Chapter 34
One Month Later
Sir Perry White rode into the city of Kandor with an accompaniment of two dozen soldiers and ten knights on horseback. Two ensigns in front and two ensigns in back carried the flags of Genesis. People pointed at them as they galloped past them for word had spread of their coming.
At the Crystal Palace, servants were buzzing all over the palace making sure that all the necessary chambers have been prepared and all the supplies had arrived. When a purple flag was raised from the front walls of the city, the servants hurried to their assigned positions in the entrance hall for the welcoming.
Kal-El made sure that Christopher's blue tunic was nice and straight. Christopher wore a blue tunic and pants and a gold chain on his shoulders. "Now you look just like Papa." He said. Kal-El wore a dark blue tunic and pants, his sword belt, his circlet, and his red sash.
"Can I have a sword like yours, Papa?" Christopher asked.
Kal-El chuckled. "We shall speak of it when you are of age but until then…" Kal-El kneeled down onto one knee and handed him a small belt with a scabbard holding a dagger. "This dagger has a blunt blade so you cannot harm anyone with it… This dagger is not a toy, Christopher. Understand?" Christopher nodded.
Kal-El kissed his forehead and stood up. Christopher put on the belt himself and proudly examined his appearance in the mirror. "Just like Papa." Christopher said. Kal-El smiled and took Christopher's hand. They left Christopher's chambers with Jon-Tel and six Red Shard knights following them.
Half of the household was lined up against the wall of the entrance hall. They stood straight with their hands behind their backs. The women wore red muslin underdresses with black bodices and slippers. The men wore black shirts and breeches with red over tunics and black boots. Their crests were sown into their clothing over their hearts.
Jon-Tel was dressed in a similar manner as the men but he was allowed to wear a sword belt since he was the personal manservant of the king. Kal-El had given Jon-Tel his sword from his infantry days and Jon-Tel was more than honored to accept it.
The servants and guards bowed as Kal-El and Christopher walked passed them. Kal-El nodded to them and Christopher copied his father. Commander Ak-Var approached them and bowed. "The Genesis ambassador has ridden past the main palace gates, Sire." Ak-Var said.
"Good. Let us go and greet our guests. Now behave, Christopher." Kal-El said and Christopher nodded with a huge grin on his face. They entered the large palace courtyard. He let go of Christopher's hand and put his hands behind his back. Christopher copied him.
They could soon hear the galloping of horses to the palace gatehouse, the gate was raised, and the riders came into view. Kal-El winked at Christopher and he winked back. The riders slowed to a trot and halted some feet away from Kal-El.
"Welcome soldiers and knights of Genesis to the Kandor, the jewel of Krypton. You are most welcome here and you will want for nothing. I just ask you not to ask for the world." Kal-El said and the soldiers chuckled. Sir Perry dismounted and everyone else followed suit. Kal-El motioned for Christopher to stay put and stepped forward. "Sir Perry, welcome to my court."
They gripped each other's forearms. "I thank Your Majesty for your hospitality in your magnificent palace. I am sorry to admit that it puts the Metropolitan Palace to shame." Perry said. Kal-El chuckled and put his arm around Perry's shoulders.
"Then allow me to give you a tour before we move onto politics. But first allow me to introduce to you my ward, Viscount Christopher Kent." Kal-El said. Christopher bowed.
"I would like to welcome you Sir Perry of Genesis to Krypton and to welcome you to the beautiful home of His Majesty. I trust you will enjoy your stay and find suitable terms for your peace treaty." Christopher said. He turned his head to look at Ak-Var to make sure he did good and Ak-Var nodded with a grin making Christopher smile.
Everyone clapped and Christopher blushed. "Well done." Kal-El said. "Now come with me, ambassador." The two chuckled and entered the palace with their entourages following. Both men walked with their left hands resting on the pommels of their swords so they would not smack their legs.
"If all goes well, then I can expect to make this a permanent position…at least until I step down." Perry said.
