The days had blurred together since Ethan's arrival in Veldoria. Every morning, he woke to a schedule that seemed relentless, one that was as foreign to him as the crown he was expected to wear. His days were filled with meetings, briefings, and lessons—lessons about leadership, about the history of his country, about its people, and most importantly, about what it would take for him to rule effectively.
The advisors had been clear from the start. The crown wasn't just a symbol; it was a responsibility. It was a weight he would carry every moment of every day for the rest of his life. And with that responsibility came the pressure to be more than just a figurehead. He had to be strong, decisive, and capable. He had to prove to the people of Veldoria that they had made the right choice in accepting him as their king.
But what did that even mean?
Ethan sat at his desk, staring at a stack of documents that seemed to grow taller every day. There were letters from foreign leaders, reports from his advisors, and proposals for his coronation. The weight of it all pressed down on him. He rubbed his temples, trying to clear the fog that seemed to cloud his mind.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," he said, not looking up.
The door creaked open, and in stepped his bodyguard, Viktor.
Viktor was tall, with broad shoulders and a square jaw that looked like it could have been carved from stone. His dark hair was cropped short, and his eyes—cold, calculating—always seemed to be observing, watching for any threat. He wore a simple black suit, his body language exuding the confidence of someone who was not easily intimidated.
"Your schedule for the day, Your Majesty," Viktor said, his voice as calm as ever.
Ethan sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Let me guess. Another round of lessons?"
Viktor nodded. "Yes, but this time, we'll focus on your physical training as well. You've been doing well with the leadership lessons, but your bodyguard must ensure you're ready for any situation. Physical training will prepare you for the moments when words are not enough."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You want me to train like a soldier?"
"Exactly," Viktor said. "You're not just a king in name. You must be a king in action as well. The people need to see that you're capable of leading them in every aspect, not just in politics."
Ethan rubbed his face, feeling the weight of the conversation. "I don't even know how to hold a gun, let alone lead soldiers into battle."
"You'll learn," Viktor replied with a shrug. "It's not about being perfect; it's about showing strength and determination. The people will respect you if they see you're willing to put in the effort."
Ethan frowned but nodded. Viktor was right. He couldn't expect to sit behind a desk and govern like that. The weight of the crown demanded more.
"Alright," Ethan said, standing up. "Where do we start?"
"Follow me," Viktor said, stepping toward the door.
As they walked through the palace, Ethan couldn't help but notice how everything seemed so grand, so imposing. The marble floors, the high ceilings, the ornate tapestries hanging from the walls—it all felt like a place built for someone far more important than he was. Yet, here he was, the supposed heir to it all.
They arrived at a modern training room off the side of the palace. The room was simple but functional. A few firearms were displayed on the walls, and there was a firing range at the far end. The scent of gunpowder lingered in the air.
Viktor turned to Ethan. "This is where you'll learn. Not just how to fight, but how to lead men in combat. This is where you'll start understanding the kind of strength Veldoria needs from its king."
Ethan took a deep breath. "Alright, let's get this over with."
Viktor nodded and motioned for him to step forward. "Start with gun safety. Never forget the fundamentals—always treat a weapon as if it's loaded, never point it at anything you don't intend to shoot, and always be aware of your surroundings."
Ethan nodded, trying to absorb Viktor's instructions. His palms were clammy as he reached for the handgun Viktor handed him. It felt foreign, cold, and heavy in his hands. "I never thought I'd be in a position like this," he muttered under his breath.
Viktor glanced at him, his eyes sharp. "No one ever does. But you are now. You need to be ready. Your people are depending on you, and when the time comes, you will have to defend them—physically, mentally, and politically."
Ethan took a deep breath and aimed at the target ahead. Viktor stood by, watching closely, offering instructions when necessary. Ethan squeezed the trigger. The gunshot cracked through the air, sending a jolt through his body. He blinked, surprised at the impact.
"Good," Viktor said, his voice calm. "But you need to control your breathing. Focus on your target. Take your time. Fire when you're ready."
They spent the next hour on the range, moving through various drills—aiming, shooting, and reloading. As the lesson progressed, Ethan started to feel more comfortable with the weapon, his movements becoming smoother and more instinctual. The focus required to handle the gun helped him push aside the lingering doubts that clouded his mind.
"Your Majesty," Viktor said, "this is just the beginning. You'll need to learn more than how to shoot. A king must lead with strength and strategy. The skills you learn here, in both combat and leadership, will serve you throughout your reign."
Ethan wiped the sweat from his brow. "I get it. I need to be more than just a figurehead."
"Exactly," Viktor said. "You need to show the people you're ready to defend them, to lead them into the future. And that means being prepared for whatever comes your way."
As they left the range, Viktor's tone shifted. "There's something else we need to address. You must marry soon, Your Majesty."
Ethan froze. "What?"
Viktor continued without hesitation. "There are factions within the court who are growing impatient. They want to see you marry and secure an heir to ensure the future of the kingdom. They are concerned that without an heir, the stability of Veldoria will be at risk."
Ethan's stomach churned. The idea of marrying anyone, let alone someone for political gain, seemed absurd. But as Viktor had said, the people were depending on him, and sometimes, duty came before personal desires.
"I'll think about it," Ethan said quietly, the weight of it all pressing on him again.
The following weeks saw the intensity of Ethan's training ramp up. His physical sessions with Viktor continued, each one pushing him further, teaching him not just to defend himself but to think like a leader—a leader who would one day command an army if the need arose. But it wasn't just about combat.
Eliza, the older woman who had been assigned to teach him the ways of ruling, was just as relentless. She drilled him on matters of governance, on the economics of the kingdom, on diplomacy, and on the intricacies of leadership. Ethan found himself in long, grueling sessions, reading reports and learning about the intricacies of ruling a modern kingdom. He was constantly reminded of his duties, of the expectations, and of the legacy he was supposed to carry forward.
"You'll need more than just military strength, Your Majesty," Eliza said one day, her sharp eyes never leaving him. "Veldoria is a modern kingdom. You must understand how to balance power with responsibility. That means understanding the economy, international relations, and the welfare of your people."
Ethan nodded, feeling the weight of the lessons pile on top of him. He was trying to learn, trying to adapt to this world that seemed so distant from everything he had known. But the more he learned, the more he realized how much he had yet to understand.
There was also the constant reminder of his marriage. The advisors and the nobility brought it up at every opportunity, subtly suggesting that he needed to settle down, find a suitable queen, and ensure the survival of the kingdom. The pressure was mounting. He had to make a choice—marry for the future of Veldoria, or risk alienating the very people who had supported him.
It was a constant battle, between duty and desire, between what was expected of him and what he wanted for himself.
But as the days passed, one thing became clear: the future of Veldoria rested on his shoulders. And whether he liked it or not, he would have to step up to the challenge.