"Greetings to my subjects," Maximus declared, a wicked laughter echoing through the palace. His face, marred by scars, sent shivers through the remaining subjects, as chaos and violence unfolded around them.
"I am greeting you, but you are quiet. Oh, do you want me to silence you forever?" he sneered, his ominous words hanging in the air. The trembling subjects managed a hesitant response, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
"As you may know, I am King Maximus, the first king without a coronation. I prefer it that way. My scars, they add a certain beauty, don't you think, Lord Cedric?" he inquired, expecting an answer that never came.
"Cedric, you are stubborn, but I'll need to address your shortcomings," Maximus declared, his tone chillingly calm. He continued, "If you are wise, stay close to me, but if you play smart, I will kill you."
"I hereby command that during my reign, there shall be no more celebrations, festivals. The soldiers should go out and bring me men aged 18 and above. No more lazy men. We must strengthen our military power to ensure safety and power. We need to expand our land. General, what do you think?" Maximus posed the question, his eyes fixed on the military leader.
"Your Highness, I mean Majesty, forcing them into the military is..." the general began, but Maximus abruptly cut him off, "Forcing? I am not forcing; I am giving orders."
"Orders indeed. Do you think that giving a hard time will make you powerful or strong? It will only make you vulnerable, easily accessible to getting killed, and you'll have more enemies. I am one," Lord Cedric interjected, challenging the newfound ruler.
The tension in the room rose, the power struggle unfolding with each spoken word. In the shadows of Maximus's reign, the subjects grappled with the realization that their once vibrant kingdom had descended into a realm of darkness and uncertainty.