Chapter 22 (Revolution)

Hello my lovelies! The dedication above was for a person who is so very sweet and kind and I just thought that I should appreciate them. So, thank you! And with out further adieu, enjoy!

Edward (POV)

"Leave father, this isn't the place." I spoke with calmness and authority. I strode my way to my father, who was standing confidently. My mother was standing beside him, but she wouldn't glance at anything but the floor.

"Excuse me?" He spoke, a bit harshly as if it would intimidate me. Well, not anymore. I was more confident than he knew I was. I had people that would back up and that needed me just as much as I needed them. I wouldn't let them down. I stopped three feet from him and crossed my arms, scoffing in annoyance.

"'Excuse me?' You are the one who seems to think you own the place." I spoke, my voice having a twinge of smugness to it. His eyes widened in shock as he noticed I wasn't fearing him anymore. Then, his face became red as he took a threatening step towards me. This was his only tactic to try to scare me, but it wasn't going to work.

"Listen here you little –" He got cut off as Alexios came behind me with a look that could kill millions. My father's face became passive as he stared at his perfect son with wonder. "Alexios? Maybe... maybe we could speak? I haven't had the chance to talk to you yet and I would like to. You know you've always been the favorite son –" People in the audience gasped, but my father ignored them, "–because we both know Edward will never be fit to rule as king. Please son, come with me." My father complete ignored everyone around us as his hand reached out desperately for Alexios. Alexios' face contorted to one of surprise as he glanced down at our father's hand. My mother's head came up to watch her husband in confusion and shock; like she didn't know this side of him. She probably didn't. Alexios stood there, watching my father's hand. He stood there long enough that I thought he was going to take it. Though before I knew it, his hand flung out to hit my father in the jaw. My mouth, along with everyone's in the arena, dropped open in shock.

"How dare you!" he snarled as my father tried to regain his composure. Alexios went after him but I quickly wrapped my arms around his waist. My father took a cautious step back, holding his jaw.

"Alexios! Stop!" I called out. He quickly froze and I slowly moved my arms from around him as we both took deep breaths. I then turned to give my father a calm look. "Listen, we can either do this the easy way, or the hard way. I don't want to do it the hard way, no matter what you think. I know that we can be okay together, as a family; but I want you to know that I am your new king. I will rule over this kingdom and there is nothing that you can do to stop it. Now, I will also have you know that if you come into this peacefully, then you are allowed to continue living in a home either on or off the property and no one will bother you. But if you choose to fight me and what I am trying to do, then know that it will only be bad for you. Now, what is your choice, father?"

Jacan's (POV) Returning back a few minutes.

I watched Edward stand up with a confident aura atop of the fountain. I admire that in him. The way that, despite him being knocked down so many times, he still is strong enough to pick himself back up. He is still strong enough to get what he wants. He is still strong enough to do what he believes is right. How can he do it? How does he have the strength? I know that if I were in his position, I wouldn't be where he was right now. I wish I had half as much confidence as he did.

"How did you meet Edward?" Alexios spoke from his spot next to me. Slightly jumped, startled at his presence. I had forgot that he was here since he was so quiet. I turned my gaze to stare at Edward's brother. He looked quite similar to Edward, with his green eyes and black hair. Though, I knew that they were almost nothing alike. It wasn't just the physical appearances either, since Alexios' green eyes are a little duller and his hair a little bit longer and shaggier. They were different in the way they acted, the way they carried themselves. Alexios had a walk that he wanted people to move out of the way for him, while Edward moved out of people's ways. Alexios had a more stern and hard face; a face that demanded everyone to obey to his rule, though it didn't seem like he meant it to be that way. Edward's face was a bit more friendly and open, he wanted people to trust him not to be forced to love him. Though these slight changes didn't always dawn on people unless you were close to the boys. I'm not sure when I got close to them though.

