KNEEL BEFORE THE CROWN (BL)

The sound of the waves sounded so fierce, hard coral with strong support when hitting the shore. That morning the air was no different from the previous days. Warm as usual. She saw the painting of the Princess that was displayed on the wall beautifully, the gold frame beautifying the painting. The graceful girl in her favorite green dress smiled sweetly.

Her eyes seemed to say that she had never been scratched by sadness about life. No matter how she looked, sincere kindness and good thoughts radiated from her face. The Princess's face looked so similar to her father, that it made Ingerid's sadness peak.

The King had not come home since yesterday. Gone with his new concubine who knows where. Maybe on their honeymoon together, who knows. Ingerid was sick of having to imagine it. A marriage that was forced to go through just because of a child would not work. Her happy years had passed and been forgotten.

She saw a piece of paper with beautiful writing, saying that Carmellia would stay until the harvest festival in Wilhelmia was over. And that was three days ago, Ingerid missed her daughter very much. But it would be better if Carmellia stayed there. Her own situation was not good, the conflict with her husband only made the situation worse.

Ingerid arranged the pile of messy papers on her desk. She felt so tangled, if she asked for a divorce from her husband. Would it happen to Carmellia. The official heir to the Grissham throne was Carmellia.

But if in the end Anderson had a child from that concubine, especially a boy. The situation would be incredibly chaotic. She was not willing if the throne was shifted. But she was not willing if she had to face her husband again.

The figure who was thirsty for love made her ugly. Disappointed to death when she found out that the man was no longer hers. Crying meant nothing to Ingerid anymore. The most important thing was Carmellia and how she could manage the Kingdom's affairs during her husband's absence.

"Mary, do you know where Anderson went?"

The maid was sewing a cloth, sitting on the sofa while accompanying the Queen. "I don't know Queen, I haven't heard any gossip from my colleagues."

The woman stood up, "Do you want me to find out?"

"No need."

"That insensitive girl really disgusts me! Why don't you just kick her out?" a young girl said angrily.

"Veira! Don't say such rude things."

"I can talk about that girl!"

"She's already the King's concubine anyway. If you say things like that, the King will be angry."

"So you're more afraid of the King than Her Majesty the Queen?"

Ingerid took a deep breath while laughing, "Enough, don't discuss things like that. You guys are so noisy."

"Your Majesty the Queen, don't be sad. We'll do anything to make you happy."

"I'm not sad, just thinking about how Carmellia will be in the future."

"By the way, when will the Princess return from Wilhelmia, Queen?"

"I think the harvest festival will last for seven days. So maybe in four or five days she'll be back."

"Viera feels that the Princess will find her love there. You know yourself, Wilhelmia is a military country, I can't imagine the bravery and handsomeness of the men there. Especially the soldiers of the Kingdom." She said while laughing.

Ingerid listened, a thin smile etched on her lips.

"But what if the Princess falls in love with King Wilhelmia? Isn't he still single? I heard that the King always rejects women's advances. Nobles too."

The two girls were very excited when talking about men. "Is it possible that the Princess will be proposed to and become Queen Wilhelmia? Her extraordinary beauty will definitely captivate the hearts of men. A King!"

"What if that happens, Your Majesty?"

"I don't mind, as long as the girl is happy." blank stare, looking at the blue sea full of docked ships. Their white sails fluttered beautifully in harmony with the color of the sky and ocean. Ingrid bit her, remembering her past full of revenge and hatred. So Carmellia might have to bear it.

She had no power in front of the King. Especially when she was a Queen. No one was able to oppose her absolute command. The people could kill, revolutionize members of the Kingdom at any time. Because of the man's tough attitude, there were rarely any people who cared for him.

Their loyalty was just a roof over their fear of Anderson.

Looking at the two innocent ladies, they looked so happy to be able to serve him. Not knowing who the woman really was. Her figure was like a deep black abyss, people had to be willing to sacrifice themselves to find out about the secret she had made together with the King.

*****

That day, Anthony came to meet the leader of Gwylion. Explaining in detail all the information he had obtained from Wilhelmia. Henry's gaze carefully looked at the small bottle with the blue liquid and smiled. He read the complete report about the poisonous flower that was said to be able to kill humans instantly.

"The situation in Wilhelmia is not so good, Your Majesty. News of the death of the nobles because of the flower spread from who knows who. So the government officials urged the King to do something. Even asking him to make a law that regulates black magic."

"They still think this is the work of a witch." Henry smiled bitterly. "He was put in a difficult position. His blindness to the enemy made the situation even more uncontrollable."

