This choice: Laurence, King of Aquitaine • Go Back...Chapter #2Laurence, King of Aquitaine by: romana91   [Starting weight: 125 lbs/8.13 stone]
Laurence stared obliquely in the direction of his squabbling Privy Council, his gaze met the eyes of the aging Archbishop Richelieu d'Anjou who was explaining about the buildup of forces on the Mercian border. Richelieu sat in the centre of the semi-circle table facing the throne, Laurance was the third King he'd served, the respect he inspired at court had kept the council from pulling the country into civil war when Laurence was an infant. Now at aged 21 it was supposed to be Laurence's responsibility, though he still felt as uncomfortable and unready for the throne that had been his for nearly 20 years, his lanky body and boyish features made it appear as a child was still sitting on the throne, it didn't help that whenever Laurence felt doubt he unavoidably looked at his 18 year old cousin, Charles Duke d'Lyon. 'Charlie' was ruggedly handsome and athletic, he was also ambitious and charismatic, all the traits one would expect in a King, Laurence couldn't help but feel inadequate in comparison.
"We've more than enough forces at the border to engage, with scouts reporting a two to one advantage in our favour it would be foolish to wait" one voice argued.
"Exactly" Charlie agreed slamming his fist down onto the table, "we ought to take the offensive whilst we maintain the advantage. It's time we finally drove that shewolf from her throne!"
"Be calm your grace" Richelieu requested, in his firm but quietly spoken way. Charlie hated Queen Mary of Mercia like no other, to the extent he refused to even call her by name.
"You can't seriously support depriving Queen Mary of her throne Eminence" Laurance spoke quietly, he shivered as the words left his mouth.
"It would be foolish to propose a full scale invasion in such a short time frame" Richelieu replied, skillfully avoiding the question.
"Peace surely is the best option.." Laurence demanded.
Other than a few murmurs and grunts of discontent the council remained silent, that alone was indicative of their support of Laurence's demand.
Laurence rose to his feet and turned to Richelieu, "Eminence?" he asked before turning again to face his cousin in in exasperation. "Cousin...?"
"Peace isn't an option, let alone the best." Charlie declared venomously.
"I recommend we let cooler heads prevail, once we understand Mercia's response to our actions" Richelieu at last said his is ever calm voice.
Laurence wasn't happy, he slouched back into the throne in frustration.
"Agreed?" Richelieu turned his head around the room looking at the other members of the council, "Then I suggest we adjourn todays meeting."
Laurence remained seated as the members filed out, it went badly, but not different to usual. They still behaved as if they were the regency council, rather than advisory council, and in a real sense they were. Laurence knew this couldn't continue, at some point another would likely try to take his throne and force him to abdicate - the most visible and obvious was his own cousin, Charles Duke d'Lyon.
After a few minutes of despondent sulking in the empty council chambers, he once again stood as he decided he would....  indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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