Ghis (closed)

[KieranSoares]

"No, love," he chuckled bitterly. "My heart is failing, and so is my mind... I almost couldn't remember my own mother this morning." He seemed to have made at least a bit of peace with his demise. "But if I could... I would've made you my queen. I... I asked Ma to bring you back for another reason. I wanted to talk with you about your future and the baby's... I wanted to know if you wanted the baby to be my heir. If I give the power to name an heir to my mother with specific instructions, you could be the mother of a future king or queen. But... It's your choice."

 

[heartofcourage]

Kayla was quiet for a long moment as he made the statement that he wasn't going to get better. She felt her heart break with the idea that he wouldn't be around in a short time. He was the love of her life and he was going to slip through her fingers before they had even begun.

"That is a lot of responsibility on one child's shoulders, Gale." She said softly, one hand moving to press lightly over her belly. "While I think you deserve an heir that can take over your throne and do your legacy proud, I think it would be best to raise it in Inverness. Away from the court. Where it can have a chance at a good life."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I agree." Gale nodded. "I've got no say. It's your choice. In that case... I need your help." He took both her hands. "I need someone I can trust to take over. Ma doesn't need this again... She needs peace. I... I was honestly thinking of asking one of Brogan's children, but I've heard neither Annie nor Ciaran want even Inverness. I... I was going to talk with Kate and her werewolf, Kell. They're fine knights and I wish I'd been able to knight them myself..."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Kate would make a fiery queen and Kell would be the one to balance her out with sage wisdom." Kayla said softly as Gale held both her hands. "She would do you proud."

The silence passed between them for a long moment as she stared into his handsome eyes. "I wish we had 50 years to discuss this though. I don't know what I'm going to do without you. What am I going to tell our child? What am I going to name it? You have no idea how much I need you to stay here for me, Gale."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I know you do... And I'll be damned if I'm not trying as hard as I can. I still need you too... You're the only person I've ever trusted so much for advice and support... Now it's my turn and I'm failing miserably. But... I want to spend all the time I can with you, before my mind goes and I forget. I... I'm terrified of forgetting. I don't want to lose those memories... That night..." He drew her in closer with what remained of his strength. "But before I can enjoy myself... I have to tend to Scotland one last time." He pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. "Help me, Kay... Just one more time. I need to get dressed and get out there and show them that their king is still strong and the monarchy will stay strong even if he falls." He sat up slowly this time, finally letting go her hand to rise from his bed. He was shaky to say the least, but he held firm as he stepped toward his wardrobe. He'd always put Scotland first and that was why his people loved him. Even if he was dying, he would still take care of them.

 

[heartofcourage]

"I'll be with you every step of the way, love." Kayla said softly as he kissed her and insisted on getting out of bed to dress and show his people that he was still alive.

She followed him, helping him into a fresh tunic and coat, followed by his kilt which was almost too big for him. She made him sit as she brushed his hair into a presentable style, tying it back from his face with a piece of his tartan. Then she gently helped him to shave the bearded stubble from his face until he looked like his old self.

"My handsome king." She murmured softly, bending to kiss him gently before she took his hand and helped him to stand, supporting him as they walked out of his room.

 

[KieranSoares]

As they stepped out, Marianne was immediately up to stop her son. "Gale, what-"

"Ma, it's alright. I need you to send word out to the city. I'm making an announcement."

"But son..."

"Please, Ma. Just one last time. Finally, Marianne gave in and within twenty minutes, people were crowded into the castle grounds to listen. Gale stepped out alone on his balcony, looking strong and composed as ever and the people cheered to see their king. Many thought he was getting better, but most noticed how pale he was. His voice was powerful, more so than his father had ever been, as he addressed his people. He told them plainly of his illness and his plans to set an heir in line to take over after his death should it come too soon. He proclaimed that outside of his wishes, his mother would be in power in his stead with the advice of the House of Ghis until he passed and his crown was handed down. He told them that he wished he could've had the time to raise a proper heir for Scotland to be proud of, but he had a fair selection of dear friends from the north to consider whom Scotland honored and loved. Many thought he was talking about the Ghis or Dunland families, or even his cousins in Aberdeen. He gave no names, but left them all with a kind farewell and a promise that Scotland was in fine hands, and her allies would help care for her.

