South of Hope

Cromwell Palace, Henfordshire

In the royal study, a room filled with the scent of old books and polished wood, King Maximilian sat behind his grand oak desk, his expression stern yet tinged with concern. The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the tall windows, casting a warm light on the richly decorated room. Queen Aria Grace stood behind her husband’s chair, her eyes reflecting a mixture of worry and love. Her elegant dress rustled softly as she shifted her weight, crossing her arms protectively. Victoria sat beside William in the soft chairs facing their father’s desk, her hand resting gently on his arm, offering silent support. The atmosphere was charged with unspoken tension as the family gathered for a crucial conversation.

“William,” King Maximilian began, his voice measured but firm, resonating through the study. “I have called you here today to discuss some troubling matters. It has come to my attention that you purchased a house for Grace and have continued to see her, despite my explicit instructions to cease all contact.”

William felt a knot tighten in his chest. He glanced at Victoria, who gave him an encouraging nod, then looked back at his father. “Papa, I—”

The King held up a hand to silence him. “Let me finish. I understand the complexities of your feelings, you and I already had a conversation about this, I know you believe you love both, Grace and Mina, you already know my feelings on it, but as the future king, your actions carry weight and consequences far beyond your personal desires. It would appear that your solution to this apparent problem hasn’t been a proper solution, by picking either one or the other or neither, but rather to keep both, which I don’t think I have to tell is unacceptable. Even in the olden days of history Cromwells didn’t keep mistresses, William, and we most certainly won’t be starting such dubious new traditions now. This behaviour cannot continue. It is immoral and frankly, appalling to your mother and me.”

Queen Aria Grace stepped forward, one hand on the tall back of Maximilian’s chair, her voice gentle but resolute, her eyes softening as she looked at her son. “William, we love you dearly, but you must understand the gravity of your position. Your duty to the kingdom must come first. It needs a leader the people can admire, look up to, one of good moral standards and discipline. You are not the type to cheat, honey. The fact that it even crossed your mind, let alone was put into practice by you tells me how conflicted you must feel, but as your father already said, it is absolutely unacceptable. I am disappointed in you for that. Such a wonderful and kind young man, with a heart of gold, and now … this? Your father and I both adore Grace, and we adore Mina, and this just isn’t fair to them, nor you. You seemed so happy with Mina, so close with her and your feelings seemed mutual and strong. Imagine you found out she had been doing to you what you are doing to her.”

William nodded, struggling to find the right words. He could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on him. “I know, and I truly am sorry. I never meant to cause any harm. Especially not to Mina. I am appalled at myself.”

King Maximilian leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking softly. His expression softened slightly, though his tone remained firm. “I believe you, William, which is why we must ensure this does not happen again. You have two choices. Either you cut ties with Grace immediately, or I will send you into the royal forces for a few years. It will teach you discipline and remove you from this… distraction.”

William’s heart sank. The thought of losing Grace again was unbearable, but the idea of joining the royal forces was equally daunting. He looked at Victoria, her presence a small comfort in this difficult moment. She squeezed his arm gently, her eyes filled with empathy.

“And since you evidently have too much time on your hands,” the King continued, his voice slightly lighter, “you will accompany me on my royal duties whenever your class load allows. This will give you a clearer understanding of the responsibilities that come with your position and cut back on temptation. Additionally, Imperial, your stallion, should be used as a stud. Horses play an immense role in our heritage, and I want you to learn those ropes. You’re almost twenty-two, and it’s time you start preparing for your future roles more seriously. Our Cromweller horses have always been under the direct supervision of the royal leaders. I am delighted that all my children share my love for horses, but it takes much more than that. Your sister Vivienne is already a few steps ahead of you, thanks to Jack’s horses and their very demonstrative ways, but I wish for you to learn it the proper way with all it involves.”

Victoria placed a reassuring hand on William’s arm. “See? I told you Mama and Papa wouldn’t tear your head off. William is going to make you proud. Right, Will?”

Queen Aria Grace added, her voice soft but steady, “Your father and I are here to support you, but we must ensure that you remain on the right track not just for your own sake, but also for the sake of the kingdom. This includes nudging you back on the right path whenever you stray too far. We are not trying to be mean or controlling, let alone break your or Grace’s hearts, but we want to be good parents and therefore, we have to stop you, if you can’t seem to control yourself.”

William took a deep breath, his mind racing. The scent of polished wood and old books seemed more intense, reminding him of Grace and her profound love for books, making this situation even harder, while also grounding him in the moment. “I understand. I will do my best to fulfill my duties and make you proud.”

