Characters

King Luther, a father figure role model with complex beliefs. 

Prince Adam, a representation of good and justice. 

Soldier, a minor character relaying a message to the king. 

General, the king’s right-hand man who agrees with the King’s beliefs. 

Queen Aldena, Prince Adam’s deceased mother who was born from Athlec (Ath-lec). She raised Adam and was very present in his life before she was killed.

Setting: the scene takes place in the throne room in Lagyia a mystical land prospering and rich. Upstage left is the entrance, stage right is where the throne is. 

Story Synopsis: Prince Adam of Laygia (Lay-gia) visits his father to announce his decision but things don’t go the way either of them wants. 

Intended message: How can power change someone? How much power should someone have/deserve? Is something bad if done with good intentions?

Intended audience: everyone, people who enjoy fictional stories.

Act 1, Scene 1

After dinner, Prince Adam visits his father in the throne room to discuss the conflicts with the neighboring kingdom Athlec. 

KING LUTHER

(gestures to the servant to let Prince Adam in) 

You may now enter. 

PRINCE ADAM 

(enters scene and bows deeply towards his father) 

Good evening Father. 

KING LUTHER

Good evening. Have you taken time to think? 

PRINCE ADAM 

Yes, I-

KING LUTHER

(cuts off son) 

Good, good. I trust you to make the right decision. 

PRINCE ADAM

Which is why I am here today. To discuss the matter at hand. 

KING LUTHER 

Of course, I am always open to hearing your judgment.

PRINCE ADAM

Thank you. After a lot of thinking and weighing the pros and cons of everything, I think it is time we attack back. Our people have been suffering and it is only right for us to offer them our grievance and respect those who have lost their life unfairly. 

KING LUTHER 

(with a pleased look) 

I am proud of you and I agree. I shall alert the general to go on with the plans of attack.

(signals to servant) 

Let’s win this war, my son. We shall celebrate. 

PRINCE ADAM 

We shall…but I have a slight suggestion to the plan.

KING LUTHER 

(nods) 

Go on.

PRINCE ADAM 

The people of Athlec will die at the hands of our force if we attack. I know that things are different now but, It is only right to try and avoid the villages                       

KING LUTHER

I wish there was something we could do, truly. 

PRINCE ADAM 

It just feels wrong to do this, this was Mother’s home, I’ve lived with them. They are just people like us. 

KING LUTHER

I know, I know my son. Your mother would be proud of who you have become. 

PRINCE ADAM

 Even after all this time?

KING LUTHER

Of course, your mother loved you deeply, but remember your duties lie to Laygia still.                                                                                         

PRINCE ADAM 

I am aware but it isn’t fair to get people that aren’t involved into this fight. 

KING LUTHER

It is their decision to live in such a place, war is a messy thing and it costs many people’s lives on both sides. You must understand that in order to rule this kingdom or any. 

PRINCE ADAM 

These people are going to die if we act recklessly, please. 

KING LUTHER

A king does not plead. 

PRINCE ADAM 

I am your son, the heir to the throne!

KING LUTHER

No son of mine will plead for anything, we take things forcefully and you must understand that.

PRINCE ADAM 

That isn’t fair! 

KING LUTHER

Nothing in this world will ever be fair. People will take from you until you have nothing left. If you want something you must be willing to do the same. 

PRINCE ADAM 

I don’t want to rule like that. 

KING LUTHER

I’m afraid I was wrong, my son, you aren’t ready for this. You are still far too young. 

PRINCE ADAM 

What? Father please I’m sorry.

KING LUTHER

No, I am sorry, for believing I could trust you with this title. 

PRINCE ADAM 

Please! I will do anything, don’t take this away from me, I’m ready. Let’s raid the villages of Athlec if it means an end to this war. 

KING LUTHER

(laughs) 

Very well. 

PRINCE ADAM 

What? 

KING LUTHER

I needed to test your loyalties to Laygia. 

PRINCE ADAM 

Father.

KING LUTHER

Now, you have passed the test. I am proud.                                                                             

PRINCE ADAM 

Why would… Why would you do that? 

SOLDIER

(enters and bows) 

My apologies your highness, the general sent me to tell you the raid into Athlec was successful. 

KING LUTHER

(sighs) 

You are dismissed. 

SOLDIER

(walks away) 

PRINCE ADAM 

(pauses) 

What would you have done if I had said no? 

KING LUTHER

Tell you the truth. 

PRINCE ADAM 

Do you have no shame? 

KING LUTHER

A king walks with their head held high no matter what. 

PRINCE ADAM 

That’s it? You lied and manipulated me.

KING LUTHER

And you were too naive to see, it is time you have learned the truth. 

PRINCE ADAM 

Those innocent people died today because of you. 

KING LUTHER

My hands were bloodied long before this conflict. 

PRINCE ADAM 

I thought you were a good person, a good king. What would Mother think? 

KING LUTHER

Do not bring your mother into this. I am flawed but I am still a good king. 

PRINCE ADAM 

You killed them.

KING LUTHER

I am willing to do what it takes for my people. My family. 

PRINCE ADAM 

You don’t get to play god and throw away people’s lives. 

KING LUTHER

Athlec has done the same, many have been towards us. 

PRINCE ADAM 

(breaks down) 

Why have they been attacking us in the first place? 

KING LUTHER

There’s nothing you can do now. 

PRINCE ADAM 

I will prove you as an unfit ruler.

KING LUTHER

It won’t work, the people of Laygia have been flourishing under my rule, why would they care as to why? 

PRINCE ADAM 

I will make them care.

KING LUTHER

You will fail. 

PRINCE ADAM 

I will try if it’s the last thing I do!