Abdication

"I hereby renounce my place in the royal line."
Aljandrr, or whatever name he was giving himself, watched the ink drip off the end of his quill and splash on the parchment. He counted the splatters of ink on his left hand. He dipped the pen and repeated. All the paper needed was a signature. Then he'd be free.
"I withdraw all connections I have had or will have with the throne and families thereupon."
Three years into the decision, and he hadn't yet made up his mind. All the deliberation, decisions and conflict of choosing to abandon his family had come down to this: his name and his seal.
"I make this choice of my own accord, and have not been coerced in any way."
His hands shook as he dipped the pen one final time. He took a deep breathe, held it, and then scribbled his signature.
"Brijton di Walker IV"
He crushed the quill in his hand and stood up, shoving the chair across the room. He walked over to Ijordi and grabbed him by the waist. He shoved his head into Ijordi's shoulder and let the tears flow.
"It's done," he said. "I just have to seal it and deliver it to the King."
"Your father."
"The King. I signed my name. It's done."
Ijordi rubbed Aljandrr's head.
"My Prince is no longer a prince then," he said.
"No."
"Then I guess it's time to start using your new name, Aljandrr."
Ijordi took Aljandrr's head into his hands, and with his thumbs wiped away the tears salting his cheeks. He kissed him on the forehead. He smiled.
Aljandrr thought it was a strange smile. There was shame there.
"Yes. Aljandrr Ivy. I am a commoner now."
He flinched as soon as he muttered the words. He forgot that Ijordi was still a servant and still used the tree name to signify it. And he just insulted him. Ijordi's eyes flared.
"You are a citizen," he said.
His words were stiff and he let go of Aljandrr's head.
"I'm sorry. It's going to take a while for me to adjust, you know."
Ijordi laughed and hugged Aljandrr.
"You will. You will do great, I know. The hardest part is over."
"And you still understand why I've done this?"
Ijordi sighed a deep sigh. He took Aljandrr's hands into his and kissed them. He rubbed the engagement band on Aljandrr's left finger, where it replaced the royal seal he wore before.
"Honestly, darling, I don't think I ever will. But I am here to support you and love you, like I promised."
Aljandrr smiled. He'd be ok.
There was a knock at the door, and the Courier entered.
"Prince..."
"No."
Aljandrr snapped.
"Excuse me, sir. I didn't realize you were finished. Master Ivy."
"Thank you," Aljandrr said.
"Master Ivy, are you ready to deliver the abdication? Your fa...the King waits."
"I just have to seal it."
Aljandrr walked to the desk and lit his sealing candle. He dripped several drops on the folded paper, and, retrieving his discarded ring from its box, pressed the royal seal one last time. He passed the letter to the Courier.
"Ok, let's go."
He took Ijordi's hand and they followed to the Royal Chamber. He couldn't help but notice the small look of shame on Ijordi's face again. He hoped it would mean nothing.