Chapter 25 - The Kings Meeting

The halls of the palace were silent as we walked towards the throne room. It wasn't for a lack of people, no there were plenty of maids, servants, guards, and other staff about, doing errands and guarding parts of the palace. It was silent like everyone was waiting for something which was sort of true.

The maids and other staff glanced at us, more specifically me, as we walked by, lowering their heads, and some even falling to a knee. Murmurs and whispers trialed us, but throughout it all, I didnt look away or let myself become nervous because of it. I didn't let my thoughts trail off in different directions. I was focused and full of cold determination. Whenever the nerves threatened to rise back up I smothered them and pushed them back down.

Lilah and Domino were a warm presence by my side filling me with more confidence and a reminder that no matter what I would never be alone in my struggles. I took a deep breath as we passed another hallway and I had to wonder how large the palace was. We'd been walking for over fifteen minutes and still had yet to arrive at the throne room. Definitely going to need a tour, I thought, its probably easy to get lost in a place like this.

Eventually, after another five minutes, we arrived at a large set of double doors that looked to be over 15 feet tall. There was an entire troop of armored guards stationed on both sides of the door and they fell to a knee when they caught sight of me.

"Captain," Richard said, nodding to the guard with the most intricate armor. "If you would open the doors."

The captain nodded and a second later the doors began to slowly open inwards. I frowned as I tried to figure out how the door functioned but chalked it up to some form of magic then pushed the thought away. It was time to focus.

"Your majesty if you would wait a minute after we enter so I may take up my position then announce you."

I nodded in agreement and let out a slow breath as Richard and Susana entered the room. I couldn't see much from my position but the throne definitely looked enormous. I took a deep breath and tried to go over what I'd say once more. I hadn't written a speech down but there were definitely things that I needed to go over and others that I should probably avoid for now. There needed to be change but it had to be slow, not sudden as that would just cause more problems. It reminded me of something my mother had told me. You don't just chuck someone into the deep end when trying to teach them to swim.

That brought another pang of sadness which I immediately threw into the cold fire that was burning inside me. Don't let yourself think of it like that, I thought, it will happen.

"Ready?" Domino asked, giving me a reassuring smile.

I nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be. Time to take the first step. Time to be a king."

Susana poked her head out then and gave me a nod. "All is ready, ten seconds. Straight to the throne, your majesty."

With that said she went back into the room and I began counting to ten in my head. I expected it to go quickly but it almost felt like time had slowed as each second ticked by, bringing another thought with it.

One.

The questionnaire that had brought me here and changed my life. That had given me purpose, even if it was entirely unexpected.

Two.

The system, something which was a godsend and utterly confusing for the simple fact that I'd expected to end up in a situation straight from a novel.

Three.

My summons. Leone, Gible, Lilah, and the rest. Not just tools to be used, or constructs of the system, but friends and allies. The power that would allow me to rise up.

Four.

My family, which despite all the arguments and troubles we'd had, I still loved.

Five.

My choices and mistakes. The need to grow greater and stronger, and to do right by those I would rule over. To try not to show weakness ever again.

Six.

All the people I'd helped since I'd come here. I didn't consider myself a hero but helping Lory and Lemma had brought me joy.

Seven.

Adarra and the time I'd spent with her. How I'd so easily played into her hands and the coldness and lack of emotion I'd felt when killing her.

Eight.

Domino and the idea that my summons would love me, for me.

Nine.

The thoughts all meshed together and I took a deep breath as I pushed them into the flame, feeling it rise higher and burn stronger.

Ten.

Cold determination and the urge to take command. The urge to do what I'd chosen and to be what I'd chosen.

A king.

I stepped forward, head held high, as I walked into the throne room. I was blinded for only a second as my eyes adjusted to the light but I didn't stop walking.

Men and women of all kinds dotted the sides of the rooms, and the whispers and murmured conversations that had been taking place died as my steps echoed through the grand hall. I noted the guards stationed evenly through the room and the more fancy-dressed people closer to the throne. Throughout my walk, to the throne, Richard spoke out my name and title in reverence.

"Presenting the new and true king of Larra. He, who defeated the three heirs and took the throne for himself by right of conquest. The ruler who will finally bring us peace after these long months of war. Nathan Storm, King of Larra."

