The Royal Mark-Chapter 384: Horizon and Rising Sun

When morning came, Chris gathered all members of the council, both old and new. Everyone was surprised except for Hoven. He knew exactly what was going to happen as Chris’ condition worsened.

Everyone stood up and bowed the moment Chris entered the assembly hall with shock and surprise written all over their faces. He entered the room with now Queen Neia of Vrenada pushing him in a wheelchair.

"Everyone, take your seats. Let’s start this meeting right away so I can address all your questions since it’s written all over your faces. Surely, you must be surprised why am I like this...

Let me get straight to the point. I called for everyone so we could announce to the whole Arcanis that the seat for the throne is now open. Arcanis needs a new king in three days. So work your ass out today and start the search as soon as we leave this room," Chris announced. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"B-But, Your Majesty, why all of a sudden? Are you going to follow the Queen to the other world?" one of the elders asked.

"I am not sure yet. But one thing is for sure... I am dying in three days, so I want to meet the new king before I leave so I can pass the throne to him personally. Let’s gather again tonight at dinner so I can give you more details of my condition. But for now, I want you all to prioritize the task that I just gave you."

A collective gasp was heard, whispers, and murmurs erupted in the hall.

"Silence!" Chris exclaimed. "In the amendment that we did last month, you can either nominate a candidate or anyone can volunteer to be a candidate. Therefore, I nominate my right-hand man, our Lord High Steward, Alpha Hoven Haraldsen."

Murmurs erupted once again but this time Chris saw a lot of smiling faces and nodding heads. Most of the members of the council seemed like they also agreed with his nomination.

"Does anyone else want to nominate someone they know? Speak now," Chris added.

Everyone looked around, but no one raised their hands or stood up.

"Alright, if there are no more nominations, go and spread the news throughout the kingdom. I want to meet the candidates first thing in the morning so we can begin the trials and tests. You are dismissed."

Everyone stood up and bowed to Chris as Neia pushed his wheelchair out of the Assembly Hall.

He signaled for Hoven to follow him before leaving the room completely.

Hoven followed him until they reached his bed chamber. "Are you sure about this?" he asked Chris.

"Sure about what?" Chris wondered.

"About nominating me," Hoven replied with a blush on his cheeks.

Chris chuckled softly, finding it amusing that Hoven was flattered by his announcement but now seemed bashful about it.

"Yes, I’m sure. If only I could pass the responsibility to you without going through the process myself, I would. You’re the only one I trust with my Kingdom, and you know that. Besides, you deserve it. The Haraldsens have served the crown for centuries; you already know what needs to be done, no training necessary."

"Thank you for trusting me. I’ll do my utmost not to let you down," Hoven promised, his eyes welling up with tears. As he said it, it felt as though he was already accepting the inevitable departure of his best friend, knowing they might not see each other again.

"You better excel in the tests and trials and make sure you win, or I’ll haunt your dreams!" Chris joked though Hoven didn’t find it amusing.

Hoven wasn’t ready to bid farewell to Chris, whether he accepted or rejected the goddess’ offer.

"You haven’t told us your decision, Chris. I need to brace myself. Since we were kids, we always talked about growing old together. I’m not prepared for this," Hoven said, blinking back tears.

"I haven’t decided yet. It’s tough, you know... I don’t want to say goodbye to anyone. I’m struggling inside," Chris sighed, his expression briefly solemn before he smiled. "You should go and prepare for tomorrow’s tests and trials. I’ll spend the day with my sister, so don’t worry too much about me."

Hoven nodded, leaving with a heavy heart. He wanted to spend more time with Chris, but he trusted him with the kingdom and knew he had to focus on passing the upcoming challenges.

Chris squeezed Neia’s hand that was on his shoulder the moment Hoven closed the door. He placed her hand on his cheek and said, "I want you to go back to Vrenada tomorrow. It is your honeymoon and I don’t want to keep you from it. Let’s say our goodbyes today."

Neia couldn’t hold it anymore and burst into tears as she hugged her big brother. "No! The honeymoon can wait! I will not leave your side until the third day comes!"

Chris smirked and patted Neia’s head. "You are as stubborn as ever." He then pulled her arm to guide her to sit in front of him and asked, "I have a personal question, I hope you don’t mind."

Neia wiped her tears and nodded. Her brother seemed serious and she was also curious what his question was.

"Do you miss your wolf?" Chris asked.

"I do, but then I don’t feel lonely anymore. At first, I was sad but I was able to bid farewell to her and I feel like she’s still with me in spirit form. She sacrificed her life for me so every day I think of that. I tell myself to live as happy as I can to not waste the sacrifice that my wolf made for me. Why did you ask?"

"No reason. I am just curious what will it be like if I live without my wolf..." Chris answered with a sad tone.

"Let me call the servants for our breakfast then. Let’s eat on the balcony." Neia pushed his wheelchair to the balcony before leaving to call the servants.

Chris stared at the land he grew up in. Elsa and Rocco came into his mind, he pictured them running and playing on the grass outside the castle.

[You will be fine on your own, Christopher...] Yakobo whispered.

’How can you be so sure?’

[Because I know you, I know you better than you know yourself. Trust me, you will be alright without me whispering in your head. Please, let me give this one last gift to you. Your happiness is also mine.]

’Alright...’ Chris nodded internally, feeling the tiny ache in his heart as a single tear rolled down his cheek while he stared at the horizon and the rising sun.