I killed my brother for the throne

Writing prompt: You knew there was only one way for you to inherit the throne. Years later, you meet your brother — the one you sacrificed.

There was only one way for me to take the throne from my older brother. I knew it and he knew it and on that night, I could see it in his eyes that he was accepting his fate.

It had to be done I kept repeating to myself as I started cleaning up the blood that had spilled on the floor and carpet. I hated to do it but it was for the good of the kingdom and with this act, my taking of the throne was guaranteed.

I had qualms about doing it of course. Who wouldn’t. Well a psychopath of course but I didn’t do it for me, I did it for the good of the kingdom.

And for 15 years I ruled over the kingdom and we had more good years than bad. Very few wars considering, and we did win them, even though we never started them. I believed that I ruled the kingdom very well considering how I took the throne.

And then on that stormy night, I had a visitor. My brother came back from the dead and stood in the dark corner of my office and I didn’t notice him standing there until I sat down at my desk.

“What the hell are you doing here? I thought I killed you. Why do you appear here after all this time brother?”

His voice was raspy and I could barely hear him as he spoke. “I had to come after all this time. I watched you rule in my stead and make mistakes and I knew I would eventually come back to see you brother.”

I stood up and approached the corner where he stood in the shadows. “Bloody hell.” I said, what’s happened to your voice? Did you injure it or something because last time I got a report, you were perfectly fine and your family were doing great.”

He coughed a bit. “Sorry I think I caught a cold. It’s playing havoc with my speech. I could do with a cup of lemon tea if you could get a maid to bring some. I don’t think anyone will know who am now.”

“Sure, sure. Just let me ask one of the maid to do just that. By god it’s good to see you brother.”

At this I hurried to the door to ask a passing maid to bring a pot of lemon tea and some biscuits for a late night snack. I turned back and gave my brother a hug of welcome and love.

“I never really thought it would work when you first came to me with your plan. There was just so much that could go wrong and if anyone on the council had really decided to investigate they would have seen right through it. They accepted your death and confirmed my ascension to the throne but I think they all knew and thought it was for the best. You really didn’t want it did you?”

“No. I just didn’t feel like I was worthy of being king and I would have made more mistakes than you have. I feel like it has been for the best. How have you been brother? I know what the papers say but they are just out to make money and never tell the real truth.”

“I have been fine. It was a hard time at first but I think I grew into it. I know I made mistakes but they weren’t major ones. And when I met Sarah, she was a bastion of support when I really felt low over how I got here. How is Patricia and the kids?”

“They are going good. She knows everything and I am waiting for a few more years to tell the kids all about it. Hopefully your nieces will be able to visit soon.”

“Oh that will be good. And speaking of nieces, here is Sarah now and a couple of people who have been waiting a long time to meet you brother.” I had noticed the door opening and Sarah bringing in a cart with the tea service on it and a couple of tired looking young people following her.

At this he turned to look at the doorway and Sarah smiled upon seeing him. She gave him a curtsey and then rushed over to give him a hug full of love. “Philip. I am so very happy to see you. Brian has missed you so much and has always kept an eye on you but it is not the same as meeting you in person. But I have two people here who will be very happy to meet their uncle as well. Sally, Jeremy, this is your father’s brother, your uncle. He gave up the throne 15 years ago and let your father take it. He went into hiding and has now come back to visit. And I hope you will bring the family next time, you hear!”

As he was released from her hug, Philip said “Yes Sarah. I will be bringing Meredith, Holly and Jane next time I come visit. They will be glad to meet you all.”

My children were a bit anxious about meeting a stranger but once they understood who he was, they gave him hugs of joy at meeting an uncle they hadn’t met.”

I felt a few tears dripping from my eyes as I looked on at my long ‘dead’ brother meeting his niece and nephew.

It was bittersweet knowing how many years had been lost for us, but he had come back and that’s all that mattered now. The future will be fine.

===End===