King Maximilian nodded, a trace of a smile appearing on his face. “I know you will, son. We all believe in you. But I do have to insist, I need to hear you say it, that from this moment on, you will not see Grace again. If you must, you can speak to her, although I think if Grace is the girl I remember her as, she will understand when you make the next call the final one. I do not wish for you to go see her again. I have instructed the security firm and guards thusly. They will refuse to take you there on my command and requests or attempts by you about going to Newcrest will be escalated to me immediately.”

William felt the room spinning around him, a rushing sound in his ears, until Victoria nudged him. He turned his head to her, still dazed until finally her voice became clearer.

“Will! Hello?!” Victoria’s voice broke through his haze.

“What?” William blinked, refocusing on her concerned face.

“Papa wants you to promise. So … promise.”

William turned his head to his father, who looked at him with a mix of concern and worry, then at their mother.

“Yes. Of course. You have my word, Papa,” he said, his voice steadying.

“Thank you, my boy. On that note, are you ready for your first proper lesson in animal husbandry, particularly successful horse breeding?”

“Sure. But isn’t that kind of out of our hands? I kind of always thought you put a stallion with a mare who is ready and … well … let things take their course.”

“Oh, there is a lot more to it, and we very rarely go about it like that. Well, there is no time like the present. Jack mentioned he would be at the stables around this time, so how about we go and see if he would be available for a lesson.”

“Oh, may I come too, Papa! I want to learn it as well,” Victoria exclaimed but the king shook his head.

“I appreciate your keen interest, sweetheart, which truly delights me, and I shall start lessons for you with the greatest enthusiasm, but the first hour is going to be just for your brother. How about your mother, you and Vivienne all meet up with us in an hour for a demonstration? Maybe someone else could entertain Veronica during that time, she might still be a tad young for too much equine anatomy and breeding.”

Aria Grace walked over to her daughter, gently stroking her cheek, smiling. “The girls and I will happily meet you guys at the stables with the car, so afterwards we can go over to Bianca and Gavin’s house for the dinner we have been invited to.”

“Fabulous, that is how we will do it then. Are you ready, William?”

“Certainly Papa. I grew up with horses, I think there isn’t much I don’t already know. But if you think I could use a refresher, I will oblige,” William said, his tone devoid of any enthusiasm.

King Maximilian tried to hide his amusement, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He rose from his chair, the floor creaking slightly beneath him.

He walked up to the chair his son was occupying, holding out his hand, pulling him up, then into a brief embrace, patting his back. The warmth of the gesture brought a sense of comfort to William, who relaxed slightly.

“Oh, I am sure you think you know a lot of things about life, son. Well, no time like the present. Shall we then? Aria Grace, Victoria, would you care to meet us at the stable in, say, 45 minutes time? I know Vivienne already had a head start on these lessons, thanks to Jack’s horses, as she more than readily shared her observations in great detail with me, including hand drawings, but maybe we could shield Veronica’s tender eyes from it for a few more years.”

The Royal Cromwell Stables, Henfordshire

The royal stables were a serene haven, filled with the earthy scent of hay and the gentle sounds of horses nickering softly. Sunlight streamed through the open doors, casting a warm glow on the stalls and the polished tack hanging neatly on the walls.

King Maximilian and William walked side by side from the golf cart they had taken down from the palace, their footsteps muffled by the soft ground. The stables were situated down a hill and past a small stream from the royal palace, still on property they owned but very much detached. While one could walk there, it was quite the hike—a deliberate choice to minimize the noise and smells reaching the palace grounds. The palace itself was surrounded by a tall fence, but the stables were beyond that barrier, nestled comfortably down the mentioned hill.

They were greeted by Jack, a weathered former cowboy whose years of experience had made him an indispensable part of the royal household. His broad-brimmed hat shaded his kindly eyes, and his rugged hands bore the marks of countless years spent working with horses. Though he hadn’t officially worked at the royal stables in many years, he had never truly stopped. All the stable workers and the royal family still deferred to his vast knowledge of all things equine.

“Well, top o’the mornin’ to ya, Yer Majesty, William,” Jack said, tipping his hat in a respectful gesture while smirking. His voice carried the gentle drawl of his cowboy origins.

“Good morning, Jack,” King Maximilian replied warmly. “We’re here for a lesson in horse breeding. I believe you mentioned you’d be ready to show William the ropes around this time?”

“Indeed, sir. Got everything set up for ya. Bit more hands on than just lettin’ nature take its course, as young William here might think,” Jack said with a twinkle in his eye.

