Chapter 385 - Like A Beating Heart (1/2)

”I will be a what?” Fergus couldn't believe what he had heard. ”But I wasn't going to — I thought because I didn't grow up to be a King — not that I wanted to be a King. I —”

”Fergus,” Wilma rested her hands on Fergus's shoulders calming him down. ”I know. I know that you weren't trained to be a King and you weren't even educated here in Titian. But I do think you will be a great King. Sending you away was a mistake.” For a moment, Fergus thought his mother's eyes glinted with water but she quickly pulled herself together. ”But since you have come here, you have proved yourself more than enough. Yes, you would need some training and time. You would get plenty of that. I am going to rule for at least more hundred years. I am just planning to announce your crowning at today's celebration. That's all.”

”Mama, that's not all. You can not —” Fergus blinked backing away from his mother. He didn't know how to take this.

”If it makes you feel better, Fergus,” Wilma said still smiling. ”I've offered Malgino a spot on my head council.”

Fergus looked at Malgino and he smiled.

”I was about to talk to you about it but the Queen told me she would talk to you herself, thus I kept quiet.”

Fergus frowned looking down. It didn't feel right to him that her mother made such a big decision and told his best friend first and not him. Not to mention, the ruling wasn't something Fergus intended to do, he would love to help but command others?

”I know you are confused, Gus, but trust me, I also think you would be a great King.” Malgino encouraged.

”Mama, can we not announce that today?” Fergus looked up and met his mother's surprised red eyes. ”I haven't decided what I want to do after the new school starts running smoothly. I want to see the world and travel or stay here, maybe. I don't know yet.”

”But Gus —” Malgino began looking displeased.

”However, if Mal wants to stay here in your head council, that is okay.” Fergus interrupted Malgino. The hurt was clear in his voice. ”It is completely up to you, Mal.”

After a long moment of silence, Wilma nodded.

”I will hold off this announcement for now. But if you changed your mind —”

”I will tell you.” Fergus agreed.

Wilma gave a small smile to her son and started to walk out. Halfway to the door she stopped and turned around.

”Even though you didn't accept my decision, Fergus, I would still like to take you to the Blood Temple tomorrow. If you want to go, of course.”

”Of course, Mama,” Fergus smiled.

”Do you really plan to travel the world without me?” Malgino said angrily.

”No, however, I don't want to be the King. I have spent a lot of my time watching my parents, Mal,” Fergus replied with a bitter smile on his face. ”They are good people, I know but I don't want to become like them. I would take their helping-others-thing, of course, but I don't want to ignore the people who are closed to me. I will neither send them away nor I will pretend they don't exist for their good. Maybe, I am being harsh on them, Mal. Maybe I am being harsh on you. But whatever you decide I will support you and I hope you can do the same.”

Fergus smiled at Malgino faintly and walked out.

*

The next evening, Wilma and Fergus rode their horses with a few Guardians to the South East Temple, the Blood Temple. Fergus listened to the same legend of the first lady vampire and the Crimson Crystal as Chris.