Procession Of The Nobles Novels & Stories

It would seem they found themselves so superior they couldn't even be bothered to gaze upon the human cockroach. Christopher had a momentary lapse while he had been in thought, as he stepped through the doors his mind drifted back to reality and he came to a stop his eyes wandering around the room. ... "Wow... I must be popular." He murmured. All around the great hall were a few hundred people all dressed to impress. 'It looks as though every noble and their entire families are present.' And Christopher was right in believing so. Markous had arranged for every noble, and even their extended family to be present. He wished to make a point with this. No matter who it was, if you break the laws

I remained alert, head held high, heart racing. When the first beat of the drums echoed through the clearing, announcing the arrival of the Supreme Alpha, I felt my hands sweat in my thin gloves. I looked ahead, trying to appear calm. But inside... I was boiling. Today, finally, I would see his eyes again. The makeshift courtyard came alive as the first nobles began to arrive. Luxurious carriages, thoroughbred horses, and ornate costumes that looked like they cost an entire city. These were important families—not only from within our kingdom but from allied lands and neighboring territories.

THE PROCESSION At noon, the drums began.It was a slow, rhythmic thudding that vibrated in the soles of my feet. The guests hadalready been seated—hundreds of wolves from the allied packs, whispering, watching,waiting.I stood at the altar, waiting for the procession.First came the Crimson Guards. They marched into the clearing in perfect lockstep, theirred armor gleaming in the dappled sunlight. They lined the perimeter, turning their backsto the crowd, facing outward. Ostensibly to protect us. In reality, to box us in.Then came the Silencers. Six of them. Men and women with shaved heads and stitchedmouths, wearing gray robes. As they entered the grove, the air grew heavy. The birdsstopped si

Mugs, that’s the word. A royal funeral was also an occasion to present yourself before the people, claim your place at court. The procession was led by a servant of the Bright Saint, who walked through the city chanting prayers. He was followed by a carriage with the king’s coffin, driven by four black horses. Uncle’s closest family walked behind the coffin: Abigail and I. The queen was...

Riley grabbed my arm and we both broke into a sprint back to the cluster of wooden houses that formed our village. The annual procession had already began. People from all walks of life in Hartland trooped down the dirt road, following the royal carriage to the cemetery. Families carried mertle wreaths along with them to decorate the graves of their beloved ones. The size of each wreath could determine the social standing of that particular family.

The dawn air in the gallows square was cold and heavy. A restless crowd of nobles in fine silks and commoners in rough-spun wool packed the space, their breath making faint clouds in the grey light. They had come for a show: the fall of the mighty Duke Malven and his traitorous allies.

"I am ready to do what is needed for the kingdom." The babaylan nodded, a small smile on her face. "Then let us begin. The spirits are watching, and the people are waiting." We proceeded outside, where the nobles, timawa, and alipin had gathered, awaiting the coronation ceremony. The babaylan led the procession, carrying a sacred golden crown adorned with precious gems. Elder Gambang stood beside me, his eyes shining with pride.

Stay away from the royals. I clenched my fists. Elijah and Tony were also here but it was next to impossible for them to cross the sea of all the guards to reach the royals. But the moment I had been waiting for had finally arrived. A hush fell over the gathering as a trumpet sounded, signaling the entrance of the royal entourage. A procession of warriors dressed in shimmering silver armor entered first, their steps synchronized, their presence commanding. Behind them, high-ranking nobles of the royal court followed, their elegant robes flowing as they walked. And then, finally, the ruling family arrived.

Conrad noticed. “Breathe.” “I’m trying to.” “No.” His voice was low enough that only Hansel and I could hear. “You’re need to start thinking.” Hansel nodded subtly. “He would’ve killed her.” “I know.” “The moment you moved, our disguise would’ve been over.” I clenched my jaw. “I know that.” It didn’t make it hurt any less. A trumpet echoed through the hall. The nobles began forming a line before the throne. Hansel glanced toward us. “What are they doing?”

The capital woke to a city on edge. Snow still blanketed the streets, but the usual morning bustle was replaced by the heavy tramp of boots and the clang of armor being fitted. After the purge in the grand hall, the remaining nobles moved with careful deference, their eyes lowered whenever the king or his consort passed. Yet the tension in the air was thicker than the winter fog rolling in from the north.