Star-Crossed Paths

Chapter One: The Cursed Coronation

It was dawn, as the birds were chirping in song outside the gardens of this beloved palace. Looking out from the window into the garden, was a boy no older than eighteen. He had beautiful blue eyes with faded blonde hair that stood out from the people around him. Hands behind his back as he stared outside the glass window in the throne room. Who is he, you may ask? For this boy is about to change his whole kingdom.
"Constantine?" A voice crept behind him. "Constantine!"
Constantine turned around; a frightened look was casted upon him. As it faded when he saw who it was. He nodded to the person who called his name. "Yes?"
Constantine's voice was soft, as if he didn't mature at all during his childhood or his teenage years. He tilted his head in confusion on why they called him for.
"You do realize what today is, correct?" The person asked. This person was shorter than Constantine, and had her hair in a bun. It looked like she was one of the maids in this castle. "Your coronation? Remember your father gave up the crown and said you would be taking over the throne instead of your mother?"
"Ah. It would seem like I've forgotten," Constantine responded, followed by a sigh from him. It was quite clear, Constantine didn't want to take the throne. "I'll be upstairs to see the outfit soon, Lucandia."
Lucandia nodded and bowed before rushing towards the halls, filled with golden pristine pillars. Each were hand crafted with care.
Constantine took another deep look at the garden. The garden was quite beautiful, even with very few decorative pieces. The flowers were of course, chosen by his mother. Which brought a frown to his face. His mother was someone who he didn't look up to, nor did he want to become her. Taking a deep breath, he turned his back away from the garden and looked ahead. In just a few hours, this palace would belong to him. In just a few hours, the entire kingdom will fall into his hands and play the role he'll order them to play.
Running upstairs, his shoes barely made a noise. Constantine was known to be the quiet one around in this castle. Never the loudest, as he never raised his voice. He stopped at the top of the stairs, pondering on where he needed to go first. He'd figured he would have to take a look at his outfit before changing into it. "Ah, Constantine! There you are!" A voice called out to him from behind. Constantine turned his head around to see another maid calling out to him from the stairs.
"Is there something you need? I was just about to head towards my room."
"Your coronation outfit is in your room! I wanted to let you know beforehand. And if there is anything you want me to change about it. Let me know right away and I'll tell them! We can't let the new prince be unhappy about his coronation."
It's not like I was happy about it, in the beginning. He thought to himself before looking back at the maid. "Of course. I doubt I would be unhappy about the outfit since you all do pick the best," Reassuring her with a small smile. The smile faded quickly as he looked back towards his room. Ever since the coronation was planned and he had no say in it, he had to move into his father's old room. Though that coronation had been planned almost three years ago. It was well believed that the world preferred his mother ruling rather than Constantine taking over the throne. But as it was requested by Constantine's father. Constantine shall take the throne as he believed the world would be better if Constantine ruled.
Constantine walked towards his room and opened the door quietly. It creaks a bit as he opens it gently. Looking at the mannequin wearing his outfit next to his bed, he took a deep breath and let out a sigh. Wishing this day would have never come. Closing the door and locking it, he took a nice look at the outfit. Everything about it, Constantine disliked. How it would stand out? He very much hated it. Looking at the grandfather clock placed near his bed table, it surprised him. It was only dawn since he woke up. Yet it was almost noon, when his coronation would be held. A slight panic arose in Constantine, he really didn't want it to happen. He was more scared of if the people would approve of him. Would he the son of the former king, be able to rule the kingdom properly and as well as his father? Only fate knew the answer. Fate would put everything he needed together, but when that comes. There's a price to pay.
After he finished up getting ready, he looked through a couple books he had stacked on the table. Wondering which one was he in the middle of reading, until a loud knock or two can be heard from his door. Looking up from his books, he rushed to the door and opened it. His gaze fell into a surprise when he saw his mother was standing there. A small bubble of fear can be felt in his stomach as his mother gazed at him with her red eyes. "Open the door all the way, what do you have to hide from your mother?" She said, her voice was cold.
