The Feeble King (I)

> *"Unfortunately, fate would switch sides yet again, as on the return home to the Koopa Kingdom to meet his newborn son...John V perished. Klaus VI died shortly after, thus it was John V's son, John VI, who would succeed the two as King of both the Koopa and Bohnenkraut Kingdoms...at the age of merely nine months old."* -Narrator of the Prolouge
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**The Feeble King (I)** is the first episode of the *Wars of Frozen Flames* miniseries and the first installment of *The Feeble King* arc. It primarily focuses on King John Koopa VI's reign, as well as his subjects fighting to save the Koopa Kingdom from the anarchists currently causing havoc, specifically his wife Queen Cynder, and his second-cousin once removed Lord Richard Koopa.

In this episode, the current king of the Koopa Kingdom is King John Koopa VI, who is cowardly and feeble-minded, and ascended the throne at the age of meerly nine months old. After a series of events leading up to the start of the episode in 1475, a group of anarchists unhappy with his rule attack Bright Valley, prompting a return from Lord Richard Koopa, who spent the last few years in the Frosted Kingdom. He expects to be named King's Claw, the second-in-command position by the king's side, however King John appoints his Queen's close ally Lord Sigmund Phoenix instead, resulting in a bitter feud between the two that spans the whole episode. Additionally, Richard's four sons Robert, Halbert, Tobias & Rickon prepare to meet king for the first time, as well as his close ally Lord Berwick Python's daughters Lily & Rose, and a woman named Jane Phoenix hatches an egg containing the King's half-nephew James, attempting to raise the boy alone with only the help of the King's half-brother Lord Rodrick Solberg.

## Plot

In 1475, anarchists starts rioting the town. In the castle, a cabinet meeting is taking place. Sylver talks about the Fall Jousting Tournament taking place in the first week of October while Theodrick brags about his victory last year. Lord Berwick appears late due to the severity of the anarchist problem which caused him to get to the castle using the backdoor. Cynder is unsurprised but Ironside tells Cynder that they are pillaging, slaying, looting anyone in their path. Rodrick asks John VI what he thinks only to find him sleeping. Cynder calls John and he awakens and then asks what is on the first agenda today. But Berwick tells him that it is supposed to be his decision. John asks about the Lord Treasurer, Captain Klaymore and the wine merchant but all three have been executed by anarchists revealed by Ironside, Birchard and Thornton respectively. Cynder reminds John that three of the Kingdom's most important and respected nobles have been killed including his own King's Claw. Berwick suggested that if the King's Claw hadn't led the Kingdom into financial ruins they wouldn't have been in this mess but Rodrick disagrees to the statement and Cynder adds that Korde paid the ultimate price for his mistake. John asks Cynder what she wants him to do and Cynder believes they need to come down hard on the anarchists by executing them, but John reviles at the thought so Torrence asks John what is his plan. John suggests that they invite them to the castle and talk. Cynder calls him completely hopeless and asks why isn't he taking care of his Kingdom like he is supposed to do. John claims that it is hard to do but Thornton points out that controlling the realm wasn't so hard for his father. Torrence states that John is nothing like his father and briefly argues with Lord Blackfoot.

A parakarry interrupts the meeting and announces that the Duke of Sherbet Land has entered the city which shocks Cynder. The Duke Richard, comes to the gate with two Champion Bros guarding the gate. Richard takes his armor off and asks to see the King so the Champion Bros. let him in. John is very excited to see Richard again but Cynder seems to be annoyed. It is then revealed that he has five thousand troops beneath his banner and that the anarchists are cheering at him. Richard enters and comes to John and they are all filled with joy after seeing each other after a long time. Ironside asks Richard about what brings him back to the Koopa Kingdom and Richard says that he was sent a letter informing them of the passing of Lord Alfred De La Korde to which John, Cynder, Korrin and the rest of the Nobles are shocked of, and then proceeds to ask to become the new King's Claw. However, Cynder reveals to him that they have selected someone else to serve as the King's Claw and introduces Lord Sigmund Phoenix, Duke of Summerset Plains much to Richard's anger and frustration. Richard mentions Sigmund's failure in The Nordskal Ridge Campaign and tells John that Sigmund should not be rewarded for such actions and should be punished. Sigmund reminds him that it's his superiors he is talking to But Richard claims that he is no superior of his and calls him a clotpole to which the Lords gasp to. Cynder orders Richard to go back to Sherbet Land with Sigmund threatening him with the fate of Prince Joseph Koopa to Richard's confusion. Richard leaves the castle as per John's inconfident wish.

