Page 90 of Theoden

“Always make sure you are elevated when addressing your subjects,” Ara said once we reached him.

I looked to see Titus and Nolan already seated in their chairs. “Yes, Father.”

“It’s a shame you were too common to figure that out,” Nolan commented.

I turned to him. “So happy you could be here to witness my ascension. How old were you when Father felt you were prepared to take on the role of Lord? Remind me?”

Nolan snarled. “Wretched—”

Enough!Ara’s mental voice was forceful in our heads and silenced both of us instantly. “It is time.”

“Yes, Father,” we all said.

Ara nodded and stepped closer to the railing of the balcony to address the six-hundred and seventy vampires in attendance. “I have gathered you all here tonight to celebrate the coronation of your newest Lord, my fourth son, Théoden Sura.”

Some of the crowd applauded while others simply looked on, awaiting Ara’s next words. From my vantage point on the balcony, I could see why Ara wanted to make the announcement while he could look down on the crowd below. It was a status of power.

“Théoden, come stand before your subjects,” Ara said, and I rose from my chair and stood beside him. I looked down at all of the vampires. Some knew me, while others only knew of me, but all were familiar with my reputation. I had been quite ruthless as Ara’s executioner and I would rule my district in the same manner.

“Théoden.” Ara turned to me and I turned to face him. “Kneel.”

I dropped down to one knee. I had to wonder if Ara had held this sort of celebration with Karim or Titus. I knew he didn’t with Nolan. That had been a small and mostly private ceremony. This was a grand affair and I couldn’t help but feel a bit special… privileged, if you will.

“My son, you have served my Kingdom loyally for two centuries. You have earned this prestigious title to represent my Kingdom. Do you accept it?”

Do I ever!I smiled and nodded. “Yes, my King,” I said.

Karim handed Ara a tiny box and he presented it to me. “This ring signifies your position to all who live in my Kingdom as my pendant does,” Ara said. “Do you accept it?”

“Yes, Father,” I replied. I couldn’t wait until that ring was on my finger.

“Repeat after me, my son,” Ara said. “I pledge with my life to serve you loyally.”

I repeated the oath.

“Do you pledge to increase the power of my kingdom through the blood and procreation?” Ara asked.

“I do, Father. I would see you always elevated to greatness above all others,” I swore.

“Do you pledge to defend my kingdom with your life?”

“Yes, Father. Always.”

“Will you honor the kingdom of Ara for all eternity?”

“Yes, Father.”

“Do you swear to uphold my decree?”

“I swear, my King,” I said, pledging loyalty I’d already given to Ara. But this was for the sake of the oath and the ceremony.

“Then hold out your hand, my child.”

I gave Ara my right hand and he opened a box containing the ring all Lords wore with his emblem on it. I had to contain my emotions because I didn’t want my hand to tremble as he slipped the ring on my finger. I watched with stilled breath as my Father, the man who had given me so much and was still giving me more, slipped the gold band around my middle finger. It was a perfect fit and looked right at home on my hand.

“The ceremony is done and you are now Lord of district four, my son.”

“Thank you, Father,” I said, grinning widely.