He silently nodded and opened his door so his mother could see not only him but his room. And he could see not only his mother's face but her figure. She was quite tall, but not as tall as Constantine. She had snow white hair with striking red eyes. Her gaze lacked any positive feelings, only menace and cruelty could be felt in those eyes. His mother was indeed not the one fit to rule the kingdom. She would only become a tyrannical ruler if he let her take the throne. Her gaze slowly fell on Constantine. "I haven't seen you dressed properly until now. You must be excited for your coronation, aren't you?" She asked. "I must remind you, even if you are becoming the ruler of Vladenstone, you are to abide by my orders. Do you understand?"
"Of course, mother," Constantine agreed, but deep down he could sense her mother being the manipulative one she was. His mother was a liar and the manipulator. It was hard to believe that she was even a human. "Shouldn't I go down now? Father would be waiting, right?"
"Indeed, he is, that is why I came up. Now go down there, don't waste any more time. The others will be coming soon and remember they are under your hands once they enter this palace. You may order them after that crown is placed on your head."
Constantine closed his door and slid past his mother, as he walked down, he felt her gaze following him down. It seeped into his mind as fear was put into him. He felt nothing but fear and anxiety near his mother. His mother was a snake that could strike at any moment. Leaving poison and him bleeding out. Quickly rushing downstairs, his head twisted and turned. Taking a hint that the maids rushing in and out of a large room, he assumed the coronation would be held in the throne room. Walking towards the throne room, he peeked in. Everything was so decorative already in such a little amount of time. Catching a glimpse of his father's figure in the throne room, he made his way past everyone towards him. Constantine's father noticing Constantine walking over, he smiled and called out. "Constantine! My son! Why isn't it your special day!"
"Why if it isn't my father? I sort of feel bad for stealing the crown from you."
"Why don't be silly son! I remember when I got the crown. It was the most important day of my life and I'm glad to pass it onto you!" He expressed joyfully. "I hope you cherish this title well and rule passionately. Like me of course!"
"Of course, I will, I seem to carry your personality more than mother's."
"Don't let her hear you saying that" He laughed. "You really have matured, and I feel like I've made the right choice in giving you this title."
"We'll see, won't we? I won't let you down though, father."
"I know you won't"
Constantine nodded in acknowledgement, standing there a bit with his father. As moments go by. "Have you eaten yet, father?"
"Yes, I have. Have you?"
Constantine hesitated before opening his mouth to answer. A bell rung interrupting the conversation between the two. Looking at his father confused in what was happening. His father explained. "It's the bell to signify that it's almost time for your coronation, my boy!" His father exclaimed, his face filled with pride and joy. He loved Constantine dearly yet, him and her mother both have different dynamics when it comes to caring for Constantine. "Best you take your position now son. I'll be holding the crown and waiting for you right here on the throne."
Constantine once again nodded and pushed his glasses up from his nose to his eyes. It was time indeed, for him to take the crown. And when he takes the crown, the people would bow to him. "Constantine! Come on it's almost time, let's take the positions!" Lucandia called to Constantine and he ran over quickly. "Let's also not dirty that cape, Constantine!"
"My apologies," he said to Lucandia, he was quite nervous since there were going to be large crowds, but it doesn't matter now. What matters is that he doesn't mess up and bring dishonor and embarrassment towards his family. Clearing his throat and looking at the door as people began pouring in. His heart pounded and his stomach fluttered as he looked over nervously for his mother. There she was, dressed in crimson red that matches her eyes. Looking at Constantine and nodding towards him, mouthing the words. "Do not mess up" to him. He looked at her in acknowledgement. Constantine won't mess up, not even if his mother didn't warn him to, but because his father depended on this. He took a deep breath as he looked up. Listening for the next bell in signaling that it was time.
Instead of a bell, it was trumpets playing this time. The scenery changed after the trumpets blew. Constantine was too nervous to notice the beautiful white lilies that were laid in the vases on the pillars. Nor the carpet that was just replaced for his coronation. Timing it perfectly, he began to walk shakily towards his father. Ignoring the looks and the whispers among the other rulers who watched him walk towards his father. He walked up to his father slowly and respectfully. Once he reached the edge of the stairs, he looked up towards his father and the trumpets stopped playing. This was it. This is when the crown will be placed upon him. Constantine kneeled on both of his knees and looked down at the ground. Was this fate's decision for him? Perhaps it may be so.