In Sherbet Land, Richard and his family's residence that is also being visited by Berwick's daughters Lily and Rose, Robert and Tobias, two of Richard's sons, do a swordplay with the former winning against the latter. Tobias shows arrogance and calls himself the 'Killer Whale' with Robert and Rose, questioning it. Tobias claims that he moves fast and deadly like he is swimming through the Arctic Seas. Richard's youngest son Rickon, mocks Tobias saying that he reminds him more of a Harp Seal Pup. This causes Tobias to become salty and Halbert, Richard's second son, telling him to relax. Rickon then insults Tobias by claiming that a common boy with a sword can beat three of him. Tobias demands an apology and Richard gives a weak and unmeaningful one after Robert tells the two to settle down, resulting in Tobias attempting to attack him only to be stopped by Robert and Halbert. Tulisa, Richard's wife and the mother of his children, announces that their father is on his way. Richard appears and spots Lily and Rose with Tulisa explaining that they were dropped off to celebrate him being the King's Claw but Richard explains that they chose Sigmund.

Richard later explains to Tulisa on what happened while they're eating their feast. Tulisa tries to cheer him up, stating that the King's Claw is just a position but Richard calls Lord Sigmund a traitor to the realm with Tulisa asking if he thinks it's a bit too far to call him a traitor. Richard then states that he called him a clotpole as well and claims that he surrendered Teehee Fortress for a fancy bucket and Tulisa tries to justify this by saying it was a nice bucket only for Lord Greyford to say that their men didn't die on the battlefield for a wretched bucket. Richard adds that Sigmund led countless men to battle and refused to fight for them. Tulisa states that he's very close to the king and his family, saying that they're more closely related and have spent more time in the Valley but Richard says that he would also spend more time in the Valley but was never invited, adding that the King's men pretended that he wasn't in despite their musties all being mounted outside. Tulisa suggests to Richard that they let them be, saying that he is beloved around Sherbet Land with Richard stating that the kingdom is in big trouble, adding that their ancestors fought bravely to expand the Kingdom's territory and that the King's corrupt advisors are losing it all for him. Lord Greyford agrees, adding that only Oho Oasis remains as Bohnenkraut territory. Tulisa states that she is sure that Lord Tyebolt will keep a strong hold on the lands with Richard stating that he is the last commander of the glory days, nearing 80 years old. Lord Greyford claims that Lord Tyebolt has been fighting since the Robertian phase and will send the Bohnenkraut pretender packing, Tulisa sees that Richard won't rest until the Kingdom's safe, believing that her father made the right choice with him. Richard then states that before he left, Sigmund told him that he didn't want to end up like Prince Joseph and asks Tulisa what she thinks he meant by that. Tulisa says she wouldn't worry however, stating that Joseph was very unpopular, recalling that he crashed a council meeting drunk and started shouting weird farce west of their own. A parakarry knocks on the door to announce that Richard's uncle, the Lord of Waterlog Marsh has requested his presence in tomorrow afternoon and Richard replies, stating that he will be there.

