Page 108 of Fit for a King

As I stepped out of the carriage to the ear-piercing roar of the crowd, I felt ready to earn my role.

The ceremony went by without incident, the oath taken with my hand atop the constitution as I pledged to protect the people, govern faithfully, and serve rather than rule. I wanted the people of Valoria to understand that this was a new dawn for the monarchy, one that would meet the issues head-on and rise to whatever challenges the kingdom faced.

It was a vow I easily made, knowing I’d have Noah’s counsel through any difficult decisions—a vow that would’ve been much more daunting without him.

The crowd fell silent as the archbishop moved over to where the crown of Valoria sat upon its pedestal. When he lifted it to place it upon my head, soft gasps echoed throughout the church, and he proclaimed, “Long live His Majesty, the King of Valoria.”

Cheers and applause erupted from the pews behind me, and I turned to greet the people for the first time in full regalia. One by one, senior figures stepped forward to pledge their loyalty. Gabriel was first, his smile bright and full of pride, before he stepped aside and I was greeted by the prime minister, lord chancellor, and other members of the royal council.

Then, as the trumpets swelled and the choir began, my eyes drifted to the front pew, where the love of my life stood beside his mother and father in his wheelchair. Noah had never looked more handsome in his navy suit, with a sash that had Valoria’s crest embroidered on it, and my family’s ring on his wedding finger.

Cannons boomed outside, signaling that I was officially the king. I made my way down from the dais, toward Noah, and took his face between my hands to place a kiss on his lips.

Noah melted into the embrace and then smiled up at me, his eyes roving over the jeweled crown upon my head.

Then he inclined his head, ever so slightly. “Your Majesty.”

“Noah…” I whispered, and ran my fingers along his cheek.

When his soft hazel eyes lifted, they were full of admiration, pride, and love, and my heart had never felt so full.

I held my hand out to him and said, “It’s time to go and meet our people, Mr. Bennett.” I gestured to my outstretched hand with a smirk, and he gingerly took it.

The crowd filed out of the church as the council, Gabriel, Noah, and I headed upstairs to the balcony for my first official appearance as king.

When we reached the wide double doors and Gabriel approached, Noah let go of my hand and moved off to stand to the side.

“What are you doing?”

“This is your moment,” he said as he looked toward the curtained doors. “Valoria wants to see their king. They deserve to see you looking so resplendent and ready to govern. I’d just be a distraction.”

The speech was so intrinsically Noah, so noble and self-sacrificing, that I couldn’t help but smile as I walked over to him and took his hands.

“You are the reason I am ready to govern, ready to be their king. They deserve to know why I am able to stand out there today with a heart full of hope for tomorrow, for both the kingdom and myself—and that’s you, Noah. Soon to be His Royal Highness Prince Consort.”

I turned to see the guards moving to the doors, then looked back to my beautiful fiancé.

“Come, let the kingdom meet and fall in love with you, just the way I did.”

Noah took a deep breath, but then nodded and walked with me up toward the doors. We stopped and Gabriel moved to stand on the other side of me.

“Ready to do this, big brother?”

I glanced at my mischief-making twin. “As long as I have you and Noah with me, I’m sure I’ll be able to muddle through.”

Gabriel smiled at Noah, who was a little paler than usual. “Not sure he’s going to be with us much longer if he doesn’t breathe.”

“Remember what you said to me when we arrived today?” I asked Noah.

“Yes, but, you’re used to this. I’m just a foot⁠—”

“My fiancé.” I lifted his hand to my lips and kissed the back of it.

Noah swallowed but then turned back to the doors. I glanced over at the guards and nodded.

The double doors opened and the crowd below erupted into a thunderous cheer, the roar close to deafening as I stepped out onto the balcony for the first time as king.

The streets below were packed as far as the eye could see with people waving the Valorian flag and celebrating the moment with confetti and streamers, dancing and singing. Joy and happiness rippled through the masses in a way that made the crown feel that much lighter.