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The Story:
It was his first decree when he became the new king of Corlinia: The doors shall be open for everyone, always. If the king was not away on business or sleeping, he could be found perched on his throne, waiting.
I’ve never met the king. He seems to mean well, but I don’t know if his arms are held open as widely as his doors. I don’t know if his heart is as big as those doors, or if it is as cold as the metal hinges that sway them. As a king, for all I know, he could simply be just another pair of hard doors.
I gather my wits, set my courage, and walk through the open doors. Only now do I become aware of the pipe on my belt. Musicians are frowned upon, and I had meant to conceal it.
Inside, the king sits on his elevated throne at the end of a long room that boasts enormous ceilings and extravagant architecture. As I approach, he doesn’t stir from his hunched over position, his head deep in his hands.
An uncomfortable amount of time passes, and I believe him to be unaware of my presence, so I nervously clear my throat. The noise echoes through the cavernous hall.
The young king slowly lifts his head to look at me. His eyes are bloodshot and dark. Tears stream his face.
“Um… Your majesty,” I say with a bow.
“What is your name?”
“I’m Salius Minock, your majesty.”
“What is it you need?”
“Your majesty, my family and I are poor, and my daughter is unwell. I… I ask for the funds that I might bury her in a place of beauty.”
The king drops his face into his hands and begins weeping. Several minutes pass before he lifts his head again.
“Do you know what it’s like, Salius? Can you imagine thousands of people telling you their deepest ails?”
“No, your majesty.”
He weeps more. My heart begins to ache for my king. Almost involuntarily, I pull out my pipe and begin to play a melody for him. I soothe him with the same tune that I soothe my dying daughter. He ceases to cry and listens until I am finished. Then, his face crinkles into a smile.
“You have your funds and my finest physicians. Go at once and bring your family. You live here, now. Where I can hear your music every day.”
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