For the next couple of nights my aunt came with tea that we shared as we talked about simplair things like the repairs to the Kingdom and improving people's lives. She avoided any contact with me. And Travis was still busy with things that he wouldn’t share.
I entered my room and flopped into my desk chair. Sighing I pinched the bridge of my nose looking at the growing pile of letters most from the Council and their stupid demands that I find a wife, a few others from the neighboring towns and cities offering young women they thought worthy, and others yet on the almost completed repairs of all four gates- those were my favorite.
My eyes dropped. I spent all of yesterday shaking peoples' hands to see if any of them would cause the same reaction that my aunt caused. Which meant I went and shook and hugged everyone I could, thankfully it wasn’t out of character for me so the task was easy, just tedious.
Beyond that though I was in dire need of sleep, my body was heavy and demanding rest but I couldn't do it no matter how much I wanted to. My mind was racing there was just so much I had to do. Maybe I could squeeze a nap in tomorrow-
“Maki there’s someone at the door.” Cast said snapping my from my thoughts.
I wasn’t really in the mood for anyone but it could be important. I sat up straighter fixing my clothes making myself presentable.
“Enter.”
Cast opened the door to Brialy.
“My Future King,” she bowed.
“Is there something I can help you with?” Trying to keep the sleep from entering my voice.
“Yes, Lady Zolona sent me to give this to you with a message.” She stepped in and placed a satchel and a tea cup on my desk. “Lady Zolona apologizes that she couldn’t join you tonight, she’s busy. She said that you should mix the leaves in your drink. I’ll do it for you if you’d like.”
Giving her the go ahead she untied the ribbon of the satchel and dumped the dry leaves into the drink, the heated water turning a honeyed brown the scent was a little strong but nice.
“Thank you Brialy and send my thanks to my aunt as well.”
She bowed and took her leave.
“That was kind of Lady Zolona.” Simon said.
“It was.” I said taking a sip. Hmm it was a little on the bitter side but you could ignore that. I took another sip. Hm this wasn’t a brew from our Jungle trades… must be another Kingdoms.
Simon chuckled. “It must be good since you finished it so quickly.”
Staring at the now empty cup I shrugged. “It was good-” I said around a yawn catching both of them off guard. “Maybe I should head to bed and wake up early to tackle these requests….”
They smiled turning to give me privacy to change and then I climbed into bed and was asleep before I hit the pillows.
***
A rough cough rattled in my chest, squeezing my eyes tight I rode it out.
I looked up as Cast’s hand rested on my shoulder. “I brought the water.”
Taking it with a grateful nod I sipped it till the coolness chased away the dry itch in my throat. I glanced over the rim spotting a few people who were out on this beautiful day had stopped and were staring at me with concern.
This is what I get for thinking a nice walk would get rid of this nagging feeling I couldn’t put a name to. I don’t know what this was but I was restless yet so tired, though the longer I walked the worse this random cough got.
Simon stood next to us watching me. “Not as fit as you used to be huh? Maybe you should come exercise with me and Cast?” Even with his teasing I could see the worry in his gaze.
“Funny, but hey why not after the coronation and everything settles down I’m game.”
He smiled. “I won’t go easy on you.”
“Wouldn’t want you to.”
“But for now we should call it a day,” Cast suggested. “We did the rounds, talked with everyone, we ate lunch and caught up with Sir Victor. Not to mention the day after tomorrow is the big day.”
Frowning I covered another cough. In one more day I would be King.
***
I waited as night approached already ready in the ceremonial sheer sashes of golden browns and whites. When the town clocks chimed their nightly notes I was escorted by a group of six high ranking Knights and by my request Simon and Cast came too.
I was led all the way to a special pool located in the deepest place in the Kingdom. Only known by these selected Knights, the Council and Travis not to mention every previous ruler.
At the entrance Travis stood alone in his Highscholar robes. At his nod the Knights fanned out along the walls, he stepped forward looking me over.
