Crimson Noon

Chapter Six

“Are you ready, Princess?” Sir Arthur asked.

She took a deep breath, unsure why her stomach was in knots. She nodded once, not trusting her voice.

On his signal the guards opened the double doors to the throne room. The room itself was packed full, people shoulder to shoulder. The guards went before her, clearing a path from her to the steps of the dais. At Sir Eric’s signal, they unsheathed their swords and raised them overhead, creating a deadly canopy above her path.

With Sir Arthur a step behind, she began her walk. Everyone looked on as she made her way through her people. The women murmured about the stunning dress that flowed behind her and the men whispered about the others that had made the walk before her.

When she finally ascended the dais, the High Priest was waiting before the throne. She turned to face him. He had her father’s crown, waiting.

“Vera of House Ember, do you solemnly swear to protect and provide for the people of Rune?”

“I swear.” Her voice was clearer than she’d thought.

“Do you swear to be just in your rule?”

“I swear.”

“Do you swear to become the crown and to hold it before yourself in all things?”

“I swear.”

“By the power vested in me by the gods of death and life, I crown you Queen Vera of House Ember, first of her name, and protector of the realm. Long may you reign.” With steady hands he placed the crown atop her head. It fit perfectly, despite being heavier than she’d have thought. She turned to the people as the erupted into cheers and sat the throne.

The nobles began chanting, and it took a moment to catch what it was they were saying. “Dragon Queen,” they cheered, having taken up what the commoners had been calling her.

James stood nearby, at the front of the crowd, grinning from ear to ear as he joined in the chanting. The pride in his eyes almost made her smile. As warm as his green eyes were, it was not the gaze she was searching for.

There, on the mezzanine, Macon stood with Sir Brandon beside him. He had a rare smile just for her and dipped his head in acknowledgment once their eyes met.

“Your Grace, your people are waiting outside,” the High Priest told her, motioning towards the doors that would open to the balcony. She’d been told of this part. She stood and guards opened the doors for her. The roar outside was thunderous. They opened the gates for all to come and see.

“Long live the Queen,” and “Dragon Queen,” echoed off the stone walls.

It was exhilarating, all these people cheering for her.

She raised her hand and the crowd fell silent.

“People of Rune, I swear to you, as your new Queen, to reign with justice and mercy. We are one and will be cared for as such.”

The crowd erupted once more.

“Dragon Queen!” rang across the courtyard long after she’d returned back into the throne room.

~

“A toast to our Queen,” James said, raising his glass. “May she reign for many years to come.”

“Here, here,” the room answered before everyone took a drink.

Music filled the main hall, there was dancing and great revelry. She’d heard how they were partying in the streets of her city.

James resumed his seat beside her, his eyes glaze over with wine, his grin rather boyish. “You did great today,” he told her.

“I didn’t do anything.”

“You became queen,” he corrected.

“Does that excite you?” She teased, smiling as she leaned close.

“It excites me for you.”

“Are you prepared to be my king consort?”

“I believe so.”

“I need you to know.” Her smile held, but there was a new seriousness in her tone that he hadn’t heard before.

His expression became serious. “Yes, Your Grace.”

“You can tell your father that we’ll begin discussing the marriage on the morrow, perhaps ease his anxiety a bit.”

“There’s no loosening him up,” James stated, only half joking. “I’ve been trying for years. So I’ve heard there’s talk of a new head of defense.”

“The position must be filled.”

“And you’ve already decided whom?”

“Yes.”

“May I ask?”

“Well seeing as how you’ll be my husband soon, I suppose.”

He arched a brow, causing her to laugh.

“Sir Brandon of House Fang.”

“A northerner?” He asked, surprised.

“Yes. He is qualified, as well as able to be a voice for the north here in the capital. Aside from that, he being put in this position keeps the north close.”

“There’s never been a northerner to hold a seat on the King-Queen’s Council.”

“That’s precisely my point.”

She could see the thoughts running behind his eyes. “It does make sense, from a political stand point.”

“Thank you. Is there anything else that you wish to discuss?”

“Not at this time,” he conceded before taking a drink.

“I would like to thank you, James.”

“For what?”

“Being patient with me in all of this. It’s been a lot to process and deal with. I can only imagine how it’s been for you.”

The kindness was back in his eyes. “Not nearly as hard as it’s been on you, Your Grace.”

“There’s still much ahead. The threats won’t stop just because I wear the crown. If anything, they’ll get worse.”

He took her hand, giving it a light squeeze. “And I will be here every step of the way.”

She smiled radiantly at him, grasping his hand in return. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”