Silver King

Chapter 4 - Cal

The man - who, I've just learned, is called Invog - has been going on and on about my life for the past 268 seconds. If he doesn't make me tell the oath soon, I might faint.

Finally it comes.

" Tiberias Calore, do you solemnly swear to honor the legacy of your ancestors, protecting the kingdom they built?"

" I do solemnly swear to honor the legacy of my ancestors, protecting the kingdom they built."

I hear Mare cringe in my head, and I push her away. I have to get through this.

" Do you solemnly swear to rule this country with love, passion, and focus?"

That's a new one. That, or I forgot completely my royal education. Equal money on both.

" I do solemnly swear to rule this country with love, passion, and focus."

Please end quickly. I am sweating so much I can feel the drops dripping down my back.

" Do you solemnly swear to rule equally and righteously over all citizens, Silver and Red?"

I wait. If they made up a new one, they have to update this one.

"... and newblood?"

The tension is palpable.

"I do solemnly swear to rule equally and righteously over all citizens, Silver, Red and newblood."

I wonder if anyone notices the quavering of my voice.

" Tiberias Calore the Seventh, do you solemnly swear to be a good king for Norta?"

It's the last one.

I open my mouth.

And close it.

It's dry, out of words. So am I. I can't carry through this.

"I... don't."

I whip around, not listening to the gasps and the angry whispers. I practically run off the stage and down the stairs.

I wish I could run in my mother's arms. Or Mare's.