Heartstring of a Mad king

PRINCE LUKE POV Sitting in the solitude of my chamber, I pondered over the dilemma that consumed my thoughts. Deep within, a sinking feeling warned me that today would be a day etched in infamy. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Luke Donovan, the only son of King Donovan, the esteemed ruler of the illustrious Novan Empire. Countless maids fluttered around me, fussing over my appearance. It was imperative that I appeared flawless, as I sought the blessings of the patriarchs to ascend the throne. "I don't want that," I remarked to one of the maids who presented a fabric destined to bring discomfort. Hours flew by as I endured the arduous process of dressing. I often wondered how much time I would spend in my life engaged in such superfluous endeavors. Alas, such is the sacrifice one must bear when born into royalty, or so they say. Finally, the maids departed, leaving me alone in my room. Yet, a gnawing fear clutched at my heart. The men of the parliament were known for their callous nature, and the thought of facing them filled me with trepidation. If it were up to me, I would choose any alternative to escape this fate. But alas, I possess no such luxury and must confront my destiny head-on. My trembling hands bore witness to the immense tension I felt, so I resolved to seek respite elsewhere. Yearning to release the mounting pressure within me, I ventured out of my chambers, my footsteps echoing through the grand hallways. The aroma of aged parchment and polished wood beckoned me to the library. It was a sanctuary where I sought solace, where the weight of the crown felt momentarily lifted from my weary shoulders As I enter the library, the familiar scent of old books and polished wood greets me. The silence within these walls offers solace from the chaos of my impending fate. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Rows upon rows of dusty shelves stand tall, holding centuries of knowledge and wisdom. I trail my fingers along the spines of the leather-bound books, seeking comfort in their silent stories. The soft glow of sunlight filters through the stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the worn carpets. I find a cozy nook tucked away in a corner, where a worn armchair awaits me. I sink into its familiar embrace, the soft velvet cushions enveloping me. The bookshelves tower above me, whispering secrets and adventures waiting to be discovered. I grab a book at random, its pages yellowed with age, and begin to read. As I delve into the pages, the world around me fades away. I'm transported to the world of stars and read about the meaning every stars holds. My mind escapes the burdens of royalty, and for a moment, I am free. The words dance before my eyes, creating vivid images in my imagination. I lose track of time, engrossed in the tales of amazing stars. The weight on my shoulders lightens, if only temporarily. The library becomes my sanctuary, a place where I can be anyone but the future king. Here, I can dream, hope, and find respite from the suffocating expectations that await me outside these walls. But eventually, reality calls me back. The distant sounds of footsteps echo through the corridors, reminding me of my duties and the imminent gathering with the parliament. I reluctantly place the book back on its shelf, promising to return to its enchanting world another day. As the footsteps drew nearer, accompanied by a familiar voice, I knew there was no one else but the queen, my mother. The door to the library swung open abruptly, and her piercing gaze locked onto mine. "Where have you been, Luke?" she inquired, her tone dripping with seriousness. "Can't I find solace for a moment before being thrust into an uncertain fate?" I retorted, turning away and grabbing another book, flipping through its pages. "You are the next king of the great Novan Empire. You are King Donovan's son, and the weight of the empire rests upon your mighty shoulders," she declared firmly. "But can't you see that my shoulders are not capable of bearing such a burden?" I yelled back at her. Why did everything have to revolve around strength? Why couldn't royalty accommodate weakness? The mere thought of it tore at my heart. I locked eyes with my mother, the intensity of our gaze unyielding. "Leave us," she commanded the servants who had accompanied her. Once they had departed and the door closed behind them, she approached me. Her voluminous gown swished across the room, the sound of her footsteps resonating in the silence. "You are Prince Luke, my son, the rightful heir to the throne. Even before your birth, you were surrounded by enemies, and that ill fate has not changed. One misstep, and you will lose your throne or worse, your life. To prevent that, you must be strong and show no weakness. Do you understand?" she concluded the conversation with a resounding voice. "Yes," I replied, meeting her gaze squarely. "Good," she acknowledged. Yet, my mind continued to race uncontrollably, and my hands betrayed my inner turmoil as they trembled. My mother noticed, her eyes following the involuntary quiver of my hands. "Here, take this. It will calm your nerves," she offered, handing me a pill QUEEN MARIE P.O.V After stepping out of the library, I took a moment to collect myself, inhaling and exhaling deeply. It had been an arduous period for everyone, and the time I had long anticipated had finally arrived. Everything had to be flawless, and I was prepared to do whatever it took to ensure that Luke rightfully ascended the throne. The weight of responsibility bore down upon me, causing discomfort to settle within me. Deciding to check on my daughters, I made my way to their rooms. As I entered, I found Victoria, Valeria, and Viola and Violet already dressed, waiting for me. They greeted me respectfully, rising to their feet as I cast my eyes over their attire. "Make the dresses more fitted," I instructed the maid responsible for their outfits. "But, Mother, the dresses are already so tight," Viola protested. "Hush, my dear. The palace will be filled with dignitaries, and I wish for you to make a favorable impression or even find a suitable suitor," I explained, my voice carrying a hint of authority. "Can't we just stay in our rooms?" Viola retorted, rolling her eyes in defiance. Viola and Victoria were twins, and among my four other daughters, Viola possessed a distinct individuality. She was different, and I could sense that she was concocting plans in her heart to escape this intricate web of obligations. "Viola, today your brother will be meeting the parliament, proving himself worthy of being their future king. I have long awaited this moment, and nobody, not even you, Viola, should undermine it for our family or your brother," I asserted, making it clear that she had to set aside any mischievous schemes. "Now, ensure the dresses are fitted and improved," I directed the maid, before leaving the room, determined to uphold the grandeur of the occasion.