Page 51 of The Christmas Mittens
“Anders and Frode were quite vocal about it. For many years, it was an accepted sport here as well as around the world, but times change and so must our values,” Ivar stated, his wife, Lady Alva, nodding along in agreement. “We are also legislating for a ban on circuses with any animals other than dogs, cats, and domestic horses. That should be a law before the summer season, which makes us all very happy.”
“Yes, well, there are some things that are suitable for reconsideration, while there are some things that stand well as they are,” Magnus announced while dropping some oystercrackers into the thick, fishy soup that had been gingerly laid before us.
“Magnus, please,” Queen Linnea whispered as a log crackled in the fireplace, sending sparks up the flue. “Surely that can be discussed later in private.”
Anders’ attention flew from his brother and lady wife to his father. The room grew uncomfortably quiet. Like that span of time when a thunderstorm is headed your way and nature goes silent to brace for the impact. It felt like that, only more ominous. I snuck a glance at Gilda. Her eyes were as round as her soup bowl.
“That comment felt quite pointed,” Anders said, laying down his soup spoon to level accusatory eyes on his father. “Is there something in particular that you wish to address, Father?”
“Magnus, please, can we just enjoy this little holiday meal with all the boys in peace?” Queen Linnea asked. Magnus, it seemed, cared little for a peaceful meal.
“Would you like to deny or confirm that you were seen in our capital holding hands with a man in public?” Magnus asked but surely, he already knew the answer.
Anders squared his shoulders.
“Father,” Frode interjected before his youngest brother opened his mouth. “Are we truly going to spoil this night over something as insipid as two people holding hands?”
“Oh no, Frode, let him speak. Let the whole family get to witness the hatred that our father has for his youngest son,” Anders barked, and everyone gasped.
“Anders, please, your father doesn’t hate you,” the queen said as she reached for her wineglass. “To say such a thing is just ridiculous.”
“Is it? Tell me, has he called out anyone else here at the table for being seen holding hands with their chosen partners in public?” Anders asked as he glared at the king.
“Your brothers have never acted out so rudely.” Magnus threw his last cracker into his soup, sending droplets of white creamy sauce to the crisp blue tablecloth.
Anders laughed hard. “Oh, that’s incredibly rich. Shall we discuss that time just last summer that Harold was seen naked with that model in Zandvoort after his Formula 1 race?”
“She was a stunning vixen,” Harold slid into the brewing storm. Magnus and his wife were not amused, but Harold seemed to be. My stomach was churning heavily now, the soup forgotten as I flattened my lips.
“Harold, that isnothelping,” Queen Linnea chided. The two servants filling water glasses faded into the shadows. Wished I could do the same.
“So, Father, tell me, was that episode not rude? The world saw his—”
“Anders!” Magnus shouted, causing Lady Alva to startle. “Your mother and several ladies are seated at this table. Show some damn respect!”
“You showmesome respect! You’re going on as if Mitchell and I had sex at the feet of the statue of Saint Bjarke. All we did was hold hands as we visited a few shops,” Anders argued back.
“That is enough of that kind of deviant talk!” the king bellowed, slamming his hand onto the table hard enough to make the water glasses jump. “Your mother will not be subjected to such vile imagery. You always overreact to any situation that involves your chosen sexuality.”
“People don’t choose their sexuality, Father,” Ivar stated with vigor. Magnus rolled his eyes. “No, tell me, did you choose to be straight? Obviously not. And Anders did not choose to be gay. This old-fashioned homophobia is why—”
“Ivar, I am not homophobic. I simply do not wish to have my family shamed for the unholy actions of my youngest son,” Magnus snapped. “I asked a simple question and, as always,your brother leapt to a conclusion. If he were to engage in that kind of behavior outside the castle, then I would ask him to cease. Just as I would ask him to ensure that his guests are seated away from the first three pews at the baptism tomorrow to ensure proper decorum.”
“That’s outlandish!” Anders snapped, shooting to his feet. “Did you ask anyone else to stuff their plus ones into a corner?!”
“None of your brothers will be bringing a—” Magnus came up short.
“A what, Father? Please, say it out loud.”
“I think this discussion needs to end,” the king said stiffly. Gilda was teary-eyed. I slipped my hand into hers under the table. She latched onto my fingers with a death grip. “I’ve made my wishes known.”
Anders stared hard at his father. “You and this country need to step out of the dark ages. I will either sit with Mitchell at my side or I will skip the baptism.”
Linnea turned a sharp eye to her husband. “Magnus, Anders is right. You’re being an ass.”
“The people of Östermon look to me to ensure values are adhered to,” Magnus replied, calmly now, but the anger was simmering just below the surface. His color was quite high yet. “If I do not follow the teachings of the church and the past, what hope is there for the future?”
“And that is why when I sit upon the throne, the first law that I will place before the legislature is marriage equality,” Frode announced to a table of stunned diners.
