Chapter 152: Not My Specialty
It was finally time for King Zamian to deliver his announcement. Rising to his full, imposing height, he turned to face the gathered nobles and dignitaries. The room fell silent, the air thick with anticipation as all eyes turned to their king. The weight of the moment was almost tangible, and every sound—the rustle of fabric, the faint clinking of goblets—seemed to vanish in the presence of his commanding aura.
His deep, resonant voice filled the grand hall, captivating all who listened.
"Thank you all for attending this momentous occasion," he began, his tone regal and authoritative. His words carried the weight of both gratitude and conviction. "Today is not merely a celebration; it is a day that will forever remain etched in the history of Horten. It is one of the greatest days of my life, and I am humbled to stand before you all."
The hall remained silent, every pair of eyes fixed on him. The grandeur of the moment was palpable, and Zamian allowed the silence to stretch, letting the significance of his words settle over the audience.
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room, lingering momentarily on familiar faces. Then his eyes found Mira. The imposing king, whose mere presence commanded respect, softened visibly. His broad shoulders seemed less rigid, and his expression, though still strong, carried a warmth that had not been there moments ago.
"I owe much of what we celebrate today to my beloved wife, Queen Mira," he continued, his voice taking on a reverent quality. "Her wisdom, patience, and unwavering support have been a cornerstone of my strength. Without her, I may have faltered. Without her, I may have made rash decisions that could have cost us dearly. She is not only my queen but the light that guides me."
The audience shifted slightly, murmurs of admiration rippling through the room. Zamian’s words were rare, not because he lacked emotion, but because he seldom revealed this deeply personal side of himself.
"And now," he said, his tone rising with pride, "it is with the deepest honor that I present to you your new queen—Queen Mira."
Thunderous applause erupted, filling the hall with a deafening roar of approval. Mira rose gracefully, her golden eyes shimmering in the soft light. For a moment, she stood motionless, allowing the applause to wash over her. She was an image of poise and elegance, her regal demeanor captivating the audience.
As the applause began to die down, Mira took a small step forward. Her slender hands rested lightly on the folds of her gown, and her golden eyes scanned the crowd with a quiet intensity.
"Thank you," she began, her voice steady but calm. Instantly, the crowd hushed, drawn in by her presence. Her tone carried a quiet strength that demanded attention without effort. "I know many of you may be surprised to see me here today. Some of you may wonder why I am stepping into this role now, at this particular time. But let me assure you—I am here because I am ready."