by Kyle Larson
“Kelvin? Are you almost ready?” Queen Eleyn said through the door.
Instead of answering, Kelvin opened the door. His mother smiled at him. The queen didn’t want to embarrass her son, but she had never been more proud of him. Kelvin tried to hide his nerves, but his mother could tell. She smiled back at him and nodded her head in respect. Kelvin had been bowed to before, but he could tell his mom was impressed. This help Kelvin feel better and more prepared to talk to his father.
“You look like a king, my dear,” the queen said. “Come, let’s go visit your father.”
Kelvin smiled, took his mother’s hand, and the two of them walked down the long corridor, stepping through the sunspots that reflected through the large glass windows. Kelvin moved his lips, practicing the silent words of the speech his mother helped him write to claim his throne and announce his intention to rejoin the Nine Kingdoms of the Sun.
“I know you’re nervous, Kelvin,” Eleyn said to her son. Kelvin was not quite as nervous as his mother was, though. She was born into nobility, her family were the first protectors of Earth, known as the Lunar Guardians. All her childhood she’d heard tales of the brave Lunar Guardians that came before her, but she preferred to study her books and remain in the background of such spectacle. Until one day, she fell in love with the person who would be Earth’s king, and Eleyn realized her wisdom was needed as badly as her family’s strength in battle had been in the ancient wars of the solar system. Unfortunately, for Eleyn, she had to find the strength to stand in front of the crowds, and could see the same uneasiness stirring in her son now. “All of these people are on your side. They are all behind you. We all want to rejoin the Nine Kingdoms, and I know even your father, underneath all his sadness, probably wants this, too. He just can’t see it. It was very hard for us…to lose your sister.”
Kelvin thought for a moment he could hear his mother’s voice tremble. He’d rarely heard his mother speak about Aren. The topic was brought up almost daily by his father, but his mother kept a quiet strength. Eleyn was strong for her husband, even though the grief filled her equally. She did what her family had always done and continued to protect Earth – as well as her son. It was not a burden, but it was the duty she had. There had to be leadership, and while King Erelm grieved for a decade, Eleyn kept their family in the castle and Earth’s affairs in order. Kevin knew this better than anyone, but for a moment that woman was gone, and the gray strands of her hair and the lines of her face all said spelled grief. There was a great sadness Eleyn bore, and she waited for the day when she could grieve for her daughter properly.
“Your sister is gone, that is all we know,” Eleyn said. She stopped and gently took Kelvin’s arm. “Your father is scared. He loves you and doesn’t want to lose you, but this can’t continue. The Nine Kingdoms need Earth. There are a lot of things happening out there, and if we don’t rejoin them soon, Earth will be left behind. It’s up to our family and the people of Earth to show the Nine Kingdoms we are still as strong an ally as we’ve ever been.”
The words helped give Kelvin strength. It helped to know his mother was behind him. It helped to know the people of Earth were behind him.
“What if he says no, mom? I practiced this for months; but, what if he says no?” Kelvin said. The uncertainty of his father’s moods were a stark reality for Kelvin. The king had never lashed out at his son, but he hadn’t exactly been someone who helped foster the strengths Kelvin wanted to have by the time he became king.
“He can’t, Kelvin. He could get angry, he could get sad, or he could say nothing…but he can’t say no. Royal Law of the Nine Kingdoms, which Earth is still bound to, forbid it. Your father may be odd at times, but he knows the law,” Eleyn said. “And, if he tries to, then I overrule him. I’ve already given you my blessing, so this is just out of respect to your father and an announcement to the nobles. Think of it like that, Kelvin. He can’t say ‘no’ and this is what we all want for you, since the Traditions of Service are what you want.”
Kelvin decided that if he were to be a strong king for his people he would need to know all the Nine Kingdoms. He had never left Earth and heard all about other princes and princesses that travelled around the solar system, going on different adventures on the wild moons of Saturn or exploring the unknown regions of the asteroid clusters just beyond Pluto. Just as much as Kelvin wanted to fly, he wanted to see the solar system his ancestors fought for.
