To be worthy of wearing the clothes of King and Queen,
Through hardship, struggle, we must endure.
Burden brings to surface our true identities,
Reveals our pure personalities.

How do we behave when the frightening beast knocks on our door, demanding entry?
Do we turn our gazes away, hoping it might vanish, go about its way?
Do we leave the entrance open, for it to come and take us over?

Or do we answer the door to meet the eyes of the demon?
Maybe it has something to tell us, this fearsome visitor.
Maybe it has come for a reason.

Maybe we discover it wasn’t a beast after all.
But a friend who has come to greet us.
To test us.
To grant the Mantle for the King,
The Crown for the Queen.

Art & text by Sami Vuorenmaa