The coronation was already underway. The main room was filled with rows of long, wooden benches and Ryan stood at the top of the room's dais wearing a crooked grin and the finest regal dress. A priest, who looked a lot like Ryan's other tattooed sireling in a hood, stood poised with his hand raised in blessing and a vacant, mind-controlled expression on his face. The crown of their vampire kingdom was still on its ceremonial pedestal, gleaming dangerously.
"This man who is about to be coronated is not your rightful king," Alexander yelled.
The remaining coronation guests who had not fled all turned to watch Alexander advance down the central aisle of the throne room. Alexander recognized many of the faces, vampires who had known the royal family for centuries.
Chloe's forces stood prote