When he returned after the tearful cheers and farewells of his people, he had to sit down as his legs had begun to give way. After a short rest, he took Kayla's hand and looked to those who'd come from Inverness to see him. "Thank you all for coming... It's good to know that, if all else fails, Scotland has her dearest children of the highlands to support her. But Brogan, I need to speak with you and Julia. Lady Katherine and Sir Kell, both of you too." He rose with Brogan's help and he took the four and Kayla to the small private library.

He nearly collapsed by the time they'd climbed the stairs, at which point Kell and Brogan took his arms over their shoulders and practically carried him to the chair beside the hearth. Kell moved a chair beside Gale for Kayla.

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia and Kate followed behind the men as they helped Gale to get settled in a chair before Kayla settled at his side and took his hand. Julia directed Kate to take a set next to her father while she sat next to Kell, wondering just what the king wanted to talk to the both of them about.

"Your highness, perhaps we should wait to have this conversation when you've rested." Julia said softly as Kayla shook her head.

She knew that when Gale went to bed again this time, it would be for the last time.

 

[KieranSoares]

As Gale settled and got control of his ragged breathing that told them of just how badly destroyed his lungs were, he looked to Julia. He knew just as well as Kayla did, "I'm afraid if I risked that, milady, I'd never get a chance to speak to you all again." His eyes turned to Kell. "Sir Kell... there's a desk in the corner behind me with parchment and quills..." Kell rose to retrieve the implements, returning to lay them on a small end table that he could use to write on. "I ask that you all bear witness to my final wishes, and see them carried out... You're my most trusted allies in this world, Brogan, Julia... and Kate, you and Kell are the pride of my knights, having proven yourselves rather than bought your titles... And Kayla..." He looked to his love. "There's no one I trust more than you."

He looked back to Kell, who had the ink and quill ready to write, and he wrote just as Gale spoke, "I... Gale Cross of Edinburgh, son of Brian, King of Scotland, hereby appoint Grand Duchess Marianne, my mother, as regent in my stead until a worthy heir should arise, by her leave, to take my throne..." He then paused to look to Julia, then to Brogan and then Kate. "Should it prove that no related, suitable heir can be found... I leave my throne to the care of the Ghis family of Inverness, and I offer my crown to Lady Katherine Valencia Ghis, Knight of Scotland, to be passed down through her bloodline if she so chooses to accept it when she comes of the age of eighteen."

Brogan's eyes suddenly grew wide, as did Kell's, and both looked to Kate.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate sat there in stunned silence. She couldn't even look at her father or mother as Gale pronounced that should no other heir be found, she would be the high queen of Scotland. Her? She was absolutely stunned as her cousin sat silently and calmly next to the king.

"I...I'm not quiet sure what to say." Kate said softly and slowly, her heart thudding loudly in her chest. "Are you sure about that?"

"Kate, Gale and I have discussed a lot in our short time together. It's a dangerous world out there and to protect my child until it reaches 18 is more than I can bare to think about. Gale and I have decided that our child will be raised in Inverness, far away from the court and far away from those that might seek to harm him or her. It deserves a chance at a good life without the trappings of royalty." Kayla said softly as Julia gently reached over and took her daughter's hand.

"Kitten, you have a year and half to think about your decision. Marianne is a capable ruler who will steer Scotland just fine until then." Julia said softly, squeezing Kate's slender hand as she thought over everything that has just happened.

"Da?" Kate asked softly, looking over at her still stunned father.