The two of them looked at each other, "Then are we going to continue this according to the original plan?"

"Yes, we will make a lot. You are very extraordinary Anthony, it didn't take long for you to get it. But do you think Adam knows about this?"

Anthony shook his head, "No. I only took some of the poison. The rest is still in the hands of the General. Because of the critical situation, I decided to return. No one will suspect anything. Especially because of your good relationship with him."

"Then give this to my advisor, let him duplicate it."

"Yes, Your Majesty. But, what about the festival? Should I go back, so that no one will suspect anything?"

"No need, it would be better for you to return to Wilhelmia after our plan is complete here. So that the execution can be carried out immediately. Adam will certainly be happy to receive this surprise."

*****

At the end of summer, coinciding with the death date of Adam's parents. Fourteen years ago, they died at the hands of a dark organization whose whereabouts are still unknown. People say that they have fallen, some say that they will rise again someday to destroy all of Wilhelmia's descendants. Of which there is currently only one left, Adam.

The man was the first to start this tradition, since the first year of his arrival in Wilhelmia as a young king. He visits his parents' grave every year. Located in one of the most sacred parts of the country. On a mountainside filled with sturdy stone statues that resemble their ancestors, that's where the graves of Wilhelmia's leaders are laid to rest. Only members of the royal family are allowed to set foot there.

Then he went to the Idrus River, which for centuries has supported the people of Wilhelmia. While carrying a stalk of carnations. Slowly drifting along with the flow of the water. The residents, on their own initiative, will light lamps or lanterns to illuminate their country that feels dark because of grief. The lanterns are also symbolized as a path of light so that the spirits of ancestors do not get lost.

Gradually the activity became a deep-rooted habit. Rivers are usually used to symbolize the power of nature. The source of the river is a spring from within the earth, depicting the beginning of life and its meeting with the sea symbolizes the end of life.

That night, after sunset. Adam will lead his people to the Idrus River - on a path flanked by vast green grasslands. After personally visiting his parents' graves on the mountain slopes. Some residents bring lanterns that function to light up, some will bring a stalk of flowers. Roses, lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums and many more.

That day the King brought a stalk of lotus flowers from the palace lake. Her pink crown bloomed perfectly. The Knight was present by his side who also brought a flower. All residents participated in the activity making the situation so lively. Their joy managed to dispel the sadness and loneliness in the King's heart.

"Weihtia, I once told you that the river symbolizes fertility and the passage of time. Isn't it beautiful, all the things we see everyday are so meaningful." Said the King in a whisper. Weithia's tall body made her have to bend down a little to hear Adam's words.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I remember it."

Adam decided to walk towards the Idrus River to be more at one with his people. Carmellia and her ladies also joined in. Making the guard tighter. The King glanced at the people behind him, chatting warmly with each other.

The sound of trickling water coming from the wooden mill indicated that their destination was near. He saw the bright starry sky. The night felt so light, while his feelings were like floating around the lanterns whose light brought warmth.

Summer songs did not always make him happy, but mourning someone at their grave made Adam feel happy. That day was so meaningful and emotional for him. He saw Weithia walking side by side with him. his face was so calm, not nervous as usual.

"Look at the horizon over there Weithia. Earlier the dusk fell into darkness. I read some poems before visiting my parents. Then said a prayer. Silently staring at their gravestones, while time crawls together."

"Are you okay?" Weithia asked no less quietly.

"This activity is like squeezing my heart. This lotus flower also seems to miss the moonlight that seems to be absent tonight."

Their feet stepped together on the small path, flanked by green grass that moved in the gentle breeze. Adam's hand stroked the lotus crown as if it were his lover.

They arrived in the middle of the river, with the calm gurgling of water. The yellow light of the lanterns became a reflection on the surface of the river.

"Tonight is like the nights before. May our love for our ancestors continue to flow eternally like this river." Adam turned around and gave words to his people.

His voice was calm and gentle, "Sometimes life truly begins when we have the knowledge of death. Reminding us that nothing is forever in this world. Where there is a beginning there must be an end. Like this river. With the help of all our lanterns, may the souls of our ancestors not get lost." The people listened to the King's words in silence, lining up along the riverbank.

"When we die, perhaps the thing we want most is to go back. To be with our loved ones and to finish our unfinished business. So let's not waste every day that God gives us all. By postponing something. Because no one can promise the future, don't expect too much from something."

"Therefore, live fully, live not for hopes and dreams. But live to realize those dreams and hopes."