"I can think of no one better to serve as Prince Peter's ambassador. I trust he is well." Kal-El said.
"Yes. He wishes me to express his gratitude for having the peace summit in Metropolis. The realm is stable at the moment but he thinks he should not leave the capital before his coronation. There are those who still covet the throne and may try to steal it if the prince were away." Perry said.
"I understand... A common betrayal among the realms. My uncle did it here. Count Vertigo in Star City. R'as al Ghul in Gotham. Trust is rare luxury it seems… Besides, I find Metropolis to be a wonderful city." Kal-El said and Perry nodded. "What of Argos City?"
"My sons are there helping rebuild the city. It will take some time but the laborers Your Majesty sent have sped things along. My thanks." Perry said.
"It was the least I could since I am the cause of the damages." Kal-El said.
"The cost of war but now it is over and we can all move forward. We need to build a better future for our children and their children." Perry said.
"My thoughts exactly. You have a way with words, Sir Perry." Kal-El said.
"I am not one to boast but eh." Perry said and they laughed.
An hour later, Sir Perry was brought to the throne room with the other ambassadors. "His Majesty, the King!" The herald announced. The Kryptonians kneeled and the ambassadors bowed as Kal-El entered the room.
He stood in front of his throne. "Rise." Kal-El said and everyone did. He sat down on his throne. "We wish to welcome back all the ambassadors of the realms and our most honored guest, Sir Perry White of Genesis, who is here to speak on behalf of Prince Peter for new terms of peace." He said and everyone clapped. Sir Perry performed a quick bow. "Now…how goes the preparations for the peace summit?"
"Well, Your Majesty. I am also proud to say that all the sovereigns of the League of Armies will attend the coronation and the first summit of the League of Nations." Perry said and everyone clapped. "If all goes well here, the coronation will take place at the end of the summer." Everyone clapped again.
"Now, we have decided on what we believe to be satisfactory terms. The court scribe will take note." Kal-El said and the scribe sat down at a small table and dipped a quill in ink. He nodded when he was ready to write. "Prince Peter and I already settled the border dispute. However, I believe that prisoners of war should be returned to both sides and the names of any who perished in prison."
Perry nodded. The sound of the quill writing on paper was faint but audible. "I am sure His Highness will not object. His Highness asks for was the removal of Kryptonian troops from Genesis after his coronation." Perry said.
"Yes, that can be done. General Nox-Van, what are the battalions we left?" Kal-El asked.
Nox-Van checked a report from last month. "The battalions left were of the Kandor Army, Sire." Nox-Van said and Kal-El nodded.
"Then you are more than capable of leading them back to Krypton, General." Kal-El said and Nox-Van nodded. The Council scribe wrote all this down.
"And Your Majesty has already accepted Prince Peter's offer to arrange a marriage between you and the Countess Lois Lane, Genesis's most eligible woman and the eldest daughter of General Samuel Lane of the Genesis Royal Army." Sir Perry said.
"I have not changed my mind and the Ruling Council had agreed to the match. The Countess and I will wed after the winter solstice. It shall be a grand affair and greatly anticipated by my people. Are there any other terms His Highness has asked for that have yet to be discussed?" Kal-El asked.
"Only one and a request. He requests that I return with his wife, Princess Lana, and he asks for a Kryptonian escort. Luthor's nobles have all yet to be captured." Perry said.
"I understand. I believe we can spare a regiment of the Red Shard." Kal-El looked at Ak-Var, who nodded. "And the final term?"
"The people of Genesis expect compensation from Krypton since it was your uncle, King Zor-El, who began this conflict and it has been proven that your parents were murdered by followers of Zod, and not by Lionel Luthor." Perry said and the Council members all stood protesting.
Kal-El nodded to the herald, who slammed his staff down sending out a loud boom throughout the room. The Council members quieted down.