 

[KieranSoares]

Brogan was silent for a long moment, trying to find the words, and Gale added softly, "I wouldn't ask if I didn't think you were the most capable candidate with the best support, Kate... And Kell, I'd like you to take up a position in the court too, as Lord Protector. I've looked at the way Queen Kayla and Lord Christopher run things in Norway... and it's a fine idea and I think you two would be perfect for it."

"I... I thought I was ready fer my daughter t'become a queen one day... but I never imagined she'd be offered th'chance t'be High Queen," Brogan murmured. "... And it's not my choice whether she can 'r not." He looked to Kate then. "Yer a knight, love, and when yer eighteen, ye'll be a completely independent woman. It's your choice. Whatever ya decide... I'll be right behind ya. Th'whole clan will."

 

[heartofcourage]

Even though Kate had grown so much during the war, she was still a frightened little girl at heart. Her father knew that. Kell knew that. The rest of the world might not have seen that, but knowing that her father would be there every single step of the way made her feel like she could take on the world.

"Then I will accept." She said softly as she watched Kell finish writing and the paper was turned over to Gale to sign.

 

[KieranSoares]

Gale leaned forward to take the quill, and his hand shook terribly as he signed his name. Kell took his seal ring and retrieved wax and a candle so the proper seal of Gale's crown could be placed. Once it was all done and the wax was left to dry, Gale sat back and took a shaky, painful breath. "Now... as for the more personal business..." he looked to Brogan and Julia. "See that my mother is looked after... I know she's tough and I know she's done this all before... but she's going to be the last alive of the Cross House... from now on, the ruling family will be the Ghis House... and I pray that Scotland keeps her most staunch defenders for the rest of her days... Edinburgh will ever be open to Inverness and her allies. And hopefully, the clans will come together to keep her and her coming Queen safe."

He stood with Kayla's help, and Brogan and Kell stood with Julia and Kate. Gale stepped forward to embrace Brogan and Julia, having always seen them as an aunt and uncle, and then he met Kate with a strong and faithful expression as he told her, "Kate... you're facing one of the hardest challenges of your life. Thrones have always belonged to men and boys, and they've yet to open their eyes to the determination and quality of determined, powerful women like those in both our families. Show them the fire of the Ghis." He took her hands in both of his and with a very serious, determined gaze, he met her eyes and said clearly, "Leaders, Kings, and Queens can fall... but I have a feeling that you, just like Scotland herself, cannot fall. Take care of her, and she will see you to the end of days even through war and fire."

He kept her hand in one of his own, and reached out to lay the other hand on Kell's shoulder. "The same goes for you, Kell. If you come to decide to join Kate's side, you must protect her and your country with everything you have. Do not let either of them buckle or break, and you never will either."

Kell's nod was resolute and quick, never questioning that his duty was to defend Kate. Gale drew them each into an embrace and with Kayla at his side and Kell supporting him, they made it back down to the great hall where Marianne looked instantly relieved to see him still breathing. He sat down and Kell laid the parchment with his wishes beside him. In the hall had gathered officials, noblemen, and advisors, some with their wives and children. Gale passed the parchment to his head advisor, and the man recited its contents to the court. All eyes came to rest on Kate and murmurs of worry or disapproval flooded the hall until Gale stood again and everyone held their breath as he steadied himself.

"As my wishes decree..." He began slowly, "The Ghis family shall care for my throne alongside my mother when she requires their help. When Lady Katherine of Inverness comes of age, my throne shall then belong to the Ghis house permanently, to be passed down and tended to by their own discretion. Are there any objections?"

One nobleman then spoke up, "But sire... she's a woman."

"That she is, Lord Halifax," Gale spoke quite calmly. "You are quite observant."

"Scotland needs a king, milord," he told his monarch with some trepidation.

"And it may have one, should her future husband choose to be king, but Lady Katherine shall hold absolute authority and her husband will answer to her. And I expect that she shall not be questioned solely upon her gender, because it doesn't matter at all. If you need proof, look to Norway. Have I made myself clear?"

