Old Master Lenort stood up from his seat and stepped forward. "You are all welcome here today. As you're all aware, today's ceremony is solely based on the selection of the new heir to the throne. I have ruled for decades and the crown has not decided, a new heir must step up. There is indeed nothing I can do for going against the crown is nothing but a taboo."
He laughed, his smile wide as the entire hall applauded him.
"May the princes step out, please. Let the first step begin."
All the guests began to applaud as the princes stood up from their seats, all except Valentine. But the month he felt eyes on him, he groaned under his breath and got up from his chair. He followed Lestat and began to walk down the stairs to the center of the hall.
They stood in a horizontal straight line according to their ages. And with polite smiles, which all except Draven and Valentine held, they bowed deeply, their hands to their chest.