I felt a surge of strength enter me at those words and my pace increased slightly as I neared the throne. It was made of gold and raised above the rest of the room. Jewels lined its sides while a glowing orb of some kind was positioned at its top just above where my head would probably be. It looked very... fancy and probably cost a ton, but it definitely looked regal and suited the rest of the room. A throne fit for a king.

I took the steps lightly and turned and did a quick sweep of the room as I slowly sat. It was large, very large, Pillars lined the room, and there seem to be separate sections. One of which held what was clearly the nobles and richer merchants in their finely dressed clothes and elegant postures. The others held other lesser merchants and craftsmen and women of all kinds. I could see blacksmiths in aprons, leatherworkers and there was another which seemed like a cobbler though I couldn't be sure.

When I took my seat the entirety of the room fell to a knee, and Richard turned to give me a nod. I glanced around the room almost leisurely before I lifted a hand and spoke, feeling absolute confidence and command in my words. The nerves had left me and now I was in my element.

"RIse."

The words boomed out and I held back the confused frown that wanted to show itself. Was the throne enchanted to make my voice louder? A question for later, I thought as everyone rose from their kneeling positions.

"Now many of you wonder why I've called this meeting while others most likely assume they know," I started, keeping my voice firm yet relaxed. "Well let me first begin with saying that I am not a man of honeyed words or a man of false niceties. I shall speak the truth without interruptions. This kingdom is on a verge of breaking apart. The three heirs set cracks through these lands and have caused much damage to it and its people. I have seen first hand what villages have resorted to, to survive and the crimes that have been taking place."

I paused and made sure all eyes were on me before I continued. "The path forward will be hard, and I know many of you will question my right to be king, but I ask that you give me a chance, for I can guarantee that I am not like the three heirs. Change must happen if we wish to rise above this. This kingdom cannot stay as it is. Many new laws and changes will be made in the upcoming days and weeks. Changes to better the kingdom and its people. Someone will see these as attacks on themselves and will attempt to undermine me, of that I have no doubt."

I said the last words while looking directly at the nobles who shifted uncomfortably at my attention.

"Some of these laws and changes will be set into place slowly to give you all time to adjust. they're not all set in stone either and if there are problems then we will make amends to the changes to make sure that all is right. The people will benefit much from many of these changes and I promise you the quality of life for the common people will improve. I will not allow my people to starve or go cold."

The merchants seemed nervous but were also nodding their heads in understanding. Only time would tell to see how they would react, but I didn't think it would be bad since many of the laws and changes would be very beneficial to the merchant class since trade was key.

Those behind them, which seemed like commoners, looked to be really happy though also nervous. In time I hoped to see smiles on their faces and I didn't blame them for being nervous. At the end of the day, words were just words. My actions were what would prove them.

"The armies are also something I know you are all worried about, but the royal army and a majority of the forces from the first and second princes army have remained, alongside my own power, we are not in a bad position, militarily wise. There is also another matter I must speak on."

I leaned forward and wiped all emotions and any warmth from my face. I moved my gaze across the room meeting eyes directly and forcing them to lower their gazes.

"I would consider myself a fair man, but I am no fool. I know many of you are plotting and seeing ways in which you can increase your own power by using the chaos this war has created, but know this, if I catch even a word about a coup, or overthrowing me and taking the throne or circumventing any laws and changes I make, I will end all involved without mercy or hesitation. Do not test me, your princess did and now she lies in pieces, her dreams shattered. I care not if you're noble or commoner or criminal. If you incur my wrath you will all pay the same price."

Everyone seemed nervous at that especially the nobles, some of which looked offended and appalled at my words. I held back a sigh. I would definitely be having more meetings and talks with them now. The nobility would not quietly go and let power and influence be taken from them. Murmurs and whispers started up.

I raised my hand. "Silence!"

The room quieted and I opened my mouth to continue but was interrupted as the throne room doors flew open and a guard, with an open helm, dripping with sweat entered the room. He looked around wildly, clearly panicked then ran to the center of the room just in front of Richard and fell to his knees.

"Your majesty, news from Biroth, their army marches alongside the remnant of the princess's army, and a smaller force has been seen to the north near Hulgate. We believe they will attempt to take the fort stationed there, and... we have received word from Duke Biroth... H-he has declared war."

I held back the sigh that wanted escape even as my hands tightened into fists.

Just one thing after another