Soon enough the long awaited day came. Aldrich’s outfit was an altered ceremonial military uniform altered for royalty, it bore his personal crest which was a combination of that of House Valoroyce and Arslan and the usual regalia.
[Armoria]
Aldrich made his way towards the throne hall. The echoes of the music and voices from it bounced throughout the palace. His mother and sister were waiting for him there. His sister smiled as he walked towards them,
“Who knew you could actually look presentable.”
In response Aldrich gave a grunt and moved towards his mother. He found her to be close to tears. Aldrich rolled his eyes and said,
“Mother, if someone saw you they would think this a funeral rather than coming of age ceremony.”
Winona shrugged,
“Well her little boy in a way is dying today.”
Aldrich sighed when his mother started shaking, giving his sister a look as he raised his hand controlling the tears to stop them from ruining his mother’s makeup. When Moira had composed herself, she walked through the doors, the herald announcing her entry, in a strong voice shouting,
“Now enters Her Royal Eminence, Moira P’ar Spitfrost of House Arslan and Valoroyce, Archduchess Consort of Wylan, Grand Duchess of Dorian, Countess of Swindon, Lady and Stewardess of the Northester Sea. Following in her steps is Her Royal Highness, Winona P’ar Spitfrost, First Princess of Wylan, Princess of Dorian, and Countess of Norbury.”
Aldrich shook himself and readied himself then stepped out. Before him were a multitude of men and women wearing splendid clothing clapping as he walked out. The herald then announced,
“Now enters His Royal Highness, Aldrich P’ar Spitfrost of House Arslan and Valoroyce, petitioner to land and titles.”
Subsequent louder claps rang out. Aldrich walked towards the throne, stopping and kneeling as he reached a few feet from the steps. The Grand Chamberlain approached Aldrich then asked him,
“Petitioner Aldrich P’ar Spitfrost, what is your vow?”
Aldrich closed his eyes words flowing out of his lips,
“I, Aldrich P’ar Spitfrost, pledge to use my blood, mind, hand and heart for Wylan and Dorian. For my blood is my valour, my mind is my wisdom, my hand is my strength and my heart, my resolve. I vow to fight to defend the realm and enforce its laws. I make this oath by my honour and that of the Royal Houses of Arslan and Valoroyce. May all in attendance and the Aeonians bear witness to my proclamation.”
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The Grand Chamberlain, Lord Ivor, stood stunned at the eloquence of Aldrich’s vow but quickly gained his composure. He looked at the Archduke who wrote done on a paper and when he was done Lord Ivor took the paper and loudly read its contents,
“The Archduke, as the Spring of Honour of his realm has commanded from this day forward, that the petitioner be styled as His Royal Highness, Aldrich P’ar Spitfrost, Second Prince of Wylan, Monsignore of Dorian, Royal Duke of Doncaster and Royal Marquess of Rotherhithe.”
Stunned silence permeated the air. While the preceding ‘Royal’ to the titles of Duke and Marquess stripped the military authority from the titles, the territory they would normally cover remained consistent. Royalty would own territories as a means of income; it helped to avoid an over reliance on treasury funds and complaints from citizens on how the royalty chose to spend their income. These territories also allowed possible heirs to the throne to be judged on how they managed these territories if they chose to have a more direct involvement in its affairs. Lastly, as holders of land and titles, they were now seen as eligible participants in the proceedings of parliament.
The silence that had lasted but a few seconds was replaced by cheers of congratulations. Aldrich made his way greeting the many guests but his social battery started to run low and he went outside to the gardens. Aldrich heard footsteps and turned to see Yeona walking towards him. She stood with him, staring at the stars, an awkward silence between them. Aldrich cleared his throat and then said,
“Beautiful night sky we have, would you not agree?”
Yeona smirked,
“Is that how you struck up conversations with the guests, that is absolutely dreadful.”
Aldrich rolled his eyes but let out a little amused sniff. Yeona’s face straightened, her tone became more serious,
“Now that you have your titles, you will no longer be shielded from politics. Most of us noble children are excited to be finally given land, title and a measure of authority but do not think for a second that this is some game. Your decisions, your words and actions hold more weight to them now than ever before and there are many who desire to use the power you have to further their own agendas. The trust you put in others is an almost invaluable resource, do not give it without reservations, even to family…especially family.”
Aldrich was about to ask what she meant by her last statement but Emery came and Yeona excused herself. Emery bowed and greeted Aldrich. She looked at the retreating figure of Yeona and asked,
“What is it that she told you?”
Aldrich told her and Emery nodded her head in agreement,
“Good advice the princess gave you, I hope you keep her wise words close to your heart. After all those were the words my father imparted onto me.”
Aldrich and Emery continued talking for about an hour when they returned to the hall. Aldrich naturally gravitated towards where his siblings stood and were drinking. Leofrich was the first to congratulate him,
“Aldrich I must say, that vow was so well said. I think any padraig-blooded child would be hard pressed to top that, you must really teach me how to speak as eloquently as you do.”
Aldrich shook his hand and joined their conversation. The older siblings gave Aldrich advice ranging from land management to what to do in parliament. The festivities were far from over but Aldrich was quite done socialising and decided to go to bed.