Chapter 7
Kal-El had called an urgent meeting of the Council. Everyone whispered among themselves, asking the other if they knew what was going on.
"His Majesty, the King and the Lady Lana Lang!" A herald announced and they all grew silent. The doors to the throne room opened and Kal-El entered with Lana Lang by his side.
Kal-El wore a dark purple tunic with his traditional red slash and sword but today he wore his crown. The Council members gave quick winks to one another.
The Council kneeled along with the knights as they walked towards them. The two reached the two thrones and Kal-El motioned for Lana to sit on the throne on the left so that she would be sitting at his right hand. She sat down but he remained standing.
"Rise." He said and everyone stood. "I have no doubt that you have already realized why I have called you all here. Last night, I am pleased to announce the Lady Lana Lang has agreed to marry me and become my queen. We decided to tell you, the Council; my trusted advisors; and my godmother, the Duchess of Kent, of our betrothal before we announce it to the kingdom."
"We would like to only congratulate Your Majesty and the Lady Lana. And we pray that Rao will grant you many children." Durkin said.
"We thank you. Heralds will soon be sent throughout the kingdom announcing our betrothal. We will have a grand feast celebrating our future union once my cousin, the Princess Kara Zor-El arrives from Kryptonopolis in two days time. Then I and the Royal Forces will march onto Smallville to capture Captain Lane." Kal-El said and the Council bowed.
Kal-El turned towards Lana. "My lady…" He said and bowed.
"Your Majesty…" She replied and bowed her head. Kal-El proceeded to turn around and leave the throne room so the Council may speak with their future queen.
Two Days Later
A convoy of Kryptonian soldiers arrived at the gates of the Crystal Palace and leading this convoy was Princess Kara Zor-El. Since being knighted, she had become a quite the legend in the Kryptonian army and she moving fast up the ranks. She had recently been giving the rank of captain after successfully ambushing a supply convoy meant for the troops lying seize to Kryptonopolis.
She would have worn black armor like her men but she was of the royal family. She wore dark gray armor like the Red Shard with her crest on her chest armor in red and a red knight's cape. Only the royal family are allowed to wear red knights' capes.
The gates opened for her and she was surprised to see Kal-El and Lana Lang waiting for her at the entrance. She smiled and then she dismounted in front of them.
The rest of the men dismounted and kneeled before Kal-El. Kara did not kneel and everyone looked at her.
Kal-El wore a red tunic with his slash and his circlet. He stepped away from Lana and approached Kara. He stroked his chin with his right hand and had his left hand on the hilt of his sword.
Then, the two started laughing and then they engaged in a tight embrace. "It has been too long. I have missed you, Kal-El." She said.
"I have missed you as well, Kara. Rise, soldiers of Krypton." Kal-El said and they rose. "I would like to thank you for returning my cousin safely to me. You may enter the Palace for I have had quarters prepared for you and you may feast and rest until we leave for Kryptonopolis." Kal-El motioned for them to enter the Palace.
The soldiers then began to march single file into the Palace. "You are too kind, Kal-El." Kara said.
"It is the least I could do. Kara, you remember the Lady Lana." Kal-El said and Lana stepped forward. Lana wore a red gown.
"Of course I do." Lana bowed to Kara and Kara bowed her head in return. Kara wondered why Lana was with Kal-El and then it suddenly hit her like an arrow. "By Rao…" Kara whispered and she looked at her cousin with her jaw dropped.
"Yes, I am going to marry her." Kal-El said.
"Kal-El…" Kara said cheerful and she hugged her cousin. "I am so happy for you." Kara then walked over to Lana.
"Your Highness…" She said to Kara.
"Lana, we are going to be cousins. You may call me Kara when we are not in public. Just take good care of my cousin." Kara said.
Later That Afternoon
A groom straightened Kal-El slash in his quarters. Kal-El removed his circlet and put on his crown instead. He took a deep breath and exited his quarters with his bodyguards.
The clanking of their armor could be heard as they walked through the corridors. They turned a corner and Kal-El smiled when he saw Lana and Kara. Kara had changed into a blue gown, her red slash, and was now wearing her gold tiara.
Kal-El approached them and they stopped talking and bowed. "My lady…" Kal-El said and held out his hand to Lana. She placed her left hand on top of his right hand. "Cousin…" Kal-El bowed his head to Kara, and she bowed.
Kal-El and Lana proceeded to walk to the balcony that faced the city. Kara walked behind them with the knights.
