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The High Mage came around the altar as a Mage took the secondary crown. Rainier and Felix had to kneel. The crowd grew noisy for a few seconds before they quieted to watch. Felix wished Mum and Grandma could see this, but they couldn’t risk waiting.
“A King has a great responsibility to his people in both peace, war, and everything in between. May Elira guide you at all times, keep your hand light, your words true, and your intentions pure.”
As he placed the crown on Rainier’s head, the Mage came forth and repeated the words for Felix. When the secondary crown was lowered, Felix almost expected to feel the thorns cut him even though that was silly to make the rulers wear something harmful. He was able to feel the little pricks of the thorns once it was settled on his head.
He was pretty sure he knew why the crown had been created in such a way. It was likely a way to remind the ruler that being on top comes with responsibility, and it’s not all ease and glamor.
“Rise King Rainier and King Felix.”
King.Felix could barely contemplate that. Rainier took his arm as they rose, and his grip tightened. He was probably dizzy, but he seemed steady enough.
“May your rule be long,” finished the High Mage.
The crowd started cheering. Rainier slowly turned and took Felix’s other hand as they headed toward the steps. Felix snuck a glance at him to make sure he was still all right. The black and gold crown suited him and matched his eyes and hair. The citizens shouted their approval as their new Kings paused and stood at the top of the steps. From somewhere to the side, something popped and glittery silver smoke exploded overhead.
A few Mages managed to get the crowd back as the two went down to where guards were still holding their horses. People were tossing gold roses while Felix was still trying to believe his new position.
Rainier was no longer the Crown Prince, and Felix wasn’t just some human, city boy from Ranet who happened to live in the fairy realm.
***
The Castle was theirs.
Rainier said the best way to do this was to use the Judgement Hall. Petitioners and criminals were dealt with in there. With both of them on the thrones on the dais and the servants and guards gathered, Mum would see a united force against her.
A good deal of citizens were content to hang around outside, and before they’d entered, Felix had seen a couple with bottles. Any excuse to celebrate and drink was good for some.
It was a lot quieter in the Hall. A few on watch outside would alert them to when the Queen was returning, so the servants hustled around with some drinks and snacks. Rainier accepted nothing. He looked tired to Felix who wished he could do something more useful than simply sit on the throne by him. He didn’t feel very Kingly even with a crown on his head.
The Prince, no, the King, had taken Mum’s spot.
“What if she takes hours?” whispered Felix.
“Considering the noise they were making, she must have realized something’s going on by now.”
A guard came running to yell to everyone at large. “She’s coming! She’s fucking pissed too!”
Felix wanted to shrivel at the sight when Eliza marched into view. Her gold eyes could have cut as she paused in the entrance and stared at the sight. Guards and servants mingled on both sides, and a few of their spouses had joined too. One of the servants created a fire in his hand, and others started doing it. Those with lightning let tiny slivers crackle around their fingers, and a few with energy let it fizzle to life in their palms.
Despite her anger, Felix’s heart warmed at the people. They’d taken too long and kept quiet when they should have spoken out, but now, they were ready to fight for their new King. Rainier had said to not lay a finger on her, but the message was clear.
Rainier and Felix, both with the crowns, caught her gaze, and she clenched her fists at her side.
Eliza swept up the runner with her burgundy skirt swishing around her legs. “Get that whore down from the dais, and get out of my throne, Rainier! NOW!”
“You have no more power over me or Felix. He’s been coronated too, and he’ll be my husband.” Rainier straightened up.
A few guards came forward to block her way, and she stopped. “Move.”
The guards stayed.
“They obey me now,” said Rainier. “Now that this is all ours, I’ve decided that you’ll be moving out. Servants will pack your things, and you’ll be able to go where you wish. You can stay with Aunt Betty and Natalie if they’ll have you, and you’ll be permitted access to half of the treasury so you’ll never want for anything.”
“Except a heart,” someone muttered.
Eliza stared at Rainier as her chest heaved for a few seconds. “This is the son we raised? One who would turn on his own Mother and commit treason? Your Father-”
“You planned to rip me off,” said Rainier. “That’s treason in a way.”
