"John? It's time to wake up sweetie." Julia cooed to her snoozing, teenaged son.
"Huh?.. Already? Mum the sun isn't even up yet, let me sleep in some more.." John groaned.
"Well we can't have you miss your first big meeting?"
"Big.. Meeting? What are you talking about Mum?"
"Oh haven't you heard? Your father wants to pass the throne down to you before he passes away."
"I'm.. I'll be king? Mum I don't know anything about ruling an entire kingdom! This is just all too sudden.."
"I know Johnny, but don't be nervous, this meeting will help you figure out what you need to do before you become king."
"Well.. If you insist.."
Shooting up out of bed, John quickly got out his best outfit to impress his father, Alfred and ran down to the meeting room. On his way down, he and Julia were still talking about the future to come.
"You really think that one meeting is all it takes to become king? I mean, Dad was always out there ruling and never once said anything about me taking over."
"I know it's quite a bit of a shock to hear the news right after your seventeenth birthday, but not to fear, Alfred will make sure you learn and understand everything you need to know."
Heading into the dining hall, John was relieved to see his childhood friends Paul and Ringo sitting at the table. "At least I know some people here.. What's up with all the old geezers though.."
Sitting in between his two friends, John overheard Paul chatting with King Alfred about the food shortages. "I'm telling you, someone's out there is stealing everything from the kitchens!"
"Come on now Paul, no peasant would be dumb enough to steal from us, he would be jailed on the spot!"
"Yeah well what if he or she's a really cunning peasant that can steal anything without getting caught?"
"For now enough with the talk on food, we need to discuss more important matters. My son taking my place for instance."
Feeling beads of sweat drip down his face, John slowly faced Alfred and asked if he would be able to teach him everything he needs to know about being king.
"Absolutely everything son. Don't need to get all sweaty, you're making the table wet."
"I can't help it Dad.. I'm really nervous about being the ruler of all of England.."
"Don't be, it's a simple task you're all worked up on. Now all you've got to do is make decisions on what should go on in our land."
"Th-that's all?"
"Yes that is all. Such as, what would you do about the taxes everyone pays?"
"I.. Umm."
"C'mon now boy! Don't lose it on me now."
John was sweating harder than ever now. Alfred's demands to have him answer instantly didn't help either. "I.. I got to go!"
Dashing out of the dining hall, John ran all the way back up to his room and shut the door tight.
"I can't believe him. What sort of King would just break down in the middle of a meeting?" Alfred grunted.
"You put too much pressure on him." Ringo responded. "He couldn't take you constantly yelling at him and he thought everything was all too sudden. You should have been more patient. I'd better go see how he's doing."
"Typical, you and him were together for a year now. Always doting over him."
Ignoring Alfred's remark, Ringo ran upstairs and saw Julia cradling her son in her arms, comforting him. "Don't cry sweetie. I'm sure Alfred didn't mean to frighten you."
