"MY BOY!" King Arthur slapped Snow's shoulder as he sat back down in his chair. A heartfelt smile was wide across the king's face. "Not bad for your old man, wasn't it?" He bellowed.
"Positively riveting," Snow said, hardly giving his father so much as a glance. His gaze remained down cast at his plate.
Arthur's attention was quick to notice the distress weighing down on Snow, and he leaned close. "I would have thought the prince would be the most joyful person in the room before his wedding. Why the sour face? Was my speech not suitable enough for you?" He jested and teased all the while grinning at his son. His eyes briefly glanced past Snow to the queen Ophelia. She smiled at him and nodded her head.
"Paribanu? Oh Princess?" She called out across the table as she stood up. Ophelia marched towards Paribanu who was making her way to the dance floor. "I do believe you owe me a lesson in Nayzarian dance. Is now a good time? Don't be shy, dear. I must insist!"
Their conversation faded with them into the crowd as the music changed.
With a little more privacy, Arthur turned his attention back to his son. His tone of voice softened, as did his eyes. "Come now, tell your old man if anything weighs on you."
Snow was quick to put on a staged smile for his father before he looked over at him. Yet, he knew there was no use. Keeping any secret would only be possible for a matter of seconds, at least from his father! His smile just as quickly dropped. Eyes averted back to the table in front of him with his head still slightly tilted in the King's direction. "Father…" his voice was quiet and nervous.
Despite Snow's fidgeting and indecisive mannerisms, Arthur's face remained sincere and soft until Snow straightened himself up and leaned over in his father's direction. A quiet, but reassuring breath was had before he felt he could look up at him once more. "Is this really what will be best for the people?"
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? I thought you wanted to be a king!"
"No, that's not it. I do, but it's just… Am I truly the right person? I mean, are you sure the people will listen to someone they didn't ask to be their leader?"
"Ohhhh?" His tone was almost sarcastic, knowing full well where the real concern was. It wasn't hard for him to see the guilt or the fear in his son's face, or the way he was trying to control his body language. "And why wouldn't they want a leader such as yourself?" he asked, sounding near oblivious.
"Father, I know you are not unaware of what others say." There was little patience in Snow's voice now. "It is already in the minds of the people that I lack the authority to command an entire kingdom for a continuous thriving age as you have. And...well, the obvious concerns."
And there it was, just as Arthur had predicted. He laughed. "Snow, my son, legend tells of a ruler beyond the northern mountains who dared to conquer the whole world. He never succeeded, but as the legend goes he was beloved by all, even in nations he overthrew! You see, though a great tactician and war general, he was also a man of mercy to the people he took control over. He allowed them to continue their lives and spared those who bowed to him. The people adored him, openly gave their riches and power over to him. He was a man every bit as kind as he was ambitious in his march for world conquest!" He paused to gaze upon and study his son's reaction. "You see, my boy...kindness and mercy are only weaknesses to those who have never known love. Love is strength. All you have to do is use it as such. Just as I have… And just as your mother did."
Snow was slow, hesitant even to respond. Yet he looked up at his father in silence as if waiting for further word. When he got none, Snow nodded.
Arthur patted his son's back once more.
"I rule with authority because that is what our nation has needed. Now it is your turn to lead with kindness and understanding. Being soft does not mean one such as yourself is weak. It means you dare to let your true self shine, no matter what others have to say about you. That is real strength; one that even I sometimes do not possess! Do not believe what others say only because you do not fit the mold of what they think a king should look or act like. You shall be a king the people will be proud of, just as you've been a son that I am proud of. And you'll have myself and Sultan Huran to guide you whenever you need."
Snow nodded again, only this time his lips showed a shy smile. "I suppose you're right, father," he said as he straightened up once again and panned over the crowd from his place at the table. Eyes fell on Paribanu demonstrating vigorous hip motions for Ophelia and other Stone Roll court members to mimic. Then he caught sight of Ali, already looking half spent and ready to retire for the evening. Snow couldn't help but chuckle in his direction, eyes meeting for a split moment. It may not have been the arrangement many had expected, but it was the one that their fathers had agreed to. And that was a blessing Snow could be thankful for every day for the rest of his life.
In another world, Snow could imagine how that fateful winter night could have gone - how it could have ended with him abandoning his kingdom, his only family, and fleeing to the unknown. The world had been kind to him, and it was for that very reason he showed kindness before he had ever chosen brashness or violence. Maybe his father was right. Kindness and love was a strength. He just had to use it as such.
"Yeah...you're right," he repeated.
"We're all here, rooting for you, Snow. Your mother would be so proud if she could see you now. There is nothing to fear in the coming days. Any worry will be expunged, as a rightful and just ruler will ascend to the throne. It will be a new dawn for everyone!"
Snow grabbed his wine glass and threw it back, downing the rest in a large, long gulp. He gasped, feeling the alcohol twist and burn his throat as it went down. "I'll make this country proud," he said while trying to hold back a fit of coughs..
The night was carried out in joy and celebration.