Morgan, being the only woman in the running for the throne, faced considerable resistance from the nobles. In every corner of Britain, kingship was traditionally a male-dominated role, and many were unwilling to accept a female ruler.
Morgan's concerns were palpable. She hoped to inherit her father's ambitions and spread Lott's ideals throughout Britain, but the opposition from the nobles posed a significant challenge. Their reluctance to accept a woman as the king was evident and disheartening.
King Uther, firm in his decision, addressed the nobles, "Is there any issue with my daughter inheriting my kingdom?"
The nobleman who had previously spoken up continued to argue, "Your Majesty, we have no right to dictate your personal affairs. However, Chalk City holds immense significance as Camelot's capital. To have a woman as its ruler implies that we would be governed by a female king. We cannot accept this."
Both Uther and Morgan's expressions darkened, and Lott's eyes grew steely with anger.
[These nobles are trying to prevent a woman from ruling to keep the power for themselves.]
[After Uther's death, they will likely seek to install a puppet ruler to control Camelot for their gain.]
Morgan approached Uther's side, her resolve hardening. "As the only child of my father, if I do not inherit his legacy, who else is deserving? Can any of you claim this right?"
She pointedly addressed the dissenting nobleman. "If you're so eager to oppose me, then show your true colours. Expose your motives and let us see what you truly want."
The nobleman, feeling the weight of Morgan's challenge and Uther's imposing presence, remained silent, realizing the danger of defying the king.
King Uther, with a fierce expression, asserted, "The inheritance of my throne and the control of Camelot is not up for debate. Chalk City is my domain. I have decreed that it shall belong to Morgan, and that decision is final. Anyone who disagrees can voice their objections only if they dare to face me."
The nobleman, intimidated by Uther's authority, refrained from further dissent. It was clear that opposing Uther was not an option.
Morgan, despite securing her position as the inheritor of Chalk City, was troubled by the systemic obstacles she would face. The nobles' resistance highlighted the broader societal reluctance to accept a female ruler. She felt the weight of the challenge ahead, knowing that the traditional male-centric views would make her path to power difficult.
Lott, recognizing Morgan's distress, decided to comfort her. They returned to their residence, and Morgan, needing solace, led Lott to their bedroom. There, she sought a physical and emotional release from her worries.
After their intimate time together, Morgan lay contentedly in Lott's arms. "Lott, today's resistance was intense. What if the nobles continue to oppose me as Camelot's ruler?"
Lott reassured her, "If you return to Orkney with me, I can use its prosperity to demonstrate to the nobles how wrong they are. Within five years, they will kneel before you, begging for your forgiveness."
Morgan chuckled, "And perhaps they'll come begging to be your subordinates once more."
Lott, mimicking a noble's plea, teased, "Please, Your Highness, let me serve you once again."
Morgan laughed, "You're insufferable. Your imitation is quite nauseating."
As they shared a moment of lightheartedness, Lott encouraged Morgan to rest. "It's getting late. Let's focus on getting some sleep."
Morgan adjusted her position to find comfort, burying her head on Lott's chest and wrapping her arms around him. It was a position that allowed her to relax fully, even if it was not entirely practical for long periods.
In her mind, Morgan contemplated her future as a queen.
[In this patriarchal society, women's status is considerably lower. It's no wonder queens are rare compared to kings.]
[Many queens have risen to power through military success, a route that may not be available to Morgan.]
[The nobles' power is rooted in their bloodlines, making it difficult for Morgan to gain their recognition. A potential solution is to implement a civil service examination and knightly competitions to identify and promote loyal officials from lower ranks.]
[This approach could help stabilize Morgan's rule by introducing new officials who owe their positions to her rather than inherited power.]
Morgan, overhearing Lott's thoughts, smiled. The idea of reforming the system resonated with her, and she resolved to pursue it once she was established as queen.
Meanwhile, King Uther stood on the highest platform of the city, reflecting on his reign. With Merlin, still sporting bruised eyes, by his side, Uther solemnly acknowledged the end of his era.
"This era, which I have shaped, is drawing to a close," Uther said, his voice laden with resignation.
His health was deteriorating rapidly, and he preferred to leave a legacy of uncertainty rather than succumb to a slow decline. By ensuring his departure was on his terms, he hoped to leave a lingering challenge for the nobles to contend with.
As the night wore on, Uther prepared for his final days, while Morgan and Lott contemplated the future and the path to the throne that lay ahead.
As Morgan continued to listen to Lott's strategies, she drifted into a peaceful sleep, comforted by his presence. The future remained uncertain, but with Lott by her side and her determination, she felt prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.