Eterna

~Chapter 29~ Memoriam

My eyes didn't open until I realized we were back in the Royal City.

"Evelyn, you're awake!" Sera rushed to me, throwing her arms around my neck. "You've been asleep for almost a full week!"

"A week.."

"Yes! The King wants to honor all of us in a royal ceremony as soon as you're able and ready! They've already raised memorials for both Roland and Payne."

I held my head. "I see. Inform the King that I'll be ready for the ceremony today. I just need some nourishment and to be caught up with everything."

"Of course, Milady. Also, welcome back."

Once I'd recovered my strength and was brought up to speed, I prepared for the ceremony. The Rited King, King Julius, and several other important figures would be in attendance. I'd also agreed to a funeral ceremony for both Payne and Roland as a part of the ceremony. As I walked out of my room and into the foyer, I was stopped by Devon.

"Evelyn, there you are."

"Devon. Hello."

"You ready?"

I nodded, sighing as I watched my friends line up accordingly. Reuben, Isaiah, Harley, Sera, Roxy, Devon, Kalu and then myself. I felt a wrenching pain in my heart as I thought about where Payne would be placed in the order. As the horns and procession music began, Reuben walked out of the cover of the foyer and down the royal carpet. Several citizens lined the walkway, and several guards made sure nothing got out of hand.

The sun nearly blinded me as exited the foyer, proceeding down the long walkway. Two large statues of both Roland and Payne had been erected outside the royal palace. Despite them being covered with large tarps, I could still tell. I wiped the tears that began to form and continued down the carpet. As we made it to the end, I could see the Rited King and Julius waiting to welcome us.

My body ached as I stepped forward to listen to King Julius' words.

"My Dear Evelyn. We are all here to celebrate the accomplishments of you and your companions and to honor the sacrifices you've made. Whilst myself and other governmental powers argued and met at war meetings, you journeyed across all of The Netherworld and even The Underworld to destroy the source of the problem. And, thanks to your diligence, this realm and many more are saved from Lucius and his dark plot."

Applause rang out from the citizens surrounding us. I watched as Isaiah fidgeted uncomfortably in front of his father.

"As a small token of our gratitude, we've raised this memorial for both your husband and dearest friend." The tarps were removed from the statues, revealing the splendorous statues of Payne and Roland.

"As King of the Netherworld, I would also like to offer something greater than any memorial or decoration." Stillness came over the crowd. "As the only surviving Darkwalker, the throne I sit upon is not rightfully mine, but yours. It would do us all a great honor, if you were to take it."

I paused, knowing this day would come. "King Julius, I do intend on taking the throne. However, I would like to see to it myself that Kailee is sent home safely. I would like to send her back through the exact portal she came from, to ensure her accurate and safe return. Only then, once I can send her home and mourn my loved ones, will I accept your offer."

Julius nodded. "Of course."

"If I may." King Ellodin of the Upper Realm approached me, causing me to bow my head almost instantly. "Raise your head, child. I wish to thank you for taking care of my stubborn son, Isaiah. There were several times I thought to intervene, but I knew his lesson would not be learned if I stepped in. You are an excellent mentor, mother figure and friend, and I believe you will make an excellent Queen as well. The Crowes would be proud."