Queen Eleanor: Julian, please look at me.
King Julian: I am looking at the floor, Mother.
Queen Eleanor: That hardwood oak floor will not give you strength.
King Julian: Neither will this heavy golden throne.
Queen Eleanor set the silver plate of sweet pastries on the small side table. The hall felt far too large for a ten-year-old child wearing a gold-trimmed royal jacket and heavy crown.
Queen Eleanor: Your father loved this nation with all his heart.
King Julian: Then why did he leave us so soon?
Queen Eleanor: God called him home, my darling boy.
King Julian: The kingdom expects me to rule like a man.
Queen Eleanor: You are a king, but you are still my son.
King Julian: The advisors keep talking about taxes and law suits.
Queen Eleanor: They want to make sure the royal trust fund remains secure.
King Julian: I do not care about the money or the estate papers.
Queen Eleanor: The entire nation is watching how we handle this loss.
Julian stared at the framed USA flag hanging prominently on the high white wall. Natural daylight poured through the tall glass windows, making the grand American palace hall feel excessively bright and cold.
King Julian: They look at me like I am a dynamic picture, not a person.
Queen Eleanor: You are their leader now, Julian.
King Julian: I am just a boy who misses his dad.
Queen Eleanor: I know, my love. I miss him every single second.
King Julian: Then why are you forcing this marriage on me?
Queen Eleanor: Because the ancient laws of this court require an arrangement.
King Julian: An arrangement with a total stranger?
Queen Eleanor: She comes from an honorable family with deep roots in this land.
King Julian: She only wants the status and the royal luxury.
Queen Eleanor: Give her a chance before you judge her heart.
Julian adjusted his small leather boots on the red carpet platform. His fair skin was pale, and his freckles stood out against his sad expression.
King Julian: I will not speak to her.
Queen Eleanor: You will be polite, Your Majesty.
King Julian: I am the King. You cannot order me.
Queen Eleanor: I am your mother. I will always guide you.
King Julian: The advisors said I need a legal guardian until I turn eighteen.
Queen Eleanor: I signed the custody papers this morning to protect your title.
Julian turned his eyes away, his heart heavy with anger and fear. He felt trapped inside a gilded cage, surrounded by palace guards who took orders from laws written centuries ago.
King Julian: Let them come inside then.
Queen Eleanor: She is waiting outside the grand double doors.
King Julian: Tell them to open the doors before I change my mind.
Queen Eleanor nodded softly to the head guard standing at attention near the corner. The guard bowed his head and raised his hand to give the formal signal.
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