I sat upon the chair provided for me. Across, a short distance were the gallows. Many people surrounded the elevated platform screaming in indignation. Atop it, a man with a large axe stood by a block which fit a man’s head. Up the stairs a cuffed man was dragged. Johann refused to even give his last moments dignity it seemed. Everyone laughed as they watched him be forcefully brought towards his death. It all seemed quite morbid to me, and I watched with disinterest. People in crowds were no longer people, they were a mob. Morals become greyed and it is almost as if the individuals form together into one single entity. It was a truly fearsome sight to witness, how barbaric man could be. Another man announced,

“For your crimes of treason against the Country and People. You are hereby sentenced to death.”

His head was pushed down into the block, and his body held down. I watched intently as the executioner’s axe rose above his head, then down. The crowd grew louder as his head dismembered from his body. It rolled a slight distance before the executioner picked it up. Raising it for everyone to see, he held it by the scruff of its hair. I looked into the still open eyes of Johann. I wondered if it was true, that he could witness his last moments without a body. Is he seeing me? Could he view the mass of people who had come to denounce him? I must admit, the sight was gruesome at best. I did not enjoy the spectacle, although I felt no sorrow for that man. He had his just deserts. Standing up, I walked away.

The palace had finally been fully restored, and I was moved to it. I resided in the same room which Johann and my mother did as well as every prior ruler. Life was not much different. I was used to being attended to by butlers and servants. Whenever my mind would drift, as it often did, I would look out into the field. Right now, a keeper was maintaining the many graves. He diligently cleaned each and every grave as he systematically went through the field. I would think about it often; the rebellion. It had shaped me and would continue to. Taking my eyes away from that field, I got ready for bed. Tomorrow was a big day. It was the morning of my coronation.

Before the event I was fitted into a long, red silk robe which dragged many feet behind me as I walked. Two people had to carry it behind me as I gaited down the long hall towards the throne. Chorus chanted and bugles blared. The clergy and parliament lined the sides of the hall. Reaching the stairs, I slowly climbed the steps to the throne. I took a knee before the archbishop, putting my hand on the bible and swore my oath.

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“Will you swear to govern the people of Rhinsburg and the Farlands territories with respect to the Law and order?”

“I sincerely promise.”

“Will you act in the interest of Law and Justice to bring Mercy in all of your judgements?”

“I will.”

“Will you uphold the Will of God and act to preserve the Clergy, their churches, and all rights of them?”

“I promise to this and all which has been before promised, so help me God.”

Rising, I moved towards the throne, and took my seat. The choir loudly sang in praise until all went silent. Taking the Crown, the archbishop said a prayer before resting it on my head.

It was heavy. So much heavier than one could imagine. Its weight unbearable. The weight of a Monarch. This ceremony was etched in tradition. Tradition made of centuries of monarchs who had come before me. Now, the mantle was mine to take, the Crown atop my head. What the future held was uncertain, and how Rhinsburg would be involved was even less. Would my reign be looked back on positively? Only time will tell. All I can do is try to lead in the way I see best fit. To do what I think is in my people’s interest and listen to them if I misstep. Chanting continued and the procession neared its end.

I stood from the throne and walked down the path. My deliberate steps lead me back towards the doors I entered through. I looked forward as I kept my pace. Crossing through the exit, Fredrick slowly closed the doors behind me. He was my personal butler now. He was a good man, one who acted well on orders and who was filled with intelligence. There is no mistaking that he played a pivotal role in the revolution. If he had not carried out my orders successfully at any moment during the events our rebellion would have collapsed. How could I lead a nation if I didn’t reward those who’ve done well? A King must be attentive to his subjects if he is to keep touch with his humanity. It was easy to lose yourself in the position. Authority turned men into beasts, shadows of their former selves. Salvation is distant from those who amass excess wealth and power. We are a corruptible thing, us humans. A man given an inch will take a mile; our thirst for more was endless.