The young king Artorius drained the last part of his drink, and sighed. Today was the day. He could feel it in every part of his body. The banquet hall, normally adorned with any number of costumed entertainers, servants, and other festivities, lay bare. It was rare he found time alone, and he savored the moment.
He lifted the chalice to his eyes, and peered into his own reflection. He remembered his youth, his innocence. Now, all he had was a kingdom. And as he looked out, over that kingdom, all he saw was pain. The lives lost, the damages dealt, the trusts broken, promises unkept. The treason, the treaties, the turmoil, and the eventual ascension to the throne. Here he was. He'd made his bed, and now he must lie.
He set the cup down on the table and rose from his seat. That is, the seat he had taken, once everyone else had left. On the other end of the table lie his usual throne, it's bold colors reminding him of the blood spilled at his hand. How poetic, he thought. Some fresh air would do him good.
Artorius left the banquet hall and moved towards the balcony. Below him, his subjects would be waiting for his speech, hanging on his every word. After today, however, they would hang no longer. They were going to get what they wanted. The curtains parted before him, reminding him one final time of the position he held.
He looked out at the civilians, cleared his throat, and began.
"People of Svonte, you have lived in fear long enough. Too long, you have been oppressed by those with more power. Too long, you have begged and stolen, merely to survive, and been punished for it. You should not be punished for surviving. No, you shouldn't survive at all; you should live! Life is about more than survival, more than position, and status, it's about the people and places you hold dear. And Svonte, you are the place and  the people I hold dear. I didn't age with you, but I grew up here, and in the process of becoming your king, I have learned more about myself than I ever thought possible."
He coughed violently before continuing.
"I have always tried to do what is best for you, Svonte. Always. When we were attacked by the Outlanders, did I give way? No. I led the charge and forever exiled them from our lands. When the Council of Erindor tried to usurp the throne, did I stumble? No. I exposed them for their treachery and maintained my ground. You have all been through so much, and I have tried my hardest to always be a symbol of strength, of honor. A symbol of power. So please forgive me, if today, I falter."
And with that, Artorius fell forward, and into the crowd.