AN: Happy Monday Loyals, I apologize for this being a day late but I wanted to research the historical real-world coronation traditions. I streamlined it so the chapter wouldn't be 10,000 words. There were no reviews last week but thank you for reading. I must say though, the last chapter was my favorite so far and I'd love to hear what you thought. This chapter has a lot of historical information. I wanted to capture the solemnity of being crowned King. It's a sacred thing I didn't want to gloss over it. Of course, there's a playful side to Kate and Liam as always because they're a family first.
Countdown to season 4: Five weeks until March 11th aka 34 days.
Song recommendation: Save This City by Zayde Wolf
Please let me know what you think!
"It's an exciting and historic day for all of Great Britain as the official coronation of His Majesty King Liam Henstridge will take place later this morning. This comes one month after our King's emotional first appearance on the balcony after taking the throne. It's the moment everyone around the world saw as a pale and teary-eyed 23-year-old greeted his people for the first time. Who could forget the touching moment when Liam reached for his wife Kathryn and their infant son Alexander for support? It was surely an emotional moment for the King who looked overwhelmed, as he was unexpectedly thrust into power after the shocking abdication of his older brother Robert. The young King has only been a first-time father for a few months which must add to the pressure he's feeling."
"You're absolutely right John and this is all made more poignant due to rumors from palace insiders that the youngest Monarch in nearly 200 years had a panic attack shortly after taking the oath. Our sources say he was hyper-"
"For fuck's sake." Liam turned off the television and rubbed his temples. "I don't need to be reminded of how pathetic I looked."
"You didn't look pathetic you were scared." Kate pointed out from where she stood in front of the mirror. "And if it helps you look pretty great right now."
He turned to look at her. "This old thing? It's only hundreds of years old I just threw on a crown. You're not so bad looking yourself."
"Oh yeah, you totally just had that in the back of your closet, no big deal. And this? This is just a coronation gown worn by generations of Henstridge Queen Consorts."
Even though she was joking for his benefit he couldn't bring himself to smile all the way. He stared in the mirror, the crown weighed heavily on his head as did the robes he wore. He had seen his father, his uncle and his brother all wear the crown just as countless of Henstridges had for hundreds of years. He felt inferior, he wasn't good enough for the crown and it seemed glaringly obvious. What man, what King would break down in tears when he had to be strong? The moment had been seen by the whole world. He had been King for less than a month and was already failing miserably. And today that would all be solidified. He hadn't even wanted a coronation. But after the drama and scandal involving his dad's murder, his uncle stealing the throne, Robert coming back and quitting, Helena thought it would bring peace to the Kingdom. Heal the Monarchy's wounds and restore a sense of calm, is what she had said. But now as he watched Kate get changed into her gown and stared at the crown on his head he felt anything but calm.
"Your Majesty."
Liam stared in the mirror, unblinking at his reflection. He looked like a boy playing pretend with the crown on his head. Like he had been a misbehaved child who snuck into his father's closet.
"Your Majesty?"
"Liam." Kate's voice was clear and sharp.
He turned to look over his shoulder. "Hmm?"
She nodded to the Crown Jeweler. "Your Majesty, if you are through the Crown needs to be taken to The Abbey."
Oh. He had been speaking to him. A sheepish flush worked its way up Liam's face and his ears went hot. He was having trouble answering to Your Majesty, he had spent his whole life watching his parents answer to it. He never thought anyone was talking to him. It still made his stomach turn over and not in a good way.
"Sorry, still not used to the title." He apologized handing over the crown, glad to be rid of it. "Thank you."
"Of course, sir."
Liam watched as the Jeweler and a guard left the room with his crown and Kate's. The next time they'd see the crowns was when they were placed on their heads. Which, according to his watch, was just an hour away give or take. He shut the door and let out a long breath, he looked to his wife who wore a tight smile.
"Are you alright?" He asked, standing behind her in the mirror. "It's a big day."
"I'm okay just worried about you. You've been running all over the place."
