Capítulo 43: "Long Live the New King"
At first, no one dared raise their hands, but slowly, one by one, the number of people who raised their hands increased.
King Maro widened his eyes at the sight of his trusted ministers, clan leaders, and officials, as well as servants, betraying him. He couldn't believe it; did no one like how he reigned these past years?
He did everything he could. He punished the corrupt, and blessed those who fulfilled their duties properly. He slept late at night to see the records and reports of each Minister about the status of each resource, because he wanted to make sure that everyone would have their fair share. He made sure that all households had something to eat by making the mercenaries patrol each corner of the nation to watch over them.
And now, just because Seiro came back, they turned their back on him?
"Alright. The majority of the Ministers, as well as all the representatives of the Clans have voted," Prince Kaio cleared his throat. He exclaimed, "I hereby declare that from now on, Seiro of the Leon Clan will be the King of this nation!"
"Kaio! You can't just dethrone me!" Maro was about to charge onto him, but the mercenaries quickly stopped him and held his arms tight.
"General Lum, announce his charges and take him to the prison dungeon," Prince Kaio said.
The dethroned King furrowed his eyebrows as he looked into General Lum's eyes. He was stoned that the General that he trusted also turned his back on him.
As his lion headdress fell on the sand, "You traitor… I thought you're loyal to me…" Maro uttered as the general was tying the thick rope onto his back.
"I said I am loyal to the King… not you," he responded coldly. He dragged Maro to the stage and announced, "Standing here is the dethroned King, who, in his younger years, had attempted to kill his own twin brother by pushing him off a cliff. With this, we shall charge him attempted murder, and he will be whipped every night until he swims in his own blood and dies."
"It was an accident! I didn't push Seiro off that cliff!" Maro yelled, then he turned his head to face Prince Kaio, who smirked at him. He cannot believe that the accusation actually came from his own brother. He knew that they were never really in a good relationship, but regardless of their attitude towards each other, he still believed that "blood is thicker than water". At that moment he proved that this wasn't true all the time.
He looked at Prince Kaio with dismay. "You're the worst," he said while glaring at him. Everyone looked at him with disgust as if he was a criminal, as he was dragged away by the mercenaries on the aisle that was supposed to be walked on by his bride who never came.
Prince Seiro raised his hand, gesturing to the people to keep quiet, and when they finally did, he told them, "I apologize that we have to ruin this wedding. But do not worry, because after my coronation, I will marry the woman I love and make her Queen. She's the fiance of the dethroned king Maro, whom he took away from me. I am inviting you all to witness our royal wedding which will take place in a month. I shall send invitations in a few days."
Everyone clapped their hands. It was as if they would soon witness a happy wedding because they thought that Maro really took Ely from the new King, just as he took the throne from him before.
"I want to let everyone know that I have forgiven my brother," he said, and they thought of how kind of a person he was. "But the law is absolute, and he must pay for his sins. Now that you have placed your trust in me, I will do my best to guide this nation and make it prosper. Please be with me throughout my reign!"
"Long Live King Seiro of the Leon Clan!" General Lum shouted.
Because the people saw how different he was from his twin brother, Seiro immediately got their support. They all shouted, "LONG LIVE HIS HIGHNESS KING SEIRO!"
King Seiro waved his hands and gave a bright smile. But at the back of that smile, was his worried state of mind.
Now that Maro was sent into the dark dungeon for prisoners, how could he convince Ely to marry him?
For sure, once she returned, she would desperately find him. And if she saw him in that state, she would plead for him to be released, which he would not like to happen. He had a soft spot for her, and he knew that someday, she might be able to convince him to take her side if he's not careful on how to handle her.
It took a while before they all talked to the guests, and King Seiro was formally introduced to the royal families of the foreign countries. Prince Kaio was the one who led the negotiations, saying that they would like to continue to trade with them in the coming years. They were pleased that the new King that the Prince had his trust in was more friendly, which they preferred. The Ministers, Clan Leaders, and officials also expressed their support to King Seiro in politics.
After lunch, when all guests had finally gone home and the servants started taking away the decors and leftover food, King Seiro and his younger brother conversed as they watched over them.
"You did a great job there. Even though it's out of your character, you have successfully displayed your authoritativeness," Prince Kaio praised his older brother, who seemed uneasy.
"I just did what you told me," he sighed, "But I'm worried about Ely. I think I'll have to go back to your palace tonight."
"Don't worry, she's on the way. I planned for her to be brought here after lunch. Just wait for her."
"I see…" he kept on looking at the dirt road at the side.
Prince Kaio chuckled, "Who would dare take her away from you? You're the King now. Remember that," he gave him advice as he patted his shoulder, "I know you're a kind person, but you have to show your unkind side if she disobeys you. That way, you can tame your woman."
He knew that his younger brother had a point. It's in Ely's personality to be stubborn, and she would always say and do whatever was the first thing she thought of. It's just that, it wasn't in his personality to be too aggressive.
Ely finally arrived after around fifteen minutes, and as soon as she got down the carriage, she ran towards the beach. But there was no one. No more guests, and no more groom.
"Ely, welcome back," a voice uttered.
She hoped that it was her groom who spoke, but she was wrong. "Prince Seiro?"
"Oops, you're wrong," Prince Kaio interrupted her. "He's not Prince Seiro anymore. Bow down to the new King."
"New… King?" she glanced at King Seiro, and he nodded at her.
The prince grinned and he answered her, "That's right. Your beloved Adam is now the King of this nation. Why don't you congratulate him?"
But instead of congratulating him, Ely's tears fell from her lonely eyes. It only meant one thing, either they imprisoned him, or they took his life.
PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES 
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