Soft murmurs of 'yes, sire' filled the hall, and most of the noblemen seemed quite glad about the idea as the Ghis were well-liked across Scotland. After Gale dismissed them all and things fell quiet, he looked to his guests with clear exhaustion. "I'm afraid I've worn myself out, my friends..." As one of his guards came to support him when his knees began to buckle, he looked to Kayla. "Would you... come with me?" He reached out for her hand, but before they went to his room, he turned back to Kate and drew the famed medallion of the Scottish monarchy, the Scotland Coat of Arms, from his neck. It had been worn by kings and queens of Scotland since the days of the Celtic peoples hundreds of years before.

"Do not let her fall," Gale half-whispered to Kate as he pressed the worn amulet into her hands. "Do not let Scotland fall." With that, he pressed a kiss to her forehead like the loving cousin he'd always been to her, and he was guided away by his guards and Kayla to his chambers. Brogan wrapped an arm around Kate while Kell quietly took her free hand, both men showing their constant support.

 

[heartofcourage]

"I promise that I will do my best, your highness." Kate said as she took the amulet in her hand, watching as he moved slowly with Kayla at his side.

She was sad that Gale was dying and she was upset that her cousin would be losing something so special to her, but she was still stunned that he was trusting her with the entire kingdom. She let out a sigh as her father drew her against his side, her head finding a spot on his shoulder as Kell took her free hand to lend her support.

"I guess we have a lot to talk about." Kate said softly as Julia glanced towards her daughter and husband. "I mean, I wasn't expecting this to happen."

 

[KieranSoares]

"No one was... I never realized 'ow much 'e trusted you." Brogan glanced down to Kate. "But 'e couldn' 'ave chosen better. You two 'ave a lot of time t'get ready, but it'll still be tough."


Gale was finally settled into his bed, Kayla beside him as the guards left them, and he took a deep, shaky breath like he just couldn't get enough air. He looked then to Kayla with clear pain in his eyes. "I'm sorry for all of this... If it weren't for this damned sickness... I would've been honored to have you as my wife if you would've had me... Mother will be checking on you every so often... She always wanted to be a grandmother..."

 

[heartofcourage]

"There are some things in life that we can't help or change, Gale." Kayla said softly as she rested her head against his shoulder, looking into his eyes as they shared some of their final intimate moments together. "I wish we could have decades more. I won't lie and say that life will be easy without you here, but I know you'll always be there for me."

"And I'll make sure that your Ma gets all the time with our child that she could ever want. I want her to be a part of our lives." She was quiet after that for a long time, listening to his deep and rattling breaths as he slowly started to calm down.

"You know, being a queen is never what mattered to me. Being your wife would have been one of my greatest accomplishments. I think I've loved you since I was ten years old and you teased me about my braids. You've given me some of my most beautiful and cherished memories, Gale." She so badly wanted to be strong for him, but she couldn't help the tears that started. "And I know you might forget. I know that you're scared. And I'm not going anywhere until I know that you are safe and at rest."

 

[KieranSoares]

"You've always been so good to me... And I can't tell you just how much light you brought to my life." Gale pressed a soft kiss to her forehead and gave her a soft but strong and peaceful smile. "I love you, Kayla..." His breath began to come almost stutteringly, and he closed his eyes as he felt sudden fear set in. But he faced it with steely resolve that he would not be a coward afraid of death. Slowly but surely, Kayla felt him relax until his last breath faded.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kayla wasn't ready for that moment. She wasn't ready to let him go, but she watched as the man that loved so deeply relaxed and took his last breath. Then she was alone in a new and frightening world. She needed to tell someone that the king was dead, but she found herself unable to move. She needed time with him and time to cry in peace for her greatest love.

When she did finally emerge, the guards knew what had happened. She didn't have to say anything as one entered the room and the other went to inform Queen Marianne that her son was gone. Kayla sat there on the padded bench outside Gale's rooms as people moved in and out at a quick pace. She couldn't be in there with him but she couldn't go far away. She didn't even notice when Boar sat down beside her and wrapped his great arm around her shoulders, pulling her in tightly.