This was true Helena had Liam rushing from rehearsal to meetings with members of Parliament all week. When he'd finally return to Alex and Kate for dinner he'd be exhausted. The bags under his eyes were obvious but he shook his head and pressed a kiss to Kate's temple.
"Don't worry about me. I'm just ready for this to be done and then we'll settle in and it will get easier." He wrapped his arms around her waist. "And maybe once this circus is over we can finally have some alone time."
She turned to face him. "I hope so, you deserve some quiet time it feels like it's been nonstop."
It truly had, since he took the oath and they had moved into the Palace full time there was a constant stream of staff. Someone always needed something and even though the staff was polite and courteous, it certainly killed the mood when there was a sharp knock at the door. It also seemed like the three of them never had any real family time. The day he had become King marked the end of his paternity leave, but if he were still just a prince his schedule wouldn't have been as packed. It reminded him of how it had been when he and Kate were broken up, his mum had kept him busy. And in a sense being busy had proven helpful he had been too busy to panic again. Although that may have been from the anti-anxiety medication he started taking shortly after his panic attack.
"Well, seeing that I am the King and it's my day I could see that no one bothers us tonight." His eyes scanned her green eyes and pink lips and he smirked a bit. "I think we deserve that much."
Kate snorted and swatted at him. "Isn't that an abuse of power?"
"We're newlyweds, just because I'm King doesn't mean we shouldn't be able to enjoy ourselves." He kissed her, grateful that he felt normal for once. "Besides, in a few hours, you'll be Queen and should be treated like one."
This made Kate flush just a bit but she laughed. "You sure know how to win a girl over. Queen, I still can't believe it."
"Queen Kathryn sounds nice." He noticed the way her mouth pulled into a frown when he said that. "Hey, don't doubt yourself please."
She gestured to the TV. "I know you've seen the news the anti-monarchists are saying I'm proof the Monarchy shouldn't be around. I was a literal bartender and somehow I'm Queen, I've done nothing to deserve this. I'm nobody."
He had seen the news, and each comment pissed him off. "You married me, and I married you and fell in love with you because your gracious and kind and benevolent. That's everything a Queen should be, I always loved how much you care for others. To me you're everything. Do you remember when I came to your flat the day after you told me you were having a baby?"
She sniffed. "Of course, I do."
"I promised you it would always be you and me. We're still those people. It doesn't matter if we're in that flat or in the Palace as long as I have you next to me, as long as we have each other, nothing else matters." Liam took both her hands in his. "You don't have to do this if you don't want to."
She shook her head. "We're in this together, I promise. It's just nerves what if I mess up?"
"You won't mess up, it's just like we rehearsed. If anything it'll be me that messes up." He rubbed her arms. "Come on, you can do this."
She bit her thumbnail and smoothed out the skirt of the gown she wore."This ceremony goes back hundreds of years Liam, I'm just anxious."
"We can be nervous together." He wished he had better advice for her but he had felt sick all morning. His nerves were shot. "Just look up at my mum, she'll help you through it."
The alarm on his phone made them both jump, it signaled it was time to meet his mum and Eleanor. He had asked for some alone time with Kate before the day's events started, they had had a normal breakfast with Alex. He had savored every moment of it, trying to remember what it felt like to be a regular family.
"We should go." She said quietly. "Get this over with and all that."
Kate made her way to the door but Liam caught her hand and turned her around. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. When he pulled back he rested his forehead on hers.
"I love you. It's going to be okay."
He wasn't sure whose benefit he said it for but it was comforting either way.
"I love you too and you're right. We'll be fine."
He could only hope they were right. He didn't doubt the coronation would go well. They had rehearsed day in and day out. It was the same church they had been married in, he would never have guessed that less than a year later he'd be officially crowned King there. But now he took Kate's hand and they walked out into the hallway, he didn't have time to dwell on it. His mum and sister were waiting for him, both dressed for the occasion.
"How's my favorite brother/King?" Eleanor greeted, kissing his cheek. "Do you want something to ease your nerves?"
Eleanor had been the only one to not treat him differently out of everyone in the Palace. "I think it would be frowned on if I showed up to my own coronation high."
