Three weeks later
Coronation day.
___
Everything is in place, the procession has led to the wonderful arrangement by the sea side. Cream lights thread colourful garlands, lanterns winding around fluted pillars. From where I stand, I see the mighty throne. On it sits Bowen, here in place of his brother. Beside him is another throne. It's almost the same size as the king's.
"Okay, remember. Go up there, wait for the elder to tie both your hands together. Then he'll place the crown on your head and it's over. You've got this," Umber says.
Still I don't stand from my position with my knees to my chest. Dread is a living thing within me.
I couldn't do this without Malcolm.
I couldn--
Hands grasp my face. Umber pulls my gaze to her's. "Look at me. You," she spells out slowly, "have. G