“You know how he gets, mom. He’s not going to like me calling him out in front of the whole kingdom like that,” Kelvin said.
“He’ll get over it,” Eleyn said. “You should see what he said to his mother when he announced his claim to the throne, like you’re about to do. He basically told her she had to give him the crown, then and there, and that he was taking control of Earth Navy so that he and his friends could go explore the unknown regions, out past Pluto.”
Kelvin had never heard this story. It was hard to picture his father as a young person who must have had a genuine sense of adventure and enthusiasm to make such a request.
“I take it she said ‘no’,” Kelvin said.
“More like she laughed in his face. Your father was ten-years-old when he claimed the throne. Your grandmother laughed at him and sent him back to school. What you’re asking for today is pretty modest compared to all the others before you. There’s a history of princes and princesses around the Nine Kingdoms making pretty outrageous demands. You’re just a boy that wants to see the Nine Kingdoms so you can be prepared to understand the challenges all planets face, not just Earth. If your father has a problem with that…well, there’s no one in this kingdoms that will let him stop you. He may be king, but I’m queen and have just as much a right to let you do this. So, again, don’t be nervous. This is all just for ceremony. The Nine Kingdoms need us, and if anything, history will remember you as someone who came to help them.”
The challenges of the Nine Kingdoms were not something Kelvin knew a lot about. It was hard to get reliable information on the Tube, since everyone who had an opinion made their own broadcasts. He could see concern in his mother’s face as she said this, so Kelvin wanted to know more.
“I keep hearing the word challenges, but I don’t know what exactly is happening. Can you tell me?” Kelvin said.
Queen Eleyn thought of the unrest she continued to hear through diplomatic channels of Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Those planets were nervous about Jupiter, which in itself was almost a Nine Kingdoms of its own with it’s dozens of moons and endless supply of resources. It was hard for the outer planets to make a living through trade when they had to compete with Jupiter, and the Jovians of Jupiter showed no sign of slowing down their booming economy. The Nine Kingdoms were starting to get nervous that Jupiter would seek to shut out the outer planets from trade, causing an economic crisis. Earth could make the difference. Since they currently didn’t have trade relationships with anyone, they could establish a relationship that would help stabilize the economies of the outer planets. This was the biggest reason Eleyn needed Kelvin to succeed. If the outer planets were choked off by Jupiter, it could mean a break in the peace treaties of the Nine Kingdoms, and could cause war.
There hadn’t been a war in over four-hundred years and after the last one, no human wanted that again. Eleyn was nervous humans had forgotten the terrible cost of war, and hoped that her son could show the Nine Kingdoms they were all still part of the same cause.
“Not now, Kelvin,” Eleyn said. She didn’t want to add more stress to her son’s day, but Kelvin was her brightest hope in bringing stability to Earth and the rest of the Nine Kingdoms. There were also whispers of many people leaving Earth because they were tired of King Erelm shutting the planet off from the Nine Kingdoms. If that happened, the Royal Council would certainly remove the Sellwood family from the positions of king and queen. Eleyn was not concerned with losing power, as she and King Erelm shared it with the Royal Council. She was worried what removal would do to her husband, a
nd she didn’t want Kelvin not to have the opportunity to be a leader for Earth. “Let’s just hurry and get to your father. You’ve rehearsed your speech and you’re ready. That’s all you should worry about right now. You’re going to do great.”
Eleyn took Kelvin by the hand and continued to walk down the corridor. The queen didn’t want to tell the boy who would become king, but the future of the Nine Kingdoms could depend on him. She didn’t think it was fair how fast Kelvin was going to have to grow-up, but she didn’t doubt he could do it.
These were difficult tasks to lay on the shoulders of a fifteen-year-old. Fortunately, that fifteen-year-old was Kelvin Sellwood, Prince of Earth, and heir to its throne. Anyone who had ever met the boy already knew…he’d do just fine.
