A/N: I know, I'm overdue for an update. I'll try to get the next few chapters up quickly. I've finished this story, and I've moved on to a new one called The Lost Prophecy of Aodhagen. It's actually quite interesting, I'm posting the second chapter after I post this one. I also have a new Ella fic in progress! Hoo-ha!
Chapter Nineteen
Once again, I'd found myself sitting in the royal family's apartment. But it wasn't for the reason I'd been there before. Jerrold was sprawled out on a chaise in the sitting room, parallel to Roan and Iris, still damp from their first shower in… well, a while. I sat on a pillow, finally in a dress, next to Jerrold's head.
"So explain to me how you received this wound," laughed Roan. He'd just been freed, and was hearing our recount.
"Orlando, the prince of Ayorthia, stabbed me," Jerrold said.
Iris nodded. "He was the 'rogue royal' you told us of earlier?" she asked.
"Yes," I said.
"When he stabbed me, I passed out. Luckily, he didn't kill me, because Daria defended me. Then she killed him," Jerrold said.
Roan looked at me, his blue eyes expressing shock. "Daria?" he said, stunned. "How?"
I frowned. "We did some swordplay-"
"Swordplay?" cried Roan. "You've never picked up a sword in your life!"
"I know, but for some reason I wasn't so bad at it," I replied. "Anyway, he ran at me, I jumped, and he fell over the balcony."
"Really?" said Roan, surprised.
I nodded. "It was an accident," I replied. "But I don't feel guilty. He was a pig."
Iris frowned. "How come Orlando didn't use his magic to kill you?" she asked. "He was a mage!"
I paused. That's a really good question.
"I know why," Jerrold said, interrupting my thoughts. "When Orlando defied his parents, he lost his inherited powers. He was no longer a mage."
"Ohh," said Iris and I in unison.
Roan looked at Jerrold and me. "I'm proud of you two," he said. "You did a better job handling this than I ever could."
Jerrold and I looked at each other and smiled.
Iris began laughing. "What's going on between you two?" she cried.
We both blushed. "Well…um, we…" Jerrold stuttered.
"You seem like you…like each other! You're actually friends now!" roared Roan.
I laughed, relieved. "Yes, that's it," I said. "We've become friends."
"Where are all they Kyrrian troops?" Roan asked, obviously wanting to stay on subject.
"Most of them were mercenaries, and so they were let go," I said. "The rest of them are in the dungeons. They'll be let go sooner or later."
"Where've you stored the king and queen?" asked Roan.
"They're being held under house arrest in a wing of the palace," replied Jerrold. "When I speak to the people tonight, I'll ask them what they wish to do with them."
Roan nodded. "That's a good idea. When is the council going to elect a new king?" he said.
"Tomorrow," I replied.
At dusk, I helped Jerrold put on his midnight blue tunic and bright orange sash, adorning him with medals from his knight training and placing the crown on his head.
"I don't want to wear the crown," he complained.
I laughed. "You baby," I said. "Why not?"
Jerrold shrugged. "I don't know, I just feel like I'm glorifying the fact that I'm a prince," he said.
"Jerrold," I said, taking his face in my hands, "Kyrria needs a leader. You're just there to announce plans; to be the temporary leader until the council actually elects you."
"Don't say that," he said, pulling away from me. "I shouldn't be the king."
"Why not?" I cried.
"Because," he said, "all my life I've hated authority. I've rebelled forever, and now I'm in the position to be rebelled against."
I laughed. "Jerrold, you have nothing to worry about. These people would like you. You saved them. You'd be a great king, nothing like your parents. I promise," I replied.
He sighed. "Okay," he said, like a child. "Hand me my crutch."
I grabbed his crutch from the corner and handed it to him. He stuffed it under one arm and grabbed my hand with the other.
I glanced at his hand clasping mine. "Are you sure you want Kyrria to see this?" I asked.
He nodded. "Yes," he said. "Are you?"
"Of course," I said defiantly.
The trumpets sounded suddenly, and two guards pulled open the doors leading onto the balcony overlooking the town. Tom, Roan, Iris, BrAfzY, Lenwat, and Queen Maub walked into the room and out onto the balcony. Munaxy would have been there too, but he was too big. Jerrold squeezed my hand and walked outside.
People were crowded inside the square, staring up at us. They began cheering and clapping when Jerrold walked out, myself at his side. The night was illuminated by torches, bonfires, and individual lanterns and candles. Banners were held all over the crowd. I recognized crests from Ayorthia, Bahiere, Jenn, Frell, and Bast.
Jerrold took a deep breath. "Citizens of Kyrria," he said regally. "As the prince of your kingdom, I'm here only temporarily until a new king is to be elected. I thank those of you who supported our revolution. The man chosen as your next leader will start a new, very different Kyrria."
Suddenly someone shouted, "Jerrold will be king!"
It caught on, and soon the whole crowd was chanting. It was rather overwhelming. Jerrold raised his hand, and the group ceased.
"Is the lady on your arm to be our queen?" someone yelled.
I looked at Jerrold, laughing. He looked back at me, sheepish. I glanced candidly at Roan and Iris. Relieved, they seemed to have not noticed the comment. I nudged him to keep him talking, but he gave me a look that said, What more can I say?
"Kyrrians!" I cried, looking at the crowd. "Tomorrow, our council meets to chose a new king. Every man, woman, and child in Kyrria is invited to the palace's great hall to vote."
"It would please all of us if you came, for you are the people who will be ruled," finished Jerrold.
A/N: Okay, somewhat boring. Mostly dialogue. That was basically a chapter of tying up lose ends, but hey, at least you got it, right? Anyway, review more and I'll post the chapter quickerly!