A LAND OF FIRE AND DARKNESS

Chapter 49

In Utohia, when a new King was coronated, there was a large event that lasted for days if not weeks. The King was presented with gifts from every single guest, along with gifts from their future subjects. Heavy crowns that glittered with gold and jewels would be placed on their head, and they would say the vows to protect the land from all evil.

They would also partake in a more private ceremony, that I only knew about because I had been invited to watch my brother's. The Private Ceremony involved every one of his councilmen, placing a gentle kiss on the King's knuckles while stating their vows to always protect the King. It was followed with the King drinking a glass of the previous King's blood. It was said to give them strength and wisdom, but my brother told me all it did was taste disgusting and make his stomach sick. He had felt no different except for the fact that he knew he had more responsibility now.

When Highvarions were declared in as Kings or Queens in Pretonas, the ceremony was much more private.

It was less an event and more of a trial. To prove that I was indeed a Highvarion, claimed by the Elements.

Rosay had set up a spacious drawing room to be used for the ceremony. The only ones allowed in were a witness from each subspecies of Elemental, along with the Priestess who would declare me.

Lit candles scattered the room, providing a purple glow that radiated in the room. The blazes were already flickering to the beat of my heart as I took in deep breaths.

In the center of the room stood a high bed, that I would be spending the remainder of the evening on. The fireplace was left unlit, but the shelves contained candles, and a living room suit remained for my witnesses to sit and wait.

The curtains had been drawn to ensure no eyes could see inside, and the doors were sealed shut so no one could interrupt.

Rosay stood close to the high bed staring at us. She wore a heavy robe that was sewn out of red and purple fabrics. Her scarlet hair ran down her body, in luscious locks. Her face had been painted to represent the element of Fire. Purple flames streaked up from her eyelids to her forehead. She looked beautiful.

I had not needed to dress up, since I knew clothes were not going to be needed for the ceremony to take place, so I wore a simple black robe. But my face had been painted. Purple and red like the fire, with my lips a beautiful shimmering gold.

I took in a heavy breath as I stepped towards the bed.

My witnesses stood with their hands in front of their bodies, standing formally. Dorica, Laveen, and Delcallon.

Rosay stepped towards me with a candle-shaped to look like a rose. Very similar to the rose that Del had made me practice with, in the beginning.

"Alinta Dornstar." Rosay began with a formal tone. Her dazzling green eyes beamed as she looked over me, "You have been claimed by an Element." She continued, "Say the Vows."

I looked down at the rose candle that was not lit like the others.

I gulped down and began saying the vows. "Water, Ice, Earth." I began as I looked over at Del, his eyes briefly met mine as I continued with the vows, "Fire, Lightening, Darkness."

I reached for the candle with my fingers, "I, Alinta Dornstar, was claimed by the Element of Fire." I clicked my fingers lighting the candle as the fire slowly grew, "I, Alinta Dornstar, have become one with the flame. Our souls are one." The flame grew larger until it was a long flicker of purple beating to the sound of my heartbeat.

"Witnesses." Rosay turned her head, "Say your vows."

I looked over at the three Elementals I had chosen to trust.