The Kingdom of Alicante, Queen Isabella's Royal Study, 1499
"Mother, why does Father have royal consorts?" The ten-year-old prince asked, curiosity shining in his eyes.
"Well, my dear, it's a tradition in our kingdom," Queen Isabella replied gently. "Royal consorts are meant to support the king and strengthen alliances with other countries."
The prince frowned, thinking deeply about the concept of alliances. "But do they love him like you do?" he questioned, feeling a mix of confusion and concern.
"Love can take many forms, my son," she explained, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "In our world, duty often comes before personal feelings."
The young prince nodded slowly, trying to comprehend the complex issues surrounding royal life.
The young prince then asks his mother, Isabella, "Why do some of the royal consorts become pregnant, Mother?"
"Some royal consorts may become pregnant to ensure the continuation of the royal line," she said gently. "It's a way to solidify their importance and strengthen ties with other nations."
The prince's brow furrowed as he absorbed this information. "But does that mean they don't really care for the king?" he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.
"Not necessarily," she replied, offering him a reassuring smile. "Sometimes, what seems like duty can also grow into affection over time."
Will pondered this, realizing that love in royal families could be complicated and multifaceted.
"Are you saying that Father loves those women and the children that they give birth to?" Ten-year-old Will asked, his eyes wide with confusion.
"Love can take many forms, even in the most unexpected places," she explained gently, kneeling to meet his gaze. "It might not be the same as the love we share as a family, but it can still be real in its own way. One day you will be doing the same thing, my son."
Will's brow furrowed as he processed her words. "I'll never be like Father," he declared, determination in his voice.
His mother smiled softly, sensing the weight of his resolve. "That's the beauty of it; you can create your own path and define love on your terms," she encouraged, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.
Will took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of her support envelop him. "I guess I just want to make sure I don't repeat his mistakes," he admitted, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face.
His mother nodded, her expression tender yet firm. "Learning from the past is important, but remember, you also have the power to forge a brighter future."
With a newfound determination, Will met her gaze, feeling a sense of clarity wash over him. "You're right," he said softly, "I need to focus on what I want and not let fear hold me back."
"You have my full support, my sweet prince." Says his mother with a loving tone.
King Ferguson's Royal Office, 1500
The royal steward entered the room with a respectful bow. "Your Majesty, Prince Will is here," he announced, his voice steady and firm.
King Ferguson looked up from his papers, a mix of curiosity and concern on his face. "Send him in," he replied, eager to tell his son about him being sent off to his Sanjak.
As the doors swung open, Prince Will stepped inside, his expression a blend of excitement and trepidation.
"Father, I've heard the news," he began, his voice barely concealing his anxiety about the upcoming journey.
King Ferguson nodded, his gaze steady as he gestured for Will to take a seat. "It's a great opportunity for you, my son," he said, hoping to instill confidence in the young prince as he prepared to embrace his new responsibilities.
"This journey will shape you in ways you cannot yet imagine," the king continued, his tone firm but encouraging. Will took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his father's words as he contemplated the challenges and adventures that lay ahead.
Will looked up at his father, curiosity in his eyes. "Will Mother Queen Isabella be coming with me?" he asked, wanting to share this decisive moment with her.
King Ferguson shook his head gently. "No, son, your mother will not be going with you," he replied, sensing Will's disappointment.
"But why not, Father?" Will pressed, his voice firm yet tinged with hope.
"There are responsibilities here that she must attend to, but she believes in you and will be proud of your journey," King Ferguson encouraged, placing a reassuring hand on Will's shoulder.
Will took a deep breath, trying to absorb his father's words. "I understand, but it feels overwhelming to go alone," he admitted, his resolve wavering.
King Ferguson nodded, his expression softening. "You carry her strength with you, and remember, you are never truly alone on this path."
With a newfound sense of determination, Will felt a flicker of hope igniting within him. "I will make her proud," he vowed, his voice steady as he contemplated the challenges ahead.
As he turned to leave, the weight of expectation settled on his shoulders, but he embraced it. Each step felt lighter, fueled by the promise of his father's unwavering support and the love that had shaped him.
Manisa Palace, Prince Will's Throne Room, 1509
Isabella looked at her son Will with a stern yet loving gaze. "You need heirs to the throne, my son," she said, emphasizing the importance of legacy.
Will says with immense anger and frustration, "I understand, Mother. But I refuse to sleep with random consorts in order to have heirs. If I'm going to have heirs, it's going to be with my wife. My only wife. I refuse to follow in my father's footsteps by sleeping with random consorts."
His mother sighed deeply, a mixture of disappointment and understanding in her eyes. "I know your heart is set on love, but the weight of the crown comes with sacrifices that may not align with your desires."
He paused, contemplating her words, knowing the path before him was fraught with challenges. "I understand that, but I believe a strong foundation built on love will lead to a better legacy than one forged through obligation."
His mother studied him for a moment, her expression softening as she recognized the fire in his conviction. "Perhaps," she replied, "but remember, love can be as unpredictable as the winds, and a king must be steady."
"I understand, Mother," Will said, his voice steady. "But I'm going to follow my heart, no matter my desires."
On the Road, 1509
"Are you okay, Will?" Rhaenys asked, her tone laced with concern.
He paused for a moment, reflecting on the weight of her question. "I'm fine," he replied, though uncertainty flickered in his eyes.
Before Rhaenys could ask more questions. Her father called out to them and said, "It's time to get going. If we want to make it to our destination on time, Ashara Estate before nightfall. We need to keep moving."
Will nodded, forcing a smile as he pushed aside his thoughts. With a deep breath, he turned to Rhaenys, determined to shake off the lingering doubts and focus on the journey ahead.
As they began to walk, the crisp air filled with the scent of pine invigorated him. Rhaenys matched his pace, her fascination increasing, but for now, they both understood the importance of pressing forward together.
They all got on their horses and continued their journey to Ashara Estate.