The Heir

"Unload these with caution." The advisor's voice seemed happier than usual. Who wouldn't be glad that they would finally get fed if not the workers themselves? They were given a lot of resources to work with until a better solution could be found. The crates and sacks were delivered one by one to the storage building. The adviser entered with a relief-filled sigh and grinned from ear to ear. Once inside, however, his smile slowly transformed into a frown. There were many preparations in progress. "I don't recall anything that happened in the following days." he had an inside thought.

"Has the shipment arrived, Mr. Levin?" One of the senior advisors questioned

"Yes, it has been loaded into our warehouse successfully." Mr. Levin scanned the crowds of people moving about. When the chief advisor noticed his perplexity, he groaned.

"The groundwork for the upcoming coronation is underway."

"Coronation? Whose coronation?"

"Prince Ezekiel's."

The advisor wrapped his fingers tightly around the paper in his hand while maintaining a straight face. His body language conveyed his dissatisfaction. The chief advisor was speaking, but Mr. Levin wasn't paying attention, so his words fell on deaf ears. "I have to meet the prince." Mr. Levin muttered under his breath and scampered away. The chief advisor gave him a bewildered glance before returning to his work. To find out where the prince was, Mr. Levin stomped over to the workers.

"The prince is in young prince Timothy's room along with princess Savannah." Among the maids, one spoke.

Mr. Levin hurried upstairs to the young prince's room without wasting any time. Harold was whistling along outside the princess's room at the end of the hall while two guards were standing guard outside the door and on high alert. When Harold noticed Mr. Levin waiting at the other end, he hurriedly stood up and bowed respectfully. Mr. Levin ignored him and knocked, waiting for an answer before entering the room. Harold hurriedly knocked on the princess's door after the advisor entered. "Princess, may I enter?"

"Of course Harold, I've finished changing now." Despite the fact that the maids were in charge of getting the royals ready, Aura insisted on wanting to do it herself. And, since their little chat in the park, Harold and Aura have become friends, sharing everything. Harold was a true friend who never hesitated to lend Aura his shoulder when she told him everything about Coco and how much she missed him. Harold secretly locked the door after entering the princess's room. "Are you aware that if you sneak around like this, you can be considered a threat and punished?" Aura arched her brow.

"Come on, princess, I know you'll come to my rescue." Harold sputtered confidence dripping in his tone and words.

They exchanged a brief but intense look before laughing out loud. " So, why did you sneak around?"

"I observed Mr. Levin standing outside the room of the young prince." As if she didn't grasp the significance of that, Aura shrugged. "" And he appeared to be quite angry."

"Now that's new." Aura shook her head. She gave Harold a similar expression as she stared at him. "Are you contemplating the same things I am?" Harold answered with a nod and a wicked grin.

Aura and Harold moved covertly in the direction of the chamber where the adviser entered, but who would handle the two guards outside? Aura peered out from behind one of the many doors while considering a strategy to dissuade those guards. Harold, who was standing close behind her, murmured something into Aura's ears. "Princess, are you certain that we should proceed?" Aura turned her head and scowled at him, prompting him to silence himself. "What are we going to do about those guards?"

"Not us; you'll do it."

"ME." The guards turned to look in Harold's direction as he squeaked. Harold and Aura retreated, ducking behind the door and holding their breath. "Sorry." Harold mumbled. Aura huffed and nodded before attempting to peer through the door once more. "What makes it so crucial, though?" After a little pause, Aura turned to face Harold.

"I'm not sure what it is, but it feels like there's something I'm not aware of." Harold was attentively listening to her. "They allege that I'm feeling envious simply because my brother was born, but I'm not. Although I adore my brother dearly, something shifted on that day five years ago." Harold's face morphed to one of sadness, but he remained silent. "These walls feel like shackles to me; the woods are beckoning, but I can't go outside; Mr. Levin and Coco were my last hope, but now everything is falling apart once more. I know you must think I'm insane."

"I didn't think that, no. I've always thought you were adorable." Harold's cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink as he said this.

"Thanks." Harold gave a small smile. "So, do you believe me?"

"With all my heart, I was assigned to serve you, princess." As Harold saluted and stood at attention, Aura laughed. " Please allow me to take care of the guards now." Aura moved out of the way to allow way for him as he advanced. Harold inhaled deeply before turning the knob to the outside. Before sneaking a quick glance beyond the door, Aura waited a short while. She witnessed Harold speaking to the guards with ease. Harold felt uneasy. His posture revealed it to Aura. She was skilled at interpreting nonverbal cues. She turned to face Harold, who made a little turn and smiled tensely. Aura tried to understand the talk while being a little distance away and unable to hear it. The guards exchanged glances before Harold led them downstairs with a gesture.