In Bright Valley, Lord Sylver meets Cynder as he introduces the peasants that have been arrested shortly after the rebellion. Cynder describes the peasants as horrific with Sylver thinking she was referring to their behaviour and agrees but Cynder clarifies and Sylver acts to agree. Cynder demands to see them but Sylver suggests her to wait for her husband but Cynder scoffs, knowing that he'll not get anything done. Cynder then announces herself to the peasants with a few peasants making sexual comments towards her. Cynder demands silence and grants the peasants one last plea of mercy by getting them to go home and never step foot in the city again only for two peasants to mock her with misogyny, causing Cynder to send one of them to the chopping block. A Knight Bro. states that the King promised mercy but Cynder states that he pardoned them three times and demands that enough is enough. The peasant is beheaded and Sylver screams in horror with another peasant getting beheaded and Sylver nearly fainting. The Knight Bro. then asks where is the King.

John VI offers wine for Sigmund and Sigmund yells at Korrin for nearly spilling wine and asks John why he keeps him around. John claims that he is nice enough and that his dad is an honourable man but Theodrick disagrees and calls Lord Sylver a dickless pussy, claiming that he can beat him in a duel with his eyes closed. Lord Blackfoot asks about the war with the Bohnenkraut Kingdom with John being surprised that it's going on. Sigmund claims that Lord Tyebolt will hold them off and asks Theodrick about his brother with Theodrick answering that he had to be somewhere today. Blackfoot makes the assumption that he is seeing a girl but Theodrick believes that he is always whining about his honor. Sigmund states that he would trade his honor away for a fit body with Blackfoot saying that he would have to actually have honour for that.

Rodrick goes to check on Jane, his sister-in-law, and meets her newborn son James for the first time. He is greatly impressed with the child and believes he has the eyes of a king. However while the two are happy a bishop informs Jane that her reproductive system is too damaged to produce another child, making Jane begin to worry about the baby's safety. The bishop believes her husband will help only for Jane to tell him he's dead. Rodrick states that he got drunk and fell off his Mustie while riding over a ridge. When the bishop leaves, Rodrick ensures that the baby will be fine but Jane states that his father is gone, she has no power, child mortality rates decreasing but Rodrick says that she doesn't have to worry and promises to make sure his son is safe and lives a long, successful life.

Cynder spectates the fight between Sir Erik Bane and a Tyebolt knight with Bane mercilessly finishing the latter off. Sir Blayne Phoenix appears behind Cynder to which she then flirts with him. Blayne states he was distracted by their tourney and asks Cynder about the show with her saying that it would be better if their King were here to cheer them on. Blayne believes that he wouldn't attend tourneys and Cynder mentions the time he screamed for bloody hours after he stubbed his toe. Blayne feels sorry for Cynder and asks how she copes with him and Cynder says that her father told her that she would marry the bravest, strongest. most feared warrior on the entire continent only to be introduced to John to which she then describes her disappointment to be immeasurable. She then states that her father was also nothing but a bloody joke with her mother assuming power over the Duchy of Bohnenrotte while he was rotting in foreign jail. She further states that her mother always told her that it was her duty to make up for his failings and that it's up to her to do the same thing for King John and the Koopa Kingdom. Blayne shares that he does a lot better than the king and thanks her for convincing him to make his father the King's Claw over Richard. Cynder states that convincing John is always easy and flirts with Blayne, saying that she wishes that she was married to a man like him. Cynder believes she can convince John to make Blayne the heir to the throne and Blayne asks about Richard with Cynder claiming that their bond is stronger than anything Richard throws at them and proceeds to kiss him.

Richard and Edrick Greyford arrive at Waterlog Marsh to meet Lord Raymund Kassimeer with Edrick asking who he is. Richard states that it is his maternal uncle and that he raised him after his mother perished birthing his egg and his father got executed for treason, describing him as the father he never had. Edrick asks why he spends his time in the boggy castle with Richard answering that he caught the plague while in the Frosted Kingdom in the King's behalf but Edrick points out that nothing happens in the Frosted Kingdom. Richard claims that they wanted him out of the way due to his claim to the throne being stronger than the King's.