William glanced around the stable, taking in the familiar yet comforting surroundings. The scent of fresh hay mingled with the subtle aroma of leather, and he could hear the rhythmic swishing of tails and the occasional snort from the horses. He felt a sense of calm amidst the impending lesson.

Jack led them further into the stable, pointing out various aspects of the process along the way. “Now, William, reckon there’s a lot more to successful horse breedin’ than jus’ putting a stallion and a mare together and crossin’ yer fingers and toes. ’bout understandin’ their temperaments, timing, genetics and what not to make sure ya get the best results. Not much to it if yer jus’ breedin’ a farm horse or somethin’ for a young’un to ride ’round on, but if ya want somethin’ worth a damn ya gotta do yer homework.”

As they walked, Jack continued to share his wisdom, the stable a backdrop of tranquility and the knowledge of generations of horsemen.

Jack’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Well, y’all picked a fine day for it. Now, William, we gotta get Imperial ready for his first breedin’. Ya ready, son?”

William nodded.

Jack handed William a pair of thick work gloves and a bucket. The young prince took them and stared at them in bewilderment. “What would I need all that for?”

“Well, Will. Since Imperial is yer stallion, it’s up to yerself to get him ready. Put on them gloves unless you prefer to do it without. To each their own, as my grandpappy always said. I don’t judge.”

William sat down the bucket, slipping on the gloves. “Alright, now what?”

“Now ya got to go ‘collect’ from him. Once ya got enough, we’ll go over to the mares yer father selected and ya can pick which one we’ll use and then ya give to her whatcha got from him.”

William looked at the gloves and bucket in bewilderment. “Collect? Collect what? You don’t mean…?” he looked over at his father, who nodded encouragingly, so William stared at Jack.

Jack nodded. “Yep. Imperial doesn’t always stand well with mares, so we’ve got to collect his… contribution manually. Just give him a little encouragement. Be tender and gentle, just the way you would like it if you were him. Once ya think he’s ready to go, hold out the bucket and make sure his aim is good.”

William’s face turned crimson as he stared at the equipment in his hands. “Excuse me? You want me to…?”

King Maximilian bit his lip, trying to maintain a straight face. “That’s right, son. It’s all part of the process. Listen to Jack, he’s the expert.”

William, still in shock, tentatively approached Imperial, who looked as regal as ever. He set down the bucket and paused, taking a deep breath. He looked back at Jack, who nodded encouragingly. Swallowing his pride and fighting the urge to flee, William patted Imperial on the rump.

“Alright, boy,” he muttered, feeling the heat of embarrassment rise in his cheeks. “Let’s… let’s get this over with.”

With trembling hands, he reached towards Imperial’s nether regions, but pulled back at the last moment, his face a mask of confusion and humiliation. He glanced back at Jack again, who nodded with a straight face, offering no reprieve. Gritting his teeth, William reached out with his other hand, hesitated, and then pulled back once more, the sheer awkwardness of the situation almost unbearable.

Eyes squeezed shut, William made a final attempt, his hands hovering indecisively. He shifted from one foot to the other, every fiber of his being screaming in protest at the absurdity of the task.

Just as he was about to steel himself for the inevitable, Jack and the King could no longer contain themselves and burst into laughter, their mirth echoing through the stables.

“Whoa there, hotshot! Step away from Imperial’s goodies before ya might find yerself on the receivin’ end of the bottom of his hoof. Yer boy can get spicy when not approached carefully. Yer daddy and I were jus’ havin’ a lil fun with ya,” Jack said between laughs. “Dayum, I honestly didn’t think you’d go there, son, but now I owe yer daddy here a bottle of the good Bourbon. No need to get yer tender royal hands dirty playin’ with yer horsey’s schlong. We got professionals for that.”

King Maximilian, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes, clapped his son on the back. “Sorry, Will. Couldn’t resist. Your face was priceless. Proud of you, for being determined to see this through, despite of adversity and disdain for the task. Food for thought, even if things seem absurd and impossible, you are strong, son.”

William, relieved, but a little upset, shook his head. “All that just to teach me a lesson in determination? And et tu, Brutus? What have I ever done to you, Jack?”

Jack patted William on the shoulder, still chuckling. “Nothin’ kid, but where I come from, this sort of messin’ with a young’un is a rite of passage. One step closer to adulthood, kiddo. Nothin’ personal, ya know I think the world of ya. But young men yer age do need the occasional damper, or y’all end up like me. Ya don’t wanna be my age before ya understand yer real purpose. Here, I’ll take those before you get any silly ideas.” Dayum, jus’ when I thought I’d seen it all, this. Hehehe! Priceless. Izzy’s never gonna believe me this.” He grabbed the bucket and gloves from William, still laughing hard as he walked off.

