ALMH Chapter 5: A Royal Proclamation!

James walked with Sasha, the priestess, and the three guards down the main street. James looked at each of the fine young women shopping and eating at the various shops and restaurants. These women could be his one day, at least if what the priestess said was true.

James felt a knot in his stomach as he tried to imagine dating multiple women. The presents alone would make him bankrupt, and the inevitable awkward moments would slowly eat him alive. However, the thought of having sex whenever he wanted was enough to motivate him out of the door.

The royal castle came into view and James mustered up his courage as he approached the steps. With each step he took his nerves seemed to intensify.

"Get your shit together James. What's the worst that could happen? He kills you? He publicly humiliates you? Nah, those don't sound right. So why am I so damn nervous?" James thought to himself, lost in thought.

Sasha could see that James seemed worried about what the King would think and laid a hand on his shoulder and gave a reassuring smile. James seemed to calm down a little and continue up the staircase with a bit more confidence.

The doors to the throne room opened wide and many nobles and guards had gathered to hear the news of this newcomer. Many of the ladies giggled and pointed while others stared at him in raw fascination.

The few noble men in attendance seemed to be sizing up their competition. Their gaze penetrating and calculating with his every step and gesture.

King Herod was excited to see James at the palace. He immediately ordered the servants to bring the two of them forward to discuss the results of the fertility ritual. The servants escorted the two of them to the throne and then departed to either side. King Herod gestured for them to come even closer so that they could whisper to one another.

They leaned in and Herod began to speak. "What became of the fertility ritual?"

"Your highness." The priestess spoke in hushed tones. "It was of the highest potency I have ever seen. He could easily become King of his very own kingdom." The priestess added trying not to overstate the outcome.

The King sat back in his throne and fell silent for several moments. No doubt taking in this momentous news. Finally he nodded and leaned back in to rejoin the conversation.

"James, I do believe you have been blessed. The results of your fertility ritual have showed that your seed is... potent. Very potent."

"However, such a potency hasn't been seen in years. You will need to prove yourself worthy of the title of King." King Herod proposed, pointing at James to emphasize the importance of his words.

James couldn't believe the words coming out of the King's mouth. He would be King? Him? He was just an ordinary guy back on Earth. A nobody who didn't even have a girlfriend. Now, he was to be King of an entire nation and sire who knows how many children? James reeled from the complexity of it all but Sasha laid a soft hand on his back and he came back to his senses.

"I am willing to help prove myself, but how would I go about doing that? Do I slay a dragon, er?" James asked unsure of himself.

"Ho, ho, ho, no James. No need for unnecessary heroics. I have a different plan in mind. What if I asked you to impregnate five women before the next new moon. Can you do that? Can you impregnate five women within a month? King Herod asked in a challenging tone. "I am sure you can do this easily. Can't you?"

James was silent, his mind racing with thoughts about who he would choose. He knew he wanted Sasha and the priestess, but had no idea about the other three. He began to nod, not wanting to show weakness before the powerful king.

"Of course I can. Five women in a month is no problem, I could do that within a week. I am a strong and fit man, and have always gotten what I want..."

Herod rolled his eyes.

"Is that right? Well let's see then. Bring my coordinator and chef in." He ordered his servants.

Soon, two women dressed in finery came forward and kneeled before King Herod.

Herod smiled as he observed James's eyes lingering on Sasha.

King Herod stood up, carrying himself like a man about to make history, a man who has just created a new nation. He was confident and proud, sure of his decision. Around the room, a mix of cheers and whispers, some expressing excitement and joy, others expressing skepticism and concern. James watched from his seat at the throne and felt his heart beating faster as the king made his proclamation.

"People of our great land, listen with joy to the words I speak. From this day onward, we shall have a great celebration!"

King Herod stood firm and confident, looking straight ahead and commanding the attention of the room with his presence. The guests of noble birth and those of high office all bowed and showed respect, though those lower in standing were not so inclined. All heard King Herod's declaration of a great celebration. The words caused a stir of excitement among some and murmurs of concern among others. Some were happy at the thought of merriment and celebration, but others saw the announcement as an unnecessary expense. James watched the exchange closely, unsure how to feel about it all.

King Herod raised his hand and quiet quickly spread throughout the audience. The king spoke again with confidence. "In honor of this glorious occasion, there shall be a grand ball held at the palace. All will be welcome to join, and all shall join us in celebration! This shall be the greatest and most elegant affair you have ever seen, and you shall not be disappointed."

A cheer broke out among the crowd, filled with the excitement of parties to come. James looked around and saw a few smiling faces, but many seemed worried or concerned. He felt his heart beating harder with each word.

All eyes turned to James on his seat next to the king. The crowd was awaiting his response and he suddenly felt the pressure of the whole kingdom waiting to hear what he had to say. He was unsure and nervous at first, but finally nodded once and smiled. "I shall attend, your majesty." The room exploded with cheers and even some applause.

King Herod nodded once in approval, pleased with James. He then turned to the crowd and announced, "The ball shall be held in three days!" The entire crowd cheered and celebrated at the King's proclamation.

King Herod had won the hearts of the people with his announcement. The whole room was filled with excitement and joy at the thought of a glorious ball to commemorate this special occasion. As the guests filed out to begin preparations, King Herod motioned for James to remain at his side. He spoke to him quietly, with a smile on his face. "James, you do realize the implications of the ball as well as the challenge in front of you? This is one of the most important moments in your life and you must succeed."

"Yes, your majesty. I will do my best to impress five women and impregnate them all. I have never failed in anything in my life and I have no fear of this event." James spoke with confidence but his heart was racing, thinking of what lay ahead.

He had to impress, and then seduce, five beautiful women within a month. But he was a strong man, he could do this.

James was suddenly pulled out of his thoughts as his stomach rumbled, he felt hungry and he hadn't eaten in a while. He turned to the king and sheepishly asked. "Your majesty, forgive me for being so bold, but would it be possible to grab a bite to eat before I begin courting women for you?" The king nodded politely, knowing that his subjects must eat to function properly.

"Yes, of course. I shall have our royal chef prepare you a meal. Let us have a grand dinner before the ball begins."

Far in back corner of the throne room, a hooded figure suddenly stepped out of the shadows and into the room. They were hidden under a dark, hooded cloak and their face was obscured. The figure smirked and then said "Interesting, I just might have to make an appearance. Just you wait James, you'll soon be mine!"

Her wicked grin and green lips disappeared back into the shadows. As a noble woman walked by, the hooded figure vanished without a trace.

***Hello everyone! Hope you had a great weekend. Sorry that this chapter is a bit shorter but I have a busy day today. See you all tomorrow for the beginning of the royal ball.***