Chapter 21 (Rise)

I was listening to the song above and got inspired so I thought, why not?

P.S. Yes, there is a second update because I felt like these last few chapter have been a little dull. So, enjoy!

Edward (POV)

I felt my stomach clench in nerves as my people quickly gathered around. They continued to talk loudly as people gathered more and more. I had only been here for a minute and people came quickly, wanting to catch a glimpse of me. I turned to look behind me. Alexios and Jacan were both standing to the right of the fountain that I was currently standing on. Jacan caught my eye before smiling and nodding. I took a deep breath as that single movement seemed to bring out more confidence in me. My hand shot out in a quick motion, the palm to the ground, before I brought it down slowly. Everyone in the crowd at once seemed to catch the motion and soon, the entire courtyard was staring at me in anticipation. This brought out a giddy feeling in me. I felt calm, in control... powerful. Though, I didn't even want to think that single word. It only brought in bad thoughts and that is not what I need or wanted for my people. They deserve so much more than my father can give them, and I hope I can give that to them.

"I do not have much time before my father finds out about what is transpiring so please, everyone bear with me as I speak about this, alright?" There was a general murmur which I though was their way of saying "ok" and I rose my hand to silence them. I took another deep breath before I continued. "Alexios," I spoke and gestured behind me, "is safe, and he is alright. Frankly, I want to say that it really isn't your business what happened but it most certainly is. I have trouble talking about my family so please, be careful with that subject with me. While, it is your right to know what has happened to him and where he has been, it is also not my place to tell you. When the time is right, Alexios will tell you on his own." Alexios nodded at me as I looked back at him. I cleared my throat before turning back to my people. "I know this may be difficult for a few of you to understand and I understand if you do not wish to listen to this. You may leave anytime you want, you are not loyal to me, even if you think so. So, please, if you wish to leave, do so." I paused, waiting to see if anyone would leave.

When a minute passed with nothing, I opened my mouth about to speak when a group of about 5 men started walking away from the group before turning back to look at me in fear. I nodded towards them, expecting this from at least one person. I knew everyone couldn't be loyal to me, right? "I did tell you, you are allowed to leave correct? You are entitled to believe what you wish and if you think my father is a better king right now, then you may leave and I will not bore you with a speech." The men glanced at one another before a 'whoop' shoot across the air and a loud cheer started off and the 5 men who were going to leave joined in. One of them fist-pumped the air and cheered along with the crowd. I was about to quiet them, a startled smile on face before I heard a chant start across the courtyard.

"King Edward! King Edward! King Edward!" The cheers rose among them before everyone was chanted it. I felt tears prickle my eyes as I turned to see Alexios and Jacan joining in. My heart swelled and I laughed as rose my fist high in the air, initiating cheers among the crowd. It took them a few minutes to calm down and I couldn't stop smiling.

"Wow," I said breathlessly as the crowd before silent again. "Honestly? I didn't expect that everyone... I never expected any of this and I am so incredible honored that so many people see so much greatness in me that it's amazing. I –" I shook my head and ran a hand through my hair as I thought of what to say. They decided to trust themselves to me and it shocked me. I knew that they trusted themselves to me and it was only fair that I gave them my trust as well. I cleared my throat as the mood turned sour. "After Alexios... left. The king and queen where not at their best moments. It was incredibly hard to live with them and to let them know what I am and what I wanted to be. They would tell me one thing and my mind and heart would tell me another. And as odd as it may sound, I am honestly sort of... happy that they were the way they were.

"Now, I am not saying that you should act like my parents and your child would turn out to be a king. In fact, I am encouraging you to never hit your child nor to degrade them as much as my parents managed to do. All I am trying to say is, if it weren't for them degrading me and demeaning me, then I wouldn't be as strong as I am right now. They gave me one option and I chose the other one. I chose to be stronger and I chose to rise above them and to be a better person!

"An inspiring man, Gandhi, once said, "Be the change you wish to see in this world." I wish for this kingdom to become better, stronger. I want this kingdom to become unified! I don't want my people to walk around in fear and I want them to know that we have it handled! I want you all to feel safe and comforted in your own home!" I paused, not only to catch my breath but to let the people cheer and boy did they. It resounded so loudly, that I'm surprised my father wasn't here because of it.

Once the courtyard had calmed down again I glanced around at everyone and felt my heart swell. Everyone's attention was on me. And when I say everyone, I mean everyone. Including the guards posted around the courtyard who were supposed to stoic. They had hope written across their face. Hope towards me. I turned to face behind me and smiled at my brother who was smiling back at me. I felt my heart race and I caught the happy tears sliding down Jacan's face. I turned back to the crowd happier than I was before.

"My father beat you guys. He degraded you and he down right humiliated you guys and made you feel disgraceful! He made you feel like you are lesser of a group and you're not! He is a tyrant ruler and doesn't deserve the title of king!" I boomed out, causing the crowd to cheer, including the guard who abandoned their posts to become a part of the excited crowd.

"Please!" I called out, no longer able to calm the crowd as easily as I could before. Another minute passed before they all calmed. "Please, I'm almost finished. I just would like everyone to know how incredible this situation is for me. It brings me so much joy at the thought that so many people wish to see me rule and wish for a better kingdom! I am so happy to say that I love you all, despite many of you doubling in age against me, like my own children." Laughter sprung amongst them as I saw a few of them wiping away happy tears. "I do, honestly love all of you guys as if you are my own and I would do anything to take care of you all. As Jimi Hendrix once said, 'When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.' My father is in love with power. He likes to feel in control of everything and will stop at nothing to achieve it. And while the feeling of power is nice, trust me, it is not what I am striving for. It is not who I want to be or who I think this kingdom should be either. I think this kingdom deserves to be happy and to feel love. This kingdom deserves to go around the streets and get to do as they please, if it's legal of course, because that is how a king should rule. A king should know their boundaries and should know what is right for their people. I want to rule you all like that. I know I'm younger and I understand that it is hard to trust another king who may be just like the old one but I am asking for faith. I am asking for faith in me and who I am. So, please, I want everyone to rise up and to help me win against my father, because that is the only way I can achieve this is with your help."

Once I finished my entire speech, I felt something drain out of me. I almost felt like I was going to collapse but I didn't, eager to hear what the kingdom would say. When I immediately didn't get a response, I felt my heart stutter nervously. Though it was soon beating in happiness and I felt Alexios and Jacan take their sides beside me.

"All hail King Edward of the Kingdom Infinitum!" Alexios boomed, raising a fist in the air.

"Long live the king!" Both Jacan and Alexios shouted. I beamed at them as the chanted, getting people to join in. Soon, the entire court was once again filled with cheers. All cheers for me and for what I support. It would have been wonderful to relish in it but I barely got the chance before gasps filled the area and people shrank back.

"I don't think you guys are cheering for the right king." A voice boomed out, causing even the sun to go into hiding. I felt myself stiffen as I heard my father and didn't move. I honestly was afraid of him, of what he would do. Though, when I took a look at my people who were terrified and scared, it made my heartbeat fiercely. They didn't deserve this. They deserved so much more.

Though, I didn't fully move until I glanced at Jacan who was watching me with fear, his hand grabbing mine firmly. He most definitely deserved something better. I turned to Alexios, who was watching me and waiting for my move. When he saw the determination, he smiled and nodded.

I gently let go of Jacan's hand and made my way towards my father, striding with confidence the entire way.

Please don't hesitate to leave comments below! Thanks for reading! 1807