Royal Pursuit (ON HOLD)

Mateo

As I sat in the grand meeting room, surrounded by members of the council, their dissaproving glares bore into me like icy daggers. The weight of their collective skepticism hung heavy in the air, a silent but deafening accusation of my perceived inadequacy.

Uncle Vittorio, the most vocal critic among them, spoke first, his voice dripping with disdain. "Mateo, we have serious concerns about your readiness to assume the mantle of leadership. Your lack of commitment and responsibility evident to all."

The murmurs of agreement that rippled through the room only fueled my growing anger and frustration. I clenched my jaw, steeling myself against their accusations, knowing that my fate hung in the balance of their judgement.

In a moment of clarity, I rose to my feet, my voice steady and unwavering. "Respected council members, I understand your concerns, but my commitment to our empire runs deep, rooted in a vision that transcends mere tradition, after all my grand father and my father built this entire empire till it got to where it is today. My actions, my decisions, will speak louder than any words of doubt you may harbor. I will prove my worth not by conforming to expectations but by leading with integrity and purpose."

However, the council's dissaproval took a sharper turn as one of the elder members, Councilor Renata, addressed me with a pointed gaze. "Mateo, your failure to secure a marriage alliance speaks volume about your irresponsibility. A king must have a queen by his side, a partner to share the burdens of the throne. Your disregard for this tradition raises doubts about your dedication to our empire."

The accusation hit me like a blow to the chest. While I had my reasons for not rushing into a marriage of convenience, their words stung with the weight of tradition and expectations. I felt the eyes of the council boring into me, their unspoken judgement echoing in the ornate chamber.

Despite the mounting pressure and the expectations weighing me down, a fire ignited within me, a defiance against their attempts to undermine me. I straightened my posture, meeting their scornful gazes with unwavering determination. "My great grandfather Lucas Giovanni was not married when he inherited the throne and he did a great work at building the empire. Women are a distraction from the responsibilities of the empire besides why are we talking about the inheritance of the throne when the last king just died two hours ago. I believe according to traditions the only way I would not become the next leader of this empire is if I die which I'm very much sure won't be happening anytime soon."

The council room fell into stunned silence, my bold defiance challenging their preconceived notions. As I stood there, unyielding in the face of their skepticism, I knew that my journey through kingship would be one of resilience and unwavering resolve.

"I believe we all have a funeral to attend instead of politics. If you need me see me after mourning days. Also, before I forget keep my mother out of your politics." Then I left for my mansion to prepare for the funeral.

A dark cloud hung heavily over the kingdom during my father's funeral, casting a shadow of everything I knew. As I stood at the head of the procession, my eyes fixed on the elegant casket that held his earthly remains, I felt a mixture of emotions swirling within me - grief, uncertainty, and a profound sense of duty.

The streets were eerily quiet, the only sound the solemn toll of the church bells marking the passing of a great king. I could feel the weight of the crown that now sat uneasily on my head, a symbol of the immense responsibility that had suddenly been thrust upon me.

The cathedral loomed ahead, its grandeur a stark contrast to the somber mood that permeated the air. Each step I took towards the altar felt heavier than the last, as if the weight of my father's legacy pressed down upon my shoulders, reminding me of the greatness I now had to live up to.