Suzette led me into the throne room. We stood to the side to wait for my father’s arrival. The regular nobles and priests to the gods were there to witness the ceremony. Albern slipped into the room and joined us. 

“You didn’t do much for the smell,” he muttered, adjusting his clothes.

I smiled. “It’s the after-sex glow.”

Suzette elbowed me.

Groaning, I tried not to draw too much attention. She had incredible aim to cause the most amount of pain. I subtly rubbed the spot, glaring at her. That hurt far more than it should have. 

A royal guard walked to the circle on the floor at the base of my father’s throne. He banged the hilt of his spear on the ground. The clanking echoed against the stone walls and everyone fell still. 

“All hail the king, protector of Sarid.”

Taking a deep breath, I turned my attention to the side entrance. The doors were opened by two guards. My father entered the room and walked toward the head of the chamber. We all bowed as he passed. I lowered my head and saw the end of his robes brush against my feet. 

He took his place at the front of the hall and scanned the room. “Today, we solidify the strength of the barrier that protects our kingdom from outside forces. May the gods bless our people.” He cupped his right hand and lifted it high overhead. 

We mimicked the action and peered up the mosaic painting on the ceiling. I glanced at my siblings. They took these ceremonies too seriously. It was a monthly occasion we had to take part in since birth. It would be nice if we could skip the formality and go straight to the ceremony. 

I leaned against the wall as my father began his speech. It changed slightly every time he gave it, but it was the same basic concept of may the gods bless Sarid with protection and prosperity and that we would always have enough magic to power the barrier. 

Suzette tugged on my sleeve. “Stand straight.”

Rolling my eyes, I did so. This was taking too long. Ki was running off to go fishing, so I had other places I wanted to be.

The king held out his hand to us. “My children, come.”

We followed him into the middle of the room. A circular pattern was carved into the stone floor. The four of us spread out evenly around the outer edge. My father was first to kneel and then the rest of us followed his example. 

The priests began to praise the gods as they paced around us. I clasped my hands in my lap and closed my eyes. I could feel the power inside my chest began to grow. It made my skin prickle. It wasn’t a pleasant experience. I rolled my head from side to side as I struggled to remain quiet. As a child, the experience would leave me in tears. I peeked at my father. Sweat was beading up on his forehead. He’d yell at me for being weak-minded. His expectation for a child to withstand this kind of pain was ridiculous. I gritted my teeth as the energy seemed to vibrate my bones. 

My father fell forward and slammed his palms onto the stone floor. A blue light raced from his fingertips. My sister was next and Albern followed. I pressed my hands against the ground and let out a sigh of relief as the energy raced from my body. It was collected in the center of the circle. The priests lifted their arms into the air and called out to the gods. I kept my head down to hide my annoyed expression. It was all for show. My father was the one who would release the magic that would be sent out to power the barrier. I watched the king. He took in a deep breath and when he exhaled the blue light shot a beam into the sky. It escaped through the hole in the ceiling and hit the barrier high above the kingdom. The wave of power rippled out toward the borders. 

Thank the gods, it was over.

I laid my head on the floor and gasped for air. It was done. I wouldn’t have to do this again for another month. The headache that always followed the ceremony was starting to form. I heard footsteps and saw my siblings were already on their feet and tending to our father. Wincing, I slowly stood so I wouldn’t jostle my head too much. 

The audience applauded. My father and siblings acknowledged them. It was making my head hurt even more. I retreated to the corner as Suzette escorted our father to his throne. 

He sat down and lifted his hand. “Let us celebrate the gods’ continuous protection of Sarid.”

They clapped, and soon after, food and drink were carried into the room. My brother and sister stood on either side of the throne. They talked to the nobles that approached my father so the king wouldn’t have to engage in small talk himself. I rubbed my forehead. My skull was pounding. 

Suzette laughed as she spoke with an older couple. Albern was busy chatting up a young lady whose father was on the royal council. Neither of my siblings were ever bothered by the ceremony. Why didn’t it have any effect on them? I stopped complaining about the headaches long ago since Albern’s reply was always I had to be faking it for attention. Suzette wasn’t as vocal, but I had a feeling she thought I was being overly dramatic as well.

My crown wasn’t helping how I was feeling. Maybe my head was swelling. 

“Tolcan.”

I jumped at my father’s voice. I glanced in his direction to see him motioning for me to come to him. I walked over and went up the two steps. 

Standing in front of him, I lowered my head. “Father.”

“Where have you been?” He sank lower in his seat and narrowed his eyes at me. “The head priest told me you are neglecting your duties.” He rubbed his temple with two fingers.

I swallowed hard. “I’ll dedicate more time to my studies.”

He raised a brow. “Magic is something to be harnessed. You find the techniques that come easy to you and forgoes the ones that oppose any kind of true challenge.” He pointed a finger at me. “You make light of the gift the gods have given you and I will not tolerate it.”

Nodding, I let out a deep breath. “I apologize, my king. I’ll work harder to meet your expectations.”

“Until I see a change, I find it difficult to believe you.” He looked me over. “You look pale. Go to your room and rest. I expect to hear better things from the high priest in the coming days. Understood?”

“Yes, my king.” 

He flicked his hand at me. “You may leave.”