Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 3

I bathe and put on the formal clothes that Loan has demanded of me. Gone are the days when I pick my outfits. My closet has been raided; I no longer have the multitudes of civilian wear that I've found so comfortable. The light colors that resemble the Solomonari robes have been adapted into long sleeves, vests, and coats. I pull on my tall socks, tucking the ends of my pants in, and sigh at the get-up as I look into the mirror.

This has not been me for so long; I struggle with the person looking back at me. I tug absently at the collar of the freshly pressed shirt and turn my attention to Loan. "There are going to be some major rule changes after this coronation. This is absurd."  

His expression is less than shocked that I would feel this way as he fixes my coat. 

The light colors play off my tanned skin and dark hair. I see he's had it embellished with small gems and colored beads.

 "Also, monks are supposed to be humble. This is a bit over the top. It's just dinner. "

Loan stops me with a hard look. "Nicolas, you have to start making the impression that you aren't these people's friends. You are to be their King. If the dignitaries see you looking like a common street rat, you will lose every last ounce of their respect. Verando told you that it was assured, but we can easily lose their support if we don't play our cards right. I know there is some royal breeding somewhere deep in your subconscious." 

Loan gives my coat a firm tug. "Act like it. What better way to practice than on your friends?"

I feel stiff and overly dressed, but at least I can forgo a wig since my startling red hair is one of the many things 'exotic' about me, and I've been told exotic is a good thing. Ana curtsies as she comes in. I smile at her dress, it's nice to see her in something other than the run-down, skimpy outfit they had her in at The Manor. 

"Thank you for the dress, Your Highness." She hides her smile, she appears to like it, as well. 

I want to tell her to call me Nic, but I know Loan would have an aneurysm. My expression must convey that because I see her eyes light up as she glances up at me.

 "Of course. You are a part of what I'd consider my court." And ever-growing it was. Unfortunately, my father's court had been so corrupt that it was practically nonexistent.  Loan shakes his head, quietly disappointed. 

Towards the end of my father's rule, he was doing things on his own for the most part and leaving my people to fend for themselves. Loan had appointed some officials, gaining the title of my Steward himself, but I wasn't too keen on any Loan loyalists being so close to me. While Loan had proved to be an ally more than a foe, I could tell by his mannerisms and how I was kept in seclusion that he still harbored the feelings from when we first met. 

He wanted to be in my position, and my people didn't want him. If the favor had gone even the slightest bit toward him, he would have had me assassinated, and I hold no doubt for that fact. 

But for now, I needed him. 

"Lady Ana, Your Majesty. Steward." Art Christian, an older gentleman I appointed as my Master of Ceremonies, greets us as we walk down the hallway. He was one of the few stragglers from my father that I cared to keep. From when I was a child, I remember him being kind, and while he doesn't necessarily hold a position of power, I'm wary of anyone close to me. 

 It would appear as though my life had gained value since my father's passing, for as a child, I merely wandered the halls unchecked, but then, I wasn't the hopeful king. 

"I've assembled the court and your cohorts,"

"Thank you, Christian." I try to keep my formal composure. I've been putting off this meeting for far too long, but making a statement is what I've been advised to do, considering that when I return, we will be under my rule, and there will be additions to the guard as well as a whole new government.