"I promised I'd stay close until the end." Kayla said softly. "And I don't want him to be afraid, Da."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I know, sweet'eart..." Boar sighed and kissed her forehead. "But what matters most is tha' he was happy an' comfortable an' 'e went without any worries 'r regrets thanks t'your help... He was so happy t'see you... 'e looked at you th'way I look at yer Ma..." He felt a lancing pain in his chest at the realization that his little girl had lost the man whom she loved and that loved her back, something that was hard to find in their time among all the marriages that were arranged or in which the husband and wife simply settled for one another rather than seeking love.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Don't say was, Da." Kayla whispered softly, looking up at her father as he looked down at her with such pain. "He's still here and he always will be. I have hope that I will find a love like his again."

When the baby came, she would have a part of Gale that she could hold and love. That child would never know a day of sadness in its life. She made that promise to herself and to the man that she had loved so much.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Y'will. I know it," Boar pressed a kiss to her forehead.

The Ghis were present for the King's funeral several days later, and for the announcement of the King's final wishes which left Scotland and her allies aflutter with wonder and surprise that Gale had appointed Kate his successor rather than Ciaran or a cousin or close noble. No one had expected a young woman, but many common people seemed more than willing to await her coming of age and to give her a chance because they trusted in Brogan and Julia that they'd raised they daughter to be a true Ghis, and if there was anything the Ghis were known for, it was solid and stable rule with mercy and steadfast defense.

When they all finally returned home, plans were made for the respective couples in the family to go off here and there to enjoy a vacation. In their absence, Brogan was leaving Inverness to Kate officially, but she'd have her Uncles, Aunts, Kell, and several advisors to help her. It'd be her first chance to take the reins without Brogan there directing her, and for the first time in his life, Brogan found it fairly easy to leave Inverness without any worries.

 

[heartofcourage]

While the family was still in mourning from Gale, Julia was over the moon to be taking her first real trip with Brogan. She felt like they were going on the honeymoon that they had never had, even if they would be taking Heather and Ashelin with them. She had them packed in record time, a beaming smile on her face as he entered their rooms the night before their departure.

"Oh, love. I can't tell you how happy I am right now." Julia said as she came to embrace him tightly, a happy sigh on her lips. "I've wanted to go away with you for almost 20 years now."

 

[KieranSoares]

Brogan's arms wrapped around Julia's waist as she came to him, and he grinned down at the beautiful and radiant smile on her face. He'd been doing some asking around about Julia knew not what that day, and he came to her with news that would sweeten the occasion even more. "I know y'have, love, an' I'm sorry it took so long. But I was talkin' with Ma an' Kreston... Kreston says 'e an' Selena could take Ashelin an' Heather fer us an' look after 'em with Ma an' Vincenzo. They can make it without us fer a couple weeks, an' we can be alone." Previously, it'd seemed no one could care for the girls, but Kreston and Selena had recently been very open about being able to look after their family's children. They were most likely missing their own children being small, and now that their grandchildren were getting older and more independent, they were sorely missing babies and toddlers.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Really?" Julia asked in complete surprise. "That's very nice of them, but I can't ask them to watch our babies for us. That's such a big job."

She thought about it for a moment and knew that Selena and Kreston would do an excellent job with their daughters. Their youngest was nearly grown and their grandchildren nowhere close to being babies. Perhaps it would be alright to leave them for a short amount of time...

"I don't know, love...I wasn't even away from Sam and Rho for more than three days when they were little. Two weeks is a long time..."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Ciaran'll be around too, and y'know how well they do with him. C'mon, y'need th'time away with nothin' t'worry about. Not t'mention we both need t'catch up on sleep at th'very least," Brogan offered her a warm and convincing smile, drawing her closer to press a kiss to her lips. "It'll be jus' you an' me fer th'first time since Ciaran was born..."