Coronation

In the throne room, Jayce, Princess Guinevere, Prince Hecarim, Lucian, Master Yi, Elise, Karma holding Baby Kali, and Riven stood in the presence of grandeur.

The hall was adorned with magnificent dragons and knights painted on the ceiling, while gold and marble embellished every corner—floors, walls, furniture. The crackling flames of a roaring fireplace cast a warm glow upon the room, adding a touch of comfort amidst the sombre atmosphere.

Two thrones sat on a platform adorned with golden leaf, their vacancy shouting volumes.

Yet, the awe-inspiring architecture failed to captivate their attention as they gathered, their faces etched with solemnity, to discuss their next course of action.

  Prince Hecarim broke the silence, his voice resonating with determination. "I shall require assistance in identifying and rooting out the traitors among the King's Guards," he declared, his eyes scanning the room for support. "Once we have purged their ranks, I will assume command and secure the city."

Jayce nodded and said to Riven, "Riven, I want you to help Hecarim with his task."

Riven nodded.

Lucian, his voice steady and resolute, spoke up, addressing the elephant in the room. "The King is no more," he stated, his words cutting through the heavy air. "We need a new ruler—an immediate successor—to stabilize the kingdom."

His gaze shifted to Princess Guinevere, who averted her eyes, biting her lip to suppress her emotions. Her knuckles turned white as she clenched a handful of her dress, a visible sign of her inner turmoil. 

Master Yi, wise and composed, offered his insight. "Prince Hecarim must be coronated without delay," he asserted, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "The rest of us shall focus on the welfare of the city."

Prince Hecarim, however, objected and said, "I have learned the humbling lessons that the gods have given me. I swear to take the solemn oath of the King's Guards and lead them as their commander, giving up my right to the throne."

The group stood in stunned silence, the unexpected turn leaving them grappling for words. It was Elise who broke the silence, her voice laced with curiosity. "But who shall ascend the throne as the next King?" she inquired, the eyes of all present turning to Princess Guinevere, who had managed to regain her composure. 

Guinevere, her voice steady and resolute, made her stance clear. "I am not strong enough to rule," she admitted, her words tinged with vulnerability.

After a pause, Prince Hecarim cleared his throat, a suggestion slowly forming in his mind. "If Guinevere were to marry Jayce," he proposed, his words causing the crowd to gasp in surprise, "then he could be crowned the next King." 

Jayce's eyes darted around the room, a mixture of shock and disbelief reflecting in his expression. Guinevere's agreement caught him off guard, causing him to audibly gasp. Poppy stood slack-jawed, while Karma raised an eyebrow, her features displaying a mix of surprise and uncertainty. 

Lucian, ever the voice of reason, stepped forward, offering his support. "It is a sound plan," he affirmed, his tone filled with conviction. "Jayce possesses strength, wisdom, youth, and level-headedness." Elise and Riven nodded in agreement, their silent consent echoing their trust in Jayce's abilities. 

Master Yi let out a hearty laugh before playfully slapping Jayce on the back. "It's time to get you married, my boy," he exclaimed, his words carrying a lightness amidst the gravity of the situation. Karma, stunned into silence, struggled to find her words, her mind reeling with the sudden turn of events. 

The air in the throne room grew heavy with anticipation as the group stood before Jayce, their gazes filled with a mixture of respect, awe, and determination.

Prince Hecarim stepped forward, his voice steady and resolute. "My King," he spoke, his tone filled with unwavering loyalty. "I pledge my sword and my unwavering service to you." With a graceful bow, he lowered himself before Jayce, a symbol of his fealty. 

Lucian, his eyes burning with determination, followed suit. "My King," he declared, his words carrying the weight of his conviction. "I stand by your side, ready to fight for the justice and stability of our kingdom." With a deep bow, he paid homage to Jayce, his King. 

Master Yi, the embodiment of wisdom and strength, approached next. "My liege," he spoke, his voice resonating with authority. "I offer you my knowledge and guidance, as I have done for generations before me." With a respectful nod, he knelt before Jayce, a testament to his allegiance. 

Princess Guinevere, her eyes filled with both determination and vulnerability, stepped forward. "My King," she uttered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I place my trust in you, as the one who will lead us through these troubled times." With tears glistening in her eyes, she gracefully lowered herself, her knee touching the ground in a solemn oath of loyalty. 

Riven, her stoic gaze concealed behind her veil, approached with measured steps. Without uttering a word, she knelt before Jayce, her actions speaking volumes, a testament to her unwavering dedication to their cause. 

Poppy, her eyes wide with disbelief, hesitated for a moment before taking a step forward. Overwhelmed by the weight of the situation, she found herself at a loss for words. Slowly, her disbelief transformed into acceptance, and with a deep breath, she too lowered herself before Jayce, her expression a mixture of awe and submission. 

Karma, her arms cradling Baby Kali, stood for a moment, her eyes darting around the room as she processed the magnitude of the moment. Speechless, she looked into Baby Kali's innocent eyes, finding solace and strength. With a determined nod, she knelt before Jayce, a silent promise to protect and support their new King. 

In this solemn moment, the throne room radiated with loyalty, unity, and hope. Each member of the group, one by one, had bowed before Jayce, swearing their fealty and allegiance to him as their new King. The echoes of their oaths reverberated through the grand hall, a testament to the weight of their shared destiny and the challenges they would face together.

Jayce, his shoulders slumping with a mixture of weariness and determination, let out a heavy sigh, his breath filling the throne room with a sense of resignation. Understanding the weight of the responsibility thrust upon him, he searched the room with a resolute gaze, his eyes meeting the expectant looks of his loyal comrades.

"I accept," Jayce declared, his voice tinged with a hint of weariness but brimming with resolve. "But let it be known that I cannot bear this burden alone." His words hung in the air, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and shared effort.

With a commanding presence, Jayce continued, his voice filled with a sense of urgency. "Each and every one of you gathered here must contribute to the task at hand."

They all nodded in agreement.