King Maximilian, still catching his breath, placed a hand on William’s shoulder. “Ah, my boy, sometimes one thinks they know all there is to know, but true wisdom only comes with age. As Shakespeare once said, ‘The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.'”

“So, all this to get back at me for the Grace thing? Really Papa?”

“Not to get back at you, but to remind you that you have much yet to learn. Even if we think we know everything, I can assure you more often than not that is a misconception, which in some cases can be severe. Now come on, and let’s watch the professionals do what it takes to successfully breed and persevere a pristine lineage.”

Wrapping his arm around his son’s shoulders as he spoke, he guided him towards an area of the stables. Walking next to his father, William looked over at him.

“They don’t really … you know …. with their hands, right?”

King Maximilian walked beside William, their boots crunching on the gravel path as they made their way towards a specific area of the stables. “There are several methods we use for breeding our horses, Will,” the King explained. “Artificial insemination, live cover, embryo transfer, and even intracytoplasmic sperm injection, depending on the situation. Today, you’ll see a demonstration of what we call ‘hand breeding.’ And yes, all options require human involvement,  some more so than others. And yes, often that means hands on, quite literally. “

As they approached, they saw Queen Aria Grace and Victoria already waiting, observing the preparation of a beautiful mare. She was a sleek, chestnut-colored beauty with a glossy coat that glistened in the sunlight. Her mane was meticulously groomed, and her eyes, large and expressive, watched the handlers with a mixture of curiosity and calm.

The mare was gently guided into a breeding chute, a sturdy structure designed to keep her still and safe during the process. William and Victoria watched, their mouths agape, as the handlers secured the mare.

“She’s magnificent, isn’t she?” Queen Aria Grace said softly to Victoria, who nodded in agreement.

Just then, Imperial was led towards the chute, his powerful muscles rippling under his gleaming coat. The regal stallion moved with a confident grace, his ears pricked forward as he approached the mare.

A stable worker took over, guiding Imperial’s movements with expert hands. William and Victoria continued to stare, wide-eyed, as the process began. The worker carefully positioned the stallion, ensuring everything was aligned correctly.

As the act commenced, Victoria leaned in to William and said dryly, “I have never been more glad that I am not a mare.”

William leaned in, his tone equally dry, “And I must say, I wouldn’t want to be a stallion either. I don’t mind our servants adjusting my attire, but my own body parts? Those should remain under my exclusive control, thank you very much.”

Victoria stifled a giggle, which quickly proved contagious as William struggled to keep a straight face. The two siblings exchanged amused glances, their shared mirth bubbling just beneath the surface. Both busied themselves with trying not to make a spectacle of themselves, their shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

The reality of animal husbandry was both fascinating, shocking and humbling, and the siblings shared a moment of mutual understanding and amusement.

The entire scene unfolded with a mix of precision and care, the stable workers demonstrating their expertise in managing the noble creatures. William felt a newfound respect for the complexities of horse breeding and the dedication required to maintain the lineage of their esteemed steeds.

With the task complete, King Maximilian turned to William, a twinkle in his eye. “See, Will? There’s always something new to learn, even in the most unexpected places. Even on topics you think you have all relevant knowledge.”

William nodded, still processing the experience. “Yes, Papa. I certainly won’t forget this lesson. Ever.”

King Maximilian clapped his son on the shoulder. “Good. It was not just a lesson on animal husbandry but meant to extend to other areas of your life. Now that you are so receptive to retaining new information, let’s head back and discuss your upcoming responsibilities. There’s much to prepare for.”

“As long as I won’t need gloves and a bucket …”

“There will be days that seem to call for both, my boy. But no, not today. I feel you had quite enough demonstrative realities of life for one day. However, part of my tasks, and therewith yours, is to oversee the horse training and breeding, and while not usually this hands on, you must know what all options are available so you can choose best. Our staff is well versed but does defer some decisions and choices to me. One of many reasons I enjoy having Jack nearby. Not to play pranks on my son, although I have to admit, it was very refreshing.”

They shared a chuckle and began the walk back towards the golf cart. The path was quiet, with only the sounds of their footsteps and the distant whinnies of horses filling the air. As they neared the cart, King Maximilian wrapped an arm around William’s shoulders, drawing him close in a fatherly embrace.

