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He didn’t reply because he knew I’d be annoyed if he reminded me again that we couldn’t be at war with the press. But I was sick and tired of always having to guard ourselves against them…never sure which article might cause the largest wound. Of all the things they had written, I hadn’t expected this one…and so it hurt a little worse.
The Morning Eagle
Tuesday, July 7th
“Iskandar Ruegg”
What do we know?
He is six foot even.
He will be turning 34 this August.
He is an only child….
After graduating first in his class at KUGA, he was assigned as one of several guards to Prince Arthur’s detail. Although, he was later reassigned to then Prince Galahad for unknown reasons. After the death of Prince Arthur, he became Prince Galahad’s number one guard and then was promoted to first guard of the king after the coronation.
Our source tells us his devotion to the king has been almost inhuman. Never out of reach, Sir Ruegg has given everything, even at the cost of past relationships…both male and female. We reached out to a former girlfriend…and boyfriend. But neither was available for comment. We also reached out to the palace for comment, but none has been given.
“I’ve always wondered what Rome would have been like had Julius Caesar survived his betrayal,” the prime minister said as he stirred his tea. “How many more years would the republic have lasted? What would he have said to Brutus?”
“I don’t think Caesar would have said much. Instead, he would have killed him in the worst way,” I replied.
I had hoped he wouldn’t blatantly bask in his victory in front of me. For the first fifteen minutes as we spoke on other national affairs, I truly believed he wouldn’t do it. But here we were, right as we were supposed to be wrapping up, having discussions of betrayed Roman emperors…clearly, his ego had elevated him higher.
“Caesar was a military genius and a clever politician, but a very bad judge of character,” he replied as he sipped.
What did he want me to say to this?
“Sir, I must admit. I, too, seem to share similar traits.”
Did he now? “You must forgive me, but when did you show this military expertise?”
“Oh, not that trait. I mean bad judge of character.”
“Really of whom? A member of your cabinet?” I asked.
“No, sir, you.”
“I beg your pardon?”
Placing his cup to the side, he shifted, uncrossing his legs before re-crossing them and giving me his full attention. “May I speak frankly?”
Wasn’t he already? “Please.”
“When I first met you, sir, you reminded me of a young tiger—in your face, simple, straightforward, slightly dangerous. I’ve always understood where you stand. I prefer it. It’s easier to counter it. Your brother, Prince Arthur, that was a different case altogether. When I first met him, I could not get a read on him at all. What he wanted. What he believed. What he would do. It was all a mystery to me. And I hate mysteries. As a citizen, I was sad to hear of his passing. As a prime minister…I dare say, that day, I became less nervous…because I knew, in the end, I would easily be able to lead this nation without much further thought to you and the monarchy.”
I felt my fist clench as this man all but told me he was glad my brother had died because I was much easier to beat.
“I was mistaken, sir. You are not a tiger at all. You are more like the weather. Thus, I must learn to adapt. If you shine, I will go about my day. If you rain, I shall grab an umbrella…and still go about my day.”
Rising from my hair, I outstretched my hand. “Thank you for your time, Prime Minister.”
“Of course, sir.” He shook my hand, bowed his head, took a single step back, and before turning, happily walked out of the room, the door shutting behind him.
I was like the weather?
Fine.