"If you change your mind let me know."
Jasper shook his hand. "I have to go early for security but good luck, mate."
Liam hugged him. "Thank you."
Helena smoothed his uniform. "Sweetheart, how are you feeling?"
"Fine, I just want to get this started. Officially sign away my life and all that."
"Liam stop." She chided. In the past few weeks, he had been dealing with everything by making dark jokes. "Have you taken your medication?"
"Yes." He grumbled, thinking of the anti-anxiety medication he took every morning. "Where's Alexander?"
"With the nanny."
"And he'll be brought over to the Abbey to witness the crowning?" Liam asked as they started down the hall. "You know this is important to Kate and me."
Eleanor rolled her eyes and her tone was joking. "Because you want your son involved from the start because you're a father first. You said that same sentence a hundred times."
"You really have." Kate teased. "But it's cute."
Traditionally, children weren't allowed in the coronation but this was something he fought his mother on. He wouldn't be distanced from his family just because he was King. Helena had compromised that Alex could join the guests to see the actual crowning of his parents.
"Kathryn, how are you feeling? Would you like to go over everything once more?" Helena fussed as they waited for the carriages to be brought around. "Just remember to breathe that goes for both of you."
She smiled gently. "That's okay. I'm just nervous that's all."
"You'll both be fine. It goes by quickly but I suspected you would be nervous so I brought someone to say good luck."
The couple turned to see the nanny walking down the hall with Alex in her arms. At five months old he had finally started to look less wrinkled and more like a person. He was a spitting image of Liam apart from the eyes. He was a bit of a mummy's boy but always got excited when he saw Liam. Even now he reached out and babbled at the sight of his parents.
"Hi, my sweet boy." Kate gushed picking him up. "Do you want to wish your dad good luck? Say good luck Daddy."
Liam bent down so he was at eye level with his son. "Hey Alex, wish us luck. But tell your mum she'll be a great Queen."
Alex just grinned and took hold of Liam's nose. It still made him feel sick when he thought about how the next time there would be a coronation it would be for this little boy in front of him. But he tried not to dwell on his, he kissed his son's cheek and watched as Kate spoke animatedly to him.
"We'll see you soon. Behave for Mary okay?" She told him, her eyes were full of affection. "I love you."
"Yes, I love you and we'll see you soon."
Kate handed him back to Mary who soothed the baby who fussed a bit. He still wasn't used to not being with his parents constantly. But Liam and Kate didn't have time to feel guilty about this when the carriage they were in made its way into the street the crowd was overwhelming. There hadn't been a proper coronation since his father's. Cyrus' had been more of a party than a traditional event and Robert's had happened at the Palace. Liam ground his teeth at the thought of his brother. He hadn't seen him since the dinner before the abdication. Apparently, he had sought refuge in Scotland.
"We should wave. The people can see you frowning." Kate tried to laugh but it fell flat. "I know you're scared and I know that face. That's the guilty face you made when I was pregnant, when I was in labor and when you took the oath."
Liam had a fake smile as he waved to the crowds. "Well, I do feel guilty. I've taken your life from you."
Kate snuck a glance at him and reached out to take his hand. "But we've started one together."
Neither of them could find anything to say as they arrived at the church. Kate could see the pinched, nervous expression Liam wore. She knew it well and she wished there was something she could do for him. Before she stepped out of the carriage she turned and kissed him quickly.
"I love you."
He smiled a bit. "You too."
She stepped out of the carriage her ladies in waiting took the train of her robes. It felt similar to her wedding day but she felt more dread than excitement. She slowly made her way up the stairs and into the church, just as she stepped inside she looked over her shoulder at Liam. He had just stepped out of the carriage and the crowds cheered for him. She felt a bit of pride, he could do this.
