Chapter 10 - The False Crown
A week later, the capital city was bathed in brilliant sunlight and the joyous sounds of celebration.
Banners of silver and blue draped the castle walls, honoring the new dawn of the kingdom.
Elara stood on the grand balcony, wearing a breathtaking gown fit for a queen, the heavy crown resting perfectly on her head.
Kaelen stood proudly beside her, his new royal armor gleaming in the afternoon sun.
The citizens cheered relentlessly in the courtyard below, throwing flower petals into the warm summer breeze.
Elara squeezed Kaelen's hand, feeling the comforting, steady pulse of their shared magic binding them together.
The demonic threat was gone, the corrupted king was dead, and the kingdom was finally safe.
She looked out over the sprawling city, truly believing that they had changed the world forever.
The heavy oak doors of the balcony opened, and the kingdom's High Priest stepped out to offer his final, official blessing.
He was a gentle, elderly man in pristine white robes, carrying a golden chalice of holy water.
"May the heavens bless our new King and Queen," the Priest declared warmly, dipping his fingers into the water.
Elara smiled graciously, but as the Priest reached out to bless her forehead, the sleeve of his robe slipped down.
On the inside of his pale wrist was a very distinct, jagged scar in the shape of a broken skull.
Elara’s breath hitched in her throat as a wave of paralyzing ice washed over her body.
It was the exact same scar she had seen on the wrist of the assassin who attacked her in the throne room on the very first day.
The High Priest leaned in close, his warm smile never faltering for the cheering crowd below.
"The demon King was the only thing keeping the Church from claiming this kingdom, you foolish girl," the Priest whispered directly into her ear.
He suddenly pressed a soaked cloth over Kaelen's face, murmuring a rapid, ancient curse.
May you like
Kaelen’s glowing silver eyes instantly faded, turning completely dead and devoid of any human emotion.
The new King slowly drew his sword, pointed it directly at Elara’s throat, and coldly ordered his guards to arrest the traitorous witch.
