Ethan's days in the palace had been a whirlwind. The formality of his new role, the constant meetings, and the never-ending discussions of politics weighed heavily on his shoulders. Though he had longed for this moment, to finally take up his father's crown, the reality was far from what he had imagined. Despite the privilege and luxury that came with it, he had spent more time behind closed doors than he ever expected. His every decision seemed to matter to someone else, and it was rare that he found a moment for himself.
After weeks of non-stop pressure, he knew it was time for a change of pace. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate his duties—it was just that everything felt suffocating. Ethan needed a break. He needed to reconnect with his people, with the land that he was meant to rule. And so, he decided to leave the palace behind, if only for a short while, to explore the country he had barely begun to understand.
"I think it's time," Ethan said one morning as he stood by the window of his private chamber. The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, casting a soft golden light over the capital. "I need to see more of Veldoria, Viktor."
Viktor, his loyal bodyguard and confidant, stepped forward with his usual composed demeanor. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll make arrangements at once."
Ethan nodded, grateful for Viktor's ever-present calmness. It was one of the reasons Ethan trusted him so deeply. Though the palace was full of well-meaning advisers and courtiers, Viktor had always been the one person who truly understood him. "No formalities," Ethan added with a slight smile. "I need to be as... ordinary as possible for this trip. A simple visit. Just a king seeing his people."
Viktor's eyes briefly narrowed, assessing the tone in Ethan's voice. After a moment's pause, he gave a slight bow. "Understood, Your Majesty. I'll make sure you travel incognito, though we will need a few more guards for safety."
---
The journey from the capital was quick, the black luxury vehicle making its way through the modern city streets before it veered off onto a quieter, less developed road. The contrast between the polished avenues of the city and the humble, rural areas that lay beyond was striking. Ethan watched through the car window as the landscape shifted from the towering skyscrapers and grand buildings of Veldoria's capital to the rolling hills, expansive fields, and scattered villages that made up the heart of the kingdom.
The streets became narrower, and the buildings more modest, but it was all so picturesque—small stone houses, farmers plowing the earth, and rustic carts being pulled by horses down dusty roads. Ethan's eyes wandered over the scene as his thoughts drifted.
Veldoria wasn't like other kingdoms he had heard of. Though it had all the trappings of a modern nation, there were areas that had not been touched by technology or progress. This was a place where history, culture, and tradition still held strong. There were villages, like the one they were heading to, where electricity was rare, and life moved at its own unhurried pace.
"We'll stop at a small town first," Viktor said, his voice pulling Ethan from his thoughts. "It's known for its market. We can blend in better there."
Ethan nodded. "Sounds perfect."
---
Their destination was the village of Albrose, a small, peaceful settlement nestled in the hills, where life felt slower, simpler. It was a place that had existed for generations, largely unchanged by the bustling life of the capital. As the car entered the outskirts, the village became visible—an inviting place with narrow cobblestone streets lined with modest homes, simple shops, and families going about their daily lives. The sight brought a sense of calm over Ethan, and he could already feel the pressure of the palace life slipping away.
The black vehicle came to a stop near a small inn at the edge of the market square. The structure was an old stone building, weathered by time but still sturdy. A wooden sign hung outside, announcing it as "The Hearthstone Inn." The simple charm of the place brought a smile to Ethan's face. It wasn't the luxurious hotels of the capital, but it looked inviting, a place where he could experience life as an ordinary man for a few hours.
Viktor stepped out first, scanning the area for potential threats, followed by Ethan, who felt the weight of his crown and title for the first time since they had left the capital. The idea of being recognized was something he had grown accustomed to, but here, in this small village, he hoped for anonymity. They were here to blend in, to be just another traveler passing through, and Ethan was determined to make the most of it.
The innkeeper, a tall man with a thick beard and weathered hands, greeted them with a respectful nod. "Your Majesty," he said, eyes widening in surprise. Though he had obviously recognized Ethan, he didn't immediately bow or make a fuss, as many nobles and courtiers would have. Instead, he extended a hand in welcome. "It is an honor to have you here, but I will treat you as any other guest. Please, come in."
Ethan smiled, though he could tell the man was holding back a rush of excitement. "Thank you," he said. "We'll take a simple meal, and then we'll explore the village. No need for formality."
The innkeeper nodded and led them inside.
---
The warmth of the inn was a welcome change from the cool air outside. Inside, the low, flickering light of the hearth cast soft shadows against the stone walls. The smell of roasting meat and fresh bread filled the air, making Ethan's stomach growl. There were only a few patrons inside, mostly farmers and their families, who gave Ethan only a passing glance before returning to their meals. He liked that—he wasn't some foreign king here. He was just another man enjoying a meal.
The innkeeper soon brought over a steaming bowl of vegetable stew, freshly baked bread, and a pitcher of cool water. The food was simple, but it was hearty and satisfying in a way that palace meals could never replicate. The stew was rich with flavors, the vegetables tender and perfectly seasoned. It was a comfort food, the kind that made Ethan feel like he belonged in this world.
As they ate, Viktor stood nearby, always alert, his eyes scanning the room. Ethan didn't mind the presence of the guards—they were here to ensure his safety, of course—but for the first time since his arrival in Veldoria, he didn't feel like a king surrounded by sycophants and courtiers. He felt... normal. Here, in this small village, no one cared about his title. They cared about who he was as a person. And that, more than anything, was what Ethan needed right now.
---
After finishing their meal, Viktor suggested a walk through the village square. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. The market was still open, though it was quieter now, with most of the day's business winding down.
They passed by a few street vendors selling fresh fruits, homemade cheeses, and simple handmade goods. Ethan noticed the smiles on people's faces—genuine smiles, not the forced politeness he often saw in the capital. Here, people had no reason to hide their true emotions. They weren't afraid of what others might think. It was a refreshing change.
As they wandered further through the village, they came across a small group of elderly women sitting on a bench, gossiping and laughing. Their conversation paused when they saw Ethan, but instead of bowing or speaking in hushed tones, they simply smiled and waved. Ethan waved back, feeling the warmth of their greeting seep into his chest. It wasn't about his status; it was about the connection. He wasn't a king here. He was just a person—someone they had seen walk through their town, and that meant something.
Viktor stood at a respectful distance, allowing Ethan the space to experience this moment. It wasn't often that the young king got to see his country in such a raw, unfiltered way.
---
By the time the sun had fully set, casting the village in a soft twilight glow, Ethan felt as though he had discovered a side of Veldoria that he never knew existed. A side that wasn't about politics or power. It was about real, honest lives being lived in the shadow of the palace, a world far removed from the polished halls of the capital.
As the car made its way back to the inn, Ethan glanced over at Viktor. "Thank you for today," he said. "It's exactly what I needed."
Viktor's gaze softened, and for a brief moment, Ethan saw the hint of a smile. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Your Majesty."
As they prepared to leave the village and return to the capital, Ethan carried with him a newfound appreciation for his people. Their lives were simple, yes, but they were full of purpose, community, and warmth. It was a reminder that ruling a kingdom was about more than just governance and diplomacy—it was about understanding and connecting with the lives of those you were meant to lead.