Richard is in Lord Kassimeer's room where they are talking about Kassimeer's claim to the throne. Kassimeer mentions Prince Siebold Koopa getting killed in the Frosted Kingdom and that his daughter married his grandfather Robert who was also killed in the Frosted Kingdom. He also mentions that his father Edgar was also killed in the Frosted Kingdom while he and Richard's mother were mere infants. He then mentions that when King John Koopa IV deposed Richard II, they were taken to the Black Tower with Richard asking why he didn't rebel and Kassimeer mentioning that he was seven years old. Kassimeer then states that they were released afterwards by saying oaths. Richard asks if he doesn't consider himself the rightful king with Kassimeer claiming that he would've probably bankrupted the realm even more and states that he had no interest in ruling. Richard understands and asks what Kassimeer is drinking with him stating that it's Magmaw Mead, shocking Richard as it's hardly an appropriate drink for a sixty-five year old. Kassimeer claims that it's only 75% alcoholic and Richard states that they received his letter yesterday and Kassimeer asks him to move the table closer to his bed. Richard exclaims that he thought he might have been dying with Kassimeer asking how he could write a letter when he's dying. Richard states that he worry for his health ever since he caught the plague and mentions Edrick IV but Kassimeer tells Richard to not worry about him but rather himself and his family, claiming he will be just fine only for Richard to say that he is his family and that everything he is, he owes to him. Kassimeer mentions the birthmark on his buttock coming from his dad giving Richard a short laugh. Richard asks about Prince Joseph and Kassimeer recalls the time when he fell from his Mustie and needed three Knight Bros. to help him up but mentions that he was very intelligent and that he was even the heir to the throne before him. Richard asks if Kassimeer knew why Joseph was arrested and Joseph recalls him screaming at the King for losing the territory in Bohnenrotte and was never seen again by him after that and was shortly sent to the Frosted Kingdom. Richard then finds a lewd illustration in Kassimeer's room and appears shocked and embarrassed.

After leaving the castle, Richard is visited by the Python brothers, Berwick, Torrence and Jorgan regarding Torrence's wedding ceremony. Torrence explains that he was getting ready to wed Lady Stamford but a group of Blackfoot soldiers suddenly showed up and assaulted the place. Berwick describes that they butchered the place with Torrence adding that they attacked their men, stole their supplies and ate the Wedding Feast. Richard states that such behaviour should not be tolerated in the realm and asks if the King knows. Berwick asks if he honestly expects him to do anything so Richard decides to travel to Sandcake Dunes himself.

At Sandcake Dunes, Richard tells Lord Blackfoot that his sons attacked his nephew at his wedding feast to which he asks why is it his business. Richard explains that those kids ride under his banner and attack under his arms but Blackfoot doesn't care. Richard states that they assaulted another nobleman and describes Sir Torrence as a respected member only for Blackfoot to cut him off and slander him for riding to the castle for Sir Torrence Python and describes that they have been stealing their lands and castles for years but Richard states that it's no excuse to attack a fellow nobleman's feast and says he is starting to think he gave those boys the orders only for Blackfoot to deny the claim. Trystan Blackfoot and Symon Sanderling appear, having came back from pillaging Riverside Abbey and Blackfoot scolds them both for not knocking before entering. Richard claims that there will be a trial for this but Blackfoot and his sons laugh, stating that he is only accountable if the King says so and adds that the King and his Claw Sigmund are good friend of his and proceeds to get Trystan and Sanderling to escort the Lord of Sherbet Land back to the courtyard.

