Official announcement

The next day, everyone once again gathers at the palace, awaiting Lord Greyheart. The crowd outside is far more subdued compared to last time, as if they already know something is happening. Kael paces nervously, knowing that the attention will fall on him and Ria after the announcement. Ria seems calmer, watching him pace with an amused look.

“You’re going to wear a hole in the floor, big guy.”

Orin chuckles. “She’s right. You’re even sweating!”

Kael pauses, and shakes his head. “Yeah. Maybe I’m a bit nervous.”

Ria puts an arm around his waist, kisses his cheek, and smiles. “Tell ya what, I’ll make sure you get a special reward when we get home…”

Orin rolls his eyes. “Okay, I didn’t need to hear that.”

Kael can’t help but smile, looking into Ria’s eyes. “I’ll hold you to that, Ria.”

There’s mischief in her eyes as she winks. “I hope so, big guy.”

Before more can be said, Lord Greyheart arrives with Bernal at his side. He nods in greeting and takes a deep breath. “No big preamble, my champions. Let’s get this done.”

Without another word, he sweeps past the gathered champions. The all follow in his wake as he steps out onto the stage, greeted by a rising cheer. Even that, though is subdued compared to the past, and quiets quickly. Kael takes his place behind Lord Greyheart as the crowd waits.

They don’t have to wait long. “My people, I come before you today with news that many of you will find unwelcome. Many of you are already aware of the atrocity that occurred at the Malus estate. I assure you that every effort is being made to ensure that it never happens again.”

After a momentary pause, he continues. “But that’s not why I’m addressing you today. Today, I announce something that should have been handled long ago.”

He sighs, his expression solemn. “It’s long overdue, especially in light of recent events, but I have come to announce my successor. No king rules forever, and sadly, my time grows ever shorter.”

He raises his hand to stop the growing disquiet. “It’s well known that I have no heir. But that’s not entirely the truth. The truth is, I have a daughter, kept quiet for many years because of her heritage. And because of that heritage, she will not be my successor.”

He smiles at the confusion he sees. “My daughter is an elf.”

This time, the chatter takes time to quiet. Once it does, Lord Greyheart continues. “Despite how readily you all accepted the freedom of the nonhuman races, an elven ruler would be a step too far, for many reasons. Therefore, I have chosen someone very close to both myself and to her, to rule in her stead.”

He pauses, letting the anticipation grow. “Kael, my champion, and my daughter’s lover, will be my successor. Along with my champion Ria, I’m sure that he will rule as well as I have.”

It’s slow, what with the revelations that were revealed, but soon applause and cheers grow loud. Lord Greyheart steps aside, and waves Kael and Ria forward. The cheers slowly fade, and Kael steels his nerves, somehow more anxious now than ever in battle.

Taking a deep, calming breath, Kael looks over the crowd, before speaking, his voice carrying well. “Anyone who knows me, knows that I endeavor to serve my lord as well as possible. As his successor, I will do everything in my power to ensure that all of you are safe and happy, just as Lord Greyheart has.”

Kael stands straighter, and nods to the crowd. “Together, we can ensure that this is the greatest kingdom the world has ever seen!”

This time, there’s no hesitation in the cheers. Kael has always been beloved in the city, and this has only heightened that emotion. Ria slips an arm around his waist, and they bask in the adulation. The crowd whoops as she kisses his cheek, and even Lord Greyheart laughs at Kael’s blush. Sensing that it’s time to leave, while the cheers are at their height, Kael and the others retreat into the palace.

Lord Greyheart smiles at Kael. “Well spoken. Now you just need to live up to it.”

Kael nods. “I will try, my lord.”

Lord Greyheart chuckles, patting Kael on the shoulder. “I know you will. You and Ria both.”

With that, he turns and walks away. Ria leans against Kael, and whispers in his ear. “So…I know we already celebrated over this, but…I think I promised you something, didn’t I?”

She winks at him, biting her lip as she does. Without waiting for an answer, she walks away, heading for the exit. Orin elbows Kael.

“I think you better follow her, huh…”

Kael rolls his eyes, but immediately does so.