Chapter 13

The grand hall of the palace was resplendent with golden tapestries and intricate carvings, glowing under the light of crystal chandeliers. The throne room, at the heart of the palace, had been transformed for the coronation of Alex. Every seat was occupied by nobles, advisors, and dignitaries from across the realm, their expressions ranging from solemn reverence to eager anticipation.

The air hummed with a blend of expectation and grandeur. At the center of the hall stood the throne, newly adorned with the kingdom’s crest, symbolizing the passing of reigns. Beside it rested the crown, set upon a crimson velvet cushion embroidered with gold thread.

The royal family made their entrance to a fanfare of trumpets. Alex walked beside his father, the king, who exuded a commanding presence. His mother, the queen, followed gracefully, her every step radiating dignity. Max trailed closely, his demeanor a mixture of pride and nervous energy. Behind them came Alex’s uncle, aunt, and cousin, their faces composed but reflective of the day’s significance. Max’s family—his mother, brother, and sister-in-law—stood respectfully near the front, representing the kingdom of Ashbourne.

The king turned to Alex as they approached the throne. His voice was low, meant only for his son to hear. “This is the moment I’ve prepared you for, Alex. Today, you will lead not just as a ruler but as a guide to our people.”

Alex nodded, his expression resolute. “I will honor the trust you’ve placed in me, Your Majesty.”

The ceremony began with a procession of priests, their robes heavy with gold embroidery. They chanted ancient hymns, invoking blessings for the new reign. The hall fell silent as the High Priest stepped forward, holding a sacred scepter that shimmered in the candlelight. He turned to Alex, gesturing for him to kneel.

As Alex lowered himself, the High Priest intoned, “Today, you are anointed as the sovereign of this realm. Do you vow to uphold justice, protect your people, and honor the legacy of your forebears?”

“I do,” Alex replied firmly, his voice echoing through the hall.

The High Priest turned to the king. “Your Majesty, do you pass the mantle of rulership to your heir with full trust and faith?”

The king’s gaze lingered on Alex before he spoke. “I do. He is prepared.”

The queen stepped forward, holding a ceremonial staff that symbolized wisdom and strength. She handed it to Alex, her eyes shining with pride. “Lead with a compassionate heart, Alex,” she said softly.

The crown was next. Max, who had been standing quietly, stepped forward. He carried the crown with both hands, his movements careful and reverent. Approaching Alex, he paused for a moment, their eyes meeting. “You are ready for this,” Max said, his voice steady but warm. “You’ve always been ready.”

Alex smiled faintly, gratitude flickering across his face. Max handed the crown to the High Priest, who raised it high for all to see before placing it upon Alex’s head.

“Rise, King of Vireli,” the High Priest declared.

Alex stood, the weight of the crown unfamiliar but grounding. The hall erupted in applause, the sound reverberating like thunder. His father stepped forward, embracing him briefly before stepping aside. “This is your kingdom now,” the king said, his voice low but filled with conviction.

The uncle and aunt came next, offering their congratulations. “Rule wisely, my son. ” his uncle said, his tone formal but warm. Alex’s cousin gave him a quick hug, whispering, “I’m so proud of you.”

Max’s family approached, with King Julian III of Ashbourne leading the way. “Vireli is fortunate to have a ruler like you,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of his own experience as a monarch. Max’s mother clasped Alex’s hands, her gaze kind. “Take care of my son while you’re ruling,” she said, half-joking but earnest.

The ceremony concluded with Alex taking his seat on the throne, his posture straight and his expression calm. Max stood beside him, his presence a steadying force. Together, they faced the court as the new era began.

The hall broke into cheers once more, and the sound of the kingdom celebrating spilled out into the streets.

The bedroom was bathed in the golden glow of the evening sun, its warm light casting long shadows across the royal blue drapes and polished marble floor. The air inside was calm, heavy with the subtle scent of sandalwood and the lingering tension of the day. Alex sat on the edge of the bed, his ceremonial robe abandoned on a nearby chair. He wore only a loose linen shirt now, its neckline falling open enough to reveal the strong lines of his collarbone.

