Chapter 20: Ascension of the Heir

The King's Final Decision

The royal chamber was hushed, heavy with the scent of incense, herbs, and quiet desperation. David Haipoli stood solemnly near the door, watching as King Cassana lay weakened and pale upon his grand bed, eyes half-closed, breathing shallow. Gathered silently at his side were Princess Athena, Prince Jacques, and the court physician, whose grave expression betrayed the grim truth that everyone present already sensed—Cassana's final moments drew near.

Outside, beyond the heavy velvet curtains, a gentle rain tapped quietly against the palace walls, as if mourning the impending loss. Cassana's illness had ravaged him rapidly, each day stealing more of his strength, leaving a kingdom uncertain, poised dangerously upon the brink of war. Yet, as he lay there, the old king's eyes remained sharp, fixed clearly upon his youngest son, Jacques, who knelt beside the bed, eyes filled with sadness and quiet resolve.

"Father," Jacques whispered softly, grasping Cassana's frail hand gently. "Save your strength. There is still much to be done."

Cassana smiled faintly, his voice weak yet resolute. "There is little left, my son. Yet I find comfort knowing you stand beside me. But now we must secure the future of this kingdom, and that duty falls to you."

Prince Erik stood rigidly in the shadows, his expression carefully composed, yet David sensed the deep conflict beneath his disciplined mask. Erik's ambition had never been hidden; his power among the army was formidable. Yet he respected his father deeply, perhaps enough to restrain his desires.

Athena moved closer, standing protectively beside Jacques. Her expression was strong yet gentle, her gaze briefly meeting David's with quiet reassurance.

Cassana's breathing became shallow, each word a struggle. "My sons," he spoke softly yet clearly, "I have long pondered my succession. Erik, you are strong, a mighty warrior respected by our army. Yet strength alone risks tyranny. Jacques possesses wisdom and kindness, qualities essential to true leadership."

He turned his gaze firmly toward Jacques. "My decision is made. Jacques, from this day forth, you are my heir, my successor as king. Rule with justice, compassion, and wisdom. Protect this kingdom, unite its people. I place my trust fully in you."

Jacques's eyes widened slightly, momentarily overwhelmed. "Father, I will not fail you. I swear to protect this kingdom and uphold your legacy."

Cassana nodded slowly, weakly extending his hand toward David. "Lord Haipoli, your loyalty and strength are clear. Serve Jacques faithfully. Guide him, protect him. The kingdom's future depends greatly upon you."

David knelt respectfully, placing his hand gently over Cassana's trembling palm. "I swear it, Your Majesty. Jacques will not stand alone."

Cassana smiled faintly, his eyes finally closing as exhaustion overwhelmed him. "Then my heart is at ease. May the gods watch over this kingdom—and over you."

With a final, quiet sigh, King Cassana closed his eyes forever, passing gently into eternal sleep.

---

Erik's Moment of Choice

Silence stretched painfully across the chamber. Jacques rose slowly, tears shimmering in his eyes, heart heavy with grief yet strong with newfound resolve. Yet all eyes turned toward Erik, whose expression remained cold, unreadable.

David watched him closely, aware Erik's reaction would determine the kingdom's fate. Erik stepped forward slowly, gazing down at his father's still form, fists clenched tightly.

"Father's choice is made," Erik spoke slowly, voice carefully controlled. "Jacques is king now, by royal decree. I will honor his decision."

David felt a cautious relief sweep through him, yet Erik's next words chilled him deeply.

"However," Erik continued, his tone dangerously measured, "Jacques must prove he can protect this kingdom. Loyalty comes only to those strong enough to deserve it."

Jacques stepped forward bravely, meeting Erik's challenging gaze. "I will prove myself worthy, Erik. Not by brutality, but by wisdom and justice."

Erik studied Jacques carefully, a slow smile spreading faintly upon his lips. "I hope you can, little brother. But understand this clearly—fail, and I will act swiftly to secure the kingdom myself. For now, I will wait, watch, and judge your worthiness."

With those words, Erik departed swiftly, soldiers falling silently in behind him, leaving a tense, uncertain silence in his wake.

---

Unsteady Allies

Later, David joined Jacques and Athena quietly in the palace's private chambers, Lily standing silently nearby. The room felt oppressively heavy, the shadow of Cassana's death lingering painfully.

Jacques spoke first, voice shaken but resolute. "My father's passing marks a dangerous moment. Erik won't remain passive for long. I must quickly earn his respect or risk war."

David nodded gravely. "Indeed. Erik values strength above all. Your father's decree alone won't sway him completely."

Athena sighed softly, eyes troubled. "Yet Erik is still loyal to the kingdom. He might yet support Jacques if convinced clearly Jacques is capable of ruling."

David nodded thoughtfully. "We must act quickly, decisively. Jacques, tomorrow you must appear strong, assertive, and ready to lead."

Jacques stood straighter, drawing deep confidence from David's words. "I'm ready. I know the nobles doubt me, but I will prove myself worthy."

David nodded firmly, encouraged by Jacques's growing confidence. "Then tomorrow you must address the entire kingdom clearly, demonstrating your strength openly. Erik will watch closely, judging your every word and action."

Jacques smiled faintly, determined. "Then I will show him strength—not through arrogance, but through wisdom, courage, and justice."

David felt genuine pride at Jacques's courage, his voice firm. "Then we'll ensure the nobles see clearly you're not weak. Lily, gather our allies quickly. Jacques must stand publicly supported, with loyal soldiers visibly behind him."

Lily nodded immediately. "We'll secure that swiftly. Soldiers loyal to us already assemble discreetly. They'll stand beside Jacques openly."

Jacques nodded gravely. "Then tomorrow we begin openly unifying the kingdom. My father's death must mark not division, but renewed unity."

---

Dawn of the New King

The following day, beneath clear skies, Jacques stepped confidently onto the palace balcony overlooking the grand square below, flanked protectively by David and Athena. Thousands gathered eagerly below, their expressions uncertain, nervous yet hopeful.

"My people," Jacques began clearly, voice strong and resolute, amplified powerfully by the silence of the waiting crowd, "my father, our beloved King Cassana, has passed. His death leaves our kingdom grieving—but his wisdom lives within us. He chose peace, justice, and unity above all."

The crowd listened closely, eyes fixed upon Jacques with cautious hope.

"Today," Jacques continued confidently, "I pledge to fulfill my father's vision—not with mere strength, but with fairness, compassion, and wisdom. I vow to end divisions, fight corruption, and build a kingdom worthy of your trust."

Applause erupted powerfully from the crowd, cheers of support swelling rapidly. David noted with relief Erik standing among the soldiers near the square's edge, observing silently, assessing Jacques carefully.

When Jacques concluded firmly, promising stability and justice clearly, the applause erupted fiercely, echoing loudly through streets filled with renewed hope.

Yet David's gaze met Erik's steadily through the crowd. Erik gave a slow, measured nod—not acceptance, but acknowledgment. He would wait, watching closely, ready to support or challenge Jacques depending upon his actions.

David knew clearly the challenge ahead was immense. Erik's support remained fragile, conditional. Raymond's allies might still rise in defiance. Yet today, Jacques had proven his courage openly, winning crucial support among commoners and nobles alike.

For the first time since Cassana's death, the kingdom stood united, however tenuously. Jacques had shown his strength clearly, inspiring the people—and challenging Erik to choose loyalty over ambition.

Today, beneath the bright morning sun, hope felt real, fragile yet undeniable.

David smiled faintly, knowing clearly their fight was far from over.

But today, a new king had risen—and with him, a new chance for lasting peace.