1.V :

I fumbled with the crown on my head as I trailed behind my advisor. It was⸻heavy, as if the weight of the world balanced atop my head. After being dressed, the maids had spewed endless flattery. Oh, how wonderful you look! Like a true King! Yet as I had stood in the mirror, to me, the crown looked amiss, tilted ever-so-slightly. 

As I walked, I cemented my hands against my sides. I sighed—I wouldn’t touch the crown again! Whether I liked it or not, it was staying. It would be abnormal if Albert rejected his family heirlooms—Ingrid had presented them as the finishing touches to my outfit: the golden crown, decorated with blue sapphires and an opal brooch, encompassed by a golden frame.

“Is there something that troubles you? Ingrid had mentioned your condition.” Walter asked.

I shook my head. “I was thinking, nothing more.”

“About?”

I opened my mouth, only to shut it. Walter stopped, turning towards me. His blue irises reminded me of gemstones, smoothed over many years. What rested beneath those eyes? Experience?—why else would he be my advisor? At the corner, where his eyes slightly dropped, the first traces of wrinkles appeared. They were like the eyes of an empathetic grandfather—a man who would gather his grandchildren and ramble, telling and depicting them tales for hours on end. My confession was inevitable—with those eyes, at least. 

“My reign—my crown.” 

“Reservations?—I assume. Are you fretful you may now fail due to the amnesia? I'm certain that will not be the case.”

“How can you be so sure?”

Walter snorted with laughter. “Albert, you’re my King, and I’ve served you since the beginning of your reign at the age of thirteen. You’re not alone.” 

In one, clean swoop, Walter bowed, placing his hand on his chest. 

“I—Walter Wolfgang-Lehmann—swore to your parents to serve you, my liege. Whatever you ask of me, I shall assist, guiding you toward the right path to ensure your reign’s prosperity.”

“Thank you. I will remember.” I said, a smile resting upon my face. 

✿

We arrived at the stables, where numerous knights prepared the horses. In the back, three knights tended to an unruly horse. The horse kicked its feet in the air as one of the knights tugged its reins, yelling. I walked over to examine the situation—not like I would be much help. I never rode a horse in my life. 

“Sir!” The first knight turned towards me, saluting. “Your steed is uncooperative today. Shall we prepare a different steed?” 

I stared at the knight. Wait. . . I was supposed to ride a horse? Not a carriage!?—a damning fundamental miscalculation. Shivers crawled up my spine. I couldn’t even ride a calm horse!—how was I supposed to ride that rabid monster? The white stead bucked once more, sending one poor knight, ass first, onto the ground. 

I stepped forward. “N-No, that’s fine.”—more like fine in my dreams.  

I approached the horse. Something clicked inside me—it was as if an inert flame had been lit anew in a bright, wild blaze. My instincts grasped control of me. I stroked the horse’s mane while whispering coos, my head slumped against its fine hairs. Finished, I stepped away. The horse’s tail swung back and forth, and its mouth hung low—good, it was calm. 

Under my observation, the knights strapped on the saddle. My mind was frazzled—how did I know how to calm the horse? It was all so puzzling! As I mounted the horse, I decided—I would think about it later. Right now was not the time for unwarranted thoughts! I had to ride this horse and not look like a complete buffoon.

In no more than five minutes, I and my retinue of countless knights overtook the kingdom’s streets. Knights amassed, surrounding me, some on horses while others marched. Streamers and banners lined the streets while kids ran amok, playing. Adults, both old and young, crowded the streets. As we rode in, they parted, making a path—the sea had opened for us. They screamed their blessings, waved their arms, and some even cried. 

“Long live the King! Long live Albert!”

I waved and smiled—a genuine, wide grin. The emotions spilt from my insides, unable to be contained, contorting my face into one of utmost, pure joy. These people really did love Albert! I could be loved!⸻in the midst of my delirium, a guard yelled. “Albert! Move!”