CHAPTER III #4
The Great Oak above us sways as Keane nods. “I am.”
“Then kneel, Prince Keane. Kneel before the Kingdom that is yours by birthright, yet one that has been captured by your heart.”
My breath catches as Keane drops his knee to the ground, bowing his head before the man.
“Repeat after me… I, Keane Zander Bardot…”
“I, Keane Zander Bardot,” Keane states loud and strong, his words echoing throughout the room as the collective of the crowd watches in anticipation.
“Vow myself in service to the Kingdom of Disce. To protect its lands and all the people residing within…”
His voice brings a shiver down my back.
“I declare before all of those standing here today that my life will be dedicated to that service, whether long or short, and will be devoted to the growth and prosperity of the Kingdom. I vow to put Disce’s needs before my own, and I take this vow today without deceit and without hesitation, knowing that the road ahead will not be easy.
I also take this vow knowing that I will meet each challenge to the benefit of the Kingdom and not my own, and vow to treat each difficulty with calm resolve and to adhere to the interests of the people… ”
Ancients, the emotion in his words is so genuine, so strong.
“I promise to be Disce’s protector and a servant to all of those in need. I promise to guide the Kingdom forward, to bridge any problems, large or small, and to do so with an open mind and an open heart. I promise to listen, to provide, and to share in my love for the land that belongs to us all.”
The ground below us begins to rumble as the older Discerni looks down at Keane’s bowed head with a hard glance. He nods to the Prince with a secretive grin before turning to grab the shining black crown, placing it just above Keane’s head.
“I then declare,” the Discerni states loudly, “with happiness as the oldest serving Lord of the Kingdom of Disce, that you, Keane Zander Bardot, are also chosen by the people as their protector and leader.”
The rumbling turns more aggressive now, the roots around the dais reaching down to embrace the rest of the room.
“Rise, King. Rise as the King you are and the King you will be, and face your people with pride.”
Keane rises slowly from his kneel as the full of the room erupts.
Everyone is shouting and clapping, their sounds matching the steady rumble of the ground below us as they cheer Keane’s name.
My own hands are clapping fiercely as Keane turns around, his features strong and commanding as he looks out to the lively crowd with pride.
“To His Grace, Keane Bardot!” the Discerni Lord yells into the room.
“To King Keane!” the crowd roars even louder.
Clair pushes her shoulder into mine, the two of us beaming as McQuoid slaps his hands hard in affection. I continue to watch Keane, my heart beating faster than it ever has before, and gasp when his brown eyes land directly on mine.
The intensity behind his gaze quite literally takes my breath away.
The Great Oak behind him starts to sway at his command, its limbs moving above the full of the room as the roots down the walkway start to twist and turn.
Keane watches me through the summoning, his gaze never leaving mine, until finally his lips turn up in a small, wicked smile.
Curiosity grips my gaze until I feel a small brush of something soft against my shoulder.
I look at the cause and spot one of the Great Oak’s leaves falling from above, my eyes widening in astonishment as it’s no longer its normal green in color, but instead a soft and shining gold.
It glitters with the room as it falls to the ground, the gold unnatural but absolutely breathtaking to watch.
Another leaf of the same colors falls just behind it, so I tilt my head up to the Great Oak and watch as it sheds its leaves in a golden cascade directly above me.
Ancients.
This is Keane’s summoning, his gesture and gift. This is his power that commands the Oak so beautifully right now.
My gaze quickly moves back to Keane’s. His brown eyes are still intense and watching me from the dais, the grin on his face growing even wider as we look at eachother and forget the rest of the crowd around us.
Every ounce of want and need I have for this man expels from that feeling low in my abdomen, the core of my being recognizing his gesture for everything that it’s worth.
Today is his day, his moment, and yet he chooses to publicly acknowledge me by letting the gold of the leaves encircle me for all to see.
Keane smirks as I feel his own hot desire flood into my stomach, the feeling dripping with such intensity that it pulls between my legs and thighs, tugging at my heart.
Stormfall grips my shoulder strong and spreads his wings wide behind my back, the simple move calling more attention my way as the eyes of the full room now rest on my back.
I stand still, reveling under Keane’s summoning, then hear more surprised gasps from the crowd as the full of the Great Oak now sheds its golden leaves on them.
The leaves fall down beautifully like golden stars, stars that have chosen to recognize every single person at this coronation.
I grin at the man in front of me just as the crowd begins to cheer the loudest they have all day, loving their new King.