CHAPTER 2

The sound of music filled everywhere as drums were played vigorously by the guards of the great kingdom. The crowd came into the palace, nobles of the land, kings, and queens of neighboring kingdoms who came riding in their horses and carriages. Servants went up and down the court with foods and drinks of different kinds in their hands. Each King stood with their wives as they walked into the large hall, an announcer calling their names as they stepped inside. 

Prince Robert looked out through his window to watch horses and carriages of different kings and nobles walk into the palace. He stood still with his eyes fixed outside as his servants dressed him in royal robes fit for a king. His hair was plaited down beautifully with a taste by his servants that was so attractive. He glanced at his reflection In the mirror; finally, the day his life will take a turn has come. He looked down at his servants, who dressed with thoughts in his mind. Now, his duty as King must set in; he has to remove his mind from any obstacle and perform what he was born for; he's suitable as the king of Linerdo.

The door flew open; Queen Arundel came in with smiles on her face. She wore a long red gown with a sleeveless tunic, which added more to her attractiveness.

She walked up to Robert, who turned to her with a pretend smile on his face.

"Finally, you will be king of this kingdom," she asserted with a smile on her face. 

Robert nodded, "True mother, finally," he replied, trying to hide the tense in his voice.

Queen Arundel came closer to him; the servants who dressed him moved away and bowed slightly before exiting the room. Queen Arundel glanced at him with gladness in her heart, "You look just like a king; I know you will make a great king because you are a good man," she remarked, filled with smiles.

"I will do my best, mother; my kingdom and subjects are important to me," Robert responded, assuring her.

He decides to make up his mind and let things go; he is about to be crown king and should accept this. Smiling, he patted his mother, "We have to go now, my subjects await," Prince Robert acknowledged walking out of the room as his mother walked beside him, filled with pride. Soldiers walked behind them with swords in their hands, their hardened faces which showed nothing but danger. 

They got close to the hall, the guards opened it as Prince Robert, and Queen Arundel walked into the large foyer with pairs of eyes fixed on them. The crowd bowed as they walked through, heading toward the throne. 

Prince Robert walked along the path with his eyes fixed on the throne as he walked further to it. He got close to it; he turned to face the crowd who bowed at him in respect.

Queen Arundel walked aside and stood along with the other queens as they awaited the oath-taking.

An old official of the old king came forward; the crowd watched with outlandish eyes as they stared at the young prince. After a moment of silence as the official gave a long speech to the public, he praised the kingdom, explaining the history and benefits neighboring domains have benefited from the past king's service. Prince Robert glared at him as the crowd listened with keen interest. Afterward, Prince Robert was called forward for oath-taking.  He stood up with dignity and walked closer, filled with sincerity; he took the oath, his voice echoed in the large hall, a warm sentiment filled the guest who stood watching.  

After the oath-taking, Prince Robert became the crown King of Linerdo, the crown of honor was placed on his head, signifying authority. The public and neighboring kings bowed in tribute to the new king. The ceremony continued with drinking and eating; the whole kingdom was in a merry state that day as they celebrated.

The party lasted till night; the kings of the neighboring kingdoms came forward to the new king, paid homage, and left wishing him the best in his regime.

King Robert sat on his throne, accepting gifts and greetings from kings and noblemen. Queens came forward and paid tribute acknowledging him with pride. Robert glanced at his mother, who stood a few meters away, talking with King Williams and Princess Diala, his daughter. 

Robert watched them as they approached him with the young princess by their side. She looked up at Robert with smiles on her face, and immediately their eyes met; she looked down shyly, beaming with smiles.

"Hail the new king of Linerdo." King Williams praised as he bowed slightly to the young prince before him.

"It's good to have you here, king Williams" Robert glanced at the princess before him, "And you too, princess Diala," he said with a smile.

King William nod with smiles, "She came over this morning with her servants; she didn't want to miss out on the fun of watching you get crowned as King" he glanced at his daughter and back at the young prince with a smirk on his face, "I know you are glad she attended."

Robert glanced at Diala and back at the old king, " I am glad," he responded briefly with a smile. 

Queen Clara came forward and bowed slightly, "Success on your regime, my king," she acknowledged.

"Thank you, and I appreciate your attendance along with your family," Robert responded calmly.

Queen Clara laughed slightly, "It's our pleasure," she replied.

King Williams stepped forward, "My family and I have to leave now; I will send words across when I get to my kingdom." he said.

With a smile on his face, Robert nodded, "My servants will attend to you on your way out. I have gifts to give to you for your help and assistance; my father must be pleased wherever he is." Robert notified.

King Williams smiled, "You are also my son, and I am always here to help whenever you need me" he turned to his daughter, "Diala, won't you come closer and say goodbye." he said with a smile.

