An Angels Hero

Standing Up For Oneself | Declaration

While sitting on the bed, Jack pours out his soul to Ethan and Jessica. Neither interrupts him, only sitting and listening. He tells them about his relationship with Severin, his troubles with Madelyn, and how he doesn't really want to be king. Them simply listening, while no one else would, helped. "Thank you for... Sniff... Listening." Jack says, wiping his eyes.

"No worries. It's the least we could do." Ethan says, "We're your friends. And that's what friends are for." Ethan places his hand on Jack's shoulder.

"It's just... Even though I have so much wealth and adoration, everything is cold. Everyone except for Avery was. And Avery isn't here right now." Jack says, "So all of this meant a lot."

"No problem." Jessica says. Suddenly there's a knock at the door.

"Come in!" Jack yells. As the door opens, they see it is a knight who was knocking.

"Sir!" He salutes Jack. "The king has requested for you to come! A ceremony to welcome you home is being held in the throne room!"

"Okay. I'll be there." Jack says. The knight then exits, closing the door. "So... I guess I need to go." Jack says.

"Don't worry, we'll be waiting for you." Ethan says. Jack nods.

"Thank you guys." Jack says, standing. He walks  to his door and exits his bedroom. Walking to the throne room, he sees that there are several people standing in the entryway. He walks by them, walking up the stairs and entering the throne room. Inside, his father is standing at the throne, and seats have been arranged. Madelyn and Joseph are standing on the left side of the steps that lead up to the throne.

"Ah, my son." The king says.

"Hello father." Jack says as he approaches them.

"Please join me up here." He says, reaching his arms out.

"One moment." Jack says, walking over to Joseph. "Hey, Joseph. First time I've seen you since I got back."

"Hi!" Joseph says excitedly, "I'm glad you're back! I missed you."

"Missed you too." Jack says as he ruffles his hair. "Let's talk more after." He says. He then walks up the steps to his father. They hug.

"It's so good to have you home." The king says, "And many others are happy to welcome you back. That is why we're holding this ceremony."

"It is good to be home, father." Jack says as their hug releases.

"Now let us wait for the seating to be finished, and for everyone to sit." The king says. It takes a few moments, but the seating arrangements are finished and the throne room door is opened. Then the people outside crowd in, all taking their seats. As everyone sits and is ready, the king steps forward. "Thank you for attending this beautiful day, my loyal subjects." He says, "Today is a special day." He looks back at Jack. "For my son and heir apparent has returned!" The crowd erupts into cheer as Jack steps forward. "My son. If you will, say a few words." He says. Jack looks out over the crowd, and he sees Severin among them. He is less than excited.

"Hello, everyone." Jack says, trying to ignore Severin. "I-It's good to be home." He says, "I had to go away for a while in order to... Find myself. But, I am back and..." He looks at Severin. "I am back to resume my duty to protect you all." The crowd cheers as he finishes talking. He steps back again.

"Thank you for your words son." The king says, "As he said, he is once more ready to serve us all." He says, "Any questions?" A man towards the back stands. "You." The king points at him.

"Why didn't you stay and kill that monster when we needed you? Instead, you ran away to 'find yourself'. That is quite detestable." The man says as everyone looks at him. "And I know I'm not the only one, even in this room, who thinks you selfishly abandoned us in our time of need. If mister Severin had not slain it, we would all be its food!" The crowd becomes questionable after this, talking amongst themselves.