this soon, but I do miss my friend. Our meeting must take place soon otherwise my poor heart will die of failure, but not before my head of boredom. As such, my hopes that you will not ignore my wealth being are great and I impatiently wait for your visit as soon as it is considered appropriate. Of course, I would be delighted to be the first one to take this step, especially when the Buri region is such a mystery for me.

As I am writing to you, I found myself in Moesia to attend the fall festival with Elvie. While the capital is as we already know it, worrying news has reached my ears. It seems our king gets sicker by the day, and many believe he won't see spring next year. Right now, the imperial council is restless. The king has not named an heir yet and, while it is tradition that the eldest child should be named heir, everybody knows that the second prince was the favourite. Recently, it was heard that Prince Julius will be the one to take lead this winter as per his majesty's request, but there seemed to be no legal document to confirm his claims. The opposing party declared that he wants to take the throne by force. As such, Prince Alwyn is rumoured to have fled the capital. Nobody left in the royal council acknowledges this but declares that he left for a vacation at Tomis castle. Have you heard anything?

Iris, there is talk about civil war. Nothing is set in motion yet, but winds about this could be heard throughout the capital. Although my father tries to keep me away from politics, I can't just stay idle. I am his heir and will take after him with pride. My hope is that the king will live to decide his heir, and everything calms down. As long as his majesty is alive, we don't have to worry about this.

If there is something you know, please inform me. Maybe your lord husband knows the situation better. I heard that he is summoned by the royal council, but some say that he might decline as he is newly married. Both me and Evie agreed with this as we both know how much you two are in love.

I look forward to your answer, hoping our meeting is near!

Yours till pigs fly,

Elisabeth

Many things went through Iris' mind as she read the letter. On one hand, the fact that her best friend sent her a letter made her extremely happy. On the other hand, there was worrying news. Civil war wasn't something she had thought of at all. There hadn't been a war inside or outside the country the past 60 years so she never believed it would happen during her lifetime. The only comforting thought was that the king was still alive, but not for a long time it seemed. As long as the king was still able to declare an heir, everything could be settled down and the talk of war would disappear.

More worrying was that her husband would travel to the capital to serve Prince Julius who is said to try to seize the throne. Whether or not that was true she had to find out. Both her father and brother were on the second prince's side, as they were on the king's. They often spoke about the first prince and his poor attitude towards those who fail or oppose him, as well as his spending behaviour. She also heard from Evie who in turn heard from her fiancé, Lord Christer Downey, that the prince is a terrible rake. Those were of course just words from Iris, but as the king preferred his second son to inherit the throne, there must be something about the first that he disliked.

She took out some paper and wrote to her brother. Last she knew, he was at Tomis castle and if Prince Alwyn was there, he would know. Maybe they know better about the prince's movements and whether there would be a conflict or not.

Iris could now help but wonder how the king became sick in the first place. The last time she saw him was a long time ago, but the picture of a study, healthy man came to mind. And before last spring there were no words to contradict that. Suddenly, just half a year ago, news that the king was sick spread through the whole country. But of course, nobody thought that it could become something serious. Until now that he was bedridden.

Right after she finished the letter, Mary was called to send it and Iris left her study. It was time to see her husband.