John VI appoints Blayne as Captain of Karhar City to which he thanks. He then comes across his cousin Jane and talks negatively about her son James, calling him unhealthy and saying he doubts that he'll last long to which Jane takes offence to. Blayne says he is heading to Karhar City and tells Jane to have fun moping over her dead husband. Jane arrives at John's throne room to his happiness, asking her about Mushroom Meadows. Jane claims that the people were very friendly with John wishing it was part of their kingdom only for Sigmund to clarify that it is part of their kingdom. Cynder asks about the teenage girl and Sigmund introduces that it's her niece Jane, who is the heiress to her brother's inheritance. Cynder then asks about the child Jane is holding with Jane introducing her son James. Jane explains that it's his half-brother Edrick's son and mentions that James was conceived before Edrick died, claiming to have wrote to John with Cynder implying that she has throne the letters in the trash. Jane gives John the baby to which he then compliments, saying that there is something special about him and thanks Jane for bringing him to see him. Cynder asks who James is going to go to, disheartening Jane, and explains to her that when she remarries she will have to give the child up. Sigmund adds that the law of the realm states that once you remarry, the boy will become a ward of the crown otherwise Jane would eventually be too poor to afford to look after him and he'll likely die. Jane pleads that James needs her but Sigmund mentions that this exactly happened when her own father died to which Jane adds that he returned to captivity just so Sigmund could be free. Cynder insults Jane while she yells that James is her son and that she loves him. John VI attempts to negotiates with Cynder but she says she is a woman in the fifteenth century. Jane cries and leaves, leaving John upset only for Cynder to tell him to pull himself together and learn to control his subjects to which he cries.

In the Sherbet Castle, Richard overhears Robert with two ladies and proceeds to confront him regarding the fact that he hasn't chosen a wife yet. Robert states that he doesn't feel like getting married, not wanting to be tied down with some woman he barely knows just for extra land he would probably not use. Richard suggests to give the land to one of his brothers and Robert points out that he doesn't pester them into getting married so Richard states that he is the eldest son and his marriage is the most important prospect for the future of the family. Robert states that he doesn't want to leave, adding that they haven't seen Olivia since she left for Skyland so Richard states that the Kingdom is in a difficult place and says Robert can visit his sister as much as he likes once they are fully at peace with Robert thanking him. Richard then mentions some heiresses out of the screen, displeasing Robert and making him go away.

Richard then hears Tulisa getting involved in Tobias and Rickon's quarrel where Tobias's blade broke after hitting Rickon with it. Tulisa attempts to stop the boys from arguing, reminding one of them about what she said about attacking their brother. Rickon insults Tobias, resulting in Tobias attempting to attack Rickon only to be prevented by Tulisa. Richard enters and Rickon claims that Tobias is being a clotpole with Tobias threatening to get a real blade. Tulisa tells Rickon to tell his father the truth so Rickon confesses that he attacked Toby. Richard tells Tulisa to see to Tobias, stating that he will deal with Rickon. Tulisa and Tobias leave and Richard asks why Rickon attacked his brother, stating that he won't get angry, with Rickon stating that they were talking about girls, worrying Richard until Rickon clarified that he got onto the topic of Lady Rose Python, relieving Richard. Rickon claims that Tobias said the next time he sees Rose, he would canoodle her in front of him. Richard then states that it's no excuse to lash out and attack him and that he needs to stick together. Rickon states that he hates the way Tobias looks down on him, adding that he feels like everyone does. Richard then claims that all of his children are his legacy, including Rickon, telling him to never doubt that for a minute with him thanking Richard. Richard then admits that he has had trouble holding back anger himself with Rickon naming the time he called Sigmund a clotpole, shocking Richard as he finds out Tulisa told them too.

Jane is sobbing in her room over the fact that she has to give James up. Rodrick enters and Jane states that they said she has to give James up, shocking Rodrick as James is the King's nephew. Jane adds that they want her to hand James over to Sigmund's court, showing her worry about what her cousins will do and mentions that it wouldn't have happened if she replaced SIgmund's beer with juiced apples. Rodrick states that yelling won't solve their problems so Jane says she doesn't want to lose James as he is her only son with Rodrick offering to help her find a suitable new husband only for Jane to refuse as she declares that she is not giving James over to Sigmund as well as adding that he can't take him with her if she remarries, so Rodrick claims that he will keep James as his ward, saying that the child is his nephew and that it's his duty, promising that no harm will come to the boy.