"My lords, we can afford to give compensation." They turned to look at him. "Zor-El did begin this conflict and Alexander Luthor has run off with a good deal of their treasury." The Council reluctantly agreed. "Sir Perry, will a 1,000 gold pieces for each year the war raged be enough?" Kal-El asked
"I will have to write to His Highness but I must admit that is a more than generous amount. It is even larger than that of Countess Lane's dowry. You are as just as your father was." Perry said and Kal-El grinned.
"Wren-Za…" Kal-El said and Wren-Za stood. "Please arrange for the gold. We will present them to His Highness at the peace summit. I am also counting on you to write up a treaty with our terms and depart with Sir Perry to discuss our terms with the Genesis chancellor." Kal-El said. Wren-Za was surprised but he bowed and sat back down. "Who is your new chancellor?" He asked.
"Kent Nelson has been appointed." Perry said and Kal-El grinned. "The rest of the lieutenants of the Resistance have been given commissions as captains in the new Genesis Royal Army and Chloe Sullivan has even been made one of His Highness's chief advisors." Kal-El smiled.
"Wise decisions… Now let us be done with politics for the day. Sir Perry, write to Prince Peter and inform me of his final decision. I shall go inform Princess Lana that she shall return to Metropolis with you." Kal-El said and stood. Both councils stood and kneeled when he stepped down from his throne.
The End of the Summer
Kal-El was on horseback trotting through the grasslands of the Metropolis providence. Two ensigns rode in front of him bearing the flag of Krypton and the standard of the House of El. Christopher sat in front of him on the saddle asleep for they had gotten an early start. It was just after noon.
Traveling with them was a large procession including the Red Shard led by Commander Ak-Var and the married knights had brought along their wives, squires, Jon-Tel, the Duke and Dowager Duchess of Kent, the Duke of Daxam, Princess Kara Zor-El, Council member Durkin with his wife and manservant, General Nox-Van with his wife and eldest son, grooms, entertainers, the ladies-in-waiting to the Dowager Duchess and Princess, maidservants, manservants, and ensigns carrying the flags and standards.
The king, nobles, and knights rode on horseback. The servants walked. The wives and ladies were in carriages. There were wagons bearing belongings and gifts. It had taken them four days to travel this far with such a large procession after their ships landed at Central City
Kara was the only woman on horseback and she rode beside Milton. The purple flags of Genesis came into view and Kal-El woke up Christopher. "Chris, wake up. We made it." He said softly. Christopher's eyes shot open and he perked up making Kal-El chuckle.
The grasslands outside the city walls were filled with large tents. Envoys from the other realms were all over. The white tents were of Themyscira. The gray tents were of Gotham. The brown tents were of Thanagar. The velvet green tents were of Star City. Atlantean ships were docked in the Metropolitan River so there were only a few blue tents up for them. Red tents were the only ones unoccupied because they were for Krypton.
The servants and entertainers would sleep in these tents. The city gates would remain open day and night but under heavy guard. A magnificent golden tent was going to be raised on the tallest hill in a few days for the signing of the treaty.
The Kryptonians went onto settle in the tents while those on horseback and in carriages continued on into the city. The wagons parked besides the red tents and the servants began to unload the cargo.
The Metropolitan people pointed out their arrival as they entered the city. They soon approached the open gates of the palace and they all entered the magnificent courtyard. Kal-El dismounted first and everyone else after him. Kal-El helped Christopher down and held his hand as they approached the welcoming party.
Prince Peter and Princess Lana were waiting with a group of nobles, knights, and General Lane. Peter stepped forward and they gripped each other's forearms. "Welcome back to Metropolis but this time as a honored guest instead of as conqueror." Peter said.
Peter wore a light gray tunic and pants, black boots, his sword belt, a purple sash, and the silver lion's head circlet of the crowned prince. Lana wore a purple and black dress and the circlet of the crowned princess.
Kal-El wore a blue tunic and pants, his red knight's cape, black boots, his gold circlet, and his sword belt. "It is good to be back. You remember my ward, Viscount Christopher Kent." Kal-El said and Christopher performed a small bow. Peter nodded once to the little boy.