The robes weighed heavily on Liam as did the smaller crown he wore. He walked up the aisle and vaguely wondered if his father had felt this nervous when he was crowned. Of course, his dad had been ten years older than him and trained to be King. But even so, he was probably nervous too. He took a deep breath and stared at the back of Kate's head. If she could be strong so could he. The choir sang the ancient hymns that had been sung for centuries as Liam slowly made his way up the aisle behind Kate. He didn't make eye contact with any of the dignitaries, foreign Royals or leaders from countries in the commonwealth. He opted to stare straight ahead, unblinking. He watched as Kate took her place in the small chair at the side of the room. He managed to glance up at the balcony where his mum, sister, and uncle were seated. Eleanor caught his eye and gave a thumbs up.
He reached his chair that was further down from Kate's and stood in front of it. Before him, noblemen stood with swords and scepters and the Archbishop cleared his throat.
"Do all you here today, recognize and pay homage to King Liam as he stands before you?" He asked.
"God Save King Liam!" The guests cheered and Liam bowed to them.
The Archbishop asked the question three more times, each time he turned to face every side of the room. This represented each corner of the Kingdom. Hearing King Liam, made his stomach twist and when he looked up at his mother she seemed emotional as she said his name. Liam took his seat in the Estate Chair and gripped the armrests, he was sitting in the same chair his ancestors had and hope their grace and poise would rub off on him. After the recognition it was time for the oath, it was similar to the one he took the day of the abdication but he didn't have to speak much. He was grateful for this he wasn't quite sure he could talk.
"Your Majesty, do you solemnly promise and swear to govern and rule the People of the United Kingdom, the British Monarchy, and its overseas territories?"
"I solemnly promise so to do." He said softly, his throat felt tight.
"Do you promise to make law and cause justice to the utmost of your power? Do you promise to maintain the true profession of the Gospel and execute your judgments with mercy? Will you be benevolent in matters of conscience and gravely castigate those who betray the crown?"
Liam nodded once more and let out a deep breath. "I s-solemnly promise so to do."
The Archbishop handed him the oath on a golden tray. He picked up the fragile, centuries-old pen and dipped it in the ink. Liam's hand was shaking as he signed his official name. Liam R, the R stood for Rex which meant King. He could still remember watching his father sign his name when he was a child and would spend time in his office. He was numb though, it was like this whole thing was a dream. The only clue that it wasn't a horrible dream were all the eyes watching his every move. His hands shook as he took off his robes, revealing the outfit he had on underneath. He felt a bit absurd in the tights and tunic he wore but it was traditional.
Before he would be touched with oil the choir sang Zadok the Priest which had been sung since 1727.
His knees shook as he walked to the coronation throne on his way over he looked to Kate. Her eyes were wide and her face was expressionless as she watched the events. But when she saw him she managed a smile. They shared a fearful look as Liam made his way up the stairs to the chair, this was the most sacred part of the ceremony. He would be anointed with holy oil which technically made him divine enough to rule. He kept his eyes fixed on his lap as the Knights of the Garter brought the gold canopy to the chair and held it over him. His tunic was unbuttoned revealing his chest and he held out his hands.
"Be thy hands anointed with holy oil." The Archbishop drew a cross on Liam's hands. "Be thy breast anointed with holy oil." He drew a cross on his chest. "And be thy head anointed with holy oil."
A cross was drawn on his forehead and Liam took a centering breath. He wasn't the most religious person but there was something calming about this part. It was his destiny to do this, fate had brought him to this point in his life.
"You can do this." Kate said quietly to herself. "You can do this, Liam."
Kate had been seated in her chair the whole time, her crowning wasn't nearly as sacred as Liam's was. Her eyes never moved from his face. He was unwavering but she could see just below the surface the panic that was in his eyes. She had watched as he bowed to each corner of the room. She watched him sign the oath and walk across the altar. Now he was out of sight as the canopy was shielding him. She took a moment to look up at the pews. She didn't recognize a single person other than her family and in-laws. Helena was in tears and Eleanor was unblinking as she looked down at where her twin was. Cyrus watched with a wry smile, clearly bitter. The only people looking at her were her father and Angie. Her dad seemed filled with pride and smiled reassuringly. And it was almost comical how Angie stood out, her bright, white blonde hair stood out amongst all the old men sitting around her.
