Death of A King

I had travelled over the winter months to our usual residence of Haga Castle with my husband Henrik. This year however he had become greatly unwell and I knew that he was near the end of his life. He had a terrible illness, but I still could not bear to lose him. I had sent for Rebecca and Agnetha to come at once. I knew Gustav was away on an important task and would not be back for a couple of days. I had sent word to him however. I held my husband's hand as he slowly left the world.

My mother has asked for Rebecca and I to come to her side. She is with Father. He has been very ill and we fear that he will pass on soon. Right now my brother, Gustav, is away . Yes Mother. How are you? Father looks so fragile. What can I do to help you.?

A servant had escorted me to Mother's side. When I came into the room Mother was sitting next to Father and Agnetha was in the room as well. Father is very ill and we fear the worse. How I wish that Gustav was here. I came in and stood next to Agnetha. . Hello Mother, hello Agnetha. How are you? Do you need or want anything. Can I help you? .

I looked up at my daughters as they both entered the room.

"You both know how unwell your father is. The physician said that there is nothing more they can do for him. I knew this moment would come but I cannot believe I am losing him. I need comfort at this time and I am just so glad that you have both made it here.

I looked at my mother. She looks sad and tired. She was with Father all day and night. Trying to make him as comfortable as possible.. Mother, you know that we would be here for you. I know how much you love Father. I want to make sure that you will be alright. Have you been in touch with Gustav yet, I know that he would want to be here with us.

Mother was sitting by Father as she has been since he became ill. I feel the same way as Rebecca Mother. There is no other place I can be then to be with you and Father. Helping you.

I managed to smile at my daughters as their words were so smoothing.

"Thank you both. I would not want anything more right now. We must all be prepared and even though I do not like to say it your brother Gustav will soon be King. I have sent word to him Rebecca, he was away on an important task and he is to arrive tomorrow. Let us all pray that your father lasts until then. The physician says he has a day at most.

I listen to Mother. She is right. We do not know when Father passes. We must be here for each other especially for Gustav. He will be King. That is hard and to be a young man. Without Father to guide him must be difficult.

Hearing Mother fight back tears and putting up a brave front. I know that she is really suffering by this. The man she loves deeply is waisting away. Then her only son will be King whether he is ready or not. I see Mother this way and I can only imagine what she is going through. But I know that I will be with her to help her as much as I can.

Rebecca was holding my hand as I held back tears as much as I could. For 20 long years I had been married to Henrik and now to lose him was hard.

"The coming days are going to be hard and I need you both to be strong for me. Your brother will be King and so young he will need our support too. We need to help guide him so he is not pressured by the Court. I am glad you are both here now.

. You do not have to worry. I, no, we will be here with you. We can support each other. Help Gustav when he becomes King. It will be alright Mother .

I thought to myself this is going to hard for us. Especially for Gustav. He will be a young King but I believe a good on. I know that he is strong but he is going to need all of our help. Try to give good council should he ask. Right now Mother needs us

Tears came to my eyes as I felt Henrik take his last breath before us and I could not believe he had passed. My daughters were by my side and now I had to prepare for a life without him which would be hard, but I also knew I had to be strong for my son.

I gasped as Father took his last breath. Mother was noticably shaken as tears fell from her eyes. My thoughts immediately went to Gustav. Now he is King. The youngest King. I know that Mother will be by his side as well as my sister and I. Our family is quite close.

I head hung low as I can hear Mother. Agnetha was visibly shaken I do not want to imagine Gustav's response. We are all devastated at the loss of our father.

I hugged my daughter's closely as my husband passed. A new King would now rule Sweden, I had just hoped that I had done enough to prepare him for this.

I had finally arrived at Haga Castle, where mother had told me to come. As the coach stopped I had sent word ahead that I was finally here and I had been busy on an errand for father and I just hoped that I was not too late.

I hug my mother and my sister. I just hope that Gustav will be here soon. He will be extremely hurt at the news of Father's passing and not being here. Now he is King of Sweden. I hurt for him and I will always be here for him.

I finally arrived at my father's bedroom and the door was opened for me and I could see my sisters and mother both in hugs as I walked over to them.

I looked up to see see Gustav finally come home. I let go of my mother and sister and I ran to him. I held him close crying on his shoulder.

I ran to Gustav crying and I held on to him tightly.