"Come. Come. We all have been waiting for you. Of course, you would be the last to arrive." Peter said wrapping his arm around Kal-El and they entered the palace. "All is prepared on your side for the treaty signing?
"Yes, all is prepared. Will you relax! Your coronation is in two days. This is supposed to be a joyous occasion." Kal-El said.
"Forgive me but these months have been trying. At least your uncle prepared you to take the throne." Peter said.
"And I taught you everything he taught me. Well…only what I thought truly mattered anyway. You are ready, my friend. Now relax. All will be well." Kal-El said.
"You are right." Peter said.
"I know I am right. Now we both have things to attend to before the summit." Kal-El said. The two of them entered the throne room. Peter had re-hung the portraits of his ancestors but Kal-El was surprised to see the portraits of Lionel and Lex remained. "Why have you not burned these?" He asked.
"I keep them up to remind to not make the same mistakes as my father and not to become a tyrant like them. My father was a good man once but power corrupts." Peter said. "Your uncle took your throne when you were but a child, remember?"
"Careful, Peter. My uncle was not an evil man just…lost. I do have some fond memories of him." Kal-El said.
"Really? Like what?" Peter asked. Kal-El motioned for the Red Shard knights to leave the room. The bowed and left but he knew full well they were only taking up position right outside the doors.
"You know I would spend winters at court since there was not much work to do at the farm. My uncle would train Kara and I every evening before supper. He was strict and vigorous but there would be these days when he was in this cheerful mood…He would throw Kara over his shoulder and chase me. He would always catch me and spin us around. He would fall over and we would pounce on top of him. Zor-El had this thunderous laugh." Kal-El grinned.
"So did my father. That is all I can remember of him. He used to chase me in the gardens at the Blue Valley palace. That was our summer palace until Luthor took the throne. The Crystal Palace is still the only palace to rival it." Peter said.
"You forget the Star Palace in Star City." Kal-El said.
"It still does not rival the Crystal Palace, much to Oliver's disappointment." Peter said and they laughed. Peter rubbed his fingers on the engraved lion head on his circlet. "My brother used to let me wear this many years go. It always fell down onto my nose and he would laugh. I miss them." He said.
Kal-El put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Be thankful to have some memories of them for I have none of my parents. All I remember is what people tell me." Kal-El said.
"Enough of these sad words! I know there is a beautiful countess you wish to see." Peter said and Kal-El smiled. "She is in the gardens with her sister." Kal-El then disappeared in a red and blue blur. Peter chuckled.
"How do feel about father and Prince Peter arranging a marriage between you and the King of Krypton?" Lucy asked Lois. "I would be furious." They were walking in the gardens. The birds were singing, the flowers in bloom, and the sounds of running water from the fountains.
"I like him enough. He was not what I expected him to be. He is generous, selfless, kind, and I have to admit a great warrior. And Kal-El is surprisingly handsome." Lois said.
"Hmmm…I shall believe you when I see him tonight." Lucy said. Lucy wore a white muslin underdress with a gray overdress and Lois wore a white muslin underdress with a red overdress.
"You may meet him sooner than you think." Lois said and motioned to Kal-El approaching them. Kal-El put his left hand on the pommel of his sword and bowed to the sisters. While he was bowing, Lucy winked at Lois and Lois rolled her eyes. They performed a curtsey.
"Countess." Kal-El kissed the knuckles of Lois's left hand. "Lady Lucy." He said and kissed the knuckles of Lucy's right hand.
"A pleasure to see Your Majesty again but I was not expecting to see you until later this evening." Lois said.
"Is it a crime for a man to be impatient to see a beautiful woman?" Kal-El asked grinning. Lois chuckled and her face grew hot. Kal-El could not keep his eyes off her nor stop smiling. Lucy could see the attraction.
"You flatter me with your compliments." Lois said.
"Not a compliment but the truth." Kal-El said and Lois chuckled again. She pushed her hair behind her left ear and Kal-El smiled.