His father stood up and everyone bowed. He nodded to them all in acknowledgement. "It is great to see that all of you have made it. On this fine day, I am really in joy that I am able to give up my position as king to such a wonderful boy I've raised with Clarisia. I've thought about this thoroughly and have decided Constantine on this day, will take over the throne in ruling this kingdom. He has proven that he is wise and mature enough to take over the throne and lead this kingdom to its success!" Constantine's father said out loud to the audience. Looking at Constantine, he smiled. "Constantine Flanore Vladenstone, do you solemnly swear to rule this kingdom with dignity and honor? To protect the citizens around you and to use the wise knowledge you have be gifted in order to lead this kingdom to its victory?"
"I do solemnly swear."
"Then I see no other choice than to present to you, Prince Constantine of Vladenstone!" His father announced placing the crown carefully onto Constantine's head. The gold was cold on his head as a shiver went down Constantine. It was done. It was too late to turn back and run away from this coronation. Fate has cursed him; he can't undo what fate has given him. "You may rise, Prince Constantine."
Constantine rose slowly and turned towards the crowd as they all kneeled to him. His father whispered in his ear. "They are your subject under this palace, Constantine."
Constantine's facial expression changed, it was no longer the soft look on his face anymore, but a face that glowed of responsibility and leadership. Realizing from this day forward, he can't be soft anymore. The world is dangerous, and the danger is in the same room as him now. He glanced towards his mother and to his surprised. A glow of approval flashed in her eyes. She nodded towards Constantine before signaling him to the crowd. Turning his attention back to the crowd and clearing his throat. "You all may rise," He ordered them. His very first order and most likely not be his last. They all rose in at the end of his sentence. "I'm grateful and most definitely am happy to be your ruler from this day forward, and I hope you would treat me with the same respect you have given my father."
"I hope you do know your limits as well, Constantine," His mother said to him sternly.
"Yes, of course I do, mother."
"Good, remember so."
"Ah let's not discuss this here, Clarisia," His father jumped in. "This coronation has been concluded, please do watch your steps when you exit the throne room. There is food and desserts in the dining room so please help yourselves."
And in one heartbeat, everyone rushed out the throne room. Most likely to leave rather than stay. Only the alliances would stay for lunch with them. As Clarisia watched them all exit, her eyes darted towards Constantine. "Remember your spot, Constantine. I am in charge; you will obey my orders. No matter how much power you have, let's not forget who put you here in the first place," She spat to Constantine.
"I didn't ask for the title to be placed on me, mother," He responded. "Nor did I ever ask you to commit any violence in this family."
"Are you talking back to me, Constantine? You should know better than to do that."
"I am not, I am merely asking you. Did I ever ask for a title to be placed on me?"
"No, but it's better we keep the throne within us three only."
"That's highly unreasonable, mother."
"I didn't ask for your input on this, Constantine! Now close that mouth of yours before I cut it off! You do not question me, and my capability of things and you will abide by my orders. Do you understand?"
"...Yes, mother."
"Good," She finished. She turned and walked down the stairs; her heels clanked on the floor as it echoes through the empty throne room. Constantine turned to his father and nodded to him. Before leaving as well.
Mother, I'm starting to feel guilty on what I plan for you. He thought to himself. Clarisia's reign may run through Constantine if he lets her do so. But it was time, he has come to realize, he can't let his mother dictate his rule on the kingdom. Clarisia's time is about to reach an end...or so that was the plan. Constantine was ready and so was the palace. It was time to brush pass the past. Constantine could never forget where he came from, but he can certainly use it to make him into a better person than what his mother plans to make him into. The coronation was over, it was clear he has been cursed with this title. There is no turning back now. For Constantine was the opening of a new generation for this world.
Constantine walked out as he saw his mother disappear into the dining room to chat with the other royals. He took a look of his mother's portrait on the wall and looked back at the throne room. "I promise you, father. You won't have to suffer anymore with her once I am finished with my plans. Mark my words," He whispers to himself. Turning back to the throne room, he shuts the door as he no longer sees his father in his eyes. "Mark my words, father."