Going, Going ????

KING LEOPOLD THE FIRST

 

The King's first born reached manhood years ago. He stands in full military regalia on the top marble step of the palace at Claremont. His visored hat has a double row of braid around its crown. Gold braided epaulets almost drip to his shoulders. Down his impeccably pressed trousers are identically sewn two stripes, two inches wide.. A sheathed scabbard hangs from his black leather belt. It somewhat restrains a bit of the girth he has been accumulating recently.

 

The King of Slavancia, Vinholder, is being borne to the hearse for his last ride on earth. Ten casket bearers parade slowly to the rat a tat tat of the drummers. Aside from that, only their slow shuffle can be heard. All else is silent. Even the wind is hushed.

 

It is said that the concrete coffin is encased in pure silver. When the sun hits it on its way to the abbey, it sparkles like diamonds. There the king, in his splendor, will be buried in a vault ten feet below the marble floor. No one has ever been dug up, no graves have been robbed in this abbey. 

 

The Prince mounts his white stallion and follows the hearse to the abbey. Mourners hit themselves, cry, some turn away as their grief tears them to pieces. It is more difficult getting the coffin out of the hearse than getting it in. The weight calls for assistance. Guards carrying standards bear some of the weight and together they manage to get thru the bronze doors, over the ceramic tiled floors to the gaping hole that awaits the king. It is done. Several shovelsful of soil are thrown in and pleas to god to keep the king safe in heaven echo thru the chambers.

 

Prince Alphonse knows his place. He will be declared King after the mourning period of two weeks is over. Each day he walks into the throne room, looks at, but does not touch the throne. Doing so, it is said, can bring sorrow to him and his countrymen. While his grief is honest, it does not stop him from seeing his mistress nightly. Lady Celia feels the pangs of greed, goes to him without being called. She is fair. She is young and enjoys the ravishing. Together they foresee the wealth, the tributes, that will be laid upon them. Celia tells of her dreams of children who will grow tall and strong and follow them when their own time has passed.

 

When the weeks of mourning are over, Alphonse has the trumpeters call the township to castle. They come in droves, expecting more taxes will be heaped on them and are ready to fight. The not yet crowned king steps out on the balcony. Celia holds his arm and stands beside him. The announcement of their coming marriage surprises few. Castle staff has loose tongues.

 

Preparations move quickly. Spinning wheels create new cloth. Seamstresses measure with reeds from the pond, the waist of Lady Celia, the length of the gown she will wear. Alphonse will again wear military clothing but this time it will be red and black, no saber by his side. It is believed that is a sign of a peaceful reign.  

 

Everything is ready. Leaders of many countries come with servants, with gifts for the Prince and his lady. Horses over-load the stables.
The bugles blow into the wind, slightly muffling the cacophony of noise.
Prince Alphonse has let it be known that he will be officially crowned king in the throne room, immediately following his marriage to his beloved Celia.

 

They and their attendants turn to go inside when shouting, banging of drums, waving of flags stop them in their tracks. The large door behind them opens wide and from the great hall steps King Vinholder the First. He looks hearty, strong and bows over and over to his people. All are surprised, muddled beyond belief. A perfect silence falls over them. Ceil and Alphonse hurry inside to wait for King Vinholder's explanation.

 

He wishes them well on their marriage but gives no explanation, not then not ever, lives a long and happy life, has eleven grandchildren. Prince Alphonse and his wife never rule Slavancia and when Alphonse's time comes, he is buried in the grave that supposedly was for his father.