Trumpets began to play and the sound of cheering could be heard from outside. The curtains were pulled back and they emerged from the Palace. Crowds of Kryptonians gathered to see their future queen. Kal-El raised his left hand to the crowd and then there was silence.
"My brother and sister Kryptonians, since obtaining the throne there have been great expectations of me. First, to end this war that is daily claiming our brothers and sisters. Second, to rule justly and fairly as my father and mother did this kingdom for many years but most importantly, to marry and produce an heir to one day lead this nation when I am gone. Kryptonians I am pleased to present to you…" He paused and brought Lana to the edge of the balcony. "…the Lady Lana Lang, my future wife and the future Queen of Krypton."
The crowds cheered and Lana smiled. Kal-El and Lana then waved to the crowds and he kissed her hand to show his affection to her.
That night, music could be heard from the great hall of Crystal Palace as nobles and the royal family celebrated the King's betrothal.
Three Days Later
Kal-El put on his black arming doublet and his leg armor. When it was time for the chest armor, he nodded to his grooms, who assisted him in putting it on. After the chest armor, a groom put on his black tabard bearing the crest of the House of El in red. Only the king was allowed to wear a black tabard. He then put on the rest of his armor for his arms.
Kal-El shook his head at the gauntlets. A groom fastened his red knight's cape around his shoulders. He grabbed his gauntlets and his helm.
He walked through the corridors in the early morning. The sun had not fully risen but nobles and staff had awoken to see their king off. "May Rao be with you." "May Rao grant you victory." Kal-El heard and knights kneeled as he passed them.
Kara was with Lana in the courtyard. Kara wore her dark gray armor while Lana wore a dark green gown. Kal-El entered the courtyard and Captain Ak-Var said, "Kneel!"
Every knight and soldier in the courtyard kneeled as Kal-El came into view. Kal-El walked over to them. Kara bowed and walked to her horse. Kara motioned for them to rise and they all did. Everyone mounted their horse after Kara did. Kara placed her helm over her head and waited for her cousin.
Lana bowed and Kal-El put his hand under her chin and she rose. Kal-El held both of her hands. "Be safe." Lana said softly.
"I will come back to you." Kal-El replied. He then kissed both of her hands and then her forehead.
Kal-El then let go of her hands and put on his gauntlets. He took one more look at Lana. She bowed and he bowed his head. "My lady…" He said and mounted his horse. He placed his helm over his head and lowered the visor. Then he gave his horse a kick and he rode off with knights and soldiers following him and Kara, who was by his side.
Two Days Later
General Milton Fine V had the gates opened for King Kal-El and Princess Kara Zor-El. They rode inside to Kryptonopolis. Luthor's forces had retreated since they destroyed all their supply lines. The sounds of metal work could be heard all around as they rode towards Fine's manor. Underneath his visor, Kal-El frowned at the numerous army barracks.
They arrived at Fine Manor, where he was waiting for them. Kal-El motioned for his convoy to stop and they did. He and Kara dismounted and approached the Duke of Daxam.
Fine kneeled before them and Kal-El motioned for him to rise. Fine wore his arming doublet and his black upper body armor with his blue knight's cape.
Kal-El removed his helm and shook his head as if he were shaking off dust, Kara did the same. "You are most welcome to my home, Your Majesty." Fine said.
"It has been too long my lord Daxam. I am only staying the night and then we march onto Smallville." Kal-El said and they grabbed each others' arms below the elbow as a greeting between one soldier to another. They released their grip and he motioned toward Kara. "You are going to address my cousin, Princess Kara Zor-El."
"Your Highness." Fine kissed her hand out of respect but Kal-El could have sworn that Kara stroked his hand with her finger. "Your Majesty…" Fine allowed for him to pass and enter his home.
Late That Night
Kal-El was walking through the corridors of Fine Manor because he could not sleep. He wore a simple white shirt and black pants with boots.
As he was turning a corner, he saw a light coming from Fine's study.
Then he saw Kara leave his study and take a quick look around to see if anyone was around. "Kara…" Fine said quietly.
"We agreed to this and now you are afraid of the consequences! We will talk about this when my cousin has left or maybe I shall never speak to you again." Kara whispered angrily while pointing a finger at him and then she stormed away.
"Kara!" He called after her. Fine then pounded his hand against the stone wall in frustration. He then looked around and saw no one so he went back into his quarters.
"What in the name of Rao is going on?" Kal-El muttered to himself.
Lois Lane will be making her star debut in Chapter 8. And just in case you did not know this: a helm is a medieval helmet, typically formed as a single cylindrical piece with a flat or raised top, completely enclosing the head. I did not know this until I started all research for this story.