The shy princess stepped closer to Robert; her blue eyes sparkled in delight. She had long dark hair that reached her waist. Her skin, white as snow, was endowed with long eyelashes that turned the heads of men wherever she went. She wore a blue gown that matches the color of her eyes, her lips, red as rose, and dimples at both cheeks, just like her mother.

"Farewell, King Robert," she said shyly, her tiny voice pleasing to the ears. 

Robert glared at her; his hazel eyes fixed on her, "You too, princess Diala" he replied casually.

King William nodded then moved away with his family. Queen Arundel glanced at her son, a weird expression on her face with an eyebrow raised, "Seems like Princess Diala likes you," she let out with a smile, "And I know she will make a good queen. It is so surprising that a great warrior would act so shy towards a king." Queen Arundel smirked with an expression on her face.

"No mother," Robert spoke out in disbelief, turning to his mother, "She is a lady, and it's normal for her to act shy; that doesn't imply that she has feelings," he reclaimed, his eyes fixed on the departing princess.

Queen Arundel let out a laugh, "I know when a lady likes someone, and trust me when I say she will make a good queen, she is a mighty warrior and will accompany you during wars to make our kingdom better and stronger. You are a great warrior yourself, but with her by your side, you will do more incredible things together," she noted with a smile, "I have to leave now, son; I have visitors to attend to," she said and walked towards a neighboring queen exchanging pleasantries. 

Robert glanced at his mother; her words filled his head. He has heard about wars princess Diala fought and won without any stress. Her strength and skills impressed him because it's so rare for a princess to possess great talents. She handled her sword flawlessly and killed her opponents without difficulty. His mother is right; a girl like her as queen will bring so much victory to his kingdom and make him a flawless king in the eyes of his opponents. He knew that other domains are waiting patiently for his downfall, but with Diala by his side, he won't worry about that. But, he doesn't love her, no emotions or feelings towards her. Is this what marriage is about? getting married just for the safety of his kingdom?. He knows that his kingdom must come first before his interest, but whenever he looks at Diala, there isn't a trace of affection towards her. He knows that she is a good lady, beautiful, and fit for a king, but all these didn't create love in him towards her. 

He exhales and stares at guests who begin to leave one after the other. The night was fast spent, and the ceremony came to an end. 

Robert retired to his new chamber. The servants beautified this chamber; this was his father's chamber when he was alive. Robert stepped in, glanced around with pride, the room, adorned with sovereignty, made only for the king. The sound of music played loudly outside the palace. Robert walked towards the large window and started outside; the maids danced around with drums of young men as they celebrated his coronation. A smile came on his face; he surveyed the large room and a door that stood aside. His body aches badly; he stands filled with bare bones, his head twirling with pain. His bath, prepared specially by his servants, who took their time to make it perfect. He undressed, walked into the bathroom; his servants stepped in and scrubbed his body softly, but his mind was far apart from the present. 

After his bath, they dressed him and left the room as he retired to bed; his service of being a king had just begun, a step into the liturgy of kingship. 

A knock on his door alerted him, "My King," A voice called out from outside. "The soldiers seek your present, my lord; they await you at the throne room," the spokesperson explained respectfully.

Robert looked up; he rubbed his tired eyes as he got out of his bed, "Inform them that I will be there soon." he ordered, wearing his cloak.

After a few minutes, he walked Into his throne room; his eyes caught Nicholas, who stood apart with his men; they bowed respectably.

"Any news Nicholas?" King Robert asked, taking a seat on his throne, his eyes fixed on the man before him.

"My King," Nicholas walked towards him; he bowed and looked up at the king, "During your coronation, my men and I stood outside the kingdom protecting it just like you ordered. Few minutes to the end, a troupe of strange men in black came galloping on their horses. My men and I stood alert with our swords out to attack. A tall man got down and walked towards me; with his looks, he is their leader. He gave me a scroll saying it is a message for my king; he didn't say more; he climbed his horse and galloped away with his men."  Nicholas narrated, glaring at the king.

Robert stared at him with stern eyes, "Where is the scroll he handed to you?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

Nicholas walked up to him with a hardened face; he handed the scroll to the king and stepped away.

Robert opened the scroll curiously; the scroll, tightly covered with a leader cover. He glanced at the men who scowled at him with intense eyes.

Gradually, he opened the scroll and began to read. His eyes narrowed, his face hardened in a frown. He looked up at the men before him with a stiffened face.

"Nicholas, you and your men should be here very early tomorrow morning, we have a war approaching, and we must get prepared," he announced with a rigorous expression, his fist squeezing the paper in his hand as his eyes flickered in nothing but anger.