"Smile." She mouthed.
Kate forced a smile onto her face and blinked hard. How had this become her life, how was she about to be crowned Queen? And how was Liam her sweet, somewhat shy husband, now King? When the canopy moved she saw he was now in the traditional golden robes. A sword was presented to him and a man touched his heels with gold. Liam's jaw was tensed the whole time and even from here she could see his hands shaking as he touched where his wedding ring normally was.
"With this sword do justice, stop the growth of iniquity, protect the holy, help and defend widows and orphans, restore the things that are gone to decay, maintain the things that are restored," The Archbishop read from a book and Liam held the sword with both hands. "Punish and reform what is amiss, and confirm what is in good order: that doing these things you may be glorious in all virtue; and so faithfully serve in this life, that you may reign forever with him in the life which is to come."
Liam stood from his chair and walked across the altar to offer the Sword of State to a nobleman.
"If I trip and land the right way this could all be over." He thought darkly as he crossed the room. "I could impale myself and be done with this."
But he wiped the small smirk off his face as he returned to his seat. Luckily, this was almost over. For a ceremony about him, he certainly didn't have to do much. As practiced, the Dean of Westminster placed a cloak on his shoulders. The bracelets of wisdom and sincerity were placed on his wrists as well. Each item was made of gold and weighed heavily on him. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest.
"Take this orb as a reminder that the Commonwealth and Kingdom fall under Your Majesty's reign." The Archbishop handed Liam a jewel-encrusted orb. The King's ring was slid onto his right hand. "And let this ring serve as a reminder that you are as of this day made to be our Head and Prince so you may defend this nation's religion."
If he was being honest, Liam didn't care what religion someone wanted to follow. He was too focused on the ring on his hand. He had watched as Cyrus stole it from his father's dead hand just a few years ago and now it sat on his finger. He looked up to his uncle who nodded to him, it was water under the bridge now. The Archbishop then gave him a scepter and spoke about what it stood for. But Liam tuned it out, he was looking at Kate who played with her fingers.
It was time for the crowning and Liam looked up to see the nanny with his son. The boy smiled at the sight of his father and reached out to him. He smiled, genuinely at his son and Kate gave him a small wave. He was glad he was here, it would always be family first, Kingly duties second.
With solemnity and respect, the Archbishop carefully placed the Crown on top of Liam's head. It weighed heavily on his head and his neck strained under the five pounds of gold and jewels. He watched in amazement as the audience stood up and put on their own small crowns and there was fanfare from trumpets.
"God Save The King! God Save The King! God Save The King!"
Kate watched as Liam crossed the room to officially sit on the Throne. Everyone remained on their feet as his distant male cousins and relatives paid homage. They all kneeled before him and kissed his cheek. Technically, Robert was supposed to be here but she was glad he wasn't, he probably would have embarrassed Liam somehow. He looked so small compared to the great Throne. But wiped at her eyes and gave him a smile. His face was calm as he balanced the Crown and held the orb and scepter. There were prayers and songs but Kate took the time to prepare herself. Shortly, she'd be crowned Queen she was growing nervous even though she didn't have to speak.
When it was time, she stood up and her ladies in waiting took her train she looked up at her sister and father who were choked up. Angie gave her thumbs up and made a face so she'd smile. Helena and Eleanor nodded reassuringly and Alex reached out to her. But it was Liam who made her feel better. He was saddled with robes and a crown but beneath all that he was still just the man she fell in love with. He gave her a wide smile, the most emotion he had shown all morning.
"I love you." He mouthed to her.
She turned and kneeled at the altar, her hands clasped together. Liam was behind her so she stared up at her sister's face, Angie was calm and had her hand to her heart. Kate copied the motion, it was something their mum had done when she was too sick to speak. It was their sign for I love you.
"Mum, if you're listening, now would be a great time to help me out." She whispered to herself. "I could use some guidance."
The canopy was brought over to her and Angie disappeared from view. The Archbishop poured a few drops of holy oil on her head she felt it slide down the sides of her neck and down her chest. It was cheesy but she felt like history was weighing down on her.
