Accept Her

Luke

“I do mind,” he said. “Everyone is too worried about me. I feel okay. And you have a big decision to make. I want you to clear your head before you make it.”

I knew he was talking about taking over as king, but he didn’t say the words. Since returning this week, he hadn’t hounded me about it. Did he already know what I was going to do? He had always said I would make the right choice. Was this him allowing me to do so?

“I’ll still be here when you get back,” he said.

I swallowed. I didn’t know that for sure, but he was right that some business matters needed to be dealt with. I’d left England too quickly when I found out Father was sick. I had a lot to do while I was there. The sooner I left, the sooner I could return. “Okay.”

Father took my hand, and I held it between both of mine.

“I love you, son,” he said. “You know I only want what is best for you, right?”

“I know,” I said, kissing the back of his hand. “I know.”

***

I stayed with Father for a little while longer until enoug