John VI and Cynder are briefly seen in their bed sleeping until Cynder wakes up, implied to have laid an egg and shocking her.

Richard talks to Halbert about Robert, wishing he would be more open to the prospect of a well-placed marriage, with Halbert excusing that he is more of a warrior. Richard explains that to lead a good life you need to be strong both in and out of the battlefield and mentions when King Baron Koopa's political failings nearly led to a civil war despite him being a great warrior so Halbert asks what Richard is suggesting to which he replies that he wishes that Robert took a more active role in politics. Halbert mentions that Robert is still in his twenties and would probably take a more active role in politics when older. Tulisa appears with Berwick and Torrence, announcing good news with Torrence showing Richard a letter that states that he is invited to the King's Castle for the Loveday. Berwick believes it is something King John has organised to stop the nobles from fighting while Richard continues to read the letter. Richard points out the words "attendance" and "hereby", mentioning that the king can't spell the word Thursday with Torrence questioning that he had someone else write the letter for him. Tulisa appears optimistic, telling Richard that he is finally being invited back to the Valley, with Halbert hoping to bring his crossbow only for Tulisa to disallow him. However, Richard believes it is the Queen's way of luring them into her trap but Tulisa disbelieves this as she doesn't think the King would let her murder him in front of the entire court to which Richard assumes that the King may sit quietly in a bar when they get there. Berwick believes Richard makes a good point, mentioning that the king is not really known for keeping his word, morsoe out of stupidity rather than dishonesty. Tulisa asks if they're suggesting to ignore the letter, disappointing Halbert, but Berwick states that if the letter really is from the King then it could give Richard a chance to confront him about his terrible advisors so Richard plants to attend Loveday, stating that he will bring with them a group of ten thousand bannerman and orders that the kids are heavily guarded. Berwick and Torrence take Richard's words and leave. Halbert asks if he could bring his crossbow and Richard says that he may use it for self-defence, pleasing Halbert who then leaves. Tulisa then begs not to make the visit a political one, telling him to think about the children, so Richard says that he will do his very best to keep things civil to which Tulisa thanks him for.

Robert, Tobias and Rickon are up for bath, frustrating Tobias as he already had a bath last year. Robert explains without a doubt that their mother will want them to smell nice when they meet the King. Rickon sees bad of the king, mentioning the time when he didn't give their father what he deserved. Tobias mentions that the king's father once fought a battle in a burning cornfield but Rickon mentions that their scales are resistant to flames with Tobias adding that it didn't save Prince Tarquin and his son so Rickon clarifies that he said resistant and not immune. Robert notices that Rickon appears somewhat down so he asks if he is feeling okay to which he claims he is. Robert says he will hook Rickon up with a nice girl from around the Valley when they get there. Tobias mocks the two, claiming that the Killer will be drowning in girls while they're sniffing around the courtyard. Robert mocks Tobias, asking if he is a whale but he is drowning. Halbert then appears, stating their mother is getting patient and that someone needs to get to the tub so Robert volunteers.