"I met Edward a long time ago," I told him, turning to look over at Edward. He seemed in an almost trance-like state. Like, he couldn't believe that everyone was here for him.

"How come?" Alexios ask, legitimate confusion in his voice. I turned to him with a frown. Why didn't he know?

"You don't know?" I asked. He frown and shook his head, crossing his arms across his chest with a hint of irritation. I bit my bottom lip. For some reason, I felt like I shouldn't tell him about our secret place. That it was a place for only the two of us. A place that felt like only two of us knew. I sort of didn't want to ruin it. "You'll have to ask Edward." I told him, turning back to catch Edward looking at me. I gave him a smile and he seemed to relax a bit. He watched me a moment before turning to the crowd. His hand shot out in a quick movement, silencing the crowd before us and I watched in amazement.

"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?" Edward's voice had a lot of authority in it, but it seemed different then how his father would speak to his people. His father would demand silence and all eyes on him. Edward asked for it. There was a long silence as Edward told them that they have the right to leave. Which surprised me, wouldn't he want them to stay? Though I soon caught on to what he wanted as I watched people cheer for him and shout out his name in his honor. He looked so humble that I couldn't help but get tears in my eyes. Alexios and I cheered along with the crowd as we all watched him stumble over his speech to thank us. Though when his face grew serious, the entire courtyard did as well. He spoke about his parents and about him being abused that I couldn't help but feel my heart tighten at his words. How could a family do that to one another?

"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 united! 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!" He paused and the crowd roared to him. It resounded so loudly that I felt myself screaming even louder to be heard over it. I felt tears trickle down my face as I thought of a better life. Not for just me and my family, but for everyone. For Edward. He deserved it the most.

Edward turned to look back at me, a huge grin on his face. I smiled as best as I could as I wiped away my tears. He turned back to the crowd. We listen to him talk about his father being tyrant and how everyone, despite the age difference, was like children to him. We all laughed, which seemed to brighten up the room even more. "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."

Edward seemed to collapse in on himself as the room was silent. Everyone seemed to be pondering over their thoughts. Though, it wasn't long before cheered erupted and soon, the entire world seemed to be singing for Edward. Alexios and I ran up to Edward quickly and stood along with him. I griped his hand as Alexios shouted out: "All hail King Edward! King of the Kingdom Infinitum! The crowd roared with happiness. I squeezed Edwards hand as I called out, laughing. Though it all seemed to abruptly end as a new voice rose above the crowd, igniting fear in everyone's heart. I gasped as I turned to see the King, the Old King, come into the courtyard. Edward let go over my hand and started walking over to him. I felt fear tug at my heart as I watched the two of them interact. When Alexios went over to stop their father, I felt confused as a whole other side of their father's ruthless attitude.

Though my heart beat up quicker as I listened to what Edward had to say to his father. "Listen, we can either do this the easy way, or the hard way. I don't want to do it the hard way, no matter what you think. I know that we can be okay together, as a family, but I want you to know that I am your new king. I will rule over this kingdom and there is nothing that you can do to stop it. Now, I will also have you know that if you come into this peacefully, then you are allowed to continue living in a home either on or off the property and no one will bother you. But if you choose to fight me and what I am trying to do, then know that it will only be bad for you. Now, what is your choice, father?"

The room seemed to stand still as we all waited for his father's answer. An angry look appeared on his father's face as he stared down Edward. "Who would let you rule?" He answered back with so much venom that I flinched. Though, Edward stood his ground, glaring confidently. "Who would want to follow orders from someone so unfit to rule?" His voice seemed so demanding and he had such a know-it-all attitude that I couldn't help walking confidently over to Edward to stand next to him and shout:

"Me."

I know, I know. So much is going on but I promise it's worth the wait for the next chapter. This book is slowly coming to an end and I can't believe it! It would be my first ever book I wrote!

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it an please don't hesitate to tell em if you did! I appreciate it! Thank you all for reading and have a wonderful week. Until next time! <3  (2072)