Chapter 15 : So I chose a Promise over a Crown

I open my eyes and turn to my left. Vaelya is sitting on a chair near the bed and looking at me with a smile. She says, "You didn't jump like last time. It felt like you knew I was here on the left. How did you know?" I can't just tell her that I knew because of her smell. I smile and say, "I can feel your presence, Princess Vaelya." Vaelya's eyes widen. She says, "How?" 

- "It's a secret."

- "Why! Tell me."

- "I'll tell you later. How are you doing, Princess Vaelya?"

- "I am good. Are you alright now?"

I smile and say, "Yes, I am. Yesterday night was a long night." Vaelya says, "Sure was. This kingdom took a new turn yesterday night. You have a coronation ceremony to attend. Remember?" I sigh and say, "Yes. I didn't want to be a king. But...." "But if you want to rescue all suffering individuals as soon as possible, you need to be one. This was your idea." I sigh and say, "Yes. I need the manpower, among other things." 

- "May I come in, your majesty?" Ferminaka asks from the doorway. 

I say, "Yes. Come in." Ferminaka comes near the bed and says, "The coronation ceremony needs to be started soon, your majesty. Please prepare yourself." I sigh and say, "Yes. I freshen up and take a bath." I get off the bed. 

Ferminaka says, "Do you need help, your majesty?" I startle and ask, "With what?"

Ferminaka replies, "With bathi...." "NO! I am not a baby." I almost shout. "My apologies, your majesty." I walk out of the room and stop. Then come back and say, "Where do I take a bath? And I need my towel and clothes." 

After taking a bath in the pond, I eat some fruit. A lot, actually. They are tasty, and I am hungry.

Ferminaka says, "Mr. Lukemir wants to see you, your majesty." "Let him." I reply. 

Lukemir enters into the room and bows. He says, "Good morning, your majesty. You are looking very majestic in royal dress." I smile and say, "Good morning, Lukemir. And thank you, Lukemir. My previous dress was a bit weird for your taste. right?" Lukemir smiles like a lately caught criminal. 

I ask, "You wanted to say something, Lukemir?"

- "Yes, your majesty. All preparations are done. All royals and nobles are presented in the royal court. Everyone is waiting for you, your majesty."

- "What about commoners?"

- "Your Majesty, they aren't allowed to enter the palace. Some representatives of commoners are present in the royal court."

- "Why aren't they allowed?"

- "Your Majesty, I know you're the kindest king. But if we allow commoners to enter into the palace, they will only be interested in stealing from the palace rather than watching the coronation."

He got me there. They are living in poverty. They will risk their lives just to steal a gold coin. And if they do, they won't escape unpunished.

I say, "How about we create a stage in the yard of the palace? People can see the coronation ceremony from the palace gate. Any issue with that?" Lukemir thinks for a moment. He says, "No issue, your majesty. But it will take a little bit of time to arrange that." "Can you arrange that? A king is also for commoners. And commoners also pay taxes to the king. They have rights to witness the king's most important day, which is the coronation ceremony." I say. Lukemir says, "As you wish, your majesty." Lukemir leaves. 

Lukemir makes the stage in one hour, using a large amount of soldiers. He is a man of determination. 

The stage is very much decorated with gold. There is a throne raised on three steps in the middle of the stage. Nobles are a bit confused with having the coronation ceremony outside of the palace. I can see people are gathering on the other side of the gate to see the coronation ceremony. 

Lukemir and two councilors get on the stage. Those two councilors are carrying one plate each. One of them has the crown on it, and the other one has a sword on it. 

Lukemir says louder, "Hear me, o residents of Alnovir. Last night the king, Elinshor, and Prince Corlious were killed and removed by a powerful individual named Agni Roy. This kind soul wants to lead the kingdom, which benefits every citizen regardless of status. Today, we are here to witness the coronation of King Agni. With this ceremony, our kingdom will finally be free from all the suffering and corruption. Now, behold the kindest king of Alnovir, Agni." Me being called the kindest isn't right. I may be kind, but kindest? No.

I get on the stage. People are chanting my name. It's kind of embarrassing. I give a sign to stop. Everyone remains silent. 

I say louder, "First of all, I am sorry for the deaths of 18 guards last night. My condolences to their family. I hope you all forgive me for that. And now, about what Lukemir said. Thank you, Lukemir. But I can't agree that I am the kindest. I just fulfill my duty. And my duty is the same for everyone. No one should be treated according to their status. God resides in everyone. So I respect everyone equally. But if any individual is mixed with evil tension, God's residency in that individual's body is disrupted. Then that individual will only receive punishment from me. Listen, everyone, I am kind to every good person, and I am cruel to every evil person. Choose your side carefully. Today, I promise you all, I'll do everything in my power to change the kingdom into a better place. Where no suffering can touch you. No discrimination at all. Everyone can live happily. No innocent will suffer here as long as I breathe. I want to make a country that makes you feel proud to be a resident of it. Mark my words, citizens of Alnovir. Until I make that happen, I will neither wear the crown nor sit on the throne. Today, I am declaring myself as the king of Alnovir. But I will prove myself worthy to be a king before sitting on the throne and wearing the crown." 

Everyone remains shocked for a while. Lukemir's eyes are looking like big marbles. 

Then, someone from the other side of the royal gate shouts, "ALL HAIL TO KING AGNI!" All commoners shout, "Hail King Agni. Hail King Agni." They keep chanting. Those nobles and royals who were shocked a moment ago join the chanting. They are counting on me. I can't afford to disappoint them. I give them a sign to stop chanting. 

Lukemir asks, "May I ask something, your majesty?" "Yes, Lukemir." I reply. Lukemir gives a sign to a councilor. He leads a woman in royal dress to the stage. She bows before me and says, "Your Majesty, I am Emelin, daughter of previous king Elinshor. I congratulate you on your coronation. I surrender my life at your feet, O king." I hesitantly say, "You don't have to feel that way. Your life only belongs to you, Emelin. Raise your head. I have no hostility towards you." 

Lukemir says, "Your Majesty, all of us want to know when you and Lady Emelin's marriage will happen." I startle. Maybe I didn't get it accurately. I say, "What did you say, Lukemir?" Lukemir says, "I am asking when we start preparing for you and Lady Emelin's marriage ceremony."

I almost jump. I ask quickly, "Why will I marry Emelin?" Lukemir says with confusion, "What are you saying, King? After removing the previous king, the present king marries his daughters or sisters. Sometimes, wives." 

My eyes widen. I almost shout, "What!"