Chapter 140 — The Coronation
The Solar Palace was steeped in silence. Not entirely, as the murmurs of the nobles persisted despite the great tragedy that had befallen the royal family—or the kingdom.
Their sole concern: who would become the next king?
Before them, three coffins had been placed—the king’s and the crown prince’s bodies rested inside them.
White flowers adorned the glass coffins as everyone paid their respects.
Lucian stood at the center of it all, his heart-wrenching. Not because he mourned their deaths, but because he couldn’t even present Arisia’s body. It had been burned to ashes, leaving nothing behind to show or mourn, just like the queen’s.
The high priest approached, holding the ornate crown of Selvarys on a velvet pillow. Its golden frame glimmered like a jewel beneath the sunlight that streamed into the hall.
Lucian clenched his fists at his sides, his gaze hardening as the priest began the sacred rites.
"Do you, Lucian Von Gwyndor, swear upon the throne of Selvarys to lead this kingdom with wisdom, strength, and justice?" the priest intoned, his voice echoing through the hall.
Lucian hesitated.
For a brief, fleeting moment, he thought of walking away, of rejecting it all.
But that wasn’t an option.