Liam surveyed the whole scene with a lump in his throat. He couldn't see her face and wished there was some way he could shield her and Alex from this life. When he looked up he saw their son looking down at his mum, he was probably babbling. He watched as she was hidden from view, she seemed so small in the large church.
"Your Majesty." The Archbishop greeted. "Your right hand please."
Kate held out her right hand and the Queen's ring was slipped onto her finger. It was beautiful but felt foreign on her hand, she had seen it on Helena's for so long. Her crown was brought from the altar and carefully placed upon her head. It felt heavier than it had this morning, more real. It was similar to the first time she had felt Alex kick, she had known it was happening but it was tangible now.
"Thank you." She said quietly as she took her scepter and rod in each hand.
Carefully she stood up and made her way over to Liam. She smiled at him and gave a small curtsy, trying not to wobble under the weight of her robes.
He nodded to her and watched as she took her seat on her throne a few steps below him. Once she was seated he sucked in a large breath of air. They had made their way through the whole coronation, they had survived the worst of it. All that was left was his crown would be switched out once more for the State Crown he'd wear on the ride back. He didn't break eye contact with his mother as he was crowned once more. When it was placed on his head she wiped her eyes and smiled at him. Finally, after another round of prayers and songs he and Kate carefully made their way down the aisle. She went first, as the Monarch was always last. As she passed him, she gave him a private grin that was meant just for him.
Queen Kathryn. She was officially Queen, of course, she had always been a queen to him but now she was to everyone. The jewels of the crown complimented her eyes and in that moment Liam thought she was always meant to be a Royal. She had more poise and grace than his cousins and they had been raised as princesses. But then there was Kate who had something that could never be taught. He stood with a grin on his face and it was only when someone cleared his throat did he walk.
It was also the sound of the anthem being sung by the thousands of guests in the Abbey and voices coming from outside that sobered him.
"God save our gracious King, long live our noble King, God save the King. Send him victorious, happy and glorious long to reign over us, God save the King."
It stirred feelings of fear and panic inside him, but also a bit of pride. He walked the path of history much like Kings and Queens had before him. When he and stepped out to join Kate on the stairs, the crowd cheered and waved their flags. His eyes were wide as he looked out at them. He was officially their King, crown and all, it was the small smile Kate gave him that kept him from having a panic attack the way he had last month. He was grateful for the privacy the State Coach offered. He laid the items he had been holding on his lap and took the chance to squeeze Kate's leg.
"You did wonderfully." He said quietly. "And you look beautiful, being Queen suits you."
She scoffed at this. "It's also crushing my neck, how are you holding your head up?"
Liam rolled his neck. "Why do you think I wore it around the house all week?"
The carriage lurched forward as they took to the streets. Much like their wedding day, there were men on horses and people lined the streets, it seemed like something out of a fairytale. Liam and Kate both waved to the crowds who bowed and cheered for their new monarchs.
"I'm proud of you. I watched you the whole time you never faltered, except when you saw Alex and that was cute." Kate patted his knee. "You're so brave Li."
Liam was bent over so he could peer out the windows. "I felt like I was going to throw up the whole time."
"I did too but at least now we can go back to normal."
I'm the King of England." He whispered and adjusted his grip on the scepter and orb. "Fuck."
Kate sneakily kissed Liam's cheek. "A good one, you love the people I can see it. Are you okay?"
Her tone was cautious, the day of the oath wasn't the only time he had had a panic attack. They happened frequently while he adjusted to the medication. Luckily, it was taking the edge off of his mounting hysteria. After a slow ride back to the Palace they had made their way upstairs to the balcony. The entire way the staff bowed and curtsied from where they lined the hallways.
"F-Fine. Just not looking forward to standing on the bloody balcony in this weather."
They handed over their orbs and specters to staff and Kate pushed up on her toes to whisper in his ear. She laughed a little as she balanced her crown.
"I can always warm you up."
His mouth quirked into a half smile. "Will you?"
"It's the least I can do for the King of England."
