The Prince's Gift

Chapter 75.

Ana's POV

She tossed in her sleep and I felt the need to help her settle. She needed a moment's peace, even if she would need more than that from the events of tonight.

I reached forward and let my hand hover over the bed, willing calmness over her. I focused on happy feelings and peaceful memories, trying to bring forward the happy memories in her mind, letting them take hold before moving away. She stilled and her features relaxed across her face as she nuzzled into the covers further.

I made my way out of her room and down to the throne e room. It took everything in me not to immediately remember all of the horror that had happened here already. Today at least, maybe this would be a moment that was able to turn those memories around and guide us all in a new direction. One of peace.

I wove through the crowd until I came to the front of the room. Fallon and Kora were already there waiting to the side of the throne platform. Kora smiled at me and came down to stand beside me after giving Fallon a quick kiss. The council was standing at the top of the platform as well, quiet and still as they waited for the new monarch to be crowned.

A loud series of bangs sounded as the announcer at the door got the attention of the crowd. Everyone quieted as the large wooden doors opened slowly, allowing room for a tall man to walk into the room holding a holding a deep red velvet cushion with an elaborate crown nestled upon it.

The crown was truly stunning. It was a nearly black matte metal, with deep blue sapphires and breathtaking black opal seated throughout intricately woven carved metal pieces throughout the entire crown. Zane followed closely behind, hovering back a few steps as he walked into the room behind the procession.

"Make way for His Royal Highness, the Crowned Prince." The footman cried out.

Zane moved gracefully, walking with slow precision as he stood tall above the crowd. He wore a sleek black suit with black satin lapels, custom fitted to his body as if it were a second skin. The suit was finished with a blood red slim tie.

He stared straight ahead, his jaw clenched tightly as his eyes landed on the throne platform and the set of large seats placed atop of it. Casimir had taken position as head of the council, waiting frozen in the middle of the platform as Zane stopped at the bottom of the stairs.

"Approach your Royal Highness." Casimir said.

Zane walked up the steps slowly, stopping on the step just below Casimir as he waited for the next steps. Another of the elder councilmen moved to stand beside Casimir, taking the velvet cushion holding the crown in his hands and stood beside Casimir as he waited silently.

Casimir cleared his throat and began the ceremony, the onlookers hanging on his words as he began to speak. "Do you, as the Crowned Prince of this kingdom, solemnly swear to guide and protect it until your last breath should you accept the role as the rightful monarch and King?"

Zane nodded once before answering. "This I do solemnly swear."

"Do you accept the title of His Majesty, King and guardian of all who dwell within the territories this crown watches over, governing justly and swiftly above all else?"

"I accept and embrace the role of His Majesty and King, and all that the title and privilege entails." Zane said evenly.

Casimir nodded slowly, turning to take the crown off of the plush velvet cushion before turning back to face Zane. He held the crown above his head, high in the air for all to see for a moment, the air charging with anxious energy as each person waited.

"It is my duty and honor to announce His Majesty, the King and your new monarch and ruler." Casimir's voice boomed across the room as he slowly slid the crown down on to Zane's head, securing it and stepping away so Zane could rise.