Ramiel isn't the smartest, but he is strong and good at swinging a sword, riding a horse and every other thing men are good at.
While I, on the other hand, prefer the histories of the time when magic still roamed these lands and the reigns of previous kings. I made my little hideout in the library and buried myself in the thousands of books that lay there.
I guess that's the reason why the lords of the kingdom chose my brother over me. Oh, and the fact that I do not have a sausage dangling between my legs.
The throne room was a grand affair, chandeliers hung from the ceiling like stars, banners hung on the walls, depicting the sigil of our house. A crescent moon on black.
Acrisius and I took a seat at the front row, while my mother and the duke took one at the other side of us. I could feel their stares on us, but I would not grace them by staring back.
The crowds slowly entered the throne room and began taking their respective seats awaiting their future monarch. Their chatter became a blur to me as my eyes fixed upon the crescent throne. My rightful seat, my inheritance.
The silver throne gleamed in the sunlight, and I took into more detail its crescent shape and the carvings upon it.
Acrisius must have noticed my absent-mindedness as he placed his hand upon mine, when our eyes met, he closed his eyes and nodded his head, but my mind still wandered from time to time.
Before my mind wandered further, the large doors of the throne room were opened.
A hush fell over the crowd. Everyone rose from their seats, their faces turned toward the entrance. I stood tall, my heart heavy with resentment, as two guards walked in side by side. Their boots clicked on the stone floor, echoing through the silent room.
Then, Ramiel emerged, his white attire with silver accents gleaming in the sunlight streaming through the windows. His fingers sparkled with rings, and on his index finger, my father's ring seemed to mock me. I felt a surge of anger and bitterness as I gazed at the symbol of our family's legacy, passed from king to heir in our family for generations. My ring.
The priest, resplendent in his ornate robes, stepped forward, his voice booming through the throne room. "We are all gathered here to witness the beginning of a new era for our kingdom, a new king" The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers and whistles filling the room.
"Do you Ramiel Kastillion, swear to protect and serve the people of Korghon to the best of your abilities?" he asked, loud enough for all to hear "I do!" Ramiel responded.
"By the power vested in me, I name thee Ramiel Kastillion, King of Korghon"
I watched, my emotions in turmoil, as Ramiel knelt before the priest. The old man placed the crown on Ramiel's brow, and my brother rose, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. He took his seat upon the crescent throne, his eyes scanning the room as if daring anyone to challenge him.
The crowd stood up in ovation once more, their applause thundering through the throne room. I noticed the proud smile Ramiel gave our mother and the duke, the scowl he gave me and Acrisius. I returned it tenfold, my anger and resentment simmering just below the surface.
If he wishes to act like a child then it could be arranged.
The throne room began clearing late into the evening, and I wanted Acrisius and I to leave.
"You haven't greeted the king yet" he said.
"I really don't want to do that" I replied. It was bad enough that I had to sit through the entire thing, but for me to go and bow before him when it should be the other way around would be putting salt on the wound.
"I understand, but it will be seen as a sign of great disrespect if you don't, and it would not be wise to start off your brother's reign on a bad note" Always the smart one my cousin.
"Fine"
As I approached Ramiel, surrounded by his sycophants, my stomach churned with bile. I locked eyes with my brother, his smug expression fueling my anger. I curtsied, my movements stiff and formal, as I forced out the words "Long live his royal majesty." The taste of bitterness lingered on my lips. Ramiel made me hold the curtsy for what felt like an eternity, his eyes gleaming with triumph. Finally, he granted me permission to rise, his voice dripping with condescension. "Rise, sister." His lips brushed against the back of my palm, sending a shiver of revulsion down my spine. I felt like I was going to vomit.
As we filed out of the throne room, the cool air of the hallway enveloped us, a welcome respite from the stifling atmosphere of the ceremony. Acrisius and I exchanged a quick hug before we parted ways.
I was delighted to be in the company of Amenadiel once more as we walked to my chambers.
"I commend you for sitting through that whole affair" he told me.
"Thank you Amenadiel, I won't lie and tell you I enjoyed it" he chuckled, "I know"
We arrived at my chambers, and he opened the door for me "Goodnight your highness"
"Get some sleep, Amenadiel"
Alice was ready with my nightwear, and I was grateful because I was more than eager to take my gown off simply because I wasted it on such an insult of an affair.
"Welcome back your highness" she greeted, and I gave her the most genuine smile. Seeing her face was a welcome sight.
"Please help me take these off" she obliged, making quick work of my gown and jewelries.
I lay on my bed, alone at last thinking about today, my eyes brimmed with tears, they streamed down my cheeks. I thought about the reason as to why this was happening, simply because my mother and father expected me to be born a man, and I wasn't.
I wiped my tears away, swearing they would be the last I would shed for my pathetic family.