Peering around the hallway, he saw they were surrounded by staff. But that didn't stop him from giving her a kiss and pulling her close.
"King of England sounds so much better when you say it."
She looked up through her lashes and smirked. "I think you'll find a lot of things are better when I do them."
Liam couldn't even say something flirty because he just laughed. All of the stress of the day melted away when he was with Kate. All she would have to do is make a joke and it instantly put him at ease. They could have been back at her old flat for all he knew. Everyone needed a Kathryn to cheer them up, this was the only way he'd get through all of this.
"Your Majesties?"
Rachel's voice made them jump and they turned to see his family. His face warmed when he saw Eleanor's amused look, having all these eyes on him was still new.
"Yes?" He cleared his throat.
"If you're ready to take the balcony, security is nearly ready."
"Thank you, Rachel. Could we have a moment?"
She nodded and Helena made a beeline for him. She was uncharacteristically in tears, she hadn't even cried this much at his wedding or Alex's birth. She kissed his cheek and held his chin.
"I'm so proud of you darling. You did so well, you were unconquerable just like a King should be. Your father would be proud of you." She hugged him before turning to Kate. "And I'm proud of you too, you'll make a wonderful Queen."
"Thank you and thank you for letting Alex be there."
Eleanor kissed her brother's cheek and congratulated him and Kathryn. But it was Cyrus who was the most surprising, he shook Liam's hand and stared intensely at him.
"You'll probably be a better King than I was or your brother. I hate to admit it but you're the most like Simon."
Liam smiled and shook his hand. "Thank you, Cyrus."
"Kathryn!"
Angie was coming up the hallway, carrying Alex, their dad trailed behind them. Kate went to greet her but Angie held her hand up.
"I'm only doing this once." She handed Alex off to Eleanor. "Savor this moment."
Angie dropped into a low curtsy to Kate and Liam and then stood back up. "Congratulations, you looked so serious."
This made Kate laugh and she hugged her sister. "Please never do that again."
"Yes, please don't."
Laurence bowed to Liam and Liam gave him a salute before shaking his hand. "Thank you for coming."
"Of course, I couldn't miss this. My daughter, a Queen." Laurence hugged her. "Your mum would be proud of you Katie."
"Let's do this before it starts raining. We don't want the future King to get a cold." Helena said stroking Alex's cheek. "Do we now?"
Liam stepped back. "Sounds good to me, my neck hurts."
They all stood around looking at each other. It was Cyrus who huffed and nudged Liam.
"You go first now."
"Oh, I guess you're right." Liam flushed and took Kate's hand. "Are you ready?"
"Yes."
The doors opened and Liam took a deep breath, he hadn't faced the people since the last appearance. This time felt good, still terrifying but he was treading water instead of drowning now.
"Their Majesties, King Liam and Queen Kathryn Henstridge."
They all stepped out and waved broadly at the huddled masses of people. The number of people took his breath away since the last time he had stepped out here, his wedding, the oath and today, the crowd seemed to triple in size. He waved and when the crowd began to sing the anthem he felt himself get choked up. He blinked back hot tears, he was still terrified.
"Long live the King! Long live the King!" Some of them chanted.
He may have been thrust into this entirely unprepared, and he was still scared. But he was ready for the challenge. The people put their faith in him so he would do the best job he could. When Alex was placed in Kate's arms he smiled even wider. He had something Robert and his dad hadn't, he had a loving, stable family and they would get him through this.
He leaned into her ear. "I may be King and I have taken a vow to serve but the two of you will always come first. You're my life and I have a greater responsibility to you both, I promise."
Kate just squeezed his hand and looked at him fondly. "For better or worse."
He grinned back at her. They would be fine this wouldn't change them, he was certain of this. "For better or worse."
AN: Liam is officially coronated. I wanted this to be a bit historical so I could show the weight of the commitment Liam was taking. The next chapter shows how he's coping a few months down the line. I'm still not completely pleased with this chapter so please tell me it's not as rubbish as I think it is haha. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, thanks for taking time to read it. See you next week Loyals!
