Sydney
The sun was beginning to dip behind the distant mountains as I stood in the village square, the bustling sounds of the market filling the air. The laughter of children, the chatter of vendors, and the sweet scent of baked goods all mixed together, creating a warm, almost idyllic scene. But before I could fully take in the moment, a guard approached me, his heavy footsteps echoing off the cobblestones.
"My princess," he said, bowing slightly. "The king demands your presence immediately."
I looked over at Juliana, my ever-loyal maid, who stood quietly beside me. "Off we go then."
Juliana nodded and stepped closer. "Yes, Sydney."
I couldn't help but laugh softly. "Let's head back to the palace, please."
"Yes, my princess," she replied with a smile, though there was an unmistakable hint of amusement in her voice.
I shot her a playful glance. "That sounds weird coming from your mouth."
Juliana chuckled as we began walking toward the palace gates. "Want to keep the king waiting?"
I grinned. "Let's hurry off then."
The journey back to the palace was swift, and soon enough, we arrived at the grand hall where my father and my brother, Cyrus, were waiting.
I stepped into the room with a calm but curious air. "Father, to what do I owe this pleasant demand?"
King Edward gestured for us to sit, his face serious. "Please, sit, my children."
I did as he asked, sensing the gravity in his tone. My brother Cyrus, who had been standing by the window, turned to face us, his usual easy smile replaced with a look of contemplation.
"I've spoken with my advisors," my father continued, his voice heavy with authority. "And after much thought, I've decided that we must make Cyrus the crown prince."
Cyrus, ever the diplomat, shook his head. "Father, there is no need for that at the moment."
I glanced over at him, meeting his gaze. "I totally agree with you, Father." My voice came out softer, but there was a steeliness in it that matched my father's resolve. The kingdom had always been ours to rule, but this... this felt too soon. Too rushed.
Cyrus looked at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and frustration. "Sydney, we need to think about the future."
"I have thought about it," I said, a firm edge creeping into my voice. "But the future isn't now."
There was a long silence as my father stared at both of us, then he sighed, the weight of leadership pressing down on him.
"We'll see how this plays out," he muttered under his breath, before finally standing. "The ceremony will take place in two days."
Cyrus nodded solemnly. "Okay."
I stayed seated, my mind swirling with questions. This wasn't just about the title of crown prince—it was about the stability of our kingdom. And I had a feeling things were about to get much more complicated than they already were.
Cyrus paced in front of his father's throne, his brow furrowed in thought. "Father, why the rush?"
King Edward, leaning back in his chair, exhaled slowly, his eyes tired. "I am getting old, my son."
"Old but strong," Cyrus replied, though his voice held the hint of concern.
King Edward smiled faintly. "I've outlived my days, it's high time I gave you some power. I want to see how you will use it, and then I will be rest assured that you can handle full power."
Cyrus looked at his father, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. "Father..."
"Please," King Edward interrupted. "You are ready. It's time."
Cyrus took a deep breath. "Fine."
Sydney, standing beside her father, nodded thoughtfully. "Perfect. When is the ceremony taking place?"
King Edward glanced at her, his eyes narrowing as he processed the question. "Two days from now."
Cyrus nodded in agreement. "Okay."