Lucius's POV
I knelt as the High Priest tipped the bowl, pouring the thick blood of my dead father over my head.
"As this blood flows over you, the power of your ancestors awakens within you," the priest's voice echoed through our ancestral hall. "I now pronounce you High Lord Lucius Valerius, son of Rhys. May your rule bring strength to your people."
The ancestral hall erupted into cheers. I stood up, the wet blood dripping down my face, and walked into the grand court of my manor. For the first time in twenty-two years, I sat upon my father's throne.
One by one, I was presented with the heavy Valerius signet ring and my father’s crest.
Then, the rulers of the other six great houses stepped forward, lining up in front of my throne to formally initiate me into the Council of Seven:
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