A/N: Here's the next part of the story, pleas review and enjoy!
The Coronation
Zan stood in the center of the room while two gentlemen weyters dressed him in Alwarian silk and adorned him with links of precious gold and sarron.
Maya stepped inside the room and took a long look at her son, a proud smile forming on her face. "Excuse me Eben; Markos," she paused as she glanced at them. "But I'd like a few moments with my son."
"Yes Your Majesty," they said in unison as they each gave a bow and went to wait outside in the hall.
"Mother," Zan smiled as he turned towards her.
"This is a big day my son," she walked towards him. "Today is the day your legacy begins; the moment you become responsible for the lives of each and everyone on this planet." She took a deep breath. "How do you feel?"
"Great," he beamed. "I'd be lying f I said I wasn't nervous but I will do my best to make you and father's memory proud. I am ready for this."
"I know," she replied. "I believe Ava has been good for you. She's helped you embrace that quiet strength you've always had within and helped it to be heard."
"She has been my strength through all of this, I can't imagine being without her." He shook his head. "This still must be agony for you; losing father."
"He is not completely lost," Maya held her son's face in her hands. "You have the same command he did, you have his will, and his ability to care for all of those around you and you have his determination to do what is right." She paused as she looked in his eyes. "I still see Zaid everyday because he lives in you Zan and he would be so proud of the man you are and the king you will be."
"Thank you mother," he hugged her. "I won't let you down."
"I know you won't," she pulled back as she remembered the other reason she'd come to see him. "Has Zander come to see you and Ava already?"
"About getting everything out in the open between the four of us," Zan watched her nod. "Yes and we both understand how important it us before the ceremony." He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry."
"I have to go check on your sister now," she smiled. "I'll see you at the hall."
Vilandra sat silently, taking in all of Zander's words. He'd come to see her after he was finished speaking with her brother and his wife. She wondered how that conversation had gone and if Zan had admitted to the Chancellor that he didn't trust her.
"I know we went through this before but it is really important that all of you understand how holding secret animosities or holding back any information that affects trust with the other three can have serious consequences," Zander turned around as the door opened.
"Sorry I'm late but there were some problems in Charis," Rath took a seat next to his betrothed. "What did I miss?"
"How keeping secrets can weaken the bond between the four of us," Vilandra shot him an odd look.
He furrowed his brows at her.
"Part of the Coronation is the Intertwining Ceremony," Zander explained. "It's the process that makes you a complete unit but in order for it to start off solid you all must take part in it freely, without reservation, and with full trust."
"So if you did something before like lying or cheating it would be best to confess before this ceremony, right?" Vilandra asked.
"Yes," Zander answered slowly.
"Yes," she repeated as she turned to the General, again with an odd look on her face.
"Why do you keep looking at me like that?" Rath questioned.
"I don't know Rath," she rolled her eyes. "I thought maybe you might want to share something with me or perhaps the Chancellor Marquis."
"General Rath," Zander looked at him. "Is there something you have to say?"
"Like what?" He turned to look at the Princess again. "You want to tell what's going on here?"
"Alright," she took a deep breath. "I know all about your secret meetings."
"Oh that," he exhaled as a look of relief washed over him. "I just didn't want to worry you."
"Worry me?" she jumped up. "Why would you think you cheating on me would possibly worry me?"
"Wait-what?" Rath said perplexed.
"I saw you Rath," she began to pace as she felt the anger filling her. "I can't believe you would do this to me and don't you dare try and deny it."
"Loni," he stood up and walked towards her. "I don't know what you think you saw but…"
"Save it!" she cut him off. "I saw you with Courtney."
"Courtney," he laughed.
She narrowed her eyes at him as she felt this raw energy coursing through her body. "What is so funny; that you've treated me like a fool?"
"What's funny is you think I'm carousing with Courtney," he replied. "There's nothing going on between me and her or anyone else except for you. Do you actually think I would do that to you?"
"Then why were you coming up with a story for why you were there?" she countered.
Rath turned to Zander. "Everything said here is kept between the three of us, right?" He waited for his conformation before continuing. "Courtney is working for me."
Vilandra looked at him strangely. "Working for you?"
"Most of the rebel movement, including what happened to you has been in Charis and primarily in the skin community," Rath explained. "She's keeping an eye out for anyone who may be involved."
She shook her head. "Like Kivar?"
"Yes, like Kivar," Rath quickly added, "or Nikolas or anyone else." He looked her straight in the eye. "I didn't want anyone to be suspicious bout my visit so we came up with a cover, end of story."