John is excited to see Richard and his family again. Sylver mentions that he's bringing ten thousand men from his household and that Lord Berwick and Torrence are accompanying him. Cynder is getting impatient so Ironside mentions that Sherbet Land is nearly two hundred miles away but Cynder mentions that a mustie can travel eighty-one miles per hour. Rodrick appears with Jane and apologises for being late with Cynder shouting over the fact that Jane is attending, having Rodrick explains that she is here to welcome the Duke of Sherbet Land's arrival on behalf of the King's Claw, so Theodrick asks where is Sigmund while he is sitting with Lord Blackfoot. Cynder exclaims that she is not even fifteen with Theodrick pointing out that the Earl of Susshell is here despite only being three. Korrin points out that the Duke of Sherbet Land finally arrives and Richard then gets greeted by John. It is revealed that they were late due to Torrence needing to use the bathroom. Cynder asks if the raven-haired lady must be Richard's wife, with Richard himself stating that they've been married for twenty-five years, with Tulisa introducing herself. Richard then introduces his eldest son and heir Robert to which John compliments his sword which he named Sabertooth and belonged to a famous Sherbet King from thousands of years ago. Berwick believes that they've spent enough time with Richard adding that they'd best be heading back to the castle. John wishes for a race while Rose and Lily, having seen the King, are unimpressed by how he is so Berwick tells them they shouldn't insult their superiors and orders them to use respect only for John to fall out his mustie and cry.

Sigmund enters the Loveday Feast along with his son Blayne, Blackfoot and his two sons Trystan and Sanderling and is greeted by John VI much to Richard's dismay. Sylver talks negative about the King, making fun of his foolishness and inability to hold a fork properly and laughing with two other lords. Theodrick is with the two Blackfoot sons Trystan and Sanderling, saying it's the King that has trouble producing the heir, implying that Cynder seduced several cabinet members and laughing about it with the other two much to Cynder's annoyance. Blayne accompanies Cynder as she flirts with him, asking her about the announcement to which she says not yet but soon. Blayne says he looks forward to that while Cynder tells her to keep his voice down.

Korrin offers Rodrick some wine but he politely declines, stating he knows how to pour his own drinks. So Korrin asks Rodrick if he is enjoying the feast to which he answers that it's a nice distraction to get people to stop fighting and mentions that Jane is a nice girl, describing her as smart, beautiful and caring. Korrin states that he likes her hair but his father wouldn't approve so Rodrick questions if Jane being the heir to the Phoenix family fortune wouldn't be a nice prospect to him. Korrin states that his father would be wanting her for his older brother Harrin, the Sylver family heir. Rodrick states that he believes that Korrin's father would find it wiser to not put all his eggs in one basket. He then describes that Jane has money but no power while Korrin has power but no money, making the match perfect so Korrin says he'll talk to his father when he isn't brownnosing the king. Rodrick then pleads Korrin to be kind to her as she means a great deal to himself.

Tobias rants to Sigred, Sigmund's second son, about being the middle child, stating that Robert gets to be heir, Halbert getting the Earldom of Snowball Park, while he gets just a small dowry of eight hundred pounds. Sigred agrees with his rant, stating his brother is going to be a duke while he is stuck as a marquess. Lily appears with Tobias's wine to which he snatches.

Richard is with Berwick and Torrence, with the latter describing the party as sweet. Richard guesses that it makes a pleasant distraction from the greater issues at hand to which Berwick claims is the king's preferred way of addressing issues, ignoring them. Birchard bumps into Torrence, spilling wine over himself. Torrence scolds Birchard for nearly spilling wine over him to which he then rages. Berwick tells Birchard to piss off and use respect as they are kin but Birchard claims it should be them kissing his feet. Richard advices Birchard to quash his hostility but Birchard points out that he is in bed with one of them and goes away, confusing Richard. Berwick explains that their half-cousin has never been good terms with the rest of the family and states that their grandfather, the Earl of Sparkling Waters, had two wives with the second being far richer than the first and that when he died, Birchard's side of the family inherited far less than they hoped. Richard asks if they had tried talking it out with him but Torrence describes that he had diarrheal diseases more bearable than Birchard, shocking Richard as the Pythons have to deal with the Blackfoots as well as their own blood.

Rose accompanies Jane and gives her wine, stating that her father never lets her have it at home, saying it would ruin their bodies. Jane describes that some of the guys are built like a bowl of oatmeal and the two laugh. Robert gives Rickon company to which he says that he has never been good in crowds as him so Robert states that he'll never get close with anyone if he doesn't talk to them and points out that he has been quiet all evening. Rickon points out King John, asking how people look at him and see him as their king to which Robert states that his grandfather and father were kings. Rickon believes that Robert would make a better king to which he says that his place is more on the battlefield and claims that John is the rightful king. Robert decides to go fill a mug with Beet Juice and tell Tobias it's wine.

