One Royal Falls, Another Rises

We've been planning this for weeks. Everyone in the castle knows.

Well, everyone but the Prince.

And people are too scared to tell him.

Even me. He'd tell his father. So, I'll just have to deal with him when the time comes.

We're ready.

Everything is in place.

The time is set.

The guards have been persuaded to our side.

The King has been abandoned by everyone.

Except for the prince. But, what is he going to do? Defeat almost a whole kingdom?

~~~

“Ready, ma'am?” asks one of the guards.

“Yes, you?” I answer, my hand on the knife in my pocket as we approach the prince's room. It is only to be used as a last resort.

“Always ready, miss,” he responds.

We stop in front of the door and stare at it in silence for a moment.

I take a deep breath and knock lightly.

The door opens and the prince stands before us with his regular charming smile.

“Ellie! Come in, come in,” he exclaims, stepping to the side for me.

“I'll stay out here. Shout the signal for when I need to step in. You have five minutes till the gates are overrun,” the guard, Max, whispers in my ear.

I give a small nod and step inside the prince's room.

He shuts the door behind me and leads me to his little balcony.

“My prince-” I start. He cuts me off.

“Please. Call me Xander,” he says softly, looking off the balcony and out over the kingdom.

“Yes, of course Xander. Well, I'm here to keep you busy for a bit,” I reply calmly, trying not to show any hint of what is to happen in three minutes.

“Why is that?” he asks, his voice filled with curiosity as he glances over at me.

“Because there is a…surprise planned,” I say quietly.

I place my hands on the railing, my gaze on the gates as I watch a small group of people gather.

Xander doesn’t notice them yet, thankfully.

“I love surprises.” He smiles again and chuckles softly.

“I'm sure you do,” I reply reluctantly.

We stand there in silence for a moment.

My grip on the railing tightens slightly as I see the gates finally open.

“Hey, what are those guys doing at the gates?” he asks suddenly.

It’s time.

“Guards!” he starts shouting.

Before he can say another word, I grab one of his arms, pulling him closer to me as I twist it behind his back and press his chest against the railing.

“Hey, what're you-?” I place a hand over his mouth to keep him from making any noise.

He struggles against me, but it's no use. I’m more experienced with fighting than him.

“I'm sorry,” I whisper, keeping my grip on him and pulling him back into his room.

“Max!” I shout towards the door.

Max yells something down the hall before rushing into the room, followed by a few more guards.

They surround the prince and I, their swords drawn and at the ready.

I let go of Xander and step back to block the door. He lets out a small gasp and cradles the arm that I was holding.

“What's going on? What are you doing? What is this?” he asks, his voice filled with panic.

“A takeover. I’m sorry, Your Highness, but your father has been torturing this kingdom and we’ve all decided to finally take some action,” I say quietly but also firmly.

He takes a step towards me but freezes when the guards all seem to shift slightly, ready to take action if needed.

“Ellie…why are you doing this? Why didn’t you tell me?” he asks with a shaky voice. He looks me straight in the eyes and I can see the fear and confusion filling him.

“You would have told your father. We couldn’t risk that.” I drop my gaze to the floor.

He stays silent. He seems conflicted on whether to cry or charge at me.

A man walks by the door and stops right behind me.

“It’s done,” the man says gruffly, his eyes scanning the room. “The body’s being brought to the courtyard.”

“My father’s dead?” Xander whispers, one of his hands moving to cover his mouth as his eyes glisten with unshed tears.

My words catch in my throat before I take a deep breath. “Yes,” I answer stiffly.

He lets out a shaky breath, trying to control his emotions. “Who will take over as King?” he asks quietly.

“We were hoping you would. But you would have to make decisions only in the likes of the whole kingdom,” I reply firmly, looking at him again, my hands clasped in front of me.

“I accept!” he says quickly, without hesitation, raising a finger in the air.

“Really?” I tilt my head and raise an eyebrow, a hint of suspicion in my voice.

“Yes. Even though I love my father and this really cuts deep, I never did approve of his methods. I want to change them,” Xander says with determination, his voice now rid of panic.

“Okay, then. But you will be monitored. You will not be left alone. We cannot risk you trying anything,” I mention. I beckon towards Max, who steps forward and grabs the prince's arm. I turn and start walking to the Throne Room, with them following.

When we get to the room, I stop in the center and turn to face them.

“Max, wait outside. I want a word with the prince,” I order firmly.

Max nods and steps out of the room.

“Xander, I’m so sorry. I shouldn't have kept this from you, but you have to understand why I did. You have to understand that we had to do this,” I say, my voice finally revealing the sorrow that has been bubbling inside me.

“I…I do, Ellie. I can’t say I’m not mad, but I understand,” he says, speaking softly once again. I hate how understanding he is. He shouldn’t be. His father was just murdered.

“Well, then, Your Highness…take a seat,” I say before waving a hand towards the King’s throne.

He hesitates a second before slowly approaching the throne. He lowers himself onto the seat and leans back slightly.

I pause before giving a slight bow.

“Oh, c’mon, Ellie. No formalities. Not after everything today,” says Xander, beckoning me forward.

I straighten up and step towards the throne.

“You know, even though you have done something wrong, I respect the determination and will to fight for the greater good. You’re still my favorite person in this castle,” he exclaims, standing up and taking my hand.

“Even with the whole…father thing?” I ask, confusion filling my voice.

“Yes, even with that, Ellie.” He brings my hand up to his lips and plants a small kiss.

“Well, you’re very forgiving,” I joke weakly, raising an eyebrow, my cheeks flushing slightly.

“Only for the best,” he mumbles, his eyes revealing both sadness and admiration.

Xander steps back and sits down again. “Well, it seems like I’m King now. Though I will mourn my father, I promise to change this kingdom for the greater good,” he states, raising a hand.

Did I do something wrong?

Yes.

Did I do it for the right reason?

I believe so.