The Royal Mark-Chapter 386: To the New King

The council of Arcanis had gathered once more in the assembly hall the next day. Everyone was present and even some other uninvited werewolves were present.

Chris, together with Neia were on their way to meet the members of the council and the candidates, totally unaware of the situation that was waiting for them.

Before they reached the hall they were confounded by the number of people waiting outside.

Neia stopped one servant holding an empty tray and asked, "Is everyone attending the announcement of candidates?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. It’s overwhelming, the kitchen was not prepared for this many people today," said the servant.

"Wow, Brother, looks like there’s so many who’s aiming for the throne. I hope someone deserving wins," Neia commented, but Chris stayed quiet and gazed at each and everyone in the hallway.

Everyone bowed at Chris and he stopped Neia from pushing his wheelchair further. "Ask everyone to gather in the Great Hall instead. The assembly hall is too small for everyone. Make sure everyone gets a drink," Chris told his chamberlain who was following behind them.

When Chris arrived in the Great Hall, everyone bowed, giving respect to their King.

"All rise," Chris commanded everyone, "Candidates for the throne, please step forward and introduce yourselves."

Hoven who was on the side near Chris walked up front. He stood there for a few seconds before looking around because no one else stepped forward and stood beside him.

"Is this a joke?! So many of you are here and yet no one stepping forward? I can see every Alpha and Luna of every pack in Arcanis, what are you all doing here?" Chris yelled, visibly irritated.

The alphas and lunas of each pack kneeled on their one knee confusing Chris more.

"We are not here to compete with Alpha Hoven, Your Majesty. We are here to declare our acceptance for your decision to nominate him as a candidate for the throne. If it is him that you’ve chosen and see fit to be your successor, then we will not oppose.

Every alpha in Arcanis had agreed to embrace and honor the Lord High Steward, Alpha Hoven to be our next King. We offer our loyalty and obedience just like how we offer our allegiance to you.

Also, we are here to show our support to you, our true alpha. We were truly saddened by the news about your health that had reached us last night. And we will be here until your last moment, Your Majesty," Alpha Gavin Hartoff declared.

Chris’ heart was full, he stared at everyone for a while before commanding them to stand up. "Alright, if no one else will go against my candidate, then let me present to you, my successor, your future King, Alpha Hoven Harraldsen."

Cheers, praises, and applause erupted in the hall. Everyone started congratulating Hoven and Chris watched them with a smile on his face.

[See... Even if you leave Arcanis, they will be fine. Your people honor and respect you to the point that they are willing to obey your will even when you are gone. You’ve ruled your kingdom well, our ancestors are surely proud of you. I am proud of you,] Yakobo uttered.

’Shut up! Your flowery words will not make me release my hold on you. I will stay with you until the last minute.’

"Brother..." Chris’ thoughts were interrupted by King Stefan.

"You’re older than me, stop calling me brother. And what are you even doing here?"

Stefan laughed and handed a bottle of wine to Chris. "To personally give you this. I was planning to drink this a hundred years from now but then the occasion calls for it."

Chris accepted the bottle and inspected it with a smirk. "Wow, this is expensive stuff! Thank you!"

"So when are you going to pass your crown to that mongrel?" Stefan quipped.

Hoven glanced a him and mouthed, "I heard that!" making both Chris and Stefan laugh.

"I should pass him the crown tonight," Chris replied.

"What? That fast?" Neia rebutted.

"Yes, Sister, that fast. I only have tomorrow left and tonight I want to party. I want to speak with Hera tomorrow and spend my day with her, like me she lost a lot too. I haven’t talked to her since Elsa and Nathan left."

"So you’re leaving tomorrow? No! I am coming with you!" Neia protested but Chris chuckled and tousled her hair.

"No, you’re not. You’re a married woman and tomorrow you should go home with your husband," Chris said before opening the wine and drinking it straight from the bottle.

Later that day...

The Great Hall buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The coronation ceremony was swift but dignified, with Chris placing the golden crown upon Hoven’s head. The room erupted into cheers once more as Hoven, now King Hoven, stood tall and proud before his people.

Elandir arrived with barrels of fine ale and wine. He was greeted with cheers and pats on the back as he distributed the drinks. "Okay... I was not expecting this. I came here to drink with you, I never knew I would be gate crashing into a coronation," he told Chris.

Chris who was already drunk laughed and pulled Elandir to his side. "Let’s make this a night to remember!" he bellowed, his laughter booming through the hall.

As the night wore on, the party grew more spirited. Elandir, danced with vigor, challenging anyone who dared to outlast him on the dance floor.

Hoven, still adjusting to the weight of the crown, watched the festivities with a mix of pride and relief. Chris, now free of the burden of leadership, seemed more relaxed than he had in years.

He mingled with his elite alphas, sharing stories and laughter, his eyes twinkling with a sense of contentment.

Elandir, now quite tipsy, attempted to climb onto a table to propose a toast. "To the new king!" he shouted, raising his goblet high. But before he could say more, his balance faltered, and he tumbled backward, landing in a heap on the floor. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

The hall erupted in laughter as a few nearby friends helped him to his feet and guided him to a chair where he promptly passed out, a contented smile on his face.

Neia approached Chris with worry on her face despite the merriment around them. "Are you sure about leaving tomorrow?" she asked, her voice barely audible over the din.

Chris nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, it’s time. I’ve done my part, and now it’s Hoven’s turn. I still don’t know what will I choose but it’s something I must do."

As the night drew to a close, Chris took a moment to step outside. The cool night air was a stark contrast to the warmth and noise inside. He looked up at the stars, feeling a sense of calm wash over him.

He knew the decision he had to make tomorrow would be difficult, but for now, he allowed himself to savor this moment of triumph and joy.

Inside, the celebration continued without him, the laughter and music a testament to the unity and strength of Arcanis. Chris smiled, knowing that his kingdom was in good hands and that his people were ready for the challenges ahead.

With a final, lingering look at the vibrant scene inside, he turned and headed toward his chamber.