Allegiance Read Free

his successor. He stepped forward, and Steldor rose to accept the accoutrements of the monarchy.
    â€œReceive the Rod of Wisdom,” my father said, pressing the royal scepter into Steldor’s left hand. “Honor the faithful, provide for the weak, cherish the just and lead your people in the way wherein they should go.”
    The King then drew the royal sword. “Do not bear this sword in vain, but use it for the terror and punishment of evildoers, and for the protection and encouragement of those who do well.”
    Steldor accepted the sword, briefly holding it aloft before placing it in his scabbard.
    Removing the royal ring, the King slid it onto the third finger of Steldor’s right hand.
    â€œReceive the Ring of Kingly Dignity so that all may recognize your sovereignty, and so that you may remember the oaths you have here taken this day.”
    The time for the final act had arrived, and I watched somewhat sadly as my father removed the crown from his own head and held it high for all to see. He then fervently made his last pronouncement.
    â€œReceive this crown as a sign of royal majesty and as the rightful King of Hytanica.”
    He placed the diadem upon Steldor, and enthusiastic shouts erupted from the gathered throng.
    â€œHail to the King! Hail to King Steldor!”
    My father, no longer Hytanica’s ruler, waited for the noise to abate and then humbly knelt before his King to pledge his allegiance.
    â€œI will be faithful and true unto you, my Sovereign Lord, King of Hytanica, and unto your heirs.”
    After kissing the royal ring, my father stood and took up position in front of the chair that had originally been provided for me. I came to my feet and removed my tiara, passing it to my mother, who had come before Steldor so that he could remove the Queen’s crown. She gave him a curtsey, then crossed the dais to stand between her husband and her younger daughter.
    â€œBe thou rightfully crowned Queen of Hytanica,” Steldor proclaimed, placing the golden band upon my head, and another cheer ricocheted off the stone walls and wood-beamed ceiling.
    The weight of responsibility descended upon me along with the crown, and I suddenly felt eighteen was far too young an age at which to assume such a role. Seized with panic, I glanced at my mother, and she offered the only assistance she could—a reassuring smile. As Steldor and I once more occupied the thrones, the rest of the royal family and Hytanica’s nobility took their seats. Cannan then strode forward to kneel before his son and pledge his service.
    â€œI, Baron Cannan, Captain of the Guard and head of Hytanica’s military, do become your man of life and limb, and faith and truth will I bear unto you, to live and die in defense of you, against all manner of threat.”
    After kissing the royal ring, the captain returned to his position on the King’s right. I followed him with my eyes, wondering what he was feeling at this moment, but his countenance was as impassive as always.
    Homage then continued to be paid, with each male member of the nobility coming forward to kneel and make a pledge of faith and truth unto his King before returning to his seat. When the last person had approached, Steldor and I came to our feet, and the others in the room rose as one. With the royal scepter in his right hand and my hand upon his left, Steldor nodded to Lanek, who announced Hytanica’s new ruler.
    â€œAll hail His Royal Majesty King Steldor and his Queen, the Lady Alera.”
    The trumpets sounded, and the heralds bearing the flags of the royal family and the kingdom led us down the aisle to exit the Hall of Kings, followed by Cannan and the Elite Guards, my parents and Miranna. My eyes briefly met Steldor’s as we entered the antechamber, and the feverish gleam within his gave me pause. I knew he had probably envisioned this coronation from the moment we had first formally met almost ten years ago,