Response to rubyfizz87: Thank you so much! I didn't expect my story to reach someone right away. I would love to talk about your suggestion.
Discord: obsidian7whisper
The Ceremonial Hall was austere but grand, its high stone walls adorned with the banners of the planet Nerathis. Rows of polished wooden benches flanked a central aisle, where soldiers in their ceremonial uniforms stood in perfect formation. At the far end of the hall, on a raised dais, sat King Veroxus in his royal purple cloak, his crown gleaming under the soft light of the chandeliers. Beside him stood Queen Consort Reina, her sapphire gown flowing like water, her eyes calm and watchful.
"Step forward," the King commanded, his voice sharp and resonant.
From the line of soldiers, one stepped forward—a young man of twenty with a strong, broad-shouldered frame. His uniform fit him perfectly, the silver insignia on his chest catching the light. His dark hair was neatly trimmed, and his steel-gray eyes held a steady determination as he approached the dais. Corso Rourke, the name whispered through the hall, the soldier who had trained since boyhood, now ready to take his place among the planet's defenders.
Kneeling before the King, Corso bowed his head, waiting as the hall quieted.
"Corso Rourke," the King began, his tone regal and measured. "For five years, you have endured the trials of military training, proving yourself not only in skill but in discipline and loyalty. Today, you graduate as a soldier of the Royal Vanguard."
The King paused, letting the words settle, before his tone grew heavier. "But one among you is called to a higher duty. By the will of the Crown, and with the trust of this realm, I appoint you, Corso Rourke, as the Sworn Protector of the Queen Consort."
A quiet murmur rippled through the crowd as the King took an engraved ceremonial sword, its blade reflecting the faint light of the chandeliers. He rested it on Corso's right shoulder, then his left. "Do you swear to protect the Queen Consort with your life, to stand as her shield in times of peril, and to uphold the honor of this realm in all things?"
Corso raised his head, his voice steady and sure. "I swear it, by my honor and my soul, Your Majesty."
The Queen Consort stepped forward, her gaze steady but warm as she extended a silver gauntlet engraved with the royal crest. Corso accepted it, slipping it onto his hand.
"Rise, Sir Corso Rourke," the King declared, his voice filling the hall. "Protector of the Crown and Shield of the Queen Consort."
As Corso rose, applause echoed through the hall, though his focus remained on the King and Queen Consort. This was the moment he had trained for, the duty he had been chosen to bear. With the weight of his new role settling on his shoulders, he bowed deeply once more, his resolve unwavering.
The ceremony continued, but for Corso, everything else faded into the background. His path was set, his oath sworn. There was no turning back now.
In the private room, there were two people. The Queen was looking out of the window at the celebration happening outside, while the King was reading.
"So what are your true intentions for Ascaron, Veroxus?"
"I've already told you," the King replied without lifting his gaze from what he was reading.
The Queen moved away from the window and sat in the chair opposite the King.
"You want to 'send medicines and food for the hungry' and 'give those people a leader of their choosing who will bring them peace and prosperity.' Oh yes, I believe you."
The Queen stood up from her chair, walked over to the King, and snatched the documents he was reading.
"What are your true intentions, Veroxus?"
The King suddenly stood up and grabbed her by the wrist with which she held the documents.
"I chose that young man to protect you because he is the best of the best, and your presence and influence in Ascaron are of the utmost importance. That's all you need to know."
Veroxus released her wrist and took the documents back.
"Now get out. You have a journey to prepare for."