Just three more days to go, King Alexander nor Prince Brandon is ready to shift ground. Their conflict seems irreconcilable. The only way out is the decision of the Wise men. Either of them must lose, who could that be?
7.08 PM
It was a cold Sunday evening at The Eagle spot, one of the best relaxation places in the entire Kent kingdom. King Alexander hosted one of the Wise men for dinner.
"Your Majesty, you are welcome. What a great honour to be invited and hosted for dinner by an imperial ruler of our land". Wise man Duke said.
"Oh my elder, the respected Wise man of Kent kingdom, the pleasure is mine". The joyous King Alexander answered.
"Waiter! King Alexander inquired.
They both ordered their favourite food and drink to cool off the evening.
"Thanks your Majesty, I enjoyed the meal. It was a delicious meal. Wise man Duke said.
"Oh my goodness! It's nothing. Do you want more?" The smiling King asked.
"No, I am perfectly okay. Thanks for the beautiful hosting". Duke said.
"Alright! King Alexander responded.
"Your Majesty, why this wonderful dinner? What did I do to deserve this glamorous outing with the King?" The inquisitive Wise man Duke asked.
"My elder, the great Wise man of our land. Well, I don't want much from you but just a little favour". The smiling King Alexander said.
"A little favour? How may I help you, your Majesty? The worried Duke inquired.
"In less than 72 hours, you the wise men will be giving your judgement about the conflict between me and my son Prince Brandon about his intention to marry Olivia, a maid in my palace". The troubled King Alexander stated.
"Oh mine! Your Majesty, you are right. But, how may I help you?". The bothered Wise man Duke asked.
"Good, my elder. All I want from you is to vote in my favour and also influence other members to uphold my initial pronouncement. The concerned King Alexander said.
"No, no, no. Your Majesty, I don't think I will be able to do that. That might not be possible. I am sorry. Duke responded in a low tone.
"My elder, you can't do that to me. Do you want me to be defeated by my son and be disappointed?". The furious King Alexander asked.
"Your Majesty, that's not the issue. We are the mouthpiece of people and representatives of the entire populace of Kent kingdom, we ought to uphold justice and fairness among our people". The hesitant Duke responded.
"Duke, I must not be defeated by my son. Olivia must be banished. She must leave my Kingdom and my son must marry my choice of wife for him. Can't you understand?". The angry king Alexander said.
"Your Majesty, why can't you allow your son to go after his heart and marry a lady of his choice? Wise man Duke asked in a fainting tone.
"No, I won't. King Alexander responded.
"But why? Duke inquired.
"His choice is a horrible one and not good enough for royalty. How will you expect a noble Prince to marry a commoner? No, who does that? Is not done anywhere". The hesitant King Alexander answered on top of his voice.
"Alright, your Majesty. But, don't you think you are jeopardizing your son's happiness? Will he be happy if you don't allow him to marry a woman of choice?". The inquisitive Wise man Duke asked.
"Surely, he will be happy. With time he will be used to his betrothed wife. Love and affection do grow in companionship. I believe in no time he will get used to her". King Alexander said.
"Your Majesty, are you aware that my vote alone cannot make you win?". The cautious Wise man Duke asked.
"Yes, I know my elder. But, it can go a long way to secure my victory. And beside you can help to influence the decision of the other six members. King Alexander explained.
"Oh no! That would be a very difficult task for me. My conscience cannot be bought and I don't expect any other member to compromise. I can't even discuss such with them". The careful Wise man Duke stated.
"And if I may ask, why? The hesitant King Alexander inquired.
"I don't want to lose the respect and reputation I have built over the years". He stated.
"Hmmmm! My elder, the noble Wise man of our land, are you saying you can't help me in this matter?".
"Do you want to disgrace me?".
"So, it is your joy for my throne to be dragged into the mud?".
"My elder, I think you are for me?".
"I never knew you were against me".
The shocked King Alexander inquired.
"Oh my goodness! Your Majesty, don't think that way. I am for justice anytime anyday. I am a man of honour and integrity. I don't want any compromise". The hesitant Wise man Duke said.
"Well, my elder I want you to know that my position on this matter is not personal. My concern is about the throne and the strength of the Kent kingdom". He stated.
"Your Majesty, I understand but the right thing must be done regardless of who is involved". The unfazed Wise man Duke said.
"No, I don't think so. I don't think you understand my plight. All I want is a stronger and more famous Kingdom. Do you think a commoner can guarantee that? The sad King Alexander asked in a low tone.
"Your Majesty, you might be right but the truth still remains that your son, Prince Brandon is at liberty to marry whoever he wishes". Duke responded.
"My elder, really? The unimpressed king Alexander inquired.
"Yes, your Majesty. That's the truth. Wise man Duke insisted.
At this juncture, King Alexander was doubting if he would be able to win Wise man Duke to his side, but one more thing came to his mind as he stood up from his seat.
"Duke, name your price. I mean anything you want I will do for you. The desperate King Alexander inquired.
"WHAT! Your Majesty, why are you too agitated about this matter? Why can't you wait till the day we will make our decision known to the public?". The shocked Wise man Duke asked.
"Duke, we have been good friends for decades, this is not the right time for you to abandon me. No, you won't do that". The optimistic King said.
"Alright, Your Majesty". Duke responded in a low voice.
"I will send my servants to you before noon tomorrow". The King said as he was about to leave The Eagle spot.
"Alright, your Majesty. That's fine. Duke responded as he stood up too.
Oh mine! What's happening? How guaranteed it is that the eventual decision of the Wise men won't be a compromised one? Well, let's wait and see.