CHAPTER TWO
The Royal Court of Earth seemed much bigger to Kelvin when it was full of people. In his life he had only seen it filled a handful of times, but he’d heard of the big ceremonies his mother and father held before his older sister went missing. The Royal Court of Earth was built of stones from every part of the Earth, and even some from the moon. It was brightly lit from the large, glass windows lining the circular walls.
There were few rooms higher in the Royal Tower than the Royal Court. For the hundreds of people gathered, it was a very special thing to be this high up in the Royal Tower. Some of them had never been and this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for them. No one knew exactly what Kelvin was going to say, but they suspected he would declare himself heir to the throne and announce his intention to rejoin the Nine Kingdoms of the Sun.
The Royal Court of Earth was silent when Kelvin and Queen Eleyn entered. To Kelvin, it looked like the entire planet was there to watch him. There were over two-hundred, but it might as well have been a few billion. The whole planet would know soon enough what he was going to say and they would eventually all see the Tube video of it. All of this dawned on Kelvin as he took his first steps into the Royal Court of Earth.
As soon as Kelvin locked eyes with his father, the rest of the room vanished. King Erelm was a big man. His face was lined with time and a black and gray beard. He wore no crown, but his clothing was elaborate, laced with the same navy blue and black colors in Earth’s Navy, as well as gold. Gold was still the most precious of elements on Earth, even if it was plentiful in other parts of the galaxy.
From the angry look on King Erelm’s face, Kelvin realized his father knew exactly what was about to happen. The troubled expression did give Kelvin some encouragement, as the king must be angry because he knows the Laws of Royalty well. According to those laws, once Kelvin makes his declaration, the king is bound to allow the heir to make his claim. King Erelm, no matter the fact he was the ruler of Earth, had to allow his son to undergo the journey to fulfill the requests of the other kingdoms.
No king or queen of Earth had ever gone against the Laws of Royalty. If they did, it was cause to remove their crown and replace them with a new ruler. Despite the severe consequences and his mother’s assurances, Kelvin had no idea what King Erelm would say.
“You have words for me today, my son?” King Erelm finally said, after a few uncomfortable moments of silent starting between he and his son.
Kelvin remembered what Amelia said, about pretending he was just giving a presentation on Mars geology. It was not easy, but Kelvin was able to ignore the glare of his father, and the words of his reply came much easier than he’d expected.
“I do, my lord,” Kelvin said, respectfully bowing and approaching the center of the court. He could feel all of the eyes on him, but the only set he chose to block out were those of his father, despite the fact he was looking directly into them.
“Then you may speak, my son.”
“On this day, I, Prince Kelvin of the Sellwood line, make claim to my right of the throne of Earth,” the words came from Kelvin’s mouth just as he’d practiced them. “I announce my intentions to honor the traditions of my royal ancestors and journey to each of the Nine Kingdoms of the Sun and perform a service for the rulers of that world. It is my right and I hereby declare I will undergo the Traditions of Service.”
There were no gasps in the crowd, but there may as well have been. Amelia, who was careful not to lock eyes with Kelvin since she sat right in his line of sight, still couldn’t believe Kelvin actually said the words. Even though he’d been practicing those few words with her, over and over, Amelia found it hard to believe anyone would be so bold. Not only was Kelvin going against his father, he was going against his king.
“The Royal Court is dismissed,” King Erelm said, his deep voice rumbled off the stones of the court. He didn’t blink or take his eyes away from Kelvin for a millisecond. “My son, the great prince of Earth, and I have much to discuss.”
Many in the court were actually relieved the king dismissed them. They could tell the conversation about to follow would be more complicated than formal royalty. It would be family. Deeply personal and no one wanted to see behind the veil of royalty.
Once the court was cleared, King Erelm stood from his throne and walked to the center of the court to meet Kelvin. Queen Eleyn remained, and she walked to the center of the Royal Court to stand next to Kelvin. Without using worlds, Eleyn was trying to make as clear as she could that she stood with Kelvin, and that Erelm had better not try to interfere with his son’s intentions. Eleyn did not want to belittle her husband, but she wouldn’t back down from supporting Kelvin. In her mind, Erelm had enough time to grieve Aren, and Kelvin’s declaration should be a wake-up call to him.
