Chapter 34 #2
The sun was blazing above Elysia, burning my bare shoulders as I walked through the square.
I led a procession of my council through the streets towards the chambers.
Gods and Goddesses watched, following us to our final destination.
Colourful auras fluttered against a clear sky and there was a sweet scent like honey that punctuated the air.
Thoughts of the lab and my family crossed my mind, and I pushed them aside.
The grief of losing my old life was still raw, but I wanted to enjoy this moment.
It would take time to become accustomed to this role, but I trusted I could do it.
That I’d surrounded myself with deities who were ready to help me chart a fresh course for Elysia, even if I wasn’t clear on what that change was.
The steady thump of footsteps and cheers guided us into the council chambers. The barren stone space had been flooded with orchids and gold silk that swooped dramatically from pillars. A celebration of all things me.
My throat grew tight as my council took their new seats, and I stood at the centre of the room.
Familiar faces stared back at me. Erik wrapped an arm around Sloan’s shoulders.
Elva beamed and blew me a kiss. But my eyes grazed past them until I found Gray.
He gave me a nod before separating from the masses and walking towards me.
He lifted his arms, signalling for silence before he spoke. “It is rare that we are granted the opportunity of witnessing a coronation, so I thank you all for being here on this momentous occasion.”
As I watched him, I realised how well he would have suited this job.
It was as if he was made for it, but he had stepped aside to let me assume the mantle.
Gray turned back to me and I took strength from the fact that I was not alone.
It was a strange notion after being independent for so long to crave his presence.
Not because I was incapable, but because I wished to share these moments with someone.
I didn’t want to fight my way through it all on my own. I wanted to have Gray by my side.
“Quentin,” he said, barely containing his grin. “You will now be presented with your crown.”
Ignacio joined us, a box held in his hands. We’d spent time designing my headpiece together until it felt right.
Gray opened the box and raised an eyebrow before picking it out and holding it up for the crowd.
Ig had suggested something bright and golden to match my aura.
Something studded with gems to represent my responsibility.
But I had disagreed. The crown in Gray’s hands was made of a heavy silver metal.
I did not pick fancy, filigree designs because I wanted something that displayed strength.
This was not a crown for show but rather one of action.
Chains looped around the back of the crown, hanging low to represent my connection between the heavens and Earth.
At the base of the chains were blood-red stones to serve as a reminder to me of how I found myself in this position and to never take it for granted.
Gray broke out of whatever thoughts the crown had spurred. He offered me one hand, and I placed my own in it. Carefully, he guided me towards the throne that was now mine, and I stood before it, facing the crowd.
“Quentin, as I place this crown upon your head, do you promise to rule Elysia from your heart and consider all your kin during your reign?”
A promise to remember that I served them all. It was a promise made in front of them all that I would not become the dictator in how Hunter had fashioned himself.
“I will do so,” I said, fighting against the emotion that threatened to choke the words.
“Do you promise to rule as fair and just and to seek the approval of your council?”
I put my council together so that my decisions were not made alone.
It was filled with Gods with different skills and ages who could weigh in on the issues.
They had a role, and I expected them to fulfil it, but that started with me being able to be transparent with the things that concerned us all.
“I will do so.”
“And do you promise to strive to strengthen the relationship between Gods and mortals so that their faith in us may stay steadfast?”
That was the easiest promise for me. I would do everything in my power to keep the relationship between the world as cordial as I could. I only hoped that with Hunter gone that we could start towards building faith again in a less aggressive way.
“I will do so,” I told him firmly.
Gray smiled softly, and I bowed my head. The weight of the crown was heavy as he rested it gently in place.
“Residents of Elysia,” Gray announced, turning back to the crowd. “Your Queen has made these vows to you all.”
The look of pride was overwhelming, and I felt tears prick my eyes.
Without warning, Gray sank down to his knees and bowed his head. The movement caused a ripple effect as the rest of the Gods in their finery offered me their respect.
Gray lifted his head and thunderous applause echoed around the chambers, making my heart bang against my ribcage. Shrill whistles and coarse shouts filled the air as the title and position had been officially handed over to me.
The feel of Gray’s hand on my waist broke me from my trance and he turned me away from everyone.
“You need to take your throne, my love,” he said.
I sat down, happy to be off my feet. As I took in the rest of my council members, a sense of contentment settled over with me. I was happy with my choices. Today was a day to celebrate before the work would begin.
“We should probably talk about your choice of design,” Gray muttered, gaze flicking to my head.
I shrugged. “I think the design is perfect.”
When I looked back at Gray, his brow was furrowed. “Quen,” he said, leaning in close.
“What’s wrong?” I asked him.
“Why are you so chaotic?”
I shot him a confused look. I didn’t feel chaotic. Most of my nerves had melted away, and I felt better than I had all day.
“Residual nerves,” I told him, scrunching up my nose. “You have nothing to worry about. Let’s enjoy the celebrations.”
For a brief moment, Gray looked like he would argue with me, but instead, he nodded. “Here’s to a new era. And here’s to you, golden girl.