"Perhaps Your Majesty would like to continue walking with my sister for I am afraid that I have a small headache." Lucy said and Lois blindly nudged her knowing that she was purposely leaving them alone together.
"I hope you will feel better by this evening, Lady Lucy." Kal-El said.
"I shall. Your Majesty." Lucy said. Kal-El bowed his head to her. Lucy curtsied again and walked away winking once more at Lois.
"Is she gone?" Kal-El asked. Lois shook her head and then a minute later nodded. He scooped her up and super sped them away to a remote area of the garden. They then kissed passionately wrapping their arms around each other.
"Three months is too long for us to be apart." Lois said and kissed him again.
"Far too long." Kal-El said and kissed her neck. Lois moaned and ran her fingers through his hair.
Kal-El began undoing the laces of her dress. "You were the one who wanted celibacy." Lois said and removed his fingers from her laces.
"Is it too late to change my mind?" Kal-El asked breathing heavily.
"Yes. Only a handful of people know of our elopement. What would the people say if I gave myself to you before our wedding night?" Lois said. She turned away from him and clumsily tried to retie her laces. Kal-El assisted her.
"I do not care what the people say as long as I have you to hold in my arms." Kal-El said. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. "After all, you are so very beautiful." He kissed the other side of her neck. "So very desirable." He kissed her right behind her right ear. "I have to possess you utterly." He said. He slid her dress down slightly revealing her shoulder and he kissed her skin.
Her breathing and heart rate increased. "Control yourself, my love." Lois said and stepped out his arms. She took a deep breath, fixed her dress, and turned to face him. She caressed his face. "Just a little while longer and then you can possess me utterly but until then…" Lois walked away from him. "Shall we finish our walk?" She asked and he chuckled.
Two Days Later, The Coronation of Prince Peter and Princess Lana Ross
The large throne room was filled with nobles from Genesis and the other known realms. Their sovereigns were standing in the front rows. A long red carpet had been rolled out to the Dias, which two wooden thrones with purple cushions sat upon.
Trumpets sounded and everyone turned about face to the walls. Peter and Lana walked down the red carpet adorned in white and purple robes. Her right hand lay on top of his left hand. Peter and Lana stopped and kneeled before the Dias. Everyone turned about face to the thrones. On the Dias, stood the High Priest of the gods and two servants with their crowns.
Lex had taken the crowns of King William and Queen Abigail so they decided to crown them with the crowns of King Richard and Queen Annabelle of Argos, Peter's grandparents. The high priest picked up the king's crown and hovered it over Peter's head.
"Peter, son of William, do you solemnly promise and swear to govern the peoples of Genesis according to their respective laws and customs?"
"I solemnly swear to do so." Peter answered.
And will you in all your power enact the laws and justice, and mercy to be executed in all your judgments?" The High Priest asked.
"I will." Peter answered.
"Then by the sacred laws vested in me, I crown you Peter, King of Genesis." The High Priest placed the crown on Peter's head. "And by the sacred laws vested in me, I crown you Lana, Queen of Genesis." He picked up the second crown and placed it on her head.
The High Priest stepped to the side. Peter winked at Lana before they rose and ascended the Dias. They turned to face their allies and subjects. They sat down on the thrones. Peter on the left and Lana on the right. They grinned at each other.
"Long live the King! Long live the Queen!" They chanted three times. Peter and Lana nodded once to them once the chanting was over.
One by one, knights of the Genesis Army and Genesis noblemen approached the thrones and kneeled swearing their oaths. "I swear to love and serve Peter and Lana, my true and rightful king and queen." When the swearing of the oaths were complete, Peter and Lana rose. Everyone bowed as they exited the throne room making their way for the balcony facing the city.
Peter and Lana appeared on the balcony and the people cheered. They waved to the people smiling. "Long live the King! Long live the Queen!" They chanted. Peter nodded to a knight, who presented him with a bow. Lana took one step to the side to give him room.
