a shift in the energy of the gathered crowd when he stepped onto the balcony.
It was an odd feeling, to be sure, and he had no idea how he could even feel such a thing, but there was no denying that the animated crowd below reflected his feelings today. Eagerness. Hope. Excitement for their new queen.
He could feel a slight unease, too, nagging at the back of his mind. Despite whatever else he might have told himself all morning, he knew this was far more than a simple coronation. The moment that crown was placed on her head, their struggle against the invading Hellhounds would fall upon the shoulders of Talin Zylvaris, second of her name.
Red Wolf had the feeling that she wasn’t prepared for any of this.
“Big turnout,” Golmin said, appearing on the balcony beside him. He’d already changed into his ceremonial armour, the polished metal glinting in the morning light as he rested his forearms against the banister. “Last time I saw a crowd this big, you and the king had just ridden back from a victory north of Wycrest. A shame that it was all for naught in the end.”
“Hmm. I told the princess she need not worry about a crowd,” Red Wolf said. “It appears that I was wrong. Rufus, do me a favour and let her know she’s about to receive quite the warm welcome. I’ll be with her soon.”
“Aye, I’ll do that.” Golmin straightened and vanished through the balcony doors. Red Wolf watched the crowd for a few moments longer, scanning for any sign of trouble. When it became apparent that nothing was amiss, he turned away, heading back to the armoury to don his gear.
Ashera had finished polishing his armour by the time he arrived and looked pleased with her work. Red Wolf examined the metal and found it flawless, as he’d expected from his squire, despite her youth. He smiled and struggled into his gambeson and mail.
“This might be your best work yet,” he said. “Once we’re done here, you should change into something for the occasion. You’ll be accompanying me outside after the ceremony.”
The girl’s eyes widened. “I’d be honoured, sir.”
“Well, if you’re to join the Royal Guard, you need to know what to expect,” Red Wolf said. “Think of it as…gaining work experience.”
“Pfft, just admit you’re bending the rules,” Ashera said and stuck her tongue out.
“Ah, you know me too well.” Red Wolf pulled on his tabard and turned so she could fit the plate armour over his shoulders and arms. She handed him his sword and scabbard, allowing him to unsheathe the blade to check that it was sharp.
“I sharpened it earlier this morning,” Ashera said.
“Oh? Excellent work,” Red Wolf said. He turned again so that his back was to her, and she pulled up a stool so she could reach up and fasten the rich blue cloak of the Royal Guard. Emblazoned in its centre was the white raven that marked the royal crest.
Why a scavenger bird? he’d once asked Arnas. Why not something grand, majestic, like a lion or dragon?
What’s freer than a bird who can soar across the open sky, untethered by the world? the king had replied.
He banished the thought.
“Will the princess really let me join the Royal Guard once she’s crowned queen?” Ashera asked.
“Of course. I was a nobody from nowhere when I was a squire, and I was allowed to join the Royal Guard,” Red Wolf said. “Look at me now. About to be Lord Commander of the Royal Guard under two sovereigns.” He grinned.
“But you squired for the king,” Ashera said.
“And you squire for the royal bodyguard.” Red Wolf shrugged. “Where you come from doesn’t define who you can become.” He buckled his sword. “Now get yourself changed. It’s going to be an exciting day.”
The girl darted off eagerly. Red Wolf made his way back to the palace’s upper levels, weaving through the maze of corridors and hallways, dodging guards and palace staff as he passed them. He reached the princess’ chambers just as she stepped out.
“You look stunning today, princess. Happy birthday,” he said, his boots drawing to a brisk halt on the carpeted floor. It was true; Talin looked every bit a queen as she stopped in front of him. Her waist-length chestnut hair had been fixed in a complicated array of locks and braids, falling down her back like a ripple and throwing her face and pointed ears into stark relief. Gold and silver threads wound through her white robes like vines, glinting in the morning light. ‘Stunning’ didn’t do her justice. Talin gave him a smile and thanked him for the praise.
“Walk with me,” she said, and he fell into step beside her.
“Captain Golmin might have told you about the crowd,” he said.
“Yes. He was quite excited about the fact that half of Belanore is gathered outside the palace gates.” Talin didn’t quite meet his gaze. “I never imagined I’d be celebrating this birthday with a coronation.”
“I can sense your unease,” Red Wolf said. “Relax. All will be over and done with soon enough. We’ve gone over the proceedings before.”
“This isn’t a rehearsal,” Talin said.
“No. But that doesn’t mean it will run any differently. Just pretend the crowd isn’t there. You’ll do fine.”
“I’m not ready for this.”
Red Wolf shrugged. “If you felt ready, I would say that you are not ready to be queen.”
“What do you mean?” Talin asked.
“You do not seek this power,” Red Wolf said. “That’s a good thing. Far too many heirs are eager to rule and abuse their power once they sit on the throne. The promise of such power can do terrible things to a person. Remember that this is a privilege, not a right.”
“What if I do mess it up?” Talin asked.
“You won’t.” Red Wolf offered her a smile. “Or if you do, you’ll fix it. You’re a good person. I know it. The crowd outside knows it. You’ll be a fine leader. It’s in your blood.” He halted outside the throne room. “I’ll be waiting right here when you step out.”
Talin turned to face the doors. The two guards standing there moved, ready to open them. “Red Wolf, come with me.”
“You know I can’t.” Red Wolf remained unmoving. “I may have been lord commander under your father’s rule, but unless I am sworn in again under you as the queen, I cannot accompany you inside.”
“Damn the protocol, we both know I’m not going to find a new lord commander,” Talin muttered under her breath.
Red Wolf huffed a laugh. “Be brave, princess. Whatever happens, remember that this is your duty. When you step back out of these doors as queen, you will have the power to make the world a better place. Stay true to yourself. Do the right thing. Always. I have faith in you, I know you’ll not fail.”
“I…” Talin glanced at him, then at the doors again. “Thank you.”
At Red Wolf’s nod to the guards, they pushed on the doors, letting them swing open into the room beyond. Talin spared one final glance back at him; then, taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and strode forwards.
“The gods be with you, my queen,” he said softly.