Chapter Seven: The Ceremony
The Grand Hall of Harwen Palace shimmered like something out of a dream—its vaulted ceiling glowed with strands of magical light, drifting and dancing like stardust. I could feel the weight of it, of everything, pressing gently against my chest. It wasn't heavy in a bad way. Just… vast.
The hall was full—nobles in crimson and black, dignitaries in colorful, foreign garb, rows of uniformed soldiers whose presence alone could silence any room. My feet felt too small for the polished marble beneath them. My hands were too still.
Then came the voice.
"By the command of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Hanford vi Dark, the Crown Prince Ceremony of the Harwen Empire shall now commence."
The officer stood on the central platform, his presence commanding, his voice rippling with power thanks to some unseen spell. A hush fell again, and all eyes turned forward as he raised a staff glittering with silver inlay. He began to call out names.
"Now entering: Commander of State and Court, Lord Verrian vi Cenith."
Verrian's stride was like clockwork—methodical and exact. His dark skin and pointed ears reminded me of the darker elves I'd seen in the palace books. Regal, restrained. I wondered if he ever smiled.
"Commander of the Inner Guard, Lady Virelya vo Thorne."
Her footsteps were heavier, echoing sharply with her armor. When she looked around, I swear her gaze cut through the air like a blade. She was tall. Taller than most of the others, and her green eyes were alert, like she was expecting a fight even here. I didn't think she smiled either.
"Commander of the Outer Legions, Lord Kael'dros vi Merath."
His eyes were the kind that didn't blink unless necessary. Draconic, they said in the history books. Part of an old bloodline. He didn't need to say anything—just his presence made the air seem tighter.
"Commander of the Imperial Treasury, Lady Selira vo Elwyn."
She almost seemed like a shadow at first. Floating more than walking, veiled and graceful, magical symbols floating around her like whispers. I caught a glimpse of her horns. Demonkin, maybe? The magic around her made my own skin prickle faintly.
And then came the others—ambassadors from lands I'd only read about, nobles from other courts, beings so refined or strange-looking that I wasn't sure if they were real or illusions. One woman didn't even touch the floor as she glided forward.
But the hall truly stilled when they announced him.
"All rise for the entrance of His Imperial Majesty—Hanford vi Dark, Sovereign of the Harwen Empire."
Everyone stood. I already was. But when Hanford entered, I understood why they called him Emperor. His presence was heavy, like a storm behind calm eyes. He wore dark red robes marked with ancient runes, and beside him walked Kaelen—Uncle Kaelen, as I called him. His clothes were black, simple but still elegant, with only a silver pin as adornment. They said he was the Emperor's younger brother and Commander Virelya's half-brother.
They stepped up to the platform.
Hanford spoke, and it felt like the room folded around his words.
"People of Harwen—noble blood of the empire, and honored guests from across the realm. Today marks not only the elevation of a prince, but the rise of an era..."
I listened carefully—each word weighed with meaning. My name. My future. I was aware of everyone watching me, of my heartbeat suddenly louder than it had any right to be.
When he said I was a "beacon of future power," I felt something flicker inside me—not pride, not yet. Maybe... fear? Or awe? Maybe both.
Then he lifted the crown. Not metal, but magic—shimmering, pulsing inside a glass-like vessel. I didn't even breathe.
He placed it above my head, and it vanished into me. Into me.
I didn't know what I expected—cold? Pain? But it was warmth. A steady hum, like something settling into place. I felt it, deep in my bones. Like it belonged.
I stepped forward when everyone quieted. My legs didn't shake. My voice tried to.
"I… thank you," I said first. Too soft. I hated that. I took a breath.
"I stand here not because I sought the crown, but because the blood within me calls to something greater."
I meant it. All of it. I didn't want this crown. I didn't ask for it. But I understood it now, in a way I hadn't before.
"If fate bends, I will not break."
That part stayed with me long after I stepped back. I didn't know if it was true yet—but I wanted it to be.
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Later, the feast began. I had seen many kinds of food before, but never like this. The hall smelled of spices, roots, roasted meats. Dishes were stacked across long tables—steaming, colorful, strange.
I stared at my plate. Everything looked beautiful but... wrong.
Too cold. Too spicy. Too much.
I'd had trouble with food since I was small. No one really understood it—except maybe Mom. I hated spicy things. Couldn't stand cold dishes. My tongue rejected certain textures. I'd tried to change. I really did. But today of all days...
I forced myself to try a slice of crimson-glazed meat. The spice hit my throat immediately. I almost gagged. I set my fork down and looked away, embarrassed.
Then I heard Mom whisper to a maid. A quiet order.
"Prepare a different set of dishes for Ellan—nothing spicy, nothing cold. Keep the flavors mild and make sure it's sweet."
When the new dishes arrived, I almost smiled. Soft buns brushed with honey. Warm fruit puddings. Wrapped rice with barely-there spices.
Mom gave me a look. "Try it. If you still can't eat, we'll find something else."
I took a bite.
Then another.
Warm. Gentle. Right.
I looked at her and nodded. She just smiled back, her eyes shining quietly.
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By five, the hall began to empty. The nobles left in groups. Footsteps faded into the corridors.
The Commanders stayed behind, talking near the dais. I heard a few words—"smoothly," "coordination," "success."
It didn't feel like it was about me anymore. I stood nearby, silent.
Until Virelya walked over.
She crouched to my height, eyes playful.
"Greetings, Your Highness. I believe this is our first face-to-face meeting."
I nodded. "Hi, Virelya."
She blinked. "I'm flattered you know my name."
"I heard it when the man at the center announced the names," I answered. Simple truth.
Then Kaelen arrived, calm as ever.
"Hello, Ellan."
"Hello, Uncle Kaelen."
Virelya made a face. "That's unfair! We're both siblings, yet he calls you uncle?"
Kaelen smirked. "I walked in beside His Majesty. Naturally, the boy assumed I'm part of the elder generation."
I tilted my head. "You're siblings?"
Kaelen straightened a little. "Yes, Your Highness. Half-siblings."
I wondered how that felt. To share some blood, but not all. I'd have to ask Ellyn later what she thought about that.
Mom appeared before I could ask more, with Ellyn in tow.
"You must be tired, Ellan. Why don't you go rest in your room with Ellyn?"
I nodded. "Okay, Mom."
Ellyn took my hand. We walked down the corridor, side by side.
My fingers still tingled faintly. From the crown, maybe. Or from everything I'd just said. I wasn't sure.
But I knew this much: something had changed.
Inside me.
Around me.
And whatever came next—I'd face it.
Even if it scared me.
I would not break.