Page 72 of Embers to Flames

“And he is my son.” He replies impassively. I can see a flicker of regret in his eyes.

“I saw my mother in that mountain.” The King finally meets my fiery gaze, his expression unreadable. “She said you loved her. She said you wanted me.”

“Rosanhi,” he begins, but I cut him off.

“Ruvyn knows nothing of who I am or what I want. His ridiculous demands are merely a desperate attempt to eliminate potential foes, real or imagined.” I turn my gaze to each Lord seated around the table. “He underestimates the strength and courage contained in this room. United, we can withstand any assault. But we must stand together—Human, Elf, Dragon, all races and creeds.”

“Princess Rosanhi speaks wisdom beyond her years,” Lord Klaern declares. “We shall not acquiesce to Ruvyn’s bullying. He wants a war? We will give him one!”

The King sits back in his chair, his stern face unreadable as he considers my impassioned words. The Lords murmur amongst themselves, nodding their heads in agreement.

Lord Phirel pounds his fist on the table. “The princess is right. We cannot surrender to Ruvyn’s demands.” His voice rings out strong and clear.

Theo stands, his eyes blazing. “I will fight to defend this kingdom, and the woman I love.” He moves to stand beside me, gripping my hand, “Always.” My heart swells with emotion.

The King rises slowly, his piercing gaze moving across each face. My posture relaxes and my shoulders drop as I lower myself to one knee beside the worn, wooden chairwhere he sits. “Father…” I begin, my voice trembling slightly. The King’s eyes soften as they look into mine. “I am not a mere girl. I am your daughter. Royal blood runs in my veins, and I have a duty to protect this realm.”

The King regards me with an unreadable expression. For a long moment, the room is silent. He reaches down and cups my cheek in his palm. “You look so much like your mother. I have seen her in your eyes. And now I see her in your strength.” A twinkling of tears hints at his eyes, his voice wavering with emotion.

He turns to address the room. “My friends, The Princess is right. Ruvyn may be my son by blood. But he has shown great treason in his acts against Quillyan. He threatens the sovereignty of these lands and the safety of all the people who live here; Elf and Human alike.”

Murmurs of assent ripple around the room. The King raises his hand to calm the commotion and then takes a deep breath before continuing. “Rosanhi, my child, your wisdom and courage give me hope for the future of Quillyan. Though Ruvyn is my eldest son, he has proven himself unfit to rule. His hunger for power blinds him to what is just and good.” My father’s words wash over me.

“Though you did not ask for it, I would like to name you as heir to the throne. I need someone who embodies the values of a true leader. Someone who will put the needs of the people first.” A stunned silence falls across the hall. I stand,motionless, scarcely believing the words I have just heard. Me?

“But… I… I just told you. I don’t want it.” I respond.

The King takes a deep breath, “I know it is much to take in, but the realm needs you. I need you.”

My breath catches in my throat, the weight of his words crashing over me. The idea of ruling has never crossed my mind; it is an unwanted burden. But rejecting the offer could throw the kingdom into turmoil. My gaze flits to Theo, whose subtle nod—a barely noticeable dip of his chin—conveys his silent encouragement.

“Father, if it truly is your desire, then I accept.” My voice wavers slightly.

The room erupts into raucous cheers. The King stands and embraces me, pride shining in his eyes. “You shall make a fine queen, my daughter.” Then he whispers softly in my ear, “Your mother would be proud.”

I pull away to look him in the eye. “She is.” Is all I say.

The King nods slowly, a bittersweet smile on his face. “Then it is decided. We shall prepare the ceremony!” He turns to address the room once more. “My friends, dark times are ahead but united we can overcome them. Tonight, we celebrate Rosanhi’s ascension as heir to the throne.”

Applause and cheers erupt around the hall.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Standing on the balcony of our sleeping quarters in Eirina, I rest my hands on the cool stone railing and gaze at the sun sinking below the horizon. Brilliant hues of orange and pink streak across the sky, casting long gorgeous outlines over the castle grounds. The distant mountains are silhouetted against the breathtaking canvas, but my mind drifts far beyond their peaks.

It had been nearly a fortnight since our venture to Mt. Ero. And now somewhere out there, past the protective walls of this castle, Ruvyn is assembling his army of Obscuro Elves. I can almost hear the clanging of armor and the rallying cries echoing through enemy camps. Images of burning villagesand fleeing families flash before my eyes, a grim vision of the chaos he will bring if we do not rise to face him. A single tear slips down my cheek, catching the last light of day as it falls.

Though my ascension to the throne has been decreed, the road before me is shrouded in mist and uncertainty clings to my thoughts like a persistent fog. Can I truly guide these people through the dark times ahead? What do I know about ruling a kingdom?

My father and his nobles have been preparing for my coronation ceremony for the last few days. My hands tremble as I turn and gaze at the royal crown resting on its velvet cushion, its jewels glittering with deceptive clarity. The weight of responsibility presses down on my shoulders, heavy and unforgiving.

I feel the familiar warmth of Theo’s arms wrap around my waist from behind, and he nuzzles his nose into the back of my neck. I turn to face him, and our lips meet in a soft, familiar kiss. We melt into each other for a moment, taking in the comfort and familiarity of our embrace.

His lips then find my forehead as he whispers, “No matter what comes, I am with you until the end,” he vows, his breath warm against my face.

I nod slightly, “I know.”

I smile softly as Theo pulls me closer in a tight embrace. Though doubt still lingers in my mind, his presence calms my restless spirit.

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