As the sun dipped low, casting a warm orange glow over the city, the royal family returned to the palace. The parade had been a rousing success, but the evening's quiet brought with it the weight of exhaustion. Monn dismounted the carriage first, offering a hand to Lucy and Verb as they stepped down.
"You did well today," Monn said, his voice even but laced with pride.
"All I did was wave," Verb replied, still buzzing with energy. "Next year, can I march with the Guard instead?"
Monn exchanged a glance with Lucy, who raised an amused eyebrow. "You’re not a Royal Guardsman yet, Verb," Monn replied, his tone firm but kind. "But your time will come."
"One day," Verb muttered, not entirely satisfied with the answer.
Inside the palace, servants bustled about, preparing for the evening's feast. Verb and Lucy ran ahead to their rooms, leaving Monn to his thoughts as he ascended the grand staircase.
At the top, Ghost was waiting for him, still in his ceremonial armor, though his carefree grin betrayed his relaxed demeanor.
"Good turnout today," Ghost said, leaning against the banister. "The people seemed happy. You should be too."
"I am," Monn replied, though his tone was distant. He walked past Ghost toward his private study, motioning for him to follow.
Inside, Monn removed his ceremonial cape and hung it neatly on a rack before sitting at his desk. Ghost sat across from him, his posture far less formal.
"You’ve been quiet since the parade," Ghost noted, leaning forward. "What’s on your mind?"
Monn hesitated, his fingers drumming lightly on the desk. "The people cheered today, but that’s the easy part. Keeping them united—that’s the challenge."
Ghost tilted his head, studying Monn carefully. "You’re always looking for cracks, Monn. Sometimes you need to trust that the foundation will hold."
"The foundation is only as strong as its builders," Monn said, his tone sharp. "And there are always those who want to tear it down."
Ghost sighed, leaning back in his chair. "You think too much. Today was a victory, and tomorrow—well, tomorrow can wait until it gets here."
Monn didn’t reply, his gaze fixed on the map of the kingdom spread across his desk.
After a moment, Ghost stood, placing a hand on Monn’s shoulder. "Get some rest, Monn. Even kings need to sleep."
Monn nodded absently, but his mind was already elsewhere. As Ghost left the room, Monn’s thoughts turned to the future—of his children, his kingdom, and the challenges that lay ahead.
The sound of the feast being announced echoed through the halls, but Monn didn’t move. Instead, he stared at the map, his fingers tracing the borders of the Golden Eternal Kingdom, wondering how long they could remain unbroken.
YOU ARE READING
Eternal.
Ficção Científica"They stood with us, side by side, Fighting through battles as the nights got colder. Their blades once lit up the battlefield, And their voices were strong-but now, it's quiet. I can still remember the way they laughed, The way they'd charge into t...
