THE UNKNOWN SAVIOUR

KING'S CHAMBER 

Sunlight streams through the ornate windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. KING BENSON, his face flushed, leans back in his throne, a sly grin playing on his lips.

BENSON

(To MARK, his CSO)

You see, Mark, it's all going according to plan. The people are blind, sheep led to slaughter. They believe my every word.

Mark, his eyes gleaming with greed, raises his glass in a silent toast.

MARK

Soon, Your Majesty, we'll be basking in the sun, far from these… inconveniences.

Suddenly, the door bursts open. QUEEN ELARA, a vision of regal fury, strides into the room.

ELARA

(Voice dripping with venom)

What in the seven hells do you think you're doing, Benson?

Benson and Mark exchange startled glances.

BENSON

(Feigning surprise)

Elara? What brings you here, my dear?

ELARA

(Ignoring his feigned innocence)

I heard you. Every word. You and your… ambitions. You betrayed the trust of your people.

BENSON

(Scoffs)

And what do you know, Elara? You're more concerned with your jewels and your endless parties than the affairs of state.

ELARA

(Her voice rising)

Don't you dare! I know where every coin comes from, Benson. I know the sacrifices made to maintain this kingdom. And you, you would squander it all for your own selfish desires?

BENSON

(Rising to his feet)

Enough! You will not interfere. This is a matter for men, not… women.

ELARA

(Her eyes flashing)

Will you shut your mouth or should I? You think I'm blind? I see the way you look at those… those… women! You're a disgrace!

BENSON

(Enraged)

Get out! Get out of my sight! You were a commoner before I lifted you from the gutter!

Elara, her face pale with fury, turns and storms out of the room. Benson, breathing heavily, sinks back into his throne, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

TREASURY OFFICE 

JOHN PETER, a young, idealistic accountant, meticulously examines the kingdom's ledgers. His brow furrows as he discovers a series of discrepancies, a trail of missing funds that leads directly to the King's private account.

JOHN PETER

(To himself)

This can't be right. He's embezzling funds!

Days turn into weeks. John Peter gathers evidence, meticulously documenting every fraudulent transaction. The weight of his discovery weighs heavily on him. He knows he must expose the truth, but he also fears for his life.

TOWN SQUARE

A large crowd gathers in the town square. John Peter, his face pale but resolute, stands before them.

JOHN PETER

(Voice trembling)

My fellow citizens! I stand before you today to reveal a terrible truth. King Benson, the man we trusted, the man we crowned… he has betrayed us!

The crowd murmurs, disbelief etched on their faces.

JOHN PETER

(Continuing)

He has been siphoning off the kingdom's wealth, enriching himself while our people suffer! I have the proof!

The crowd erupts in a wave of anger and disbelief.

BENSON

(Stepping forward, his face a mask of innocence)

These are baseless accusations! This man is a liar, a traitor! He seeks to undermine my authority!

JOHN PETER

(Holding up a ledger)

This ledger speaks for itself, Your Majesty.

BENSON

(Feigning outrage)

He's simply trying to create chaos! The truth is, some of our trading partners have fallen on hard times. Their payments are delayed, that's all.

The crowd, swayed by Benson's smooth words, begins to waver.

JOHN PETER

(Desperate)

I have proof! Let me show you!

BENSON

(Feigning concern)

He's trying to escape! He's a danger to the kingdom! Guards!

The guards, loyal to the King, seize John Peter and drag him away.

PRISON CELL 

John Peter sits alone in the cold, damp cell. He knows his fate. According to the kingdom's laws, anyone who falsely accuses the King faces the ultimate penalty.

KING'S CHAMBER 

Benson, surrounded by his sycophantic chiefs, celebrates. Wine flows freely, laughter fills the air.

BENSON

(Raising his glass)

To our victory! To the downfall of our enemies!

The chiefs cheer, their glasses clinking together.

PRISON CELL 

The sixth day of John Peter's imprisonment. He lies on the cold stone floor, his body weak, his spirit unbroken. He knows this is his last day.

KING'S CHAMBER 

Benson, his face pale and drawn, clutches his chest. He gasps for air, his eyes wide with terror.

MARK

(Panicked)

Your Majesty! What's wrong?

BENSON

(Coughing)

My… my chest…

The room descends into chaos. Doctors rush in, their faces grim. Benson collapses, his body lifeless.

MARK

(To the guards)

Summon all guards! Secure the palace!

Mark, his eyes gleaming with

a cold, calculating light, surveys the scene. The King is dead. The path to power is now clear.