Frigid and gloomy weather welcomed the morning of the Kingdom of Artheiaya that day as if an indication of what occurred before the sun arose. But the Artheians doesn't have any clue of what would happen that day as everyone happily greeted these conditions auspiciously.
The usual bare brick wall that encloses the kingdom is now adorned with flags of the Artheiaya. The wardens are on high alert as many visitors from neighboring Kingdoms enter their grounds to celebrate with the Kingdom. And as soon as you enter the enormous wall of Artheiaya, you'll immediately hear the traditional music of Artheiaya and women dancing around the grand fountain statue of Glyvecaruis God as strangers drop their coins as a token for their entertainment.
On the left side, meters away from the fountain statue, is the marketplace now looking more crowded as many stalls open, taking advantage of the surge of visitors, selling their goods. Most of them have only goods available when there is a special occasion in the Kingdom, as the unique pastries of Artheiaya called Figua. It is made up of glutinous flour, coconut milk, sugar and topped with dried flakes of coconut meat. And tokens of the Kingdom of Artheiaya like miniature toys of the Glyvecaruis God, flaglets of the Kingdom, and some rare bags and clothing. Other stalls sell regular food and equipment like meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, some cheap swords, and knives. Most of the rare goods are possessed by sellers with a higher budget on them that could afford to rent spaces like high-quality clothing, high graded fighting gear, and many more.
Inside a famous diner where nobles usually idle are both third knights of the first battalion under Fourth Commander Alexander Gregory Finnian; Third Knight Hawkin Mourney and Third Knight Emil Claudius.
"I would have never even tried eating in here if not for the event today," Hawkin whispered to Emil while looking over the place.
This diner is known to everyone to accommodate even the Royal Family; hence everything you'll get and see inside is as expensive as anyone could guess. Just the dish they order that cannot even fill their stomachs today is as costly as both of their two-months wages as third knights combined, and to imagine that their one-month pay could make them be able to afford to buy an entire bungalow for themselves; the food here truly is expensive. Good thing both of them are single and separated from their bachelor families; they are free to do anything on their money.
"Well, we don't know when we will be able to experience this again after this day. Do you understand that the council plans on taking the near town to us? Knowing the Fourth Commander, he will probably get every opportunity to get out of here and take that job." Emil opened. They know that the Fourth Commander, for some reason, hates staying inside their Artheiaya. He always looks for chances to go out of the Kingdom. All knights under him knew that the Fourth Commander would instead let himself get killed in a battle than sleep for a month inside Artheiaya. And they've got no idea why the Fourth Commander is acting in such a way. He has a reasonably good connection in the Kingdom; he is the youngest brother of the Third Queen that will soon be the Mother Queen as her eldest son, the Crown Prince will soon be crowned as the King, specifically this morning.
Hawkin felt his bones turning cold as he imagined the Fourth Commander. Glyvecaruis God knows how much that man could turn even their sweetest morning into an instant hell.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
"It would be good to have a week of rest. My body is aching from all the training since our last battle in the town of the thieves, Vryhska." His body seemed more tortured in Artheiaya from all the supposedly training but seemed like torture hell-like practices prepared by their Fourth Commander.
They continued eating when cheers from outside startled them.
"Seems like it has started..." Emil whispered as he looks over the diner to see no one inside. 'All nobles have probably gathered in the palace now,' he thought inside his head.
In the receiving hall of the palace, nobles are now gathered inside as knights lined on the sides, seemingly guarding against any suspicious individuals. Wines and alcohol are served to the nobles as murmurs of them surrounded the hall. Soon, several women entered, all wearing expensive gowns and covered with precious gems. They are the late King's wives and daughter, but one caught everyone's eyes, the First Queen, who was not that adore by the late King, is now looking more sickly. The poor Queen is looking even worse than the servants of the palace. She also doesn't have any children born. Soon, she might disappear into thin air. But everyone forgot about her as a wonderful middle-aged woman entered, the Third Queen. Even at an age, she still radiates a similar atmosphere back in the days. Her smile is so sweet, looking so happy, but who wouldn't when they will be a Mother Queen in just matters of an hour.
Afterward, a group of six young men entered from ages range from ten to eighteen. They are the princes of Artheiaya: the Second Prince Bavard Caspuis Windthroap, Third Prince Everard Galien Windthroap, Fourth Prince Garvais Kenelm Windthroap, Fifth Prince Maceo Olivier Windthroap, Sixth Prince Perivrien Valor Windthroap, and the Seventh Prince Rainier Sebastian Windthroap. Following them are also six knights who personally guard them individually as conducted by rules of Artheiaya. Then, the First Commander Cheistian entered with five Lieutenant Commanders, which happened with the Second and Third Commander. In comparison, Fourth Commander joined with only two Lieutenant Commanders, namely Mainfroe and Gilbert. Then, they all lined up facing the closed grand door of the hall, waiting for the Crown Prince Rutherglen. Shortly, he entered alone as the four commanders guards behind him as he walks past by them.
Crown Prince Rutherglen walks towards the grand throne. Reaching almost half of the stairs leading to the throne, he suddenly felt an absolute pressure on his shoulder. He unconsciously cleared his throat, making the four commanders stop at the bottom of the stairs as no one could ever enter the throne space except for the priest and the King as they heard him. First Commander Cheistian's eyes reveal a particular light before vanishing even before someone could see it.
Rutherglen continues on walking, and as he reaches the throne seat, his eyes stare for some time on it before turning his body in front of his people. A small smile lurks on his lips. He looks around the receiving hall and seeing everyone's attention focused on him, his smile even become warmer.
"To my beloved people, the time has arrived for our Kingdom to receive the blessings we deserve. I always believe that we can only receive such blessings if we act to resolve our problems. We can only save ourselves if we know how to fight. Hence, I am here to guide all of you. To lead you to a path, a new path, where no fate can ever tell you that you don't deserve a better life but give you a choice to earn your better life!" Rutherglen's heartfelt speech continues as Priest Overmiere stands on the side, looking around with full concern.
Up until now, he still could feel the danger that the Glyvecaruis God send to him. He glances to the Crown Prince Rutherglen and shows a concerned look. The Crown Prince might not have believed in his words, but that doesn't mean that the curse would stop. He will anger God more if this continues!
Rutherglen happily looks over to his side, indicating that it is time. Priest Overmiere walk towards him while his trembling hands held tightly on the crown as he felt his heart beating faster and faster while his hair rises; uneasiness succumbs his whole self.