The church bells rang and they rang loudly. Jonathan tugged at his collar, it was the middle of winter, but it was bloody hot. He was wearing the military uniform he'd been given the day he'd been made a royal duke. The medals were pinned to his chest, the sashay of the Order of the Garter was around him, and he wore the royal coronet of a Duke. He walked through the abbey, lords, ladies, politicians, bankers, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Kings and Queens, members of the League and the common people were all crammed into the Abbey, and he knew there were a whole host more watching this. There had been a huge upswing in interest in him, from the press, from the politicians, from girls, from women, from everyone, it was hugely disconcerting. The ceremonial robes trailed behind him, held up by pages, and by squires. He kept walking, stopping only when he got to the throne, he bowed before the image of Christ, turned, the squires and pages let go of the robe, he took a breath then sat. everyone else sat down as one. Somewhere on his right side, his father sat down as well. Clark Kent dressed in ceremonial robes, with a coronet on his head, that was a funny sight.
The Archbishop of Canterbury stepped forward, he was a young man, perhaps in his thirties. Raised to his position through connections and the unfortunate death of his predecessor. He smiled at Jonathan before turning to face the congregation. "Esteemed guests," he spoke with an Etonian accent, it was different to other English accents, more pronounced in its poshness, more arrogant. "I do present before you your rightful sovereign, His Majesty King John, Of Great Britain and Ireland. Wherefore all you who come to do homage and service, are you willing to do so this day?" There was a chorus of ayes, then the Archbishop spoke once more. "Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, and of your Possessions and other Territories to any of them belonging or pertaining, according to their respective laws and customs?"
Jonathan stood up then as was custom, gave his robe to a squire and turned kneeling before Christ. "I solemnly promise to do so."
The Archbishop of Canterbury nodded and replied. "Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?"
"I will." Jonathan responded.
"Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel? Will you to the utmost of your power maintain in the United Kingdom the Protestant Reformed Religion established by law? Will you maintain and preserve inviolable the settlement of the Church of Britain, and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established in Britain? And will you preserve unto the Bishops and Clergy of Britain, and to the Churches there committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges, as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of them?" The Archbishop asked.
"All this I promise to do. The things which I have here before promised, I will perform, and keep. So, help me God." Jonathan replied. He was presented with a book, where he signed his name, then rose, bowing before Christ once more. He turned and made his way back to the throne, where he stood as the music played. They sung Come Oh Holy Ghost, the song that would be played before his anointing. It was a haunting song, he looked around the congregation, he saw his father looking at him, he winked, he saw Roy and Jaime staring at him as well, he saw his aunt Lucy and cousin Sophie singing, he saw Caitlin looking absolutely stunning, then he saw his mother, he knew she wasn't there, but she saw her all the same. "I will make you proud Mama, I promise." Jonathan swore to himself and to his mother's ghost, he could've sworn he saw her smile, but he blinked and she was gone. The signing stopped, and Jonathan sat down.
The throne was decked with gold, golden cloth, golden embroidery, it was all a little extravagant. He took a breath and listened as the Archbishop of Canterbury spoke. "We are here today for the anointing of King John, of Great Britain and Ireland. God Almighty, bless your son with power of knowledge and the wisdom to lead us through these times. Grant him the courage of Hercules." Oil was pressed to his shoulders. "So he might carry us through. Give him the heart of Alexander." The oil was pressed to his heart. "So, he might know love for all his subjects." The Archbishop pressed the coronation oil to his head. "And give him the wisdom of Solomon and Edward, so he might rule wisely and justly forevermore." The Archbishop stepped back, Jonathan stood up and walked to the stool placed before the altar, the cross was said to have come from Jerusalem, to be a piece of the One True Cross. He kneeled down on the stone and said the prayer.
"Lord God, I Jonathan, he who shall rule this day as King John, he the son of Clark and Lois Kent, do ask of you for guidance on this my most pressing day. I take this duty as I take all things, with pride and dedication. I shall rule with kindness and wisdom. I will serve my people till my dying day. So help me God." He took a breath and stood up, he looked briefly at his father and he could have sworn the sun was shining on his father, for a moment Clark Kent wore golden armour. Jonathan blinked and when he looked again, the vision was gone. He sat back down on the throne.
The Lord Chamberlain came forward then, placing the spurs of battle onto his army dress. The Archbishop of Canterbury then came carrying the legendary sword of Saint Edward, he gave it to Jonathan, who held it as if it weighed nothing. Then came the orb of state, he took that as well. He handed the orb back, then took the ring from the Duke of Norfolk. This happened behind the curtain of secrecy as had the anointment.
