The Shifter King

Chapter 8: The Hearing

I'd never been to a hearing before, especially not at court. I usually stay away from politics. But I couldn't help the curiosity and excitement of seeing the king work.

The great hall is filled with nobles and commoners alike. I know the basics of how this works: people bring their concerns or complaints to the king–he does what he can to help.

I find a spot along the wall where I can see the throne but I'm tucked aside from the crowd. The room is packed and I'm content staying out of the way.

There's a bang that silences everyone in an instant.

“The king!" I hear someone announce.

Ambrose strides in, looking regal as ever. He wears a long, red cloak and his crown sits tilted on his head. He has a serious expression on his face, but as he scans the room and catches my eye, he winks at me.

I smile to myself.

That man knows he's hot, and the confidence was doing something to me.

Sebastian follows his brother, wearing similarly royal robes, but nothing as extravagant as the king. The two of them are a sight to be seen. They ooze power, Ambrose commanding respect where Sebastian seems to intimidate. They're so different, and yet I can see the similarities in them as the prince stands behind his brother.

They walk up to the pedestal, Ambrose taking his seat while his brother stands beside him. A hushed awe falls over the room as they wait for the king to speak.

Ambrose smiles. “As always, thank you for coming. I can't be a better king without hearing your concerns. So, let's begin."

The first commoner steps forward, complaining about some petty theft and how he was wronged.

The king shows patience and decorum where I would've been blunt. His polite smile never slips as he listens, offers a solution, and accepts gratitude with humility. He hands out merciful punishments where they're due, but otherwise, leads with forgiveness when others wouldn't. It was an admirable trait, and not one I was sure I'd share.

I didn't realize how great a king he was. I guess, I'd never paid attention in the past.

The next hearing that's brought forth has people in the crowd begging and muttering before Ambrose has even heard the case.

The commoner that steps forward is an older man, his clothing worn and his hands withered from age.

“Your Majesty," he bows before the king. “I've come to ask a request on behalf of the farmers."

“Go home, Leopold!" someone shouts at him. He seems to be well-known here.

Leopold pauses but Ambrose urges him on with a nod.

“We want to humbly ask for a break in taxes this year." The court starts to whisper as the nobles argue. “The winter was harsh this year. Our crops struggled to grow, and we barely have enough to feed our own families."

“If I recall correctly, you asked for the same break last year, too," Sebastian cuts in, his voice cold.

“Highness, if we could control the weather, we wouldn't have this problem," the commoner says.

“How is that our problem?" the prince responds. “You take advantage of the king's kindness while no one else struggles to pay their dues."

“Please, I don't mean disrespect–" he begs.

Ambrose interrupts. “You can have your break. But next year I expect the full amount paid plus 5% from this year's dues. That seems fair enough."

The commoner falls to his knees as the room starts chattering. “Thank you!" he says. “Thank you, Majesty!"

“Ambrose," Sebastian growls at his brother. “You can't keep–"

“Don't," the king cuts him off. He stands and the room falls silent. “That's it for today."

He descends from the throne, making his way out as the crowd parts for him.

Sebastian storms after him. I'm confused by his anger. I didn't think Ambrose ruled much differently than I would've. He showed kindness where his brother wouldn't. It was admirable.

But it made sense why the king would have enemies. You could rule with fear or with respect, most kings only saw it one way or the other. The ones that would command a different answer might see Ambrose as weak.

I excuse myself and make my way out into the hall, not eager to stay and chit-chat about politics. I can hear Ambrose down the hall, angrily arguing with his brother.

“You can't compare everything to that, Sebastian! Some people deserve grace."

“You're a weak king, Ambrose," Sebastian hisses at him. “Keep forgiving debts and they'll continue to walk all over you!"

“Asking for more time because they don't want to starve isn't 'walking all over me', brother," the king says firmly.

Ambrose looks up and catches my eye before I can turn the other way.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude–" I say quickly.

“It's fine," he says, glancing at the prince. “We were finished."

Sebastian glares but doesn't say another word. He storms off down the hall.

“Why is he so upset about this?" I ask.

The king shrugs. “Sometimes I can do nothing right when it comes to him. I love my brother," he scoffs. “But he's as stubborn as a f*cking mule."

“Did something happen?" I press. It doesn't make sense to me why he's so frustrated by this.

“It's a long story…" he pauses. “There was a time when Sebastian would've chosen war and I chose peace."

Someone calls his name and he glances over my shoulder.

“I'm sorry, Hera, I have to go," he takes my hand and kisses it. “Can we talk later?"

I nod as he turns toward some people exiting the hall.

His words just leave me more confused than before, and curious about what the situation had been. Although, I wasn't here to investigate a fight between brothers. Instead, I find myself thinking about the king and the kindness he showed.

Why am I admiring him more by the day?