The filler is almost done and then the next arc begins in earnest. There's a lot of exciting stuff coming, and we will get deeper into the magic, kor, and other aspects of the world soon.
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The Palace was silent as I slowly made my way to its western side. The actual layout of the palace was quite interesting since at first, I'd assumed I'd have to do the speech near the gates on some makeshift podium or in another section of the city but to my surprise, there was actually a perfectly good area for speeches. It was a large balcony located at the western end of the palace and beneath it was a wide-open area with plenty of space for the entire city, though I'd be lying if I said it wouldn't be crowded, but we had guards on alert and talon riders would be patrolling the skies. A person would have to be a fool to attack or try something today, not that I thought something would happen, but better to be safe than sorry.
The inside of the palace was silent and near empty. Most of the staff and guards had been given time off today to watch the speech as despite their jobs they were still citizens of Larra, of my kingdom and they needed to hear this just as much as anyone else, probably more so, since they worked directly for me.
I was flanked by Asara and her lieutenants who were dressed in a more formal version of the usual rider armour, and perhaps at another time I might have been admiring their looks and the way their clothes fit their perfect bodies, but I had something else to focus on. Just as Migi and Domino had said, I needed to focus on the upcoming speech, and though I felt my resolve being tested as we grew closer and the sound of thousands of people grew louder, I kept steady and firm, thinking back to everything else I'd done and just how important this was.
This was essentially the kingdom's first real look at me. So far there had only been rumours and a few facts, but for the most part, I'd been seen as a powerful tyrant who'd taken the throne by force. I needed to change that now and to show the people that I was no tyrant, but the change this kingdom needed. I needed their support because the upcoming days would be difficult, especially with the changes which would begin in earnest soon. It wouldn't start off perfect or even at a stage I would like, but change was change, and most of the time it was met with resistance, whether or not it was a logical change that would benefit them. Humans were often creatures of routine and habit, and it was hard to break away from a routine and let go of a habit.
"You'll do well, your majesty," Asara said, glancing over at me with a confident smile. There was no nervousness in her, and not a single ounce of doubt in that gaze and looking into those eyes, I felt my own resolve and confidence strengthen. I looked at the others and saw similar expressions.
I smiled at that. They didn't doubt me for a second.
"Your right," I said, smiling. "I will."
The rest of the walk was spent in silence and as we rounded the last bend, the muffled sound of the crowd was deafening. I'd been told the number of expected people would be high, but knowing and hearing was different, The room just before the balcony was full of nobles, high ranking military and of course Richard and Susana. They all bowed low at the sight of me, which made me smile internally. They were learning that there was a time for kneeling and a time for bowing.
The nobles were those who Richard and Susana had said were the most influential and I would need them on my side, not that their support was required, but it would help. The military for some odd reason looked at me with awe, and respect, which I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised at, but it was greater than I expected.
What exactly had Esdeath done and said to them?
I shook the thought away and focused on Richard and Susana. "Is everything ready?"
He nodded. "Yes, your majesty, the speech is set to begin in just over ten minutes. Would you like to go over it with me, I am a great listener and did help the previous king with speeches from time to time."
"I appreciate the offer, but there is no need," I replied. "Also is the space ready, I really don't want to squish anybody."
Susana chuckled. "It's ready, your majesty, I made sure of it. Guards and talon riders are keeping a watch on the area, to make sure no one wanders in"
I let out a sigh of relief. "Good."
Oars needed a lot of space and at first, I'd been worried his huge size would be a problem in finding a place for the speech or that I might have had to just leave him out of it, but luckily the western area had enough space. I was glad to know that Susana and sorted it out as Oars accidentally stepping on people would not be a good first impression and with his size, it wouldn't be one, but closer to a dozen.
"Is there anything else I should be aware of?"
"We have the patrols roaming the city for those who want to take advantage of the people's absence and your spymaster has his... clones all over the city as well in key areas. I must say his training and selection process is quite intense, though effective. He will prove most useful to the kingdom."
"Good, then I suppose there's no need to keep waiting. It's time to start the speech."
I said the words loud enough so that the entire room heard it and all voices quieted as gazes turned to me.
I ignored them and turned my attention to the balcony doors that were just now being opened.
The sound of the crowd which the door had been blocking somewhat burst into the room and I took a deep breath and let it out slowly as I walked out the room and onto the balcony.