Page 2 of The Last Kingdom

Four torches illuminated an oak table with a red woolen cloth draped over it. An enormous bouquet of fresh wildflowers decorated the center. He also loved flowers, particularly those that grew in abundance along the mountain slopes. A Turkish carpet covered the grass beneath and two high-backed chairs waited at either side. Beyond the torches’ glow stood two attendants, stiff as ramrods, dressed in blue-and-white liveries, three-cornered hats perched atop powdered wigs, ready to pull back the chairs for both himself and his visitor.

“How is he to be addressed?” he asked von Löher.

“I am told the same as you. Majesty.”

He liked that. The single word. NoYouradded to it. Much more suitable for an absolute monarch.

“What is he like?”

“Six years ago, when I met him, he was a man of fine presence. An educated gentleman of good abilities. He’s now forty-five, but he makes little display and does not talk much of politics. There, you are similar.”

He liked that as well.

“From my previous visit I found him to be a quiet, dignified, sensible man, who would do no discredit to his kingly office. He loves to sing and play an instrument called a ukulele. Quite well, too, I might add.”

“I wonder if he brought it with him.”

“I doubt it. It seems something he only does at home.”

A shame, but he liked everything he’d just heard. Definitely a kindred spirit. “Are the papers properly prepared?”

“The lawyer assured me they are.”

“Can Lehmann be trusted?”

No one could know what he was about to do.

“He is bound by secrecy and absolutely loyal to you. Rest assured, nothing will be revealed.”

Good.

In the distance he caught the flickering light of an outrider, bearing a torch, signaling that the carriage was not far behind. He’d provided the coach for his visitor. All gilded, lined with velvet, drawn by six dapple-gray horses harnessed with Moroccan leather.

Definitely fit for a king.

He was weary—always weary—and restless. But the unbroken silence around him comforted his frayed nerves. He gazed up at the moon and stars. Hopefully, they’d smile upon him tonight.

“My goal is in sight,” he whispered to von Löher. “Finally. I shall have it.”

“That you will, Majesty.”

His dream.

Come true.

Das letzte königreich.

The last kingdom.

Present Day

Chapter 1

Chiemsee, Bavaria

Tuesday, December 9

3:30P.M.

---