This piece is inspired by this picture from the wiki commons.
He looked over his shoulder for the last time. The white-washed building had been home for ten years. It lacked earthly pleasures, but there was more peace inside it than any palace.
He might be back, but never as a monk. The king, perhaps. If he was lucky enough to survive his coronation.
He took a deep breath, looked ahead, straightened the gold tassels on his sleeves and squeezed his calves gently to move the horse forward.
His guard fell in around him, a glittering force in sable uniforms and crimson trim.
He sent up a silent prayer for survival.
Story Treasury 
Lucky man to have a guardship so devoted! I mean, unless it’s a coup. Then, stinks to be him.
It’s the same all over: stay inside where it’s safe because once you step outside, all heck breaks loose. Especially if you’re to be king.
Or as we used to say when we were kids: “This one’s for all the marbles.” In other words, victory or death! Onward!
Loved this peek into the mind of someone who’s risking everything to gain everything.
Now I want to know if he does survive. – I hope his guards live up to their jobs!
thought you did real justice to the nobility of the building. Good job
Great atmosphere you’ve brewed here. I believe we’re about to see a coup.
Heading out into the great unknown–the greatest risk and greatest adventure!
Sometimes survival is all we can hope for.