Chương 26: Long Live The King

The royal palace had been completely sealed off. No one entered. No one left. King Oliver Hawk had died from poisoning, and there were hundreds of suspects: guards, servants, concubines, merchants… anyone who had set foot within those walls during the past few weeks. The capital of Virelia held its breath. Teresa descended into the palace dungeons, her robe still stained with blood. She had not found the strength or perhaps the will to change. When she reached the cell, she unlocked the door. Oscar looked up.

His eyes immediately fell upon the red stains on the white fabric. He said nothing. Instead, he pulled her into a firm, heartfelt embrace. Teresa returned it, burying her face against his chest, struggling to hold back her tears.

"You did what had to be done", Oscar said softly.

"Don't hate yourself for it". Teresa continued holding him tightly.

"You saved the kingdom, Mother", he added at last. Then he released her and walked away with steady steps, never looking back. The sun was already high in the sky when Oscar, dressed in a black soldier's tunic, crossed the central aisle of the capital's great cathedral. The people watched him in reverent silence before erupting into applause and cries of praise. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

The Golden Knights raised their swords, forming an arch beneath which Oscar advanced slowly. He climbed the altar. Teresa joined him, kissed his forehead, and with a solemn gesture placed the crown upon his head.

Councilor Serjey stepped forward and addressed the crowd:"By the will of God and the Kingdom, and following the tragic and untimely death of King Oliver Hawk, we are gathered here today to proclaim Oscar Hawk, second son of King James Hawk and brother of the late sovereign, the rightful and supreme King of all the lands of the vast Kingdom of Valeron".

"The crown and absolute authority are entrusted to him so that he may govern with justice, defend the weak, uphold the laws, and preserve the peace. To you, nobles and commoners alike, we command that you render honor, loyalty and obedience to your new King". Oscar turned toward the people and spread his arms wide. A thunderous roar of applause and cheers filled the cathedral. Moments later, a blonde-haired woman was dragged onto the altar.

She struggled desperately, a rag stuffed into her mouth and her hands bound behind her back. One of the Golden Knights forced her to her knees. Oscar drew his sword from its golden scabbard and raised it toward the heavens.

"This woman is guilty of poisoning my brother, King Oliver", he proclaimed in a firm voice.

"She hated him because he refused to marry her. But my brother was a man of sound principles and wished to take as his wife a woman worthy of becoming Queen".

"As the new King of this realm and above all, as his brother, it falls to me to avenge his death. This shall be my first act as sovereign". He brought the blade to the woman's neck and with a single clean strike, beheaded her. Blood stained the altar. Oscar raised the blood-soaked sword high into the air.

"Long live the King! Long live the King! Long live the King!" The people shouted in unison, jubilant and ecstatic. Teresa watched the scene in silence. Then she lowered her gaze. Far away, in a distant snow-covered forest, a group of elves galloped between white trees. Among them rode Ethan Light. A female elf with orange hair and violet eyes guided her horse closer to him.

"So, human", she said with a faint smile, "how are you finding life among us? Is this the purpose you were searching for?" Ethan looked ahead, tightening his grip on the reins.

"I'm not sure yet", he replied.

"But I know there's a reason I ended up here, and I intend to find out what it is". The elf smiled once more.

"You are a very unusual human". Ethan returned the smile and urged his horse forward, riding alongside them into the snowy wilderness.