The grand throne room of Rhys' newly established reign felt different now. The shadows of the past still loomed large, but there was a brightness that seemed to glimmer through the once-heavy atmosphere. James, Pippy, Cherry, and Lynara stood alongside Rhys, watching as he took his first steps into the role of king. The weight of the crown was evident on his face, but so was the resolve that came with it.
James clapped a reassuring hand on Rhys' shoulder as the young king adjusted his royal garments. "You've got this," James said firmly, his deep voice echoing in the vast hall. "Leadership isn't about making the perfect decision every time. It's about knowing what's right for your people, even when it's hard."
Rhys exhaled slowly, his hands gripping the armrests of the throne. "I've seen what happens when someone forgets that. I'll never let greed or power blind me like it did those before me."