She breathed out deeply, finally allowing her body to relax since she'd seen them together. "That still doesn't explain why you didn't tell me." Her tone was back to normal now.
"You're right," he stepped closer to her. "I just didn't want to worry you until I had proof."
"What the four of you need to understand is you will be a complete unit," Zander stood to look between them. "That means complete trust. If you don't have that it will affect the Intertwining Ceremony and weaken the bond between you all." He walked towards the door. "I'll give you a few minutes to discuss this alone."
"Loni, I swear there's nothing going on between me and Courtney," Rath looked her in the eye before pulling her into a hug. "Okay?"
"Okay," Vilandra repeated softly as she leaned her head on his shoulder, willing herself to believe his words as she stared out into nothingness.
The streets were filled with people as they watched the procession from The Palace through all of Antiman to The Granilith Hall, which was located in the province's most southern city called Barchel.
During Antar and Lantis' liberation from the dictatorship that controlled them, the granilith was formed. It was partly to honor those that that died in the struggle for freedom but it also had another purpose. The leaders of the revolution found a way to harness the decease's core being in its purest form and collectively add them to this weapon they'd created, storing a massive amount of energy and power. Many believe that it was they key factor in winning the war and that without it they'd all be imprisoned to this day. Since it was forged there, Antar remained the keeper of the granilith but it eventually became a symbol for all of Vlach. Whenever someone died on any of the five planets, if a healer could get there in time their essentia would be put into a clear globe until it could be offered to the granilith.
Although the granilith was in its own encoded stealic chamber so that the wrong person would not be able to take advantage of it, you could feel its immense power the minute you stepped into the hall.
As the trumpets sounded, those inside stood and the Herald came to the forefront of the room. "All hail Her Royal Majesty Maya," he called through the atrium as a group of Royal Soldiers walked in followed by Maya.
She passed through the aisle way effortlessly, the picture of poise and grace as she walked up the stairs to the theater and stood behind the alter next to Zander and Jamani. It was a mix of emotions for her, knowing that when she descended down the same stairs she would no longer be queen.
"Do you have any words for your people Your Majesty?" the Herald asked.
Maya stepped up to the podium. "My people, it has been the great honor of my life to serve you. Your kindness and complete faith in me and my late husband King Zaid, as well as Duke Hansan and Duchess Anash has meant so much to me." She took a moment to scan their faces. "I've always tried to keep Antar a force of strength, peacefulness, and prosperity. Every decision I have made, everything I've done has always been what I thought was best for this planet and its people, including my stepping down and I do believe I am leaving you in very capable hands. "Today I bid you a fond farewell as your queen."
The crowd clapped graciously in honor of her words.
When it ceased, she turned towards the Herald. "Call the heirs."
"Presenting Princess Vilandra and General Rath," the Herald spoke as the trumpets sounded again and they proceeded through the aisle to stand in front of the alter. "And Prince Zan and his bride Avalena of the Royal House of Antar."
The two of them proceeded to the alter as well, followed by more Royal Soldiers that lined up on the east and west walls.
"And the people may be seated." The Herald stood to the side.
"Your Majesty," Zan stood before his mother. "I've come to claim the crown and throne of Antar and affirm my birthright."
"You shall not be denied," Maya replied. "You are the true and undoubted heir but who will rule with you?"
"We will." Ava, Rath, and Vilandra echoed in unison.
"And will all of you who attend this day pay homage to the undoubted Royal Four of Antar?" Zander spoke for the first time.
"All hail The Royal Four of Antar," the crowd cheered in unity.
"Heirs to the throne," Zander said as he looked at the four beings in front of him. "You must take on the heaviest burdens; you must be a source of strength and wisdom to the people, and fight for those who can not fight for themselves. Knowing this, will you take your oath?"
"We will," they answered in accord.
"Princess Vilandra," the Marquis looked at her. "Will you accept your duties as a member of The Royal Four; will you fight all falsehoods, untruths, and injustice with your royal powers and fair creed?"
"I will," she answered.
"Will you to the best of your ability protect and strengthen your kingdom?" He questioned.
"I will," she repeated.
He looked to her again. "And do you promise not to abuse your position as advisor to the king and Antiman's ambassador for selfish wills?"
"All this I promise," Vilandra replied.
"General Rath," the Chancellor Marquis turned to him. "Will you accept your duties as a member of The Royal Four; will you fight all falsehoods, untruths, and injustice with your royal powers and fair creed?"
"I will," he replied.
