7 A DAY IN A LIFE OF A KING

"What a surprise!," King Artair exclaimed as he identified Raigon at the Castle Chapel, praying in silence at the cross.

"Good morning, Father!" he greeted with a warm and energetic voice after he inclined his head in front of His Majesty.

"I think you woke up in a purposeful mode today!," King Artair chuckled while stroking his beard. "Come and have breakfast with me."

"Your generosity is boundless, sire." Raigon acknowledged him while placing his hand on his chest and bowing again. 

Both King Artair and Raigon went to the Solar, a separate pavilion away from the ground-floor atrium and the Great Hall. It is what the ruling household often used as a place for privacy and comfort.

As soon as they finished their breakfast, King Artair stood up. "How about I make a request for you?"

Raigon lifted his head and looked at his father.

"Why don't you accompany me with the Royal Council Meeting today?" King Artair invited him as he placed his hand on Raigon's shoulder.

Raigon asked in a disbelieving voice. "Can you say that again, Your Majesty?"

This was the first time he requested him to leave with him.

He has tried to attend a Council Meeting after the Great Bloodbath fifteen years ago.

And the result was they thought of him as a rebel and was locked at the Castle so he could study hard and learn their traditions and value system that would make him an excellent King someday.

Being young and a good son that he is, he obliged and was kept in the confines of the grand Castle until just recently.

"Can I just accompany you with your other duties for the day instead? I can come with you to the church and to the Women's Gathering." 

Raigon flashed his sparkling set of white teeth hoping he could convince his Father. 

He did not know if he could face them head on and not put another embarrassment to the Royal Family. 

"If you give me this favor, you can ask for anything you want." King Artair declared without hesitation as he patted his shoulder. 

He understands his hesitation as he was there when it happened. And he agreed to it. But he knows Raigon. He might be naïve and inexperienced yet in other areas, but he has a soft heart for the people of Terra, unlike the other Wangs.

Raigon froze for a few seconds and thought about it. 'Maybe it would not be so bad as I dread it will be.'

"I shall hold on to your word, your Majesty." Raigon responded with exuberance as he bowed down to him. 

They went out of the Castle and into the Great Chapel where the citizens of Terra near the Capital gather to have their morning prayers.

"It's the Crown Prince!" the people murmured to each other as King Artair and Raigon passed through them. Raigon smiled at them revealing his dimples at both his cheeks. The ladies giggled in delight.

As the minister preached the morning sermon, the people were gawking at Raigon, especially the women both old and young alike.

"Or maybe this wasn't a good idea. The people were distracted from listening to God," King Artair nudged on Raigon, who was intently listening to the preacher, and pointed at his fans with his eyes.

"Ehem. Amen!" Raigon exclaimed, loud enough for the ladies near them to overhear. The ladies fixed themselves and returned to pay attention to the minister. But they caught glimpses of the prince every once in a while.

Just as King Artair came out of the chapel, different people approached him and passed their petitions to him. He paused and listened to them, responding with goodwill to those that were rational or distressful.

After that, he met with his Royal Council, the most high-ranking men of Terra's government. Fortunately, the businesses today were not lengthy and aggressive, and they concluded them before noon.

Raigon exhaled a lungful of air as they went out of the Castle.

"It wasn't that bad at all." He grinned as he heard the birds humming with his melodious heart.

"Are you ready to visit the Capital?" King Artair smiled and asked Raigon, as he exercised his foot from prolonged standing.

The capital is where foreign and local noblemen reported the news. The King arranged proposals, made promises to solve matters in council, sign letters, give gifts, or answer legitimate requests.

"Is that the final session we were required to go, sire?" Raigon beamed at him though deep inside he was already longing to go out so he can find more clues about the secret negotiations happening outside of Terra.

"No, we must still speak with the ladies on the court at 4 pm." King Artair retorted in a commonsensical tone. "And dine with the Wangs at 7 pm," he carried on.

Raigon sank to the ground. It's not just because of his failed attempt to carry on with his plan. But because with activities being that way on a day-to-day basis, he worried about the King getting sick again. 

"Don't worry. Who knows you might see the future queen along the road?" King Artair comforted his son as he saw the gloom on his face, thinking that he reacted that way because of exhaustion.

His comment created a bittersweet smile on Raigon's face as he gazed up at the sky. 

"How could I think about a future queen when I can't even protect my own family?"