\\ DUSK\\ Fantasy AU \ ATEEZ Fanfic

// Chapter 30 \\

My palms were clammy against the smooth silver and starry stone of the throne I sat in. Blue satin of the cushions clung to my body with familiarity. However, it seemed like it had been forever since I sat here. The only reason I sat here was for an occasion.

Before me was a figure who walked forward on a blue carpet, guards lining either side of it. Elara Omal, known as the Mekalinan, was dressed in shining silver armor of a Captain of the Guard, blue silks twinkling like stars that accentuated the armor for the occasion. It was the official ceremony of the Knight becoming a Captain.

Elara seemed proud to know this from what I observed. She walked in a formal manner of a guard, but I could've sworn she was adding just a bit of swagger. Despite her inability to see properly, Elara didn't seem to have trouble walking along the straight path of carpet leading to the throne, nor walking up the first set of steps to the throne. She did this all with a slight smirk on her face. I didn't know the Knight that well, yet, but this was something I found myself expecting from her. She stopped perfectly in the center of the landing before lowering herself to one knee.

I rose then, taking my steps down from my throne towards her as I allowed a sword of white and silver star to form into my hand. I stopped a single pace before her and paused for a moment in the crowded but silent room.

"The Menkalinan stands before me." I spoke to the audience, "A valiant Knight who is now chosen to take on the role of Captain. Her strong will and cunning skills will lead our people in strength, and will lead our soldiers in that strength." I looked down at Elara, "It is my honor to give her that position. And so, second to me," I moved my sword to tap either of her shoulders, "I give Elara Omal the ranking of Captain of the Guard."

The crowds cheered as Elara stood then. She grinned in my direction mouthing a thank you before she turned and bowed her head to the people. I was surprised to find myself smiling as well.

And so the celebration for the new Captain commenced within the throne room. Guests cheered and spoke jovially, a majority being the guards of Night Court. Elara seemed to speak happily amongst them, though I noticed she mostly stuck to talking with the three other Knights she'd been with. I remember the many months ago I'd looked at their features and feared them out of their similarities to others I'd feared. However, now wasn't really the case as I gazed down towards them. Their smiles and laughs brought a smile to me as I watched them mingle.

However, it wasn't too long after their mingling that Elara broke off from them and she turned to face me— or my general direction. She began to make her way over to where my throne was. I waited patiently as she climbed the steps.

"You're all alone here up on the throne." Elara began as a way of greeting, a smile on her face.

I almost forgot the Menkalinan's ability to see the presence of life forms. She was right that I sat alone on my throne. The guards weren't stationed next to me, only around the perimeter of the throne. I had just obtained a new Captain of the Guard and Nanny had important matters to attend to.

"I am all alone up here," I admitted with a nod and grin, appreciating the joking conversation instead of a more formal one, "But why did you decide to come up here with the lonely Monarch?"