"Water symbolizes life, birth and purity. The river is interpreted as an eternal symbol of life's challenges, the constancy of time and life itself. The meaning embedded in this commemoration is very deep. Our ancestors will always find their way home with those lanterns, passing through obstacles to their reincarnated life. The descendants of Wilhelmia."

"Tonight the lotus flower that I bring symbolizes rebirth, the same as the symbol of this Kingdom, the Phoenix. The lotus is born from muddy water, blooms, closes and repeats it again the next day. Blooming and closing symbolizes the dead who enter the underworld and return with a new reincarnation. Showing the purpose of the metaphysical soul."

Adam placed the flower on the surface of the river, carrying it slowly downstream. All the people followed the King's steps. The flowers fell on the surface of the river symbolizing the souls of the ancestors who were allowed to leave with the guidance of the flowing light and water.

The event was closed with prayers chanted by religious leaders. The clear sky made the people ready for a lively celebration in the Tropes square. The group walked back from the Idrus river and towards the city center.

"You seem familiar with His Majesty, Weithia." Trevor approached the young man quietly.

"I'm just trying to be someone His Majesty likes, General."

Beside him Ackerley smiled. "I think you're making very good progress. Trevor, when you wanted to be sentenced by His Majesty for that case. Weithia was the one who saved you." He said jokingly.

"Really? How could that be?"

"I'm just saying that you couldn't possibly betray His Majesty. Nothing more." He said softly - half a whisper. "Can we not talk about this now? His Majesty will definitely hear it. We're walking right behind him."

"I think if I'm in trouble, maybe you can help me Weithia. With your magic power it can soften His Majesty's heart. I am truly impressed." The man joked – his smile was mischievous.

Weithia smiled.

Adam joined in the conversation, "Stop teasing him, Trevor."

"Excuse me, Your Majesty."

Trevor followed the King's steps, "Please forgive me for the incident in the past, Your Majesty. Once again, I failed to fulfill my duty."

"Never mind, let's not talk about it at a time like this. Just enjoy the festival in the city. I will return to the palace. Tell Weithia to accompany the Princess. The girl seems want to leave." Adam rubbed his forehead.

"Are you okay?" Trevor was worried. "I will escort you then."

"My head often gets dizzy all of a sudden. Call the Royal Doctor. But Weithia does not need to know."

The General looked at the King – his forehead was sweaty, whether it was because of the journey or his headache, he was not sure. The man asked for two horses from the escorting soldiers. The group had arrived at the entrance of Tropes, the people were invited to enter the city first, while Trevor helped the King mount his horse.

Weithia with a confused expression approached Adam while holding the reins of the man's horse, making sure that the King was okay.

"Weithia, you can accompany the Princess to the festival in the city. His Majesty will return home with me and Ackerley."

Weithia clearly disagreed, "What happened to you? Why did you return home? Didn't you say you wanted to see the festival together?"

Adam without answering spurred his horse, not turning back at the young man. Trevor and Ackerley followed behind him. Along with several soldiers who were guarding.

The man spurred his horse so fast, entering the palace courtyard. The general and his advisors were confused, when they arrived at the entrance. Several servants greeted him at the palace door.

Suddenly Adam's head felt very heavy, his vision was blurry and his stomach was so nauseous. His knees suddenly became weak making him unable to support himself properly. The servants screamed when suddenly the King fell in front of them, from his mouth came the vomit from the man's dinner.

His face looked so pale and his fingers felt as cold as ice. Panic took over the situation at that time, the servants ran to call the Royal doctor. Some prepared the King's bed, while others cleaned Adam's vomit.

Trevor swiftly carried the man, while running with him into the room. He took off the thick fur robe and the buttons on his neck to make it easier for the King to breathe. Ackerley could feel Adam's body shivering.

"What happened!? How could His Majesty be so sick?"

"His reaction was so fast, did he get food poisoning?"

Ackerley shook his head, "No way, we ate the same food as him earlier."

The King's body was covered with a thick cloth to keep himself warm. Along with an old man who entered hurriedly, carrying a large bag in his hand. Panic was clearly visible in his eyes.

"What happened to Your Majesty!?" his hand immediately checked Adam's pulse – it felt weak.

"We don't know at all, Sir. A few minutes ago, Your Majesty was still giving a speech on the banks of the Idrus River. On the way home, he said that his head was dizzy. So we went straight to the palace."

"At the entrance, Your Majesty suddenly vomited. And was unconscious."

The doctor began to examine Adam's eyes and mouth. There was nothing strange. It was just that he had a high fever. The man's eyebrows furrowed, "Your Majesty's body temperature is indeed hot and shivering, which is a symptom of a fever. But it's impossible to come so quickly in just a matter of minutes."