"Well done," Aura muttered while grinning to herself. Once the guards had left the area and exited the building, she emerged and went to Prince Timothy's chamber. The room was filled with soft murmurs, but nothing was audible. She was surprised to find that the door was unlocked and that it even partly opened when she put her palm on it. Her eyes widened, but she had a perfect chance to listen in. Through the squeak, the advisor's form could be seen, and he certainly had an angry expression. Although Aura couldn't see her parents, she could hear their angry voices, particularly Princess Savannah's.

"There were also other knowledgeable advisors present. They made no protests." Although Savannah spoke gently, her tone clearly showed fury.

But every choice is made with my approval and under my supervision. What about the will of King Alaric? The advisor replied, "He wanted princess-."

"Mr. Levin, please lower your voice."

What is this situation related to the Godfather? Before reinserting her ear to the door, Aura gave it some thought. Why would Mr. Levin oppose this coronation, though? Prince Ezekiel hasn't even received a coronation after all these years. What had been going on within the castle?

"I'll resign from my position if this coronation goes forward, and I presume that's not what you both want," advisor said."

"And I'll dismiss you from your post if this coronation is interrupted." This time, Ezekiel's words were vehement. "I hope you realize that I still have the power to do so," he said.

With each phrase they exchanged in opposition to one another, Aura gasped. Prince Ezekiel wasn't supposed to rule as king, according to Mr. Levin. Princess Savannah was adamant on carrying out the coronation. As Aura contemplated these incomprehensible events, Timothy began to cry, as one would expect from a 5-year-old kid. In front of him, older individuals were fighting each other.

"You frightened the prince." Savannah sneered. "We're just conversing, sweetie, so don't worry." Savannah whispered some soothing words to the crying child to help it stop. "And let me tell you, the populace began to revolt. We had no choice. Try to comprehend."

"I have a better understanding of this than everyone else." Deadpanned, said the advisor.

"Be careful what you say, Mr. Levin." Ezekiel spoke louder than usual.

This was the advisor's first-time opposing Prince Ezekiel, and the dispute was tense. For a few periods, there was silence, and then the advisor turned on his heels. Aura quickly moved back to conceal herself behind the closest door or pillar after determining that the adviser was definitely heading for the door. The adviser turned to look back through his shoulder as he exited the room and noticed three eyes riveted on him. "I'm not going to let this happen." He then abruptly opened the door and exited the room after saying this.

He ran across Harold as he was making his way to the end of the hallway. The latter bowed and expressed regret for failing to look ahead. "No, I'm to blame," stated Mr. Levin. "Why are you in this place? You were tasked with watching over the princess." He looked back toward the princess's room after asking and turning.

"I went downstairs to eat. I had a craving for food." Harold said to divert Mr. Levin's gaze from the corridor where Princess Aura must be hiding. Mr. Levin responded by nodding and exhaling. "Sir." Mr. Levin gave Harold a glance. "Are you alright?" The unexpected question caught Mr. Levin off guard, but he shrugged and smiled.

"I'm okay, but have a lot of work, you know." Mr. Levin responded and walked downstairs to put an end to the conversation. Mr. Levin went straight to his room and spent the entire day alone there. A white envelope that had been fisted earlier sat crumpled on his desk. He asked himself, intertwining his fingers with strands of his grown hair, "What should I do now?" It shouldn't happen, I thought. He concluded, a look of resolve crossing his face.

Harold, on the other hand, was ruminating while he sat in Princess's chamber on the chair and had his index finger on his chin. Aura was waiting for Harold's response while seated across from him on her bed and staring at him attentively. Harold hummed and kept his eyes closed, then opened them at once. "That suggests that up until now, we were living in a nation without a ruler." Harold spoke, pausing between each word. Aura sighed and reacted by nodding. "And now Mr. Levin opposes the coronation of Prince Ezekiel." He spoke it again to be sure he understood it correctly. "Yet why? You know, having a ruler is fantastic, and Prince Ezekiel deserves this."

"I don't know Harold, but I heard that, and I'm also perplexed." Aura got to her feet and moved over to the window, where she reached out and touched the blue necklace pendant. It was a habit of hers that always helped her to relax. "And most unexpectedly, what connection does the godfather have to any of this? Where is he now?"

"That implies that King Alaric was the last king. I've heard that he left and didn't come back for a very long time." As he watched Princess Aura take in the view outside, Harold murmured. "That suggests he may still be alive, and Mr. Levin must be aware of his whereabouts, which explains why Mr. Levin opposes the coronation." He quickly jumped up and spoke loudly, his eyes glistening with enthusiasm. "Wow, we are brilliant." He yelled a little too loud, which caused Aura to glare at him. "I apologize, princess."

"But we do work well together." Aura said with a little grin.

"Now what?"

"Now we wait."

