Page 27 of The Fire We Make

They didn’t have to wait long. 30 minutes later, the lights were dimmed and the audience was instructed to take their seats.

Sound died as the double doors opened. There was more clinking of glasses or shuffling from the staff. Only the faint whispers of onlookers who couldn’t help themselves.

The jewels around his neck and wrist and in his ears glinted underneath the chandeliers.

Eyes followed him but his shoulders didn’t sink under the weight of the attention, and legacy he was inheriting.

The heads of the other families watched Ace closely, studying the young man that would soon be their peer.

Ace’s expression remained stoic and his eyes were fixed forward, but he was aware of everything.

Aware of every eye on him.

Aware of what they all thought of him.

Aware that this night was truly just the start of the rest of his life.

Ace entered wearing a custom all black Giorgio Armani three piece suit that was tailored to perfection. Flanked by Senior and Pops, Ace walked down the path created for them to the front of the room.

He stood at the podium in front of the members of his organization and the heads of the families. With his eyes covered by Cartier shades, he surveyed the room with a straight face. Pops took a seat on the throne-like chair placed on the dais for him as the elder and Senior stepped onto the podium beside Ace.

“Thank you all for joining us tonight,” Senior started, garnering the attention of everyone in attendance.

“We’ve called this meeting to celebrate the official transition of power of the King Family to my oldest son, Adonis King the Second and to allow you all to bear witness. Does anyone have any objections or concerns?”

The room was silent as Senior waited the customary 15 seconds for someone to speak up. Ace stood stock still except for his hands which were already forming fists in anticipation of a challenge. When the time passed and no one had anything to say, Senior turned back to Ace.

“Very well.” He removed the pin bearing the family crest from his jacket lapel and held it in his hand. He wouldn’t show it in a room full of people, but Ace could see the pride glistening in the eyes of the man who raised him. The man who trained him for this very moment.

“Adonis King the Second, do you swear to lead and protect this family and this organization at all cost?”

Ace nodded once. “I do.”

Senior produced a small gold plated knife along with the heavy paper displaying the Council and family’s vows. Ace first picked up the pen on the table and signed his name. Then, without prompting, took the knife and made a small slit in the palm of his left hand.

The room was so silent he could hear the faint plop of a stray drop of blood hitting the paper.

He pressed the thumb of his right hand into the puddle of blood that had accumulated then pressed it onto the paper beside his signature.

The act, binding and permanent, solidified his vow not just to the King family but to the Council. One that was bound by honor and the shared blood of their African ancestors.

Senior took his pin and placed it on Ace’s suit lapel, clapping him on the back when he finished. He then picked up the ring box sitting on the small table beside them and opened it up to reveal the signet pinky ring with the crest also engraved and circled by small diamonds.

Ace slipped the ring on his right pinky finger, the final lock that solidified his power. He paused a moment, letting the weight of it settle.

There was no going back, even if he wanted to.

Without further delay, he turned to the crowd to show them, signaling the completion of the transition.

The crowning of the King complete.

Applause rang out through the ballroom, his siblings to his right being the loudest but Ace didn’t react. He gave a gracious nod in thanks before stepping down from the dais and allowing the festivities to continue.

After their meal, Ace stood graciously accepting well wishes and congratulations. He shook hands and stood tall, displaying every bit the persona of the Boss he’d been raised to be. The Boss he’d just become.

He gave measured eye contact and controlled, charming smiles. A few times, he caught himself absentmindedly touching the ring, feeling the weight of it.

Whereas people had once given him a wide berth, they now flocked to him.