BEROYALED

THE STARS ARE RAINING

THE NEWS OF THE CROWN Prince's death was a moment of crisis for Nerio. It's been three weeks and His Majesty hasn't woken up yet. It's probably Ma who's most damaged among us. She took in charge—with the help of Gramps—In place of the King who couldn't be there dealing with this disaster. Without the King and the Crown Prince, the future of our country is ambiguous. Several articles and headlines sprouted from here and there.

             YOUNG CROWN PRINCE FREDERICK KILLED IN AN AMBUSH

     Not too long ago a group of unknown bandits attacked the Royal Caravan escorting His Majesty the King and the Crown Prince to the airport. Reports said it was an inside job. One of the King's escorts was a spy and crashed the car they were riding before shooting the Crown Prince. The culprit aimed his gun next at the King and shot him at a critical spot. The escorts and guards together with the caravan were quick enough to protect and save His Majesty but clearly too late for the Crown Prince.

                                                  WHAT IS NEXT FOR US?

     With the death of our Crown Prince and the absence of our King, the future of Nerio is in a blur. The very foundation of our country has been jeopardized and the Palace doesn't seem to be more aggressive in approaching this matter. Her Majesty the Queen took temporary command but are we sure the Queen is someone credible enough to lead? Considering Her majesty's mental health and previous outbursts and the struggles and controversies during the early stages of her marriage with the King, we need someone better to lead or this will be the end of our young nation.

                                      PRINCESS ANDREA IS NEXT IN LINE?

     Obviously the responsibility now falls on our only Princess. It would be the second time in our history that a princess would rose to the throne after Queen Charlotte when Crown Prince Charles stepped down from his position. The council is divided and the people are reluctant. As we all know, Princess Andrea is just eighteen years old—too young to be a Queen but old enough to wear the crown. She wasn't brought up and trained to lead a country so this sudden change of obligation must not only be shocking to us but to her highness as well. And most importantly, Princess Andrea is already betrothed which makes her more fitting to take the throne as there must be a King by her side. The Palace is yet to release information about the gentleman promised to marry our future Queen. Yet, rumors have sparked he is a son of the family carrying the 3 stars and a sun symbol and supported by the rebels. If so, then the young princess' credibility to take the throne is very ambiguous. Some rumors say he is a foreigner.

     Meanwhile, a few groups have been formed appealing to the council that the descendants of Crown Prince Charles should take the throne as it was originally theirs. But they are nowhere to be found.

The Queen gathers all her strength to face all of it. But at night, I'd often hear her crying in the office and in her room. I've been grieving myself as well. The country lost their Crown Prince but I lost my precious little brother. And Ma lost her son. It wasn't easy for her. Giving birth to a prince is always a pressure for a Queen. But I came into the world first. They were happy, but her responsibilities as the King's wife haunted Ma like trauma. It became hard for her to get pregnant and stay pregnant after I was born. Frederick was a miracle—a little bundle of joy and miracle that brought sanity to us all.

Hearing Ma sobbing until she falls asleep breaks my heart every time. I was afraid she would break down eventually and just lose it all. And I hated myself more for being unable to do anything.