Chapter 10 - The Golden Crown

Three days later, the Grand Throne Room of the Royal Citadel of Drakoria was filled to absolute capacity. Dukes, foreign ambassadors, allied kings, and elite commanders stood in respectful, hushed silence as the massive oak doors swung open.
A