“My Future King, once you step through these doors you won’t be allowed to speak or leave till the first ray of day touches the Primordial Trees highest branches. For your request your personal guards are allowed but they two cannot speak. Are you ready?” He asked.
I wanted to shake my head- to change my mind- to choose something- anything else-
I took a deep breath and nodded.
“Then step through-” With a wave of his hands the wall of thick vines parted like a drawn curtain. As I passed he whispered. “Good luck my boy.”
Smiling I, Simon and Cast walked in, the vines closing behind us.
Dipping their heads to me Simon and Cast each stood by the vines as I took in the sight in front of me in awe.
Huge glowing crystals lit up this underground cavern from the walls, this is where many of the Primordial Trees roots ended. At the center of the cavern its massive roots encircled a shallow pool that filled from some much deeper underground stream I was sure.
Without a sound I carefully climbed over one of its roots and stepped into the pool. Biting my tongue on a gasp at the cold water, it stung as I slipped deeper. Hmm it wasn’t as shallow as it looked, already coming to my neck.
Fear gripped my chest as I remembered the fit that brought this weird tattoo.
Shaking my head hard, I waded further in till I reached the center and began to float closing my eyes and tried to relax.
This was a time to reflect on everything that led you to this moment. My father used to say it was also one place rulers could come to commune with the Spirits and seek their guidance.
Father used to do this often bringing me and Hermes as far as the vine gate where Travis and the Knights waited.
Now as I floated and reflected my mind swirled with thoughts of my parents, of the attack of all the things I should have or could have done.
I wasn’t ready to lead- to rule BrightEarth and its people but then who was? Who would take my place? I just had to be myself and hope it was enough.
As my thoughts spiraled into a haze, I blinked open my eyes and froze.
This wasn’t the cavern.
Gravel trickled down from above drawing my gaze up and I was staring at the largest spider I had ever seen. It seemed to be made of mist but it looked… wrong somehow.
Against my will and every rational thought. I reached up as it crawled down its thread towards me.
“Who are you?” I heard my voice ask yet my mouth didn’t move.
It stretched one leg out then when it reached past my reaching hand, it touched my chest triggering a blast of light that blinded me.
Jumping upright in the pool I panicked as I slipped under the water, before making my stiffened limbs work to tread the water. I was back in the cavern.
Simon rushed forward with concern on his face, his unspoken question clear. What was wrong?
I looked around. Had I made a sound I thought worriedly?
He shook his head, extending his hand. Slowly I swam over letting Simon help me out, he and Cast stared at me and raised a brow in question. They both pointed at me and I became aware of a glow that wasn’t from the crystal but me- from the tattoo.
My hand clutched at the fabric over the tattoo. Had I seen a vision of some kind? Had I spoken with the Spirits.
Cast took my hand and led me out. Did I stay the whole night? Or did I make a noise?
We stepped out to see a smiling Travis.
“Good morning- what’s wrong?”
Cast and Simon turned to me then glanced at the gathered Knights.
Travis nodded in understanding. “Fell asleep did you? Scared you snored?”
“Yeah actually.” I whispered.
“Were the crystals still glowing?”
“Yes.”
“Then you're fine. The crystals are sensitive to sound and dim with noise. Now then let’s get you ready.”
Again I was led back to my room the Knights bowed leaving as four women took their place. Each woman carried with them a piece of clothing. Thankfully I was left in my underclothes as they dressed me. My hair was brushed and twisted into place with nameless rare gems passed down for this day.
I stood in front of the full length mirror watching as they slid off my damp sashes revealing my tattoo for them all to see but to my surprise they didn’t react.
Lifting my eyes to Travis who had stepped behind Simon and Cast, his hand semi raised in my direction and a barely noticeable shine lighting his fingers. Ah, he was doing something to hide it. A type of Old World Magic?
He caught my eye offering a small nod.