The decorations and preparations were finished, and the castle was bustling with activity. The visitors came from the east and north. King Larson had come and was amusing himself by playing with the young prince. Both Ezekiel and Savannah looked stunning in their attire. Their posture and attire gave off a strong sense of authority. The citizens of the town awaited the verdict as the advisors took their positions in the courtroom. Aura and Harold were in the courtroom near the door, and Mr. Levin was nowhere to be found. It was later in the morning, and the writers and painters had assembled to canvas the scene. Ezekiel and Savannah then appeared happier. From outside, people were applauding and praising them. The castle trembled in response to the boisterous music and cheers. A little while afterwards, royal assistance entered the room and placed the royal crown on the velvet pillow. The crown, which Alaric had worn during his years of duty, was the focus of many eyes. Everyone was anticipating the arrival of the perfect moment.

"Attention! We have all assembled here to watch the regal coronation of Prince Ezekiel, who will shortly take up the position of King and sit on this throne." One of the senior advisors made an announcement as everyone turned to face the beautiful throne. A modest stage has a gold throne in the middle, flanked by two equally beautiful silver thrones. A as well as a copper-colored carpeting that ran down from the throne through the black floor, giving the impression of a red carpet. The royal advisors and royal attendance took their places on the mezzanines, while ordinary attendees sat on the brass benches.

Savannah gave Ezekiel a quick nod and a grin as he proceeded toward the throne where the advisor was seated. Savannah settled into her usual spot next to Aura, who was on a chair beside the stage. Harold moved slightly from his position behind Princess Aura. Savannah and Aura exchanged forced smiles before Savannah's lap-bound young son caught Aura's attention. Aura's stern demeanor was broken by his smile, and she sincere smiled for her brother.

"Let's get started with the formalities right away." Before the pastor, who was about to begin the coronation ceremony, Ezekiel bowed. " This country, which has been ruled by the Josens for centuries, is delighted to hold another coronation. Prince Ezekiel will be anointed, with the approval of the citizens of the Josen kingdom and the counselors present, to lead the regions of the west and south. As we all know, the land of fire is magnificent. Prince Ezekiel will take an oath in front of everyone present to continue with this ritual." Ezekiel stood in front of the throne facing the attendees and bowed respectfully.

"I hereby pledge and promise to govern, protect, and respect the Josen kingdom's populace as well as the places I control, as well as any other territories to which any of them may belong or relate, in accordance with their individual laws and customs. I, Ezekiel Josen, pledge to uphold God's law. To the best of my ability, I shall ensure that all of my judgements are carried out according to the law and mercy. I shall carry out and uphold the promises I made before here." The painters and writers started to write it down to circulate among the populace. The advisors and other attendees clapped and encouraged prince Ezekiel. Aura was happy for the prince but right now all she could think of was Mr. levin. She couldn't see him anywhere, and that was a surprise as Mr. levin being most trusted and close advisor was not present.

"The prince who will be crowned will now put the regalia together, saving the crown for last."

The royal robes and jewelry began to be brought by royal attendants. His cloak was changed first. He was given a deep red velvet robe. Then, new ruby cuff pins were added, new brooches were added to his tunic, and his cuff pins and brooches were modified. Add two on each shoulder to carefully pin the robe. The new boots and a scepter were presented to him. The priest took the silver spoon and filled it with honey. The prince will indicate the approval of the royal feast following the coronation by taking this teaspoon of honey, which was the first food item to be discovered in the regions of fire. The prince's anointing of the sovereign and the attire depict the coronation itself." The priest raised the spoon in front of Ezekiel.

After the prayers and reverence to the ancestors, the most anticipated moment had finally arrived. Ezekiel ascended the platform that supported the throne. His palms were beginning to perspire from anxiety. He had no idea that today would ever arrive. His eyes began to mist up with joy because he was unable to contain it. "Princess Savannah, the wife of prince Ezekiel, will now go with the prince, and she will then be anointed as the queen consort." Savannah delicately got up from her seat and gave the young prince to the head maiden. She moved elegantly and took a spot close to the prince. "The most anticipated moment is finally here." The priest turned to face the prince after lifting the crown from the velvet pillow. Astonished gasps came from the audience when Ezekiel knelt down. Timothy, the young prince, applauded enthusiastically and raced over to sit next to Aura.

The priest grinned and reached out to place the crown on Ezekiel's head.

"Your majesty, I apologize for the interruption, but this coronation cannot go on." The priest halted and shifted his attention in the direction of the voice. Mr. Levin entered the courtroom holding an envelope and exuding confidence. His face was expressionless. Savannah, Aura, Harold, King Larson, and the other attendees glanced at Mr. Levin, shocked and perplexed. Within a minute, the entire environment was turned upside down. The young prince turned to face Aura with deer-like eyes as the air surrounding them was heavy. Ezekiel remained, though, with one knee bowed and a pained expression on his face. "Princess Aura Josen should be the legitimate heir to the throne." Mr. Levin declared as he raised the envelope to display it to everyone. For everyone, the words were like searing darts. It was well known that everyone detested the princess for unknown reasons. Now that the princess was the center of attention, she hesitantly got out of her seat. "Yes, princess Aura, daughter of the king, Alaric Josen," the advisor said.