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“I’m so proud of you,” he beams, kissing Rory on the cheek. “My little girl, I always knew you’d grow up to have a great life.”
“Thank you, Dad. I only wish Mom was here to see this.”
“I’m sure that wherever she is, she’s looking down with a smile on her face. She’d be proud, I know it.”
Being with Rory has taught me a lot about emotions. Seeing her and William interact like this feels like what she would describe as pulling at the heartstrings.
The whole saga I went through with Vippera, all those uncertain nights and the feeling of dread… Well, I’d do it all again for Rory. She’s worth more than any material item. True love is the rarest treasure of all, and I am the luckiest man in all of Protheka to have Rory by my side.
“Zalith, it is time for the coronation to begin,” whispers Slyth into my ear.
I tap her on the shoulder.
“Pardon for the intrusion my dear but it’s time!”
“Phew, okay let’s do this. Wish me luck, Dad!”
“Best of luck my girl,” he says with a smile.
I take Rory’s hand and walk up a small set of steps at the top of the hall. Waiting for us there is King and Queen Andakya. They greet us with smiles and hugs as we all ready ourselves for the official announcement.
The guests gather around to watch on, shushing each other’s excited murmurs. Some approach with wary looks, glancing around as if expecting this to all be one big joke.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for attending this glorious occasion.,” booms Shradga. “We’re all gathered here tonight for a very special occasion, one that will certainly go down in the history books, for today we’ll be crowning the Princess of Lodra.”
“Not only that,” says Khatreya. “But it’s also an important day for the rights of humans here in Lodra, for the new Princess is one of their own!”
Above all others, William’s clapping is the loudest.
“Will the Prince like to say a few words?”
“Of course,” I announce. “Everyone, we all knew a day such as this would come but I don’t think anyone, not even me, expected that a human would be taking hold of such a high-ranking position. This lady exemplifies courage, grace, and the ability to act in any situation thrown at her, so rest assured, the future of Lodra is in good hands!”
The crowd throws their hands together.
“I officially declare Aurora Farran as Princess of Lodra!”
Rory blushes as she waves to the crowd. I join her, taking hold of her hand as we look at the audience. In the eyes of the public, she is now my equal.
“I promise I will tend to the needs of the good people of Lodra!”
As guests hand off gifts to servants, I call everyone’s attention once more.
“Everyone, The Princess is not the only person here tonight who is being ascended.”
I glance to my right at Slyth who tilts his head.
“This evening, I wish to commend the services of a very special person, someone who had had my back since day one. Without his assistance, I would not be standing here before you today. Ladies and gentlemen, I declare Slyth as the new Royal Advisor!”
The audience shows exceptional enthusiasm for Slyth as he waves to the people. Ever the humble man he is, he bows to his people. He turns to face me, a wide smile spreading across his face.
“This means a lot to me, Zalith.”
“You deserve it more than anyone,” I tell him. “Hell, you’re already doing all the work of an advisor. I just want people to give you the recognition you’ve earned. Your many years of service haven't gone unnoticed.”
“Well, let’s celebrate tonight then!”
Slyth and I join my parents and the Princess as William joins us. Together, we raise our glasses high, wishing each other good health and prosperous fortune. To me though, I had already found all I needed in Rory.
