Assassins Lover

Ch. 19- Crowned

Emily's POV:
   The next day, I woke from my slumber and laid in bed for a couple minutes, just trying to figure out if that kiss was real or not. My hair a tangled mess, I wiped the drool from my mouth and touched  my lips. The kiss was amazing, slow and gentle just like I wanted. The prince kissed me, oh my gosh!
   Thoughts were jumbled up inside as a servant prepared my bath. Dropping my robe, I enter the warm water and sigh. Leaning on the inner wall, I let the water soak me as I scrub my dirty hair. Getting out a couple minutes later, I wrap the cloth around my bare body and head to my chambers where I find a note. Looking around to see who sent it, I break the seal and read

   You have been warned. Get out of here while you still can.
  Your Secret Admirer

Looking strangely at the writing, I think it must be Jefferson playing a joke, as the servant dresses me. A vintage purple turn down collar with long sleeves and black flats. Putting my hair into a loose braid, I walk out and see Jefferson waiting for me.
"Good morning Miss Emily," he smiles with his sharp teeth.
"Morning squirrel, I require your assistance for something important."
He rolls his neck, "does it involve killing anyone your highness?"
I chuckle, "stop saying "your highness," and no. Just take me to the library."
He bows and leads me to the ancient library as I tilt my head confused.
We walk up the spiral, stone steps and reach the oak doors. I tug on the iron handle and it creaks open. Smiling, I walk in and Jefferson shuts the door. I touch my necklace and walk toward the history section. Waving my hand looking for this one book, I find it against the wall as I pick it up.
Dusting it off, I open it and flip through the yellowish colored pages. In bold, I see the Cordovan bloodline and my breath catches in my throat.
"No, this is impossible," I mumble under my breath.
Kaden's POV
In the council room, my uncle gives the same same speech he gave my father.
"You have to be the best king for your people nephew. Sometimes being king requires major sacrifices, the best possible outcome for Castor."
Seated, I kick my feet onto the table and clear my throat, "I want my people to respect me, what do I need to gain their trust Uncle?"
He simply looked at me with contempt as he pinched his nose and sighed, "You have been earning their fear; not respect. The fact that you've been slaughtering people for sport doesn't help with gaining their respect. You need to do a full one-eighty. Become the prince that every woman wants and every man wants to be."
I run my fingers in my brownish hair "I suppose you're right uncle. I can't win people's hearts by killing the ones they love. I think it's time I had a change in my life again," I grin.
"Again? What do you mean again!"
Getting out my dagger, I twist the sharp blade with my fingers, "it's really none of your concern."

My uncle was growing older by the minute, his eyes had bags under them from long, heavy nights and his gray hair was thinning with age.
He manages a sigh and places a hand on my shoulder behind me, "it's time to get ready for your coronation. Remember what I taught you and you will be the finest king this kingdom has ever known." Giving me a small smile, he releases his grasp and walks away to his chambers.
"Jefferson!"
The big squirrel comes walking in, "what is it master?"
Getting out of my seat, I walk toward him with focused eyes, "find Catherine and bring her to me. I need to see her one last time."
   Jefferson squeaks in agreement and walks off as I walk to my uncles room.
Busy with papers and unopened documents, I take a seat across his desk and cross my legs.
"What do you want Kaden," he says barely glancing up. Adjusting his glasses, I speak, "are the preparations ready for this afternoon?"
    He nods "yes. Now don't bother me again," as he waves me out. I huff and get up, "well, now I know where I got the attitude from."
Stepping out, I see Catherine looking at me innocently "you requested my presence your highness?"
      "Indeed I did. Come here," as I open my arms in welcome. Walking into my open arms, I embrace her tiny body and kiss her neck, "I'll see you this afternoon. Are we still on?"
She shrugs, "maybe, maybe not. It all depends on you, my lord."
    ***
A few hours later, the palace is full of royal guests and familiar faces. Fully dressed, I hear the ringing of the bells and think it's time for my crown. The royal guards open the red doors and I proceed in. Walking down the aisle, I spot Catherine's sweet face and she blushes. Nearing my uncle, I kneel down on both knees and bow my head as the music ends. My uncle begins speaking, " do you solemnly swear to rule this kingdom under truth, as justice is your right hand and your sword is your left?"
"I do."
"Do you solemnly swear to put your subjects first before your own personal interests no matter the cost?"
"I do."
The uncle smiles and lifts up the golden crown, "then by the power vested in me by the Maker, I now pronounce you King."
Feeling the heavy crown on my head, I rise and hear yells of "Long Live King Kaden!"
Smiling at my subjects, Catherine nods.
Searching around for Emily, I don't find her head in the crowd as I walk up the dais and sit on the throne.
      The chanting continues as I nod at Catherine and she comes walking up the steps. Her eyes seem confused as she kneels before me, "your majesty."
Her curly blonde hair falls down her back as I kiss her hand, "I've made up my mind about you whore, and you've been good to me.."
Her hazel eyes glance up at me, "what have you found out your grace?"
   I stand and prepare to walk down, "I don't like you. Never have, so goodbye."
The guards grab her dainty shoulders as I peck her cheek one last time, "I'm sorry it as to be this way. But I love another, you had your shot."
Grabbing her small dagger, Catherine lunges toward me, but the guards hold her tight.
    Seeing her struggle, I nod "take her away."
Her eyes fill with tears and she stutters "K-Kaden, don't do this. I love you."
I simply wave my hand "enjoy the cold baby."
    The guards open the red doors for me and I remove my crown, "time to find Emily."