"Will you to the best of your ability protect and strengthen your kingdom?" Zander spoke again.
Rath nodded. "I will."
He continued. "And do you promise not to use your position of Second-in-Command to the king and general of The Royal Arms for selfish wills?"
"All this I promise," he replied resoundingly.
"Your Highness Avalena," the tall man looked to her next. "Will you accept your duties as a member of The Royal Four; will you fight all falsehoods, untruths, and injustice with your royal powers and fair creed?"
"I will," Ava replied.
"Will you to the best of your ability protect and strengthen your kingdom?" Zander asked.
"I will," she answered again.
He began again. "And do you promise not to use your position as queen or advisor to the king and for selfish wills?"
She looked him directly in the eye before answering, "All this I promise."
"Your Highness Zan," he'd finally come to the soon to be king. "Will you accept your duties as a member of The Royal Four; will you fight all falsehoods, untruths, and injustice with your royal powers and fair creed?"
"I will," Zan replied.
"Will you to the best of your ability protect and strengthen your kingdom?" the Chancellor asked.
"I will," he said again.
"And do you promise not to use your position as king and leader of Antar and its people for selfish wills?" Zander questioned.
"All this…" a slight smile came to his face as he answered, "I promise."
"The Royal Four has always meant a great strength in numbers," Zander was speaking to the whole room now. "A single link may be bent but put together with a few more and it forms a strong chain." He looked to the four in front of him again. "It is important that before we perform the Intertwining Ceremony that you all have come freely and without reservation. Have you?"
"We have," came their unified response.
Zander descended the stairs and directed the four of them into the four square position. Jamani came down the stairs as well, holding a goblet of water. He handed it to Zan as Zander spoke. "First you must drink of the same cup."
Zan drank before handing the goblet to Ava. After she took a sip, she handed it to Rath who drank before giving it to Vilandra. When the goblet was empty, Jamani replaced it on the alter and came back with a gold bowl. He walked around them, anointed their hands, chests, and foreheads with oil. As he did this, Zander spoke.
"Hand to hand, heart to heart, and mind to mind; four separate become intertwined." He raised his staff as his hand began to glow, the light traveling through it as he extended his arm and touched them each upon the head with it.
An overwhelming feeling rushed through each one of them, overflowing and reaching through very part of them. Their bodies glowed for a moment as they felt the strength of their connection for the very first time. In a moment the light faded but the feeling remained.
"You may release each other now," Zander replied as four provostos walked in front of them, each carrying a red velvet pillow that they placed in a row in front of him. "Please kneel."
Again, they did as they were asked.
Zander stood behind Zan first as his hand began to glow once again. "I infuse you, by way of The Intergalactic Council, showing that you are the one true king of Antar." The white light illuminated from his hand through the kneeling man's head in a stream before quickly disappearing.
Jamani came to stand in front of Zan and knelled, holding a sword in his hand. "Receive this kingly sword my Liege and with it, do justice. Fix what has been broken, reform what has gone awry and guide us in our destiny." Jamani bowed his head before standing up and returning to his place behind the podium.
Another man came around carrying a huge pillow with the four ceremonial velvet red crowns on it. There were all encrusted with precious gems and each had a gold X on the front with four blood red stones that sat at each ending point. Zan's crown was of course bigger and encrusted with more diamonds than the other three and had twelve points on it. Rath and Ava's crowns both had ten points but hers came out a little more on the sides, a common trait of a woman's crown. Vilandra's was shaped much the same as Ava's but her crown had eight points.
After they were all crowned, Zander spoke again. "Let this crowns fill you with knowledge and wisdom so you may guide us in our destiny."
"Presenting Their Royal Majesties: King Zan, Queen Ava, Sic-General Rath, and Princepesa Vilandra," they each stood as he said their names. "Let everyone pay homage to their names."
Everyone in the hall stood and cheered. "Long live The King, Long live The Queen. Hail to The Royal Four of Antar; long live The Royal Four."
After the coronation, a ceremonial ball was held. Zan and Ava sat on their thrones at the top of the stairs as every guest was presented to them and then greeted each of them. As the next line was held to make sure they were prepared, Ava leaned over to whisper to her husband.
"Is it everything you hoped?" her tone was sarcastic.
"You mean you're not having any fun?" he laughed quietly.
"Loads, "she smirked. "But I guess it is tradition."
"It is," he replied.
"One maybe we should talk about changing." She raised her eyebrow coyly. "You are king."
"I am," he grinned. "But we'd have to sit through this to the end before we could do anything and by then it'd be too late. Plus we wouldn't want to robe our children of such an event."
