My King

Chapter 1 - The man in the mirror.

Chapter 1 – The man in the mirror.

King Luka Black

The mirror painted another truth, that I didn't quite feel yet. The boy had become a man – A King. In this moment, I couldn't recognize myself, no matter how long or hard I stared, and the longer I gazed at my reflection, the more it painted me as a liar. A fraud. I'm standing firm, tall and proud, like my father. In a time that goes too fast for comfort, I'll be standing in front of the whole North, promising to protect and lead them to the best of my abilities. My father's crown will be another weight on my shoulders.

I will be king.

I have repeated that sentence in my head since I awoke, and it still doesn't sound convincing.

It sounds fake. I wonder, has all Kings felt like this? Or am I the exception?

One of the many maids lingering around this castle, knocks on the door, and allow it to creep open.

"Are you ready, Prince Luka?" Her voice is timid, as most are around me.

I glance at the hurtful truth within the cavern of the mirror, being forced to see my reflection and leaving me to wince lightly at myself. I turn away, not being able to take it anymore, and give the timid woman a nod and a confident smile, that hides the truth, I'm not willing to admit or face.

"I was born ready."

What a lie.

She steps aside, gazing up at me with amazement. Would she look at me the same if she knew?

I stride down the corridor, leading to the large garden, that is currently containing the whole North. I heavy a deep breath, straighten my back, and hold my head high, before opening the doors to look at what my life will look like from now on. The crowd is gleeful and hollering already, giving me a headache, I conceal behind a large smile, filling up my entire face with a happiness, I wish I was feeling.

My parents are standing strong and proud in front of the castle and the people, presenting themselves as the King and Queen, they are. My mother's soft features are split in an adorning smile, that allow me to release a breath I was retaining, and a genuine smile to take place over the fake. My gaze falls to my father, who is stoic and emotionless as always. My face immediately hardens and somehow, I think my back straightens even more.

His hard and calculated gaze makes sweat from my hair drip down my forehead, and I force myself to keep the corner of my mouth upwards.

Don't frown. Don't frown.

My father clears his throat, when I stand beside them, and he has made sure to send me a subtle warning glare, and a so stiff nod its almost invisible to the naked eye.

"We are gathered here today to crown my son, Luka Black, as our new King. He has proven himself worthy of the crown and has my full support. I have been honored to serve as your King for many centuries, but it is my time to step down, and hand over the reins to my only son and heir. May he reign in many centuries. Priest, will you come forward?" He ends, waving the priest forward.

The man, who is by far older than time, emerge from the low shadows and stumble forward with a speed slower than time. I kneel with my head bowed, as the priest takes his place beside me, the crown clutched tightly in his wrinkled and slightly shaking hands.

"Luka Black, will you honor and protect the kingdom from all evil? Will you protect the ones weaker than yourself, and always put the people's welfare and safety before anything else?"

I look out at my people, scanning all their smiling faces, as they basically hold their breaths in anticipation. "I do"

"Then I hereby crown you, Luka Black, as the new King of the North" He ends and place the heavy crown on my head.