The Manthos castle was in ruins, so the council had to meet elsewhere. The Astanna temple was in a bad shape too, but they had managed to find a safe corner, to have important discussions and decisions. Today, Nashuja was invited to discuss future solutions for the leadership of Manthos.
- I came back to Manthos to help my family and to help rebuilding the city. Nashuja said, I am in fact King Ifiklis' son, but I had no intention of claiming the throne - I still haven't. The story of my becoming is a brutal one, and is still painful to my mother, me and the whole family. Forces within and outside of Manthos will surely try to use this against me, and against our country.
- However, he continued, I do understand there is a need of leadership in Manthos at the moment, and I accept that I might be the best suited person. However, I propose the following: I suggest that you make me the legal guardian of the Queen, and thereby the regent, without any formal right to the throne. Should she die, we will need to elect a new leader or king for Manthos.
After a brief discussion, the proposal was adopted and sealed with a toast of kykeon. Nashuja were now the regent of Manthos.
The child queen moved in with her uncle and his family. After all, he now had the best and most solid house in Manthos. Myrto and Eleos also moved in, and Myrto was given the daily care of the ailing queen. The change after a few weeks was astounding.
Noor had made a poultice with herbs, that after a few days made the eczema a lot better. It would probably disappear totally with time. In the beginning Noor had kept a polite distance to the queen, but soon gained sympathy for the little girl.
A nutritious diet is always important, and it certainly was for Petra's condition. In addition it seemed like the social environment did her good too. The women usually cooked together, often under the supervision of Noor. And what's more healthy than sharing a good meal with your family?
Every day Petra and Nashuja went for a walk, short ones in the beginning, longer ones as Petra gained more strength. The fresh air did them both good, and they developed a warm and trusting relationship.
Most people in Manthos thought this was a great arrangement. Nashuja was well-liked, and no one questioned his good intentions for the position. His efforts for the reconstruction spoke for itself.
Some very few whispered in the corners, about him not being a legitimate regent, that he was born out of wedlock, and that he might not be a citizen of Manthos even. These people had their own agenda, one that benefited themselves and their pockets only, and most people met these allegations with rolling eyes and disapproval.
Even Noor eventually came around. She never heard anyone comment or dwell on the way Nashuja had come into the world. And she was full of admiration of her son, but, truth be told, she was immensely proud of all her children.
Here she is, with her surviving children and grandchildren. Except Pamesijos and his family, who were abroad of course, and the two newborns who were sleeping.
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[End of chapter 14]
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