The Queen Of Nightmares And Stars

The Kingdom

Preston's POV:

The curtains open and reveal the morning sunbeams. I grab the pillow besides me and place it on my face, letting out a groan.

"Shut those curtains", I call out

"The Queen wants you downstairs in 10 minutes.", Ester says existing my room

I get out of bed and almost fall back down. Waking up early while having a hangover isn't the best. I already have a feeling today is going to be a long one.

-1 hour later-

After getting in the shower and readying myself for the day, I finally make my way downstairs into the parlor.

"Took you long enough, don't you think?", my mother nagged.

"It's too early to hear you yelling at me", I quaked

"Maybe if you weren't out late drinking and being sloppy, we wouldn't have to have this conversation.", she says throwing a magazine on the table in front of me.

"That's your face, Isn't it?", she questioned.

Before I could get a word out to defend my actions, she walked out of the room. God dammit, I don't even remember doing this.

I hear big footsteps behind me. I don't even need to turn around, there's only one person who walks like that, my father.

"You need to grow up", he said smacking the back of my head. "You're 32, it's time you start acting like it. No one will take you seriously when you become King", he exclaimed

"Maybe I act this way because you never let me actually live my life. My 20s were you pushing everything that you thought I needed to know down my throat. I'm done, I don't even want to be King", I snapped

"You have no choice.", he shouted

I storm out of the room, and take the magazine with me. At least they rated me the #1 bachelor in Greece. Why am I even surprised, I had absolutely no competition.

*phone rings*

"Hello", I said in a confused tone.

"You need to come to Arkney Palace right away", the voice on the phone demanded.

I go outside and I'm greeted with a black on black BMW. Leon, my personal driver/bodyguard, issues me to get in. I shot him a confused glance, but did as I was instructed.

Arkney Palace is where my parents live. They left me Wingston Palace for myself, but they do frequent check ins. It's a semi short ride. Around 25-30 mintutes; 40 at the maximum.

We arrive at the castle. Guards and the help greet me and stand outside the castle with their head low. I walk in slowly.

"You're needed upstairs", the head maid announced

I nodded my head to show I understood. I have never been 'needed' upstairs. I make my way upstairs until a guard guided me to my parents bedroom. I am greeted by the doctor and my sister, while my mom is holding my dad's hand on the side of the bed.

"What's going on?", I questioned.

"Maybe you should sit down", my sister suggested.

I make my way over to the chair beside the windows.

"The King, your father, has stage 4 pancreatic cancer", the doctor announced.

My stomach dropped and my heart started beating fast. I didn't know what to say or do. It felt like time was going by so slow. I could see everyone trying to talk to me, but I couldn't even phantom what was happening at this moment. I got up and swiftly made my way next to my father's bed side.

"What does that mean for our kingdom?", I asked.

"It means you need to take the throne, sooner than later", he stated.

My mouth fell open. No way was I ready to be King. There was so much more I wanted to do with my life. I'm not ready to run a country, hell, I don't even run my own life. I know my father has a limited time, so I rather not fight with him. Instead I nod my head, and start to mentally prepare myself for my new role, the King.

-2 weeks-
Coronation Day

Anyone who says they didn't have nerves before their coronation is a liar. I'm not someone who usually gets nervous. I'm usually pretty confident, and I'm always down for something that is all about me. Just today, it was different.

As I walk down the aisle with the priest in front of me, I feel thousands of eyes burning through me. If I could pick another life, I would. Regular people dream to be royal; me on the other hand, I would give it up in a heart beat. It's not rainbows and butterflies like everyone assumes. It is time consuming, tiring, and miserable; at least to me.

We finally make it down the aisle and I am seated on the throne. This is it, this is my future.

1 hour later.

As the ceremony comes to an end, I spot someone. Someone who I can't take my eyes off of. She's the definition of beautiful. If there was an example of a perfect girl, that's her.

I spaced out enough that the crown was already on my head.

"Do you remember what to say?", the priest whispers
I throw a wink at him and say my line. This is it, my future, my life. 

"For the Kingdom, Power, and Glory are mine, now and forever.", I say fixing my posture and maki myself look more dominant then I already am.

"Amen", the people respond.