Ethan has spent the first couple of days in Veldoria and it was a whirlwind of formalities and introductions. Everything moved so fast that he couldn't keep up with all the new faces, and all the new information, felt like another stone being added to the weight he was carrying. But despite the confusion, one thing was clear: he was expected to step into his role as king quickly. And soon, the entire world would be watching. The palace was as majestic as it was imposing, with its high stone walls, paintings depicting Veldoria's long history, and marble floors that echoed with each step. The air inside was cold like the building was holding its breath, waiting for the new monarch to take his place. Veldoria was ancient, its roots tracing back over a thousand years, and Ethan was supposed to take over this old kingdom. But he wasn't sure if he was ready. Everything about the palace screamed tradition—an immovable, ancient force, and here he was, a young man who had barely been in Veldoria for more than a few days, trying to learn the ropes of being a ruler. Despite his Doubt, Ethan couldn't afford to be hesitant. Not anymore. He had no choice but to step up and be the king everyone expects him to become. The first person he truly got to know was his bodyguard, Viktor. The tall, broad-shouldered man had been assigned to him for his safety, but there was something in Viktor's demeanor that hinted at more. The way Viktor watched the palace staff, the way his eyes never rested—he wasn't just a protector; he was a sentinel, ever vigilant. Viktor's presence was a constant reminder of the danger Ethan was in it was the ever present threat of enemies, both within Veldoria and outside. While Ethan wasn't sure he understood the nature of the dangers, Viktor had a way of making it clear without saying much. Every time they crossed paths, Viktor's silent gaze felt like a warning. One evening, after a very difficult meeting with the royal council, Viktor spoke of his role for the first time."The people you have just met are the ministers, advisors and diplomats and they all have their own agendas, Your Majesty," Viktor said quietly, once they are alone in Ethan's chambers. His voice was deep, with a dark undertone that made every word carried weight. "Not all of them are loyal. But they can not harm you as long as I am near." Ethan had been skeptical of the idea of needing constant protection. He was used to being on his own, fending for himself, but the weight of his crown and the responsibilities that came with it made the need for protection clearer. The people he had met in the council room weren't just officials—they were players in a game much bigger than him. And they would not hesitate to exploit his weaknesses if they thought they could. Over the next few days, Ethan was introduced to the key figures of Veldoria's political and military world. The palace staff, who would manage everything from security to diplomacy, were efficient and discreet, each one with their own duty to uphold. Among them was Lady Selene, his personal advisor, who had worked with his uncle for years and now acted as Ethan's bridge between the palace and the government. She was a very sharp woman, very quick to offer advice, but she was cautious. Ethan could tell she wasn't quite sure what to make of him yet. Still, her calm demeanor helped him feel less out of place. Lady Selene had an aura of experience about her—she had lived through political upheavals, wars, and alliances, and yet she was able to remain composed, even in the face of Ethan's inexperience. Whenever she spoke, it was with authority, but also with a touch of caution, as if testing the waters before committing to anything. "There are things you must know, Your Majesty," she said one afternoon as they walked through the royal gardens. The paths were lined with flowers in full bloom, and the air was thick with the scent of jasmine and rose. "Not everything here is as it seems. And not everyone who smiles at you is a friend. You will find that diplomacy, more than anything else, will decide whether you succeed or fail." Ethan nodded, absorbing her words. "I am beginning to understand. But it is very hard to know who to trust.""Trust your instincts but always be cautious. Your Majesty," she said.There is a danger in her words that made Ethan wonder if she was trying to warn him about something, but she didn't elaborate. Instead, she changed the subject, talking about the details of what to expect at the upcoming coronation."There is going to be foreign diplomats arriving soon," she said, "and the media will cover your coronation live not just local but around the world, and eyes from all over the world will be on you."It was a statement that carried alot more weight than Ethan was prepared for. He had been focused on the political intricacies of his new life that the reality of the coronation had slipped his mind. Soon, he would be crowned king, with people from all over the world watching. How was he supposed even pretend he was ready?The buildup for the coronation was a bit overwhelming. Diplomats from all over the world began arriving in Veldoria, all bringing with them their own problems. Some came as allies, hoping to forge new agreements, while others came with their own ideas.Ethan met with some of the more notable figures during this time. General Vorn, the head of the Veldorian military, was a gruff man with a commanding presence. He didn't waste words, and it was clear that he regarded Ethan more as a necessary figurehead than someone who could actually lead. Still, he was loyal to the crown, and his experience in battle made him a formidable ally."You'll need to be ready, Your Majesty," General Vorn told Ethan one afternoon, his eyes cold and calculating. "There are always threats—internal and external. Don't let down your guard."Then there was Countess Miras, a well-known diplomat who had survived more than a few political crisis in Veldoria. She is in her mid-forties, with silver hair that shimmered in the light and an air of elegance. She is a calculating woman, who watched and waited, as though she was stalking her prey. Ethan had yet understand her motivations, but he knew she was a player, whether he liked it or not.At one of the many great dinners, Countess Miras leaned in close to me, her voice a soft whisper. "Veldoria's future is in your hands, Your Majesty," she said, her eyes narrowing. "But always remember, the crown is not about power. Ethan noticed Viktor coming closer and so did Countess miras as she backed away.Her words left a lingering chill in Ethan's gut, but he didn't have time to dwell on them. The next few weeks were filled with endless meetings, ceremonies, and preparations for the coronation. He had no time to rest, no time to think. His entire life had changed and he had to adapt.The night before the coronation, Ethan stood alone in his chambers, staring at his reflection in the mirror. The royal robes felt heavy on his shoulders, and the golden crown—meant to symbolize power—felt like a burden.He couldn't help but think of the life he'd left behind. The life of a nobody, wandering from one day to the next, trying to survive. He had never asked for this, never wanted to be king. But it was happening now, and he had no choice but to succeed."Your Majesty, are you ready?" His thoughts had been interrupted by Viktor. Standing in the doorway. Ethan turned, meeting Viktor's gaze. "I have no idea," he admitted. "But I must be."Viktor nodded, stepping forward to adjust the Ethan's cloak. "That is what a king does. He does what is required, whether he is ready or not."The two of them walked in silence down the long, winding corridors of the palace. The sound of their footsteps echoed off the stone walls, a reminder of the quiet stillness of the place. The world outside the palace might be going crazy, but in here, everything was controlled and orderly.As they came into the grand hall, Ethan felt all the eyes of the dignitaries on him their faces a mix of curiosity and calculation. While some were less amiable and were assessing the young king's might, others were allies who were excited to meet him..The ceremony was a grand affair—traditional, steeped in history. The crown was placed upon Ethan's head, the weight of it symbolizing the responsibility that he now had.