Theo:
Everything was perfect. I counted out the steps to the throne, remembered all the little bits and pieces of the ceremony down to the exact way to take the sword without killing the bishop or myself.
But the hollow space inside me didn't fill with happiness and pride.
I kept looking over at the two empty seats in the gallery, hoping against common sense Kat would somehow appear there, smiling down at me.
Natalie kept trying to catch my eye, twisting her head from side to side so much that I saw Daniel lean in and whisper something to her—likely telling her she appeared to be having a seizure.
The aides came out from the side with the microphone, settling the stand in front of me, a light hum indicating it was live.
Time for my speech—the usual phrases about serving the country,
