“...And in the wake of recent events, we must now consider potential candidates for king--” “‘Recent events’? No need to sugarcoat it, Hubert, surely we are all tough enough to handle the news of King Mildred’s death…” An outspoken noble called out. “‘Potential candidates’? Surely, there is no other option except for Prince Bartholomew Theodore Bertram Kronin IV--” a greater baron pointed out. “Well… everyone knows about the rumours,” a lesser noble interrupted, only to be immediately shushed by his peers. Though these rumours he spoke of had been circulating the castle for 17 years, it was frowned upon to bring it up in public, especially in front of individuals well associated with the ruling royal family.
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Intrigued, Agnes looked closer. It seemed to be moving. “Is that... A snake?” The kingdom’s coat of arms flashed in Agnes’ mind. A serpent coiled around a crown. “Yes, why?” “Wait,” Agnes’ eyes opened wide, “Your parents died in the Great Battle 17 years ago. You have a pet snake. And your name is Hugh-- which could be short for Humphrey Ulfrid Garfield Hillingham!” she bounced up and down excitedly, energized for the first time in hours. “Humphrey Ulfrid Garfield Hillingham?” Hugh repeated reproachfully. “Well, Humphrey Ulfrid Garfield Hillingham the first, to be exact,” Agnes rolled her eyes. “And don’t sound so disgusted. The name you’re going by is Hugh.” About a week later, Agnes and Hugh had all but confirmed that Hugh was the true crown prince of Hillingham and compared Hugh’s face to a painted portrait of some of the Hillingham ancestors. Now, all they needed to do was to prove it to the kingdom to prevent Bartholomew from taking the throne. So they gathered their facts, planned their big speech, and tried to avoid suspicion. Unfortunately, Agnes’ father, the king’s head advisor, did not approve of Agnes associating herself with a peasant …show more content…
“The betrothal is a done deal, Agnes. And it will be final… the day after the coronation. Do this for your family.” And on that note, Agnes’ father swept out of the room with a harsh glance at Hugh, who was seated in the corner with his snake in the pocket of his peasant clothes watching
Intrigued, Agnes looked closer. It seemed to be moving. “Is that... A snake?” The kingdom’s coat of arms flashed in Agnes’ mind. A serpent coiled around a crown. “Yes, why?” “Wait,” Agnes’ eyes opened wide, “Your parents died in the Great Battle 17 years ago. You have a pet snake. And your name is Hugh-- which could be short for Humphrey Ulfrid Garfield Hillingham!” she bounced up and down excitedly, energized for the first time in hours. “Humphrey Ulfrid Garfield Hillingham?” Hugh repeated reproachfully. “Well, Humphrey Ulfrid Garfield Hillingham the first, to be exact,” Agnes rolled her eyes. “And don’t sound so disgusted. The name you’re going by is Hugh.” About a week later, Agnes and Hugh had all but confirmed that Hugh was the true crown prince of Hillingham and compared Hugh’s face to a painted portrait of some of the Hillingham ancestors. Now, all they needed to do was to prove it to the kingdom to prevent Bartholomew from taking the throne. So they gathered their facts, planned their big speech, and tried to avoid suspicion. Unfortunately, Agnes’ father, the king’s head advisor, did not approve of Agnes associating herself with a peasant …show more content…
“The betrothal is a done deal, Agnes. And it will be final… the day after the coronation. Do this for your family.” And on that note, Agnes’ father swept out of the room with a harsh glance at Hugh, who was seated in the corner with his snake in the pocket of his peasant clothes watching