The women brought out a forest green tunic fastening it into place with golden acorn-like buttons. Fine intricate detailed leaves lined the high collar, the sleeves and bottom of the tunic in the same bright gold. Stepping into personally crafted leggings hugged my legs ending at my ankles.
Then I was covered with different shades of green sashes that draped off me and onto the ground in a trail.
One of them- Cherrie- spoke. “We’re finished my Future King.”
“Thank you all.”
Smiling the women bowed excusing themselves.
Travis stepped around me double checking before he sighed. “You look so much like your father.”
I blushed.
“Are you ready?”
Looking at myself in the mirror with a frown. “No.” I turned to him. “What about-”
He brought his finger to his lips with a shake of his head. He patted my shoulder. “Don’t worry you will be fine. You’ll be a great King.” He leaned close to my ear and whispered. “We’ll talk later.” Leaning back he smiled and with a final pat he turned to the door. “Simon, Cast, ten minutes he needs to be outside.” They nodded as he left.
Cast frowned. “Maki? Are you alright?”
I waved them off. “Just need a moment to gather my thoughts then I’ll be right there.”
I moved to the window, my bare feet muffled on the mossy floor and looked out. And my tiny bit of anxiety grew tenfold.
The streets were completely filled, everywhere I looked people stood and a few- my guess younger kids- stood or sat on roofs trying for the best place. All to see me. Oh Spirits I felt sick- wait no I-
The room swayed and tilted. My hand reached out but missed the wall. With a surprised weak gasp everything blurred as my legs gave.
“Don’t worry I gotcha.”
Blinking my sight into focus I stared confused up at Simon. “What happened?”
“Coronation jitters?” Cast tried though I heard the fear and worry in his voice.
“I don’t think it’s that simple, Cast.” Simon said with a shake of his head helping me slowly to my feet. “Maki how are you feeling?”
“Um…” I did a quick mental check taking note of the dizzy feeling I was blaming on hunger, and the pounding in my head that I also blamed on not eating but the fainting spell I could feel, still feel it lingering there. “I’m fine, it was just the shock of seeing so many people.” I said not believing a word of it.
Simon squinted also not buying it. “You weren’t feeling good the other day as well…”
“You’re also pale.” Cast added.
“Maybe we should call off the Coronation-”
“No! You can’t-” The room spun again and my knees buckled making Simon grab me again.
“That’s it, we need to call this off and get a Healer in here.”
“No! W-we can’t call this off after all these people came for this. I promise when it’s done you can call the Healer.”
Simon and Cast shared a look before Simon sighed. “Fine but the second we’re done, no excuses straight to the Healers.”
Agreeing they helped me up and together we made our way out and to the front of the castle where everyone waited.
Knights opened the front doors for me and loud music flooded the air. Everyone turned to me as I exited the castle and made my way slowly to those gathered on the high front steps. Those gathered were my distant cousins, leaders of the other towns and cities outside BrightEarth’s protective gates, then there was Zolona standing in the royal family's spot, smiling proudly.
They each nodded to me bowing in respect as I passed. Simon and Cast stopped a few feet away with the other Knights and I made my way towards Travis head held high fist clenched to stop their shaking.
I stopped in front of Travis trying to keep my expression carefully neutral and not reveal my distress.
“Ready?” He asked, before revealing the glass case he was holding and within it was the crown- father’s crown.
My throat closed at the sight.
I wanted to say no- wanted to ask if there was any other way- any other person to take this burden. I stared at it. I hadn’t seen it since father’s funeral almost ten years ago- The crown of BrightEarth.
The crown itself was larger then my head but that was an easy fix, the golden sheen was bright and slightly hurt to stare at, gems decorated the helm- emeralds and peridots in small intricate designs and within all that sat a tanzanite in it’s center that when worn would rest right between my brows. No matter my misgivings it was beautiful.
I squeezed my eyes closed. Say no- I nodded.
Travis and I faced those gathered as he began to speak.
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