[ WP ] The King is dying and decides to abdicate his throne before he dies . During the coronation ceremony , he places the crown on a servant 's head and declares him king , rather than one of his two sons .

Prince Horace raised an eyebrow at his aging father. `` Your Highness, that's... that's your servant. Timothy and I stand before you; why did you go to such great lengths to crown a mere commoner?'' 
 
 `` Silence,'' King Jerry croaked. `` I have crowned the rightful heir!'' 
 
 `` But I'm the eldest,'' Prince Timothy protested. `` If you're going by inheritance, I would be the king.'' 
 
 `` And,'' Horace added, `` if you were to go by competence, it would be Sir Kendrick. He has, by far, proved himself to be a wonderfully skilled knight, with the might and intelligence to match even the greatest kings. If you do not wish to pass on the crown to your sons, I suppose I understand that, but... why Ian?'' 
 
 `` Silence!'' the king roared. `` Ian shall rule after me!'' 
 
 `` Father, he ca n't walk two steps without tripping on his own feet,'' Timothy said. 
 
 `` And he does nothing but gossip all day,'' Horace exclaimed. 
 
 `` And he scares the chickens,'' one of the maids screeched. 
 
 The king stamped his foot. `` Are none of you listening?! Ian is the rightful heir! He's my son!'' 
 
 The court gasped in unison. Sir Beritan, a particularly effeminate nobleman, stuck his nose in the air and scoffed, `` Even our dear king is n't above fathering bastards!'' 
 
 King Jerry waved his hand dismissively. `` Not like that, you presumptuous pansy. You see, once upon a time, I was convinced that I was... er... impotent, if you catch my drift.'' 
 
 `` Catch your... Father, why are you using anachronistic language?'' 
 
 `` Silence! So, I became concerned that I would n't have any children. Thus, I grabbed Ian and told him that when I died, he would be my heir. I am going to keep that promise and make Ian king!'' 
 
 Twelve days later, the kingdom was burnt to the ground.
