But I soon wonder if she speaks about King Egbert’s demise.
Memories of what we did flood my mind, and I instantly meet Emeline’s gaze, for she too is lost in the moment she delivered his fate—a blood eagle.
She rises and walks down the carpeted stairs and stands in front of her audience. Aethelbald removes his fur cloak and kneels in front of Emeline.
Sigrith stands to her left, a white silk pillow in hand. Emeline retrieves the large gold ring set with a ruby. “In God’s grace, do you, Lord Aethelbald, accept the Ring of Kingly Dignity?”
“I do.” He offers his left hand, where Emeline places the ring on his ring finger.
She then reaches for a gold orb topped with a cross and set with pearls, jewels, and a purple stone; the crucifix sits on it. She places it in his left hand. “The Sovereign’s Orb is an ode to our Christian faith and our domination over the secular world.
“There is only one God, one, which you, Lord Aethelbald, promise to serve and be His faithful servant?”
“I do,” he replies as Emeline recites the vows with no emotion.
Sigrith passes Emeline a gold scepter with a diamond encrusted at the top in the shape of a star. “This staff is a symbol of power and justice. Do you, Lord Aethelbald, swear to be just and fair and all-powerful in the name of England?”
“I will.” He grasps the staff in his other hand.
Emeline then reaches for the final piece, which will cement our fates forevermore.
The gold crown, encrusted with many colored jewels and pearls, looks utterly pretentious. It’s a show of power and control; a reminder of who rules this kingdom. Emeline’s gold crown is simple and tasteful because she doesn’t rule for the ostentatious jewels and riches.
She rules because of her loyalty to her people.
But that is about to change when she places the crown upon Aethelbald’s head. Sigrith fixes a purple robe around his neck. “Lord Aethelbald, are you able and willing to take the oath?”
“I am willing.”
“Do you solemnly promise and swear to govern England with a pure heart?”
“I solemnly promise.”
“You will be fair, just, and merciful in your rulings and judgments with no contempt in your heart?”
“I will.”
“Will you maintain the Laws of God, our savior, and never stray from the word of the Gospel? Will you maintain the relationship between England and the Church and abide by its rulings? And will you accept all changes and decisions in the name of the Lord granted by the churches?”
“To all this I promise.”
“Then, with God as my witness, I name thee, King Aethelbald of Northumbria and Wessex. God save the King!”
“God save the King! God save the King! God save the King!” chants the elated audience as trumpets sound.
Aethelbald stands and faces his kingdom, relishing the applause and praise. Emeline stands off to the side, her cheeks blistering red. She has handed over her kingdom to Aethelbald and made an oath which no one can break.
Aethelbald walks over to her and takes her hand. “Long live the queen!”
She appears stunned, which means this wasn’t part of the deal. She attempts to subtly release her hand, but he bends low and whispers something into her ear.
Her expression has me lunging forward, not caring that I will drag everyone I am tied to with me. But Sigrith appears in front of me, blocking my path.
I decide to speak in our native tongue. “You would kill me in the name of a Christian?”
“Do not speak to me of loyalties, Dear Brother, for you killed many in the name of a Christian,” she replies in Norse.
She is right.