“The throne is yours my son. It always has been and it always will be. You are my son, you are the Prince of Earth, and your right to be king has never been questioned. I gave you the best school, a good home, and anything you’ve ever wanted. I will continue to do that until you take your place on the throne and you are my king.”
The tone of King Erelm’s voice was one that Kelvin never heard. It was the voice of his father. There was concern, there was love, and there was sincerity. This surprised the queen, as well, and she felt like the man that had been missing for so many years just returned. Kelvin could tell his father was moved that his son had been so brave to face him in front of so many people. King Erelm might have been a troubled man, but he was a good one. He loved his family and would do anything for them. Kelvin realized that the reason his father’s behavior was strange sometimes is because he just wanted to make the right decision for his family and the people of Earth.
“It takes courage to face your king and claim your throne. In front of all the noble families and knights. I know…I had to do it too,” King Erelm said. A faint smile crossed his lips, as he remembered his mother laughing at what must have been a ridiculous site: a ten-year-old boy declaring himself rightful ruler and naval commander. Erelm still cringed when that memory came back to him, but he was able to find some humor in it. “Tomorrow I shall make a declaration that you will claim my throne when you reach the age of 24, as is tradition.”
“Thank you, father,” Kelvin said, catching a smile from King Erelm. “I have always been proud to be your son. Proud to be mother’s son, as well.”
“Your mother makes us both proud, my son,” the king said, a glow in his eyes caught Eleyn. They locked as eyes as he said this, and for the first time in a long time, the two of them realized how lucky they were to have found each other. They felt like they were young again, watching their son discover himself and take the first step into adulthood.
“I request your blessing on my imminent departure to Mercury, to introduce myself to Queen Evet, and honor her first request, in the Traditions of Service.” Kelvin said, his voice still a little shaky.
His father’s expression dropped. The King Erelm that Kelvin and Queen Eleyn were used to seeing returned. His eyes averted both Kelvin and the queen. The old man walked slowly back toward his throne and slumped into it. It was jarring to both of them how quickly the defeat in Erelm’s body language returned.
“Why do you req
uest this of me, Prince Kelvin? You know that I have little choice in how you pursue the path to your crown. Upon your declaration, you are your own keeper. You will decide where this path may take you. I will not lie when I say I wish you would choose to find your way to the crown, here in your home. There are many things myself, the nobles, and knights could teach you. You may find something out there among the stars, but it’s nothing you wouldn’t find right here on your own planet.”
Kelvin expected a fight with his father, but there was not one to be had. The prince could see there was no fight left in the king. The memories of Kelvin’s sister, Princess Aren, returned for them all. The reality that she was still gone and probably not coming back wasn’t always with the Sellwoods. It came and went, but in this moment, it was very present.
“I choose to lead our kingdom back to the stars. This is what I want, father. This is not to disrespect you or mother. This is trying to find a way for Earth to rejoin the Nine Kingdoms of the Sun.”
“I don’t want to lose another child. I don’t want to lose you the way I lost your sister,” King Erelm replied, ignoring the big announcement his son had just made.
“You didn’t lose, Aren,” Queen Eleyn said softly, but with a sternness in the echo of her voice. “What happened is no one’s fault. Ships get lost in space sometimes. It’s always a tragedy, but it’s no one’s fault. We can’t let what happened rule our lives and hold Kelvin back. Aren wouldn’t have wanted it that way. She’d want Kelvin to do all the things she didn’t get to do.”
Kelvin walked closer to his father and forced eye contact.
“You won’t lose me, dad,” Kelvin said, as serious and confident as he could sound. “You’ll never lose me. I promise.”
There was a glimmer the second Kelvin said that, but it went away within seconds. Now, King Erelm just looked tired.