The-Sinful-King-By-Claire-Contreras-PDF

Elias. He didn’t look at anyone, just forward, his march
steady, his head held high. He didn’t even look nervous, but I
couldn’t imagine he wouldn’t be. Behind the long train of his
red coat, his brother Aramis, and behind him, his sister and
mother. Emily was still nowhere to be found. I was
momentarily grateful for that. At least this wouldn’t turn
into a surprise royal wedding. For now.
Once they were out of view, we all sat down. The basilica
was too big and we were too far to see them from where we
were. We could barely make out what they were saying, but
we followed along with the pamphlets provided to us.
When the archbishop asked, Sir, is Your Majesty willing to
take the Oath?
We heard Elias respond, I am willing.
The archbishop spoke again, Will you solemnly promise and
swear to govern the Peoples of France and the other Territories to
any of them belonging or pertaining, according to their respective
laws and customs?
Elias said, I solemnly promise so to do.
The archbishop followed up with, Will you to your power
cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your
judgments?
Elias replied, I will.
Everything else was lost on me. The songs, the prayers,
the hymns. He’d taken his oath. He’d chosen the Crown. I
knew he would, but I hadn’t expected to feel this void inside.
When it was over, we were all escorted out of the basilica. As
I walked outside, I glanced over my shoulder and saw Elias
standing from the chair he’d been sitting in and following
the bishops to the back of the basilica. I kept my eyes on
them until they disappeared, and when his mother, sister,
and brother stood, I noticed Emily was there after all and she
too disappeared to the back. It wasn’t a surprise wedding,