The Sworn Crown Of Allegiance

Chapter 4 The Weight of the Crown

In every other part of the world, being crowned king or queen was a huge triumph, an unequalled feat. A leader must become the ultimate sacrifice for change in times of despair. There was no higher calling. As I sat in my personal study, surrounded by books and scrolls, I couldn't help but ponder the heavy burden that had been placed upon my shoulders. Why me? Amongst my siblings, each one born with an equal claim to the throne and all equally capable of ruling, why was my father so persistent on making me the next king?

I gazed out of the tall windows that lined the study, the sunlight filtering through the ornate stained glass, casting a rainbow of colours upon my weary face. Outside, the bustling city of Eldoria carried on with its everyday life, oblivious to the inner turmoil that consumed me. A sigh escaped my lips as I turned my attention back to the room, taking in the meticulously arranged bookshelves, the vibrant tapestries adorning the walls, and the ancient artifacts that whispered tales of a forgotten era.

Feeling the weight of my own thoughts, I rose from my plush velvet armchair and left the study, With slow, deliberate steps, I made my way moving through the castle's grand corridors towards the vast library. It was a place of solace for me, a sanctuary where I could lose myself in the realm of words and stories. The air was filled with the scent of aged paper and ink, and the soft glow of candlelight created a cozy ambiance.

Making my way towards a particular corner of the library, where a large window overlooked the castle gardens, I selected a book from the shelf. The worn leather cover felt soft beneath my fingertips, a testament to the countless readers who had sought refuge within its pages.

Settling into an armchair by the window, I opened the book and immersed myself in its world of adventure and magic. Each word danced before my eyes, conjuring vivid images within my mind. The pages whispered secrets of forgotten lands and ancient wisdom. I could almost smell the tang of the salty sea, and feel the wind whip through my hair as I sailed through uncharted waters. It was in these moments that I truly felt alive.

Just as I was about to lose myself entirely, a figure suddenly appeared before me, breaking the spell. Elio,  stood before me with a wide grin on his face. A testament to his dedication as a knight and his unwavering loyalty to the crown.

"Ah, Elio, you always know how to interrupt a perfectly good reading session," I quipped, closing the book and placing it on the side table. "What brings you here?"

He was clad in his customary armour, his dark eyes shining with a mischievous gleam. Elio leaned against a nearby bookshelf, his confidence radiating like a glowing ember. "I come bearing news, my prince," he said with a wry smile.

"Oh, pray tell, what is this urgent news?" I asked, leaning forward eagerly.

Elio's lips twitched with amusement. "Well, it seems our dear prince has forgotten about the impending court meeting. It is to be held quite soon, and I thought it prudent to remind you."

I groaned inwardly, cursing my forgetfulness. How could I have overlooked such an important event? In my quest for escapism through books, I had neglected my royal duties. "Thank you, Elio, for reminding me," I said, a tinge of embarrassment creeping into my voice.

Elio's grin widened. "Ah, my prince, with your head stuck in books, it's no wonder you forget about such matters. But fear not! Your trusty knight-in-training is here to save the day."

I sighed, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on me once more. "Must they always call upon me? Can't they solve their problems without my input?"

Elio chuckled, the sound infectious. "Ah, my prince, if only it were that easy. But alas, the fate of an entire kingdom rests upon your shoulders. It seems the world just can't get enough of your princely charm."

I chuckled at his playful tone, grateful for his unwavering support. "Well, it seems I am destined to be a king after all," I mused, standing up and straightening my attire. "Lead the way, my knight. Let us attend this court meeting before my absence is sorely missed."

Elio nodded, a glint of pride sparkling in his eyes. "It would be my honour, my prince."

Together, we made our way out of the library, the towering shelves and whispered knowledge left behind. As we walked through the majestic halls of the castle, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. The weight of my responsibilities still lingered, but now I knew that I had a friend to share the journey with. As we made our way towards the Great Hall, echoes of courtiers' hushed conversations reached our ears. The grand double doors loomed before us, and as I prepared myself to face the weighty matters of the kingdom, Elio moved to my side.

And so, with Elio by my side, I faced the court meeting with renewed determination. The bittersweet embrace of literature would have to wait, for the world of politics and duty called me forth, and I was ready to face it head-on.