Down in the courtyard was three offerings to the gods. First was a wooden lion with a wreath as a mane. Second was a wooden dragon with a wreath in its mouth. The last offering was a wooden dolphin jumping through a wreath. These offerings had taken the carpenters weeks to carve. Three servants poured oil over the offerings.
A quiver of flame arrows were held up to Peter. He grabbed one and put it on the quiver. "I make this offering for wisdom to Leon, the lion god and king of the earth." Peter said. He turned the bow to allow a servant to light the end of the arrow. The end was ablaze and he took his aim. Peter fired and hit his target, the wreath mane. The people clapped as the lion became ablaze.
Peter grabbed another arrow and put it on the quiver. "I make this offering for strength to Draco, the dragon god and king of the skies." He said. The servant lit the end and Peter took his aim. He fired and the arrow flew through the center of the wreath, setting it ablaze, and into the dragon's mouth. The people clapped.
Peter grabbed the last flame arrow and put it on the quiver. "I make this last offering for mercy to Delphina, the dolphin goddess and queen of the seas." Peter said. The servant lit the end and Peter took his aim. He fired and the arrow flew through the center of the wreath, setting it ablaze, and landed on the dolphin's tail.
The people cheered and clapped. Peter handed the bow back to the knight and took Lana's hand. "A new reign has begun!" He said and the people cheered louder. He and Lana waved to the people. "The celebrations shall begin when the flames have died. Free wine and food in all the taverns of the city!" Peter said and the people cheered. He and Lana reentered the palace.
"Well done, my love." Lana said as they walked down the corridor. Peter let out a breath of relief.
The coronation feast began at sundown. Lois wore a velvet blue dress with bell-cut sleeves "Will you dance, Sire?" Lois asked Kal-El holding out her hand. Kal-El wore a red tunic, black pants and boots, his circlet, and his sword belt.
"I do not see why not." Kal-El answered grinning. He stood and took her hand. They joined the group in the middle of the Great Hall. Music began to play and the Black Alman began. Those ignorant of their elopement, watched with anticipation since their marriage was supposed to be the living symbol of the newfound peace.
"Do you think she will make him happy?" Lana asked Peter from the head table settled on the Dias. They sat in the middle of the table watching the dance. Kal-El and Lois were grinning as they danced.
Peter took her hand. "Yes, I do. With the gods' graces, we shall all be happy now, my love." He said and kissed her hand. The Black Alman was coming to an end. "Shall we join the dance?" He asked and she smiled. When the dance ended, they stood and everyone in the Great Hall clapped.
They stepped down the Dias hand-in-hand and went to the middle of the Hall. Kal-El and Lois bowed to them. "Music." Peter said and music began to play. They danced the Duchess Rondallynn's Pavanne.
Kal-El and Lois spent the rest of the night together dancing, eating, drinking, and talking. "It appears the king is fascinated with the countess. This match may be a success after all." Wren-Za said to Durkin. "Even the young viscount has grown fond of the countess."
"It was the same with the Lady Lana and she now married to a different king. How do we know that His Majesty will not change his mind once more?" Durkin asked and took a sip of wine.
"I spoke to His Majesty earlier and he vowed that he would honor the primary term of the treaty being that of this union. Kal-El is his father's son. Death shall be the only obstacle to break this union. And the king looks happy." Wren-Za said.
"I do not care for the king's happiness. I care for the good of the kingdom, which means the success of this peace treaty and the king producing an heir." Durkin said. He stood up and left. Wren-Za shook his head.
"Durkin is always a politician and never just a common Kryptonian man." Wren-Za said to his wife and she agreed. He kissed his wife's hand and they stood up to join the next dance.
Kal-El and Lois snuck away to talked in private. "You look beautiful." He said holding her hands. "So beautiful." He said and kissed her hands. "I cannot wait for us to be together in Krypton."
"We only need to keep up this masquerade for a little longer, my love. Then I shall be yours and I shall be true to no other." Lois said and kissed his hands.
"And I vow I shall always be true to you and no other." Kal-El said. He then leaned down and their lips met tenderly.