“And the kingdom was vulnerable during that time,” her father said. “If the delay could’ve been avoided, we would have. But the Kennedy family lost their direct heirs and we weren’t prepared. That isn’t the case here.”
“It’s fine,” Leo said, avoiding eye contact. “It needs to be done.”
“When I was young,” King Tristan said, “I imagined crowning a new king was a glorious moment. No one ever tells children that a coronation is a tragedy.”
An hour later, Lord Robert arrived. The bearded man towered over them with thundering footsteps.
“Alexander!” he boomed.
Lord Robert enveloped Leo in a long, bone-crushing hug. Both men were blinking away tears when they separated.
“I brought you a case of wine,” Lord Robert announced.
“Thank you,” Leo said sincerely.
“Are you ready to get this over with?”
“Not at all. Let’s do it.”
Everything moved quickly after that. Guards and soldiers were sent away, and Damien returned from wherever he had been. Queen Camille and Hannah were brought downstairs. The queen seemed almost drunk from her calming tonic.
Lord Grégory stood in the middle of the ballroom with Leo facing him. Everyone else formed a circle around them. Moving clockwise from Lord Grégory stood Queen Camille, King Tristan, Princess Hannah, Princess Evelyn, General Savatier, Commander Magalie, Captain Fontaine, Lord Nicolas, Lord Stuart, and Lord Robert. The general side-eyed Damien, who would not have been invited if he were a regular officer instead of Leo’s best friend.
“Alexander Leon Ducasse, do you acknowledge your birthright as heir to the Kingdom of Gryon?” Lord Grégory asked in a very official voice.
“Yes,” Leo said dully.
“Do you accept the title of King?”
“Yes.”
“Do you swear to put the good of the kingdom above all else?”
“Yes.”
“Will you take responsibility for the safety of your subjects?”
“Yes.”
“Will you vow to be an honorable leader during your reign?”
“Yes.”
“Can you love this kingdom as much as you love your mother, wife, and daughter?”
“Yes.”
“Please kneel before your kingdom one final time.”
Leo lowered to one knee. His mother handed Lord Grégory an intricate golden crown.
That’s not the same crown King Gerard wore. Was this one made for Leo or his older brother?
Lord Grégory settled the crown on Leo’s head. “Rise, Your Majesty, and state your name.”
“Alexander Ducasse, King of Gryon.”
Queen Camille burst into tears.
