Rolling hills, deep rich valleys, rivers of cool clean water. This was the magical land of Misthaven.
It was filled with exotic luscious plants, intelligent animals, and brave people. The magic flowed through the land and ignited the spark of life in the world.
Today had dawned bright and clear. The sun shone bright on the world. It was Prince Allen's fifteenth birthday—his coming-of-age ceremony.
A young Allen Walker entered the main chamber of the castle, where King Mana was consulting several men. Allen was dressed in a nice suit.
"Let's be certain she's seated as far away from the Duke as possible, for the Duchess' sake." Mana said.
"Yes, ma'am." The men left.
"Do you like it?" Allen gestured to his outfit.
"Oh, my dear Allen. You are an absolute vision. You are going to be the talk of the ball, and not just because it's for your birthday." They hugged briefly. "Come. I can hardly believe you're growing up so fast. Which reminds me… I have a gift for you. It was my father's once, and his father's before that. And soon, it will be yours."
In another room, a silver crown sat in a padded box. Miranda picked it up and placed it on her head, then admired herself in the mirror. However, King Mana and Allen entered and caught her in the act. She quickly removed the tiara.
"Miranda." Mana said.
"Oh! Oh, Your Majesty. Oh, please forgive me. I just wanted to see-" Miranda said.
"How dare you? That's mine. It's not for a servant." Allen said.
"It was my mistake." Miranda said.
"Servants don't wear crowns." Allen said.
"Enough." Mana said.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty-" Miranda tried again.
"No, I was talking to Allen." Mana said firmly.
"Me?" Allen was confused.
"I thought I raised you better than that, Snow. It doesn't matter whether one is a servant or royalty. Everyone in the kingdom deserves our love and respect." Mana scolded.
"But she took my crown-" Allen protested.
"She apologized. And it isn't yours yet." Mana shot back.
"Your Majesty, it's alright." Miranda said gently.
"You're kind, Miranda, but Allen must learn. My dear, we are all the same." Mana replied.
"But I thought we were royals." Allen was confused.
"We are, but that doesn't make us better than anyone else. The upcoming ball, for instance – can you tell me what it's for?" Mana asked.
"It's to honor me on my birthday." Allen said proudly.
"No. It's for you to honor them, by showing them you will be a kind and benevolent leader when that time comes. Please." Miranda hands the tiara to King Mana. "When you are crowned with this on your birthday, it will be a symbol that you will always hold goodness in your heart and rule justly. Now do you understand?"
"I do, father." King Mana handed the crown to Allen, who then walks over to the mirror. She put it on. "It's beautiful."
"And it's heavier than it looks." Suddenly, King Mana gasped in pain and his knees buckled beneath him. Miranda rushed to support him.
"Your Majesty!" Miranda cried.
"Father!" Allen cried.
"I'm fine." Mana said weakly.
"No, no. You're not." Allen said firmly.
Miranda eased the King into a chair. "Come. There. I'm getting the doctor." Miranda quickly exited the room.
"Father…" Allen said in shock and sorrow.
"I'm fine, dear." Mana comforted.