Max stood by the window, arms crossed, gazing at the sprawling view of the palace grounds. A playful smirk played on his lips as he finally turned to face Alex. “So, how does it feel, Your Majesty, to sit on a throne after all that fuss?”

Alex chuckled, his voice low and warm. “It feels… surreal, but also inevitable. Like I’ve been moving toward this my whole life.”

Max arched a brow, his smirk widening. “And here you are, still finding time to sit on the edge of a bed like a mere mortal. Tell me, does a king even have time for such indulgences?”

Alex leaned back slightly, his weight resting on his palms as he gave Max a slow, assessing glance. “A king, Max,” he began, his tone dipping into something deeper, “always makes time for what’s important.”

Max snorted, moving toward Alex. His strides were deliberate, a tease in every step. “Important, huh? And what might that be?” He stopped in front of Alex, close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body.

Without answering, Alex reached up, his fingertips grazing Max’s wrist. The touch was featherlight, enough to make Max pause. Alex’s fingers traveled up Max’s forearm, the barest whisper against his skin, before moving to his shoulder. He grasped it gently, tugging Max closer until he was standing between Alex’s knees.

“You ask too many questions,” Alex murmured, his voice dipping into a tone that sent a shiver down Max’s spine.

Max tilted his head, leaning down slightly to meet Alex’s eyes. “And you, Your Majesty, are avoiding answers. Is that how kings rule these days?”

Alex smiled, slow and deliberate. His free hand lifted to Max’s waist, his fingers tracing the edge of his tunic. “You really want to discuss governance right now?” His fingers trailed upward, brushing the fabric aside to expose a sliver of skin. “Or are you testing me?”

Max’s breath hitched, though he tried to mask it with a scoff. “Testing you? Oh, no. I’d never dare. I’m simply… curious about how far this kingly charm extends.”

Alex hummed, his lips curving into a smirk that mirrored Max’s earlier one. “Far enough,” he said, his voice soft but charged with intent. His hands slid down to Max’s hips, pulling him forward until Max had no choice but to brace himself against Alex’s shoulders.

“Far enough for what?” Max asked, his voice a little unsteady now.

Alex didn’t answer with words. Instead, he leaned forward, his lips brushing against Max’s wrist, then trailing slowly upward to the inside of his forearm. The softness of the gesture was at odds with the fire it ignited in Max. Alex’s lips lingered at the crook of Max’s elbow before he pulled back slightly, his gaze locking onto Max’s.

“For this,” Alex said, his tone heavy with promise.

Max swallowed, his teasing demeanor faltering. “You’re good at this,” he admitted, his voice quieter than before.

Alex tilted his head, his hands slipping around Max’s waist to press against his lower back. “And you’re terrible at hiding how much you like it.”

Max let out a breathy laugh, shaking his head. “Gods, you’re insufferable.”

“Insufferable?” Alex echoed, his smirk growing as he leaned forward, his lips brushing against Max’s neck. “Say that again.”

Max shivered, his hands tightening on Alex’s shoulders. “You’re—” The words caught in his throat as Alex kissed a spot just below his jaw, his lips firm yet teasing. Max’s head tipped back involuntarily, a low sound escaping him.

Alex chuckled, the vibrations against Max’s skin sending another shiver through him. “That’s what I thought,” he said, his voice rich with satisfaction.

Max pulled back slightly, his breath coming faster now. He looked down at Alex, his lips parted as if to retort, but he said nothing. Instead, he leaned in, his hands sliding to Alex’s face. Their lips met in a kiss that started slow but quickly deepened, the tension between them finally snapping.

Alex’s hands roamed over Max’s back, pulling him closer as the kiss grew more fervent. Max responded in kind, his fingers threading through Alex’s hair. The world outside their room disappeared, leaving only the heat between them, the press of their bodies, and the unspoken promises that lingered in every touch.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless. Max rested his forehead against Alex’s, his lips curving into a small, dazed smile. “So, is this how a king rewards loyalty?” he teased, his voice barely above a whisper.

Alex laughed softly, his hands still resting on Max’s waist. “No,” he said, his tone teasing but tender. “This is how a king cherishes what matters most.”