THIRTEEN
The Coronation
SUMMER 963 MC
Anna sat looking over her advisors, her gaze finally settling on her oldest friend. "Gerald, where would you like to start?"
"The coronation is in three weeks," he said, "and I'm concerned we have too few troops to guard you during the procession. Are you sure I can't convince you to hold it here, at the Palace?"
"The Sovereigns of Merceria have always been crowned in a cathedral," said Anna. "I can't go against tradition on this, or my rule will be seen as illegitimate."
"Then what if we take you directly there," he suggested, "without the entire procession marching through the streets of Wincaster?"
"And have people say I skulked?" declared Anna. "No, I must be seen by the commoners. I shall not show weakness."
"I'm more concerned with keepin