“You did well today, Will. Faced with a difficult task and humiliation, you kept composed and didn’t back down. Jack and I are both impressed. Life is full of such unexpected lessons, yet most, if not all, will not be orchestrated as a practical joke. I wasn’t certain you were ready for that side of this position yet, but you handled this one with grace,” the King said, his voice warm with pride.

William responded in kind, wrapping an arm around his father. “Thank you, Papa. I know I have much to learn, but I’m grateful for your guidance and support. Though in future, maybe delivered differently.”

The King smiled, a look of fondness in his eyes. “Remember, Will, wisdom often comes from the most unlikely sources. As Chaucer once wrote, ‘For out of the old fieldes, as men saithe, cometh al this new corne from yere to yere.’ Never be afraid to learn from every experience.”

With these words, they reached the golf cart, and the King patted William’s back one last time before they climbed in.

King Maximilian and William were in the golf cart, about to start it, when they heard their names called and the sound of accelerated footsteps behind them. Turning around, they saw Queen Aria Grace, Victoria, and Vivienne catching up with them, followed closely by Jack.

“Max, darling, are you deaf? I have been calling myself hoarse,” Queen Aria Grace said with a warm smile, her voice carrying a teasing note.

King Maximilian grinned, “Deaf? Decidedly not. Selective hearing, perhaps.”

“You have the keys to the Land Rover, I gave them to you earlier as my dress has no pockets. The girls and I are taking the Rover over to Bianca’s. You both are expected to be there for dinner. On time.”

“Ah, right,” King Maximilian replied, digging the keys out of his pocket. The scent of leather and metal mingled as he handed them over. “William and I will just clean up and change, and we shall have the driver take us over, then ride back with you later.”

Victoria chimed in, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “Hurry up, I’m starving! I could eat a literal horse!”

William chuckled, “Well, you can eat Symphony then if you must, but someone keep my ravenous sister away from my Imperial, please. That boy has been through enough today.”

They all laughed, the sound echoing through the stable yard, where the rich aroma of hay and the faint scent of horses lingered. King Maximilian handed the keys to his wife, who leaned in for a quick kiss, but the king pulled her back for a little more intense one. Vivienne rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Get-A-Room, please! This is the real reason having two dads is bad. I get this times TWO and all the time. Don’t you try looking so innocent, daddy, you and Izzy are ten times worse, at least Mama and Papa try to be covert about it most of the time. Either way, it’s disgusting,” Vivienne said dryly, with a theatric sigh.

Jack, with a grin, nudged Vivienne and placed his cowboy hat on her face. “There you go, darlin’. Let’s all enjoy the quiet again.”

Vivienne smirked, after pushing the hat away from her face, so Jack planted it on her head, much too big it slid almost over her eyes, until she pulled it off and made throwing motions. “Great, I was looking for a new frisbee. And really filthy, oily hair. Thanks dad.”

Jack raised an eyebrow in mock sternness. “Y’all hear that? Someone’s beggin’ for a spankin’. Screamin’ for it.”

Vivienne made a face at Jack, who grimaced back in mock horror, triggering more laughter when the Queen and Victoria joined in making faces at them and each other.

Chuckling, the king started the engine of his golf cart. “In light of such refined beauty and grace and Victoria’s urgency for a meal to take place at the threat of devouring our fine steeds, William and I will hasten to the palace to catch up with you again. Jack, will you and Izzy be joining us?”

“Nah,” Jack replied with a laugh. “I already ain’t the sharpest tool in any shed. If I had to spend time with that ding dong best friend of yer wife’s, what little intelligence I got will be out the window too!”

He laughed heartily, dodging playful swats from Aria Grace. “Hey, Yer Majestic, that ain’t very queen-like of ya!”

Aria Grace shook her head, a teasing glint in her eye. “Jack, you calling my best friend dumb is not very gentle mannered either, not to mention the height of irony. You’re basically Rainman with a cowboy hat.”

Jack grinned, tipping his hat. “Ah maybe, but remember, sugar, you chose to be with this ‘dumb’ cowboy once upon a time. Guess, my granpappy was right, he always said, the dumbest farmers got the biggest taters. Never heard anyone complain ’bout my taters, darlin’.”

William, Victoria and Vivienne all cringed, as did Max, making Jack laugh harder.

Aria Grace laughed. “I should have you thrown into the dungeons for such audacity. And just in case the word is too big for you, it means you’re being naughty.”

“Oh AG, naughty is mah middle name and I ain’t got to be Einstein to know ya ain’t got no dungeons. Know how I figured that? Cos if ya did, I’d’ve been rottin’ down there for the past 15-some years now.”