Now they proceeded onward the Archbishop speaking. "Oh merciful God, we do proceed to anoint and crown your dearly beloved son, he shall reign over us for many years yet." Saint Edward's Crown was lifted then placed down, then lifted once more. This time the Dean came, he bowed before Jonathan, then rose and handed the crown to the Archbishop. The man stood there for a moment, then he placed the crown atop Jonathan's head, it was heavy, by god was it heavy. "God Save The King!"
The cry went out. "God Save the King!" "God Save the King"
Something overtook him then, what it was he didn't know but his heart was full, and it hit him, he was King. He was actually King of a nation, and now he would have to reign and rule. Shit. He blinked the vows of homage were being give, he extended his hand as time and time again bishops kissed the ring. Then his father came before him. Jonathan stared as his father got on bended knee and said. "I, Clark, Duke of Berwick and Northumberland, do you become your liege man of life and limb and of earthly worship; and faith and truth will I bear unto you, to live and die, against all manner of folks. So help me God." His father kissed the ring and Jonathan felt something tight in his throat. The rest of the vows passed by in a blur after that. Before he knew it he was walking out of the abbey and making his way back to the palace, with people cheering and shouting "God Save the King." He was still slightly dazed as he got changed into army regalia, the crown atop his head, a golden band with jewels, green and blue and red on it. he looked at himself and took a deep breath. He turned and walked out and into the banqueting room. Hampton Court Palace his home since Saint James had been blown to wreckage by terrorists. The gathered guests all stood and bowed their heads. He nodded and then sat down.
"Please be seated." He said. His father was to his right, the Prime Minister to his left. He looked again and was surprised, his father was three seats down to him, the Prime Minister was to his left still, but Caitlin was to his immediate right.
He went to speak with Caitlin, found himself staring at her, blushed, then turned and found himself face to face with the Prime Minister. The PM was a lady of some years and experience, but she was terribly boring. He'd already spoken to her a few times and never been able to find anything resembling charisma in her. "Your Majesty." She said. "I hope you are well, and prepared for your travels around the country in the next few days?"
Even though it had been his idea, he wanted to get to know his people after all, he found himself dreading it, wondering what the hell the woman before him would do as Prime Minister when he wasn't there to make sure the more capable Home Secretary, Ms Davey was able to reign the PM in. "I am. I am quite looking forward to visiting the home counties and seeing what new things they are developing. As well as the midlands to explore the science hub there."
"That is good. Perhaps you would be able to take your father, His Grace the Duke of Northumberland with you? I am sure he would like to see more of the Kingdom, you now rule, Your Majesty?" The Pm asked.
Jonathan smiled then. He didn't respond immediately for the food had been served. Starters of duck fillet and wraps. He tucked in and ate greedily, grinning at Caitlin who smiled shyly. When he was finished, the waiters came took the plates away, he was still getting used to that. The main course was provided then, and he ate with gusto. He could feel the eyes of everyone on him, worried that he would finish before they could. He slowed down, and answered the PM's question. "My father wishes to stay here for a time, as do my aunt and uncle and their family. They will stay in the palace of course. They wish to do some sight-seeing and to get to know the capital properly."
"Of course, Your Majesty." The Prime Minister replied.
"Tell me, Prime Minister, when is the next meeting of cabinet?" Jonathan asked. Out of the entire cabinet he liked two ministers, Ms Davey, the Home Secretary and Mr Grosvenor, son of the Earl of Buckingham, who was Foreign Secretary.
"It is in five days' time, Your Majesty." The PM replied.
Jonathan smiled. "Good. My father shall attend in my stead." The Prime Minister had no chance to respond, for Jonathan finished his food, then signalled for the music to start playing. He stood up, feeling happy, though not usually a dancer, he turned to Caitlin and asked. "Ms Snow, would you do me the honour?"
Caitlin smiled. "Of course, Your Majesty." She took his hand and stood up and followed him onto the dance floor, others soon joined them. Roy was with Sophie, something Jonathan would keep an eye on. As they danced, Caitlin spoke. "You were quite naughty there, telling the Prime Minister just as the music was starting that your dad was staying."
Jonathan grinned. "I don't think I want her in complete control of government, not when Ms Davey is accompanying me." Something shifted in Caitlin's face then, and he quickly said something he'd been meaning to ask. "Would you come with me, Cait? I'd hate to have to do this on my own. And besides, you'll understand all the scientific talk better than me."
Caitlin grinned. "I'd love to."
Jonathan smiled and pulled her close. "Thank you." He whispered. They continued dancing until the early hours, when Jonathan eventually declared the evening at an end. He walked her back to her room, kissed her hand, and then walked back to his rooms. As he did so people bowed their heads.
"Your Majesty." They said. He liked it, he liked that a lot.