Richard talks to Lord Ironside and notices he is not having any wine, to which he states he doesn't drink. Ironside asks if he had recovered from the outburst from last week to which Richard claims his behaviour was inappropriate. Ironside then asks Richard if he is enjoying the feast to which he says for what it's worth, seeing everyone have a good time. Ironside then mentions that Klaus Von Speckbohne VII has apparently sent three armies to Oho Oasis. Richard claims without confidence that the King wouldn't allow this to happen with Ironside rhetorically asking wouldn't he, lifting Richard's mood. Thornton appears, telling Richard not to take notice of Ironside only for Richard to claim that Lord Ironside is one of the most respected barons of the realm. Thornton claims that Ironside is just trying to fuel Richard's anger and states that his family has been close allies with the King ever since his grandfather helped place John IV on the throne. Richard is reluctant to trust Thornton but then he introduces himself. Richard demands that he has no time and must speak to the king before the feast but Thornton claims that he felt his speech from the other day was necessary and insults Sigmund, impressing Richard. Thornton adds that the King has no intent on removing him and offers that if they work together they'll be able to replace him with someone who will, enraging Richard to the point he chokes Thornton briefly. Richard then orders Thornton to keep his treason to himself. Richard meets Tulisa, who has been looking all over for him. She then asks if Richard is feeling okay as he sounds stressed to which he claims is fine. A bishop announces that the King would like all the guests to make their way to the dining table as the Queen has a very important announcement.

During the Feast, (while Tobias and Lily are kissing) King John attempts to get the guests' attention but fails to do so, prompting Cynder to silence them. John thanks everyone for attending Loveday and describes it as productive per Sigmund's guidance. Cynder then announces that after seven years she finally produced an egg to which the guests cheers but Richard. Blackfoot congratulates the Queen and Cynder adds that the child will be heir to the throne to purposely spite Richard. Richard is enraged, demanding that he will not be treated like this and calling out Cynder for sidelining his family to which Sigmund mocks. Richard mentions that while the night goes on Klaus VII marches into Oho Oasis with over nine thousand men and that thousands of men fight for what's left of their once great empire while they eat, fart, piss and joke. John pleads them to stop arguing but Richard tells him that he surrounded himself with cowards that pissed on everything his father and grandfather worked for, angrily asking if he is going to do anything at all. John cries and Sylver claims that it's about time Richard leaves only to be insulted by him for his brown nosing, being told that the Queen doesn't care about him, to which Sylver claims that his grandfather was a Knight of the Hexagon but Richard points out that even the Earl of Susshell is a Knight of the Hexagon. Sigmund orders Richard to go home if he wants to keep his life only for him to demand that Sigmund will have to make him leave so Sigmund mentions Prince Joseph saying the same thing before he died, prompting Richard to draw his sword to which Sigmund's son Blayne also does the same. This prompts Richard's sons Robert and Halbert to draw their swords as well only for Cynder to demand the guards to seize the traitors but with the three Python brothers drawing their swords as well which leads to Lord Blackfoot's sons drawing their swords too. Other nobles draw their swords too, such as Lord Greyford, Sir Theodrick (who did it simply because everyone else were doing it) and Lord Birchard while Sylver ducked. Richard states that he will only use violence if he has to. A parakarry appears with a letter from the Bohnenkraut Kingdom so Korrin reads it, revealing that the Bohnenkraut Kingdom has finally taken Oho Oasis, meaning that the Koopa Kingdom lost the war. Richard and Sigmund argue over the defeat with Richard claiming that Lord Tyebolt was one of the most greatest captains of the realm. John then proceeds to choke and pass out.