Unchosen Crown

UPSIDE DOWN

The old clock on the wall struck five o'clock in the afternoon when Oliver entered the imposing Council Room of Buckingham Palace. His steps echoed on the marble floor as he crossed the spacious hall, adorned with richly embroidered tapestries and portraits of past monarchs.

As he approached the long oak table, he noticed his grandmother, Queen Charlotte, already seated at the head. Despite her illness and evident fatigue, she maintained an upright posture and a penetrating gaze behind her thin-framed glasses. To her right, Lord Benjamin Ashford and Lady Victoria Pembroke, two of the most influential royal advisors, were conversing in low voices.

Oliver took his place to the Queen's left, feeling the weight of the crown that would one day be his. Through the tall arched windows, the last orange rays of the June sunset invaded the room, creating dancing patterns on the polished floor.

"Welcome, gentlemen," the Queen announced, her firm voice filling the silence. "Today we will discuss matters of utmost importance for the future of our nation."

Lord Ashford was the first to speak, unfolding a set of documents in front of him. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, allow me to present the proposed environmental plan. It outlines bold measures to reduce the UK's carbon emissions..."

As Ashford spoke, Oliver struggled to concentrate. His gaze wandered to the walls covered with tapestries depicting hunting scenes and battles, fragments of history that influenced the matters they discussed.

Lady Pembroke took the floor next, her voice passionate as she addressed the need for educational reforms. "It is crucial that we invest in the future of our children, providing them with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving world."

Oliver nodded mechanically, feeling a growing restlessness. When the silence finally settled, he seized the opportunity. "I understand the importance of these issues," he said, his firm voice contrasting with his youthful appearance. "But what is really my role beyond simply agreeing with the suggestions presented?"

A tense silence hung in the air, finally broken by the Queen. "Your role, Oliver, transcends mere acceptance. Your duty is to ponder, question, and above all, decide what is best for our people."

The Crown Prince met his grandmother's eyes. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, don't you think the role of the monarchy today is more symbolic than practical? Why insist so much on protocols when our real influence is limited?"

The Queen pursed her lips, surprised by Oliver's frankness. Lord Ashford and Lady Pembroke exchanged cautious glances. After a pause, the sovereign replied:

"This discussion is not new, but I have reiterated that underestimating the importance of the monarchy is to ignore the influence we still exert on politics, culture, and most importantly, the stability of this nation."

Refusing to yield, Oliver pressed on: "Wouldn't it be more authentic to collaborate directly with Parliament and the people? Hiding behind traditions may make us seem like mere ceremonial figures."

Queen Charlotte rose from her intricately carved wooden chair with difficulty, her slow movements denoting her advanced age. Her upright posture matched Oliver's, the silent confrontation between the two almost palpable. The cautious glances of Lord Ashford and Lady Pembroke only highlighted the discomfort.

"The traditions you scorn," the Queen began, her firm voice filling the silent hall, "are the foundations on which our country was built. They provide a sense of continuity, something stable that people can rely on in uncertain times."

Oliver met his grandmother's piercing gaze. "Aren't these uncertain times precisely an opportunity for us to rethink and evolve?" He retorted, his voice rising slightly, driven by a mixture of respect and challenge. "To show that we are more than emblems and symbols of a glorious past?"