Page 72 of His Runaway Princess

One day, soon, she’d be next to him again - but not soon enough. He’d surprised her with one of the sled dog puppy dropouts to keep her company until then. She’d named him after Ryker’s other dogs - Scotty Tiberius McCoy IV. They called him Sulu.

He likely wouldn’t rejoin her in the same room they’d been in, because by the time the official wedding took place, Amalia would have been queen for months - and with the new title came new quarters.

Their time at the North Shore had been cut short by the stalker, but what Amalia hadn’t known was that her parents and grandparents would have joined them later that evening for a discussion about the future.

Where her grandfather would be stepping down as king for medical reasons.

Amalia still didn’t know exactly what medical reasons, but clearly enough that he needed to pass on the responsibilities of the office to his heir.

Her.

This joint session wouldn’t just make her mother’s removal from the line of succession and Ginny voluntarily removing herself official, but her grandfather would announce his intention to step down in a few weeks.

The whole thing remained surreal.

Ryker had been at her side throughout it all, even as he worked hard on his own recovery. Though not back to full strength just yet, he could walk unassisted.

Her mother sat in the seat reserved for the heir with Ginny next to her and then Amalia. Her father, Ollie, and Ryker sat behind them.

Her grandmother sat next to her grandfather at the front of the room.

And then he stood.

The chairman of the council announced the king’s intention to speak to the joint session and asked for objections.

There were none.

Even as her grandfather spoke, Amalia knew she’d never remember what he said.

A few minutes later, her mother stood, affirmed that she wouldn’t challenge her removal as her father’s heir, then moved to a spot along the back of the seating area with Amalia’s father next to her.

Then came Ginny’s turn. She moved to the microphone and glanced at Amalia before starting.

“A little over a year ago, my life turned upside down with the knowledge that the parents who raised me were, in fact, not my biological parents.”

They were in the gallery somewhere along with her adoptive siblings.

“I came to Øyanord to discover who I should have been and learned who I was. In the last year, I have studied Øyanordian history and government and have been given many opportunities to know her people. I have come to love them all. Deeply.”

Ginny took a deep breath. “Because of the deep love and respect I have for my homeland and her people, I am renouncing my position in the line of succession. The people deserve someone who understands them on a level I will never be able to.” She looked at Amalia and smiled. “My sister, Princess Johanne Betlinde Amalia will be an incredible queen in service to the people she’s loved since birth. Thank you for your love and acceptance. I look forward to serving my grandfather, and later my sister, in whatever capacity they need to serve the people. Thank you.”

With that, Ginny and Ollie went to stand next to their parents.

And now Amalia needed to speak.

“Though the announcements that we have just heard come with great sorrow, they also come with great sacrifice. To stand before this esteemed body and the people and choose a more difficult path is beyond what most people will ever be called upon to do. To admit someone else is better fit for a calling takes bravery and courage. Though I believe whole heartedly that either one could have, one day, fulfilled the role as queen with great dignity and effectiveness, I applaud their recognition that capability isn’t the only thing to consider.”

From where she stood, Amalia couldn’t see either one of them, but she could see the pride on her grandparents’ faces.

“It is with great honor and understanding of those sacrifices that I accept the mantle for which they were both born. I will, to the end of my days, serve my God, my country, and my king to the best of my ability. When my beloved grandfather is no longer king, I will continue to serve my God and my country until I am no longer able to do so.”

She took a deep breath as the stress began to bleed away. “Thank you.”

Applause came from around the room. Not overly enthusiastic but not only scattered either. Amalia took the seat her mother had vacated as Ryker moved to the one behind.

Her grandfather returned to his microphone. “I have never been more proud of my daughter and granddaughters. They are amazing women who will continue to serve the people of Øyanord for years to come.”

He looked at his notes. “With those announcements comes one more. Earlier this morning, I submitted paperwork to the Chairman of the Council and the Prime Minister. In that paperwork, I shared my intentions to hand responsibility over to my granddaughter far sooner than any of us would have planned. Six weeks from today, we will return to this room, and she will become Queen Amalia I.”

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