We sit at the kitchen table. I spend a good hour telling her everything that is happening to me, She sits in silence, absorbing everything I say with no expression. When I am finished, she leans in closer to me.

"You must go back."

"What?" I say, surprised that she actually wants me to go along with this lie.

"Yes, you must. It sounds to me that if you keep this up you may have a chance at becoming king."

"King!" I yell. "I don't want to be king!"

"It's a lot, but you would be amazing. You care about the people. Most kings have never lived as you have lived. They have never been a commoner. You will make this kingdom reach is fullest potential. That is why you must keep up with this."

"What about you and dad?"

"We will be okay. I'll tell your dad everything and he will be okay. Isn't this all you ever wanted?

"No, I wanted to be someone. Not a king. I wanted to protect our country while still being allowed to call you mom. I never thought I would lose you."

"Baby, I love you more than my heart can hold, but their are certain things in life that must be sacrificed. I will always exist as your mother, our love will always exist. If you must pretend to be royalty to the world, that is fine, just make sure you make it worthwhile. Do good with your status. Change this planet for the better."

I bow my head, and allow my mother to wrap me into an embrace. I'm a soldier, I tell myself, I will not shed a tear at this lose.