Page 61 of Warrior Princess
As the ceremony drew to a close, the elder recited a final benediction. “Let the light of the gods guide you, King Alwyn. May your spirit soar high with the winds of Eldwain and watch over us as we strive to uphold the harmony and justice you cherished.”
The congregation bowed their heads in a moment of silence, the only sound the soft rustling of robes and the distant tolling of a bell. As the echoes faded, the assembly slowly began to disperse for the grand hall, the murmur of voices gradually rising as plans were made and condolences exchanged.
Ronan leaned close to whisper, “Do you want to attend the reception?” he asked. “We can leave now. We’ve done our duties.”
I nodded, feeling the weight of his words. “It’s fine. It would be in poor taste if we left right after the ceremony.” My mind was already racing with the idea of having to speak with my mother.
As the crowd thinned, we followed the crowd to the grand hall where one of the princes was going to be crowned king. It was a show of weakness if a new king didn’t take over the throne, so it had to be done right away. Just these last few days without aking had put Eldwain in a precarious situation if another nation had wanted to invade.
Following the somber formality of the funeral ceremony, the reception in the grand hall of the Eldwain palace was a striking contrast. The vast space had been transformed into a sea of vibrant colors and lively conversations. The ceilings, high and vaulted, were adorned with intricate frescoes. Numerous crystal chandeliers hung overhead, casting a sparkling glow that bathed the hall in warm light.
The hall was lined with long tables covered in white damask cloths, each table boasting an array of exquisite floral arrangements. The centerpieces featured native Eldwain flora—silvery leaves and white blossoms intertwined with subtle hints of gold, artfully reflecting the royal colors. At the far end of the hall, a large banquet table displayed an impressive spread of delicacies: roasted meats garnished with rare herbs, trays of colorful fruits from across Asteria, and fine pastries that were a testament to the skilled confectioners of Eldwain.
Servers in elegant attire weaved through the crowd, offering glasses of wine and exotic juices to the guests. A soft melody played by a group of musicians filled the air, their instruments—a blend of harps, flutes, and stringed instruments—creating a soothing backdrop that encouraged mingling and gentle laughter among the attendees.
Throughout the hall, the atmosphere was one of cautious celebration. Despite the occasion's mournful origin, the gathering served as a platform for reaffirming alliances and forging new ones, as representatives from different lands exchanged words and promises under the watchful eyes of their leaders.
“I’m going to make the rounds. Donotembarrass me,” Chief Aryan growled under his breath before striding away through the crowd.
Shiro shrugged. “I guess I will, too.” The demon fox sauntered off and quickly became lost in the crowd.
Ronan took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze as he pulled me toward him. “Do you want to go say hello to your family?”
I blew out a breath. “I know I should, even though I truly don’t want to… But you’re right. I eventually have to do it sometime during this trip. Might as well get it over with.”
He nodded and led me through the crowd where my parents were talking to some dignitaries from the Central Plains.
I cleared my throat. “Father… Mother,” I interrupted their conversation. The dignitaries nodded hello and quickly excused themselves when they saw Ronan.
“My Lyanna,” my father said weakly. “Come.” He waved me toward him and embraced me. His mouth met the shell of my ear. “You were right.”
I tensed in his arms, but I didn’t have time to respond before my mother pulled him back, none the wiser. He gave me a look that held an ocean of meaning in his dull blue eyes.
“Lyanna,” my mother said dismissively. “I see you’re a fully-fledged Crimson Clan member now. How disappointing, after they attempted to assassinate you.”
“No they didn’t,” I gritted between my teeth. “Don’t start rumors you cannot prove!”
She grunted and flicked her hair off her shoulder before turning and giving me her back. “If you say so.” Without another word, she ushered my father away from me.
I’d been gone for years, endured hell and fought my way back, andthatwas all she had to say to me? I didn’t recognize the woman she had become. But did I ever truly know my mother?
Just then, I heard my name as Marcellus called for me and made his way to us. Before I could greet him, a bell chimed loudly, snaring the crowd’s attention as they looked toward the front of the room.
On the dais, Prince Cosmo proudly stood with his luminous wife on his arm, his silver hair and hazel eyes shining brightly with excitement. He had been waiting a long time for his father to die so he could finally take the throne.
“Attention!” an Ellyndor elder called out. “It is time for the transfer of the crown. Please bear witness to the rise of the new King of Eldwain, chosen by King Alwyn himself… Prince Cosmo!”
With a sharp whistle, an arrow sailed through the crowd and pierced Prince Cosmo’s heart. Shrieks rang out around the room and startled onlookers glanced around frantically to see where the arrow came from.
Ronan pushed me behind him and used his body as a shield for whatever was to come. I lifted my head to see Caelan standing on a table in the back of the grand hall with a bow in his hand, wearing a sinister grin.
He’d just assassinated his eldest brother in front of everyone.
Cosmo’s wife was on the floor, crying as she held her dead husband. She begged the crowd for help, but no one knew how to handle such an unprecedented event. Their sense of self-preservation won out and they scrambled to leave the grand hall, but all the exits were sealed. We were trapped inside.
Caelan’s brothers swarmed out of the crowd from different directions, gripping their swords and ready to fight.
Prince Draco, the fourth prince, was the first to engage. He met Caelan mid-way, the crowd parting hastily to give them space. Caelan dropped his bow and unsheathed the sword from his back.
