Page 3 of Royal Resistance

I think that’s a compliment?

“It will serve you well when you’re king,” he adds.

I stiffen, but not as much as Dante.

“When I’m king,” I echo. “That won’t be anytime soon.”

Wishful thinking. I’m sure my father is aging at a normal rate, but in the last few years, every time I see him, his hair has more white than blond, more lines have been carved into his face, and his energy seems to be slowing to a snail’s pace.

It might be because I haven’t seen much of him in the past few years. Busy with the band, living my life away from Laandia, literally running from the idea that I’ll have to take over from him.

But not someday soon.

Not at all, if I have my way.

“While I’d like to think myself immortal, I’m well aware that isn’t the case,” Dad says in a heavy voice.

“Did something happen?” I ask quickly.

With a sharp glance at Dante, Dad leans forward. “Magnus, it’s time to end this life you’ve been living and come home.”

My heart sinks. One moment, it’s there in the middle of my chest where it should be, and then the next, it’s dropped to my feet. I’ve known this conversation would happen one day, but if I kept my distance, I thought I could put it off indefinitely.

This is why my father came to me. He knew I’m not coming back to Laandia for the break.

“You’ll need to make a choice,” Dad says in a voice that makes me think that no, I really don’t have a choice in the matter. “I’ve been quite lenient with your side projects over the years, but if you are committed to your place in the line of succession, you need to be in Laandia. By my side, learning to be king. Or…” He lets the ultimatum fall between us.

I focus on the use of the term side projects. Only my father would consider being a member of a band with a platinum record a side project. Or being an Olympic gold medal winner for the shot put. Or…

Side or not, over the years, King Euan has made it very clear that these are not worthy ventures for his son, the heir apparent to the throne of Laandia. I’ve been able to ignore the comments, the criticisms until now.

But when I see the tired shadows under his eyes, I have to pay attention. This is what being a king has done to him. It’s aged him. Exhausted him.

So why would I ever want to follow in his footsteps?

Dante sits beside him, the mask of indifference in place. But I know he’s waiting with bated breath for me to tell our father that I don’t want the throne. I don’t want to take the crown—ever.

Dante only came to hear me say out loud that I don’t want to be king.

And then he can have it, because being king of Laandia is everything he’s ever wanted.

Only, I’m not convinced my brother would be very good at ruling my country.

“The tour is almost over,” I say. “We’ll wrap up in a few months.”

“This is why I’m here now,” Dad says. “I need to know what your plans will be… after.”

After.

After the tour, we plan on making another album. Duncan is already looking for a producer, and Etienne is working on some new songs. Luciano did ask for some time off, and God knows we all need a break, but after that…

An album. Videos. Another tour to promote it. And repeat.

That’s the life of a musician. A member of a rock band. This album is on its way to going platinum, same as the last one. We’ve got fans around the world, and the guys are loving every minute of this life.

I love it. Why would I want anything to change? But that’s what he’s asking. What he’s telling me.

“You have a responsibility,” Dad reminds me. “A duty.”