Then Arien turned to face the crowd in the room.
“I am Arien Lakhami,” they said, in a ringing voice that had no trace of clerk Aron in it. A voice they’d saved up for this day. “I am the rightful heir and I claim this throne.”
They sat. Leaned back, hands curled on the ends of the armrests.
The Legion burst into cheers.
* * * *
When the cheers faded Arien swallowed down the urge to weep, thinking about Father. Now was not the time to show anything that looked like weakness.
“General, make sure the rest of the palace is secured. Only fight if you meet resistance. Report to me about any attack from outside.”
Queza bowed her head. “Yes, Your Majesty. I have reports that the other ships have landed, but nobody has disembarked yet.”
Your Majesty. This time they couldn’t argue about it.