"No, I wouldn't want to deny them that." She reached over to grab his hand. "But promise me once these introductions are over we can slip out of here for a little while."
"Are you being forward milady?" Zan questioned. "That's not how a proper queen behaves."
"Then you might have married one of those," she replied.
As he cupped her hand in his, he felt a large ring and held her hand up. "That was my grandmother's ring." It was shaped like a crown with five points that came up to the knuckle, with five red diamonds around the middle of the band, and Antar spelled in between the stones.
"Your mother gave it to me before the ceremony," she looked at him. "Did you not want me to have it? I can give it back."
"No," he shook his head. "I just always thought she'd give it to my sister but it shows how much my mother thinks of you. She adored her mother." He smiled. "It looks beautiful on you."
"Do you think Vilandra will be upset?" Ava asked. "I do love it but if she wants it, I'd understand."
"She won't be upset," He replied. "It's been our family for generations and it still is; you are part of this family." He glanced at her. "Now let's get this over with so we can slip out of here." He smiled at her before motioning to the guard that they were ready.
"Vilandra," the statuesque brunette approached her cousin. "You look stunning."
"Thank you Viala," she smiled graciously. "So do you." Her expression looked forced.
Viala found her blank look odd for such a special occasion. "Walk with me to the terrace; it's beautiful out there tonight."
The blonde nodded before accompanying her to the balcony.
"What's wrong Loni?" she got straight t the point once they were alone. "You don't look very happy, you look…" she paused for a moment as she studied her, "worried."
She shook her head, "Viala."
"Vilandra," she said forcefully, yet her voice was still quiet.
"I think I did something," The Princess exhaled deeply.
"What do you mean?" she questioned.
"During the ceremony," Vilandra tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "I lied when I said my mind was free. I kept thinking about Zan not trusting me and Rath cheating on me."
"What?" the brunette gasped. "What are you talking about?"
"The other day I overheard Ava and my brother talking and he said he didn't trust me," she ran a hand through her golden tresses. "I'm his sister; how could he not trust me?"
"You actually heard Zan say that?" the brunette shook her head. "I just don't believe he would say that and then go through with the ceremony."
"Well Ava asked him and…" Vilandra began but was cut off.
"And what, he just said he didn't trust you?" she interrupted. "You heard him say that?"
"I left before I could hear him exactly say it but I knew what he was going to say," Vilandra stroked her hair back again. "I just couldn't hear him say the words."
"And maybe he never did Vilandra," Viala countered. "Why didn't you confront him Loni?"
"Because I didn't want to hear my betrothed and brother lie to me the same day," she answered.
"You said Rath is cheating on you?" Viala couldn't wrap her mind around that one either. "But he loves you."
"Apparently not enough," she rolled her eyes, then shrugged. "I mean maybe he's not. He told me and The Chancellor he wasn't."
"But you don't believe him," she looked at her quizzically. "Why wouldn't you believe him?"
"Because we saw Rath and Courtney having some secret meeting," Vilandra replied.
"We?" she repeated.
"Me and Kivar," she answered quietly.
"Why am I not surprised?" she shook her head. "I should have known he was involved."
"What is that supposed to mean?" her arms crossed over her chest.
"That he's always there, Isn't he?" Viala replied.
"Yes he is," she answered firmly. "He's been a good friend to me. He is always there when I need him and he doesn't badger me with questions."
Viala looked at her intensely. "What else exactly went on that night Loni? Before you were concerned about him always being there and now you seem happy about it."
"We only talked but he told me about a dream he had about father," Vilandra replied. "That has to mean something."
"Yes it does. You think it's a coincidence that you told Sanaa about this dream and she was working with Zsar, who happens to be Kivar's best friend?" the brunette reached up to grab her arms. "Wake up Loni, he's playing you." She took a breath. "You have to tell Zan."
"No, I don't." Vilandra pulled back.
"Well if you don't, I will." Her statement was firm.
"I guess I know where your loyalty lies," the tall blonde darted her eyes.
"The same place yours should," Viala said. "To your brother and your family, our family Vilandra."
"It does," she paused. "Okay," she breathed out. "I'll tell him, but not tonight. I'll do it tomorrow in my own way."
"Good, my concern is for all of us, okay." Viala felt her nod as she hugged her and then walked away.
Vilandra looked out into the night sky as she felt the guilt take momentary residence in the pit of her stomach, knowing that she'd lied to her cousin and had no intention of telling her brother anything.