THE RED KING - JACAERYS VALERYON [MALE OC]

CORONATION DAY • 03

THE RED KING◽️. #mature audiences only.

mylos pov

  The morning of my coronation dawned bright and clear, the golden light of the sun streaming through the high windows of my new chambers. Today, I would be crowned King of Aurea, a day that had been long in the making and yet arrived sooner than I had ever wished.

  I stood before the full-length mirror, examining my reflection.  The outfit laid out for me was a work of art: a deep, royal blue tunic embroidered with intricate silver thread, a cloak of the finest velvet draped over my shoulders, and a silver circlet ready to be placed upon my head as a symbol of my new role.  The colors and symbols of Aurea, reflecting our history and strength, were woven into the fabric with care.

  I ran my fingers over the silver embroidery, tracing the patterns absentmindedly. My eyes stared back at me from the mirror, but my mind was elsewhere.  I was thinking of my father, King Daeron.

  He should have been here to see this day. His absence was a gaping void that nothing could fill.  I remembered the stories my mother told me of his bravery and wisdom, how he had led Aurea with a steady hand and a kind heart.

  Turning away from the mirror, I walked to the window and looked out over the city.  The people of Aurea were gathering for the ceremony, their excitement palpable even from this distance.  They were here to celebrate, to witness the dawn of a new era.

  A soft knock on the door pulled me from my reverie. It was Aurora Faye, my best friend and Hand of the King.  She entered with a warm smile, her presence always a comfort.

  "Good morning, Your Majesty," she said, her tone light and teasing.  "Ready to become the King of Aurea?"

  I chuckled, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood. "As ready as I'll ever be,
Aurora.  How are the preparations going?"

"Everything is in place," she assured me. "The people are excited, and the ceremony will begin shortly. Elara is already at the Great Hall, ensuring everything is perfect."

"Of course she is," I said, smiling at the thought of my mother overseeing the final details. She had been a pillar of strength since my father's death, guiding me through the responsibilities of leadership.

Aurora stepped closer, her expression softening. "I know today is difficult for you, Mylo. Your father would be incredibly proud of you."

I nodded, unable to find the words to respond. Instead, I took a deep breath and straightened my shoulders. "Thank you. I just hope I can live up to his legacy."

"You will," she said firmly. "You were born for this, Mylo. The people believe in you, and so do I."

  With her words bolstering my resolve, I turned back to the mirror and finished dressing.  The silver circlet felt cool against my forehead, a tangible reminder of the responsibility I now bore. 

  I glanced once more at the reflection, a final silent tribute to my father, and then nodded to Aurora.  "It's time," I said, my voice steady. "Let's go."

Together, Aurora and I left the chambers and made our way down the long, echoing corridors of the palace. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting Aurea's storied past, each thread woven with the history and honor of House Wyllt.

As we walked, the hallways became increasingly crowded with guards, advisors, and servants, all pausing to bow as I passed. Each bow felt like another weight added to my shoulders, yet also a reminder of the support that surrounded me.

My mind raced with thoughts and emotions. The magnitude of what lay ahead was daunting, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves. I focused on the faces around me, drawing strength from the familiar and loyal expressions. Sir Thaddeus, the Captain of the Guard, gave me a firm nod, his steely eyes conveying his unwavering loyalty. Lady Maris, one of my mother's oldest friends and a trusted advisor, offered a gentle smile, her eyes filled with encouragement.

As we approached the Great Hall, the noise from within grew louder. I could hear the excited murmurs and bustling movements of the assembled nobles, dignitaries, and citizens of Aurea. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and it seemed to seep through the thick wooden doors that stood between me and my destiny.

Aurora glanced at me, her eyes full of silent support. She knew the weight of this moment, and her presence was a steadying force. I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders, and gave her a nod. Together, we stepped forward, and the massive doors of the Great Hall began to open.

The sight that greeted me was overwhelming. The vast expanse of the hall seemed to stretch endlessly, filled with a sea of faces turned expectantly toward me. The high, vaulted ceilings were adorned with banners bearing the sigils of noble houses, each one a symbol of the unity and strength of our kingdom. Chandeliers overhead glimmered with countless candles, casting a warm, golden glow over the scene.

I took my first step into the hall, the sound of my boots echoing in the silence that had fallen. Every eye in the room was upon me, and I felt a surge of nerves. My gaze swept over the crowd, noting the diversity of faces – from the highest lords and ladies in their resplendent attire to the common folk who had been granted the rare honor of witnessing the coronation. Their expressions ranged from awe and admiration to curiosity and hope.

At the far end of the hall, my mother stood beside the throne, a picture of regal elegance. Her eyes were shining with pride, and I could see the unshed tears that threatened to spill over. She had always been my rock, and seeing her there gave me the strength I needed. Her presence was a reminder of the legacy I was stepping into, and the love and dedication that had brought me to this moment.

The High Priest of Aurea stood beside her, holding the crown that would soon rest upon my head. His expression was solemn, his eyes full of the gravity of the ceremony about to unfold.

As I walked the length of the hall, the sound of my footsteps seemed to echo the rhythm of my heartbeat. Each step brought me closer to the throne, and closer to the responsibility that awaited. The weight of the crown I was about to wear seemed to hang in the air, a tangible reminder of the role I was stepping into.

Finally, I reached the dais and turned to face the assembled crowd. My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to remain calm, drawing on the strength of my ancestors. The High Priest began the coronation rites, his voice resonating through the hall. Though his words were important, I found myself focusing on the faces of the people before me – their trust, their hopes, and their belief in my ability to lead.

When the High Priest asked if I would uphold the duties of a king, I answered with conviction, my voice strong and clear. "I will."

With those words, the priest placed the crown upon my head. The weight of it settled over me, both physically and metaphorically. I turned to face the people of Aurea, their cheers and applause ringing in my ears.

But even as I stood there, the new King of Aurea, my thoughts returned to my father. I silently vowed to honor his memory and his sacrifice, to lead Aurea with the same strength and wisdom he had shown. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter, and I would ensure that my father's legacy lived on through my reign.

As the ceremony concluded and the celebrations began, I felt a mixture of emotions—pride, responsibility, and a touch of sorrow. I was King now, and my journey had only just begun.