Golden Crown

“Come on Ace, it’s just a jacket. You shouldn’t have to think too hard on this since they’re the same colour.” A freckled, redhead huffed as he laid sprawled out on Ace’s bed.

“It’s not that Chester, I’m definitely going to wear this.” Ace confidently said holding up a maroon jacket with gold patterns in his left hand.

“But?” Chester said with a lingering tone, telling Ace to elaborate.

“But I’m nervous. Too many things can go wrong.” Ace sighs as he runs his slender hands through his sliver like hair.

“Wrong?!” Chester said with disbelief followed by a small laugh. He got up from the bed and walked over to Ace’s side by the mirror.

“Dude, it’s more than just trying to get the crown. It’s the Kingdom. There’s the Elites, the soldiers, and some of the allies. They all have very similar beliefs, and then there’s-“ Ace started to rant as he finished getting ready for a brunch with the Elites, but Chester cut him off.

“Come on you fool, just look at you! You’re the new voice of a new era! I’m sure the people just need to hear you speak out against Oliver.” Chester said loudly as he patted Ace’s back. Ace looked at Chester through the mirror to be greeted by a toothy smile. The lean, auburn boy was a childhood friend since they were 5. Well, that’s a strong statement, more like since they were 13 years old. Shortly after viewing the harsh death of Aceline, Ace grew quiet and isolated. Tired of this childish act, King Oliver bought Chester from his parents for 20 gold pieces to be Ace’s personal servant. To put in perspective, that is a week’s worth of meals for a family of 3. Chester did not like Ace at all and they hardly ever got along. Ace assumed it was because Chester felt uncomfortable or that he was mad at his family. It wasn’t until they were 13 when Ace caught Chester making out with one of the knights in training, Sebastian.

They pleaded and begged Ace to keep it a secret and that they would do anything for him if they just didn’t kill them, but Ace just laughed. This response from the prince worried Chester and Sebastian. This was when Ace opened up about his intentions to change Findara and since then Chester and Ace were like two peas in a pod.

“Speak out about what?” King Oliver’s voice boomed as he walked through the doors, shortly followed by his advisor, Xavier Calaban. Oh, how Ace did not like him. Xavier was Oliver’s shadow, always following him and always planning something. Ace couldn’t figure out why he didn’t like Xavier. Maybe because he works closely with his father who Ace also despises or the fact that Xavier treats the castle staff like they are worthless.

“King Oliver.” Chester addressed as he bowed to his king. “Ace was just going to speak out about how the flu that passed recently was probably from a witch during afternoon’s tea.” He lied.

Excellent cover! Ace thought as he gave a thumbs up to Chester.

“A tragic illness brought upon us from the sinners no doubt about it, almost took our future king right here. Go ahead Chester and meet the other servants for the ball preparations.” Oliver ordered, prompting Chester to bow before dismissing himself leaving Ace alone in the dark, cold room. As he bowed, Ace noticed how Chester tapped his middle and index fingers against each other twice. This was a signal commonly used between Ace and trusted castle workers that there is a mandatory meeting after afternoon’s tea.

“My wonderful son! Why would you talk about such a horrid thing with a lowly servant?” King Oliver asked as he patted Ace’s shoulder and directed him towards his balcony.

“Small talk, I don’t really know how to relate to the lower class.” Ace lied as he leaned against the wall of the small balcony. Looking out from the balcony Ace could see the shopkeepers in the Golden City starting to open up for business. Early morning on the balcony, where the sun was still rising and the morning fog was starting to take off, was what made Findara so beautiful. Oh, how much did Ace wish he was still living in blissful ignorance so he could take in this wonderful morning for what it was and not for what it is.

“Why would you want to relate to the filth? Listen son, the only people that matter are The Elites. What they believe in will help you out when passing laws for the kingdom.” Oliver scoffed while signing Xavier to wait in the room.

“Yeah, but the laws should-” “But what? What about the laws? There won’t be any laws passing because I have already taken that stress from you! I have set you up for success!” Oliver interrupted, waving to the younger Elites who were allowed to roam the castle grounds. They gave a small audible giggle as they hid their faces behind their delicate designed fans. “Everything has an order son and everyone must follow that order.”

“Yes, I understand that but-” “No buts! I don’t want to hear your silly beliefs of trying to let the filth, the lower class, the Slums to have a say in court. This kingdom has been a monarchy and will stay as a monarchy. What we say will be the law and if they don’t agree then you know what happens.” Oliver said as he directed Ace’s attention to a group of servants carrying a large wooden cross and others in a carriage loaded with hay leaving castle grounds. So much for a wonderful morning. Ace thought as he felt his heart drop.

“Do we have to view the burning today?” Ace asked as he headed back to his room, unable to bear the thought of who it was.

“We have been through this many times Ace. You, as the future king, should be making an appearance at The Burnings,” Oliver paused as Ace kept eye contact but rolled his eyes mentally, “however, since it is your birthday soon, it is optional.” He finished as Ace looked up and smiled.

“Thank you!” He beamed happily knowing this would not have to end in an argument. Oliver smiled back before switching to a stern expression and reaching his hand out to place on Ace’s shoulder.

“You need to stomach down what happens at the burning. It’s their fault for every bad thing that goes.” Oliver stated, squeezing Ace’s shoulder before letting go and signaling for Xavier to pass him Ace’s crown. The thin, spiked, golden crown, with dark red rubies delicately positioned around it, was placed on Ace’s fluffy silver hair. The weight of the crown itself was not heavy at all, but the actions of Ace’s ancestors is what made the crown feel like a heavy burden.

“Father, you don’t know that for sure… sometimes it is just a coincidence.” Ace stated as Oliver looked at him with regret on his face and anger in his eyes. It was as if Oliver wished he could remove the crown from Ace’s head, but instead swallowed his pride and decided it was time to leave.

“You are on very thin ice now. Make a statement with the Elites during tea time today and don’t be late.” Oliver reminded Ace, disregarding what he had just said. Then just like that Oliver and Xavier left, leaving Ace alone in that cold, ugly room of his.