A Heart to Heart

Heron's father was sitting up when he entered his bedroom. He smiled at his son, "Sit down, my dear child."

Heron came over and sat on the edge of the bed.

For a moment both was silent. Then the king sighed. "I thought, with the fact I might be abdicating the throne, it would be good to talk to you."

Heron just nodded.

"I know you've got a good head on your shoulders. But you're so young. And the throne is such a heavy burden I would not wish to lay on you yet. And Amriel is…in some ways the most difficult kingdom to rule."

Heron nodded, "Our rules are too tight. People are unhappy."

"You've noticed." The king nodded. "I hate to say it but…"

Heron tried not to show the great light in his eyes. "It might be prudent to lessen some rules in our kingdom. To make it easier on people."

His father raised an eyebrow. "Such as…?"

"Well. I get that we consider magic dangerous and all, but saying its completely banned puts an unfair yoke on our people. We know sorcerers don't have a choice – they are born with it. And in fact, from what I've learned," Heron here did not say where he had learned it – let his father believe he had learned it in Jarenkul. "They are actually more dangerous if they never learn to control it. As such, we can't get rid of sorcerers – and its actually imprudent to restrict them to never learn anything on it, cause they might not be able to control it if they at most have a weak handle on it."

His father mulled on that for a bit, then nodded, "You have a valid point. Is this what you wish to do with your reign then? It won't be easy."

"Yes." Heron nodded. He had not been expecting to confess this desire to his father, but at least he had worded it in a way that even if his father disagreed at least he had made it out like he was just thinking about what was best for the country – which he believed it was, but mostly he just wanted to legalize magic. "Besides, magic has its use. Look at Carendlus."

"Aye. That kingdom does function pretty well." His father sighed, "Tell me what you think of other policies, my dear child."

So Heron began to expound on his different theories on governing, some of which was traditional, but others more radical. His father mostly listened, occasionally prodding him with questions about certain situations.

It was the first time that Heron had ever been able to lead such a discussion with his father – his father had before talked to him about such stuff, but always in the role of lecturer.

Finally his father nodded, "You have a good eye for it, though you are a bit idealistic. Still, you should be able to muddle through – so long as you don't try to change things too fast. And you also have the added bonus you'll still be able to rely on me for advice. You should be ready enough to be king."

Heron smiled at the praise from his father, "I'm glad you approve of my ideas."

"Now let's talk about her." His father suddenly switched subjects, a scowl on his face.

"You mean Elswyth?" Heron quickly caught up to his father's speed.

"Yes. I'll admit I was a bit harsh about her and you being friends. But…"

"She really is a good woman and a good friend." Heron smiled. "I know how she comes across can be a little… harsh and difficult. But she's really nice once you get to know her."

"She hates royalty."

"Most royalty, yes. I think she's accepted me well enough."

"I noticed." His father sounded even sourer. "Well. I won't control your choice in…friends. Just don't do anything you'll regret."

"Okay?" Heron was not sure why but it didn't quite sound like his father was actually talking about his friendship with Elswyth. "I don't plan on doing anything I would later come to regret."

"Who does?" His father sighed. "I feel tired. We can continue this discussion later."

Heron quietly left his father's room and headed off to his own. He had a feeling tomorrow was going to be a long day.