Page 72 of The Prince and the Puck
At the front of the hall, King Erik turned slowly, his queen on his arm, and they took their places on the throne. The crowd quieted in reverence.
Before the king spoke, both of his sons followed their mother and father up the aisle, their own security detail at their sides. Each was dressed in ceremonial garb, flowing robes draped over their shoulders, the weight of tradition resting heavily on them both. Declan looked more handsome than I had ever seen him. And more… kingly. Untouchable.
When Declan and Lambert reached the front, they flanked their parents and turned to face the gathered citizens. King Erik rose from his seat as one of his guards placed a microphone before him.
“Citizens of Murdan,” he called out, his voice steady and strong. “It is with great joy that I address you today, on this day of coronation for a new king.”
A hush fell over the room.
“It has been my greatest joy to serve as guardian of this country and its people. The people of Murdan are faithful, strong, and loyal, and I could have asked for no better life than the one I have led. That said, I would like the opportunity to enjoy my family. I see no real reason why a monarch must remain so until their demise. Especially when a capable heir stands ready to take on the duty. So today, I am pleased to pass the crown and scepter to my very capable son.”
He looked between his sons, smiling. They each smiled back at him, standing tall before their father.
"Declan, your time here in Murdan has not been as long-lived as your brother’s, but the years you spent away have given you a broader understanding of the world at large. I am proud of you, as is your mother, as is your country. That is why I ask you today to accept an important responsibility to your kingdom."
Declan stepped forward, meeting his father’s gaze before dropping to one knee. The entire hall held its breath and I felt sick as the man I loved prepared to be elevated far above a station where we might be together.
King Erik lifted the royal scepter and touched it gently to Declan’s shoulders before bidding him rise.
“Declan Sinclair MacArthur, I declare you…”
The title that followed was one I had not expected.
“…Prince Regent of Murdan.”
I let out a slow breath, trying to steady my heart. I did not understand what was happening. Prince Regent? What did that mean? I understood both words, but I’d been expecting to hear king. My body trembled as Declan rose and stepped back to his mother’s side.
"Lambert Edward MacArthur, please step forward."
A ripple of hushed whispers moved through the hall.
Lambert took Declan’s place before their father, dropping to one knee and bowing his head.
King Erik lifted the scepter once more, touching Lambert on both shoulders, but this time he paused, inclining his own head. Beside him, Queen Penelope removed the soaring golden crown from her husband’s head, carrying it gingerly to their eldest son. With steady hands, she placed it upon Lambert’s brow.
“Lambert,” King Erik said, his voice rich with emotion, “I anoint you ruler of Murdan, king of the realm, protector of the people. Do you accept this grave responsibility?”
My heart stuttered into an unfamiliar rhythm. Declan was not going to be king?
Lambert lifted his chin, his voice clear as he repeated the oath read out to him by his father. He accepted a kiss on the cheek from his mother, then stood as one of the attendants draped him with the gold and white robe that had belonged to his father before him. King Erik placed the royal scepter into Lambert’s waiting hands.
Lambert turned to face the people of Murdan, standing before them now as their ruler. The king stepped back, lifting his arms in presentation.
“My people,” he said, his voice ringing out across the hall, “I present to you, for the first time—King Lambert of Murdan.”
The hall erupted. Cheers and applause thundered through the space. Confetti rained down from above, tossed into the air by the seated guests. Music swelled once again, the triumphant melody filling every corner of the grand hall.
I stood frozen, my mind reeling. I wanted to run to Declan, to ask what had changed, to ask if this meant we might have a future.
But he was busy with his family, surrounded by congratulations and celebration.
There would be a party that night, and I knew Declan would have responsibilities there.
But I hoped, somehow, that there would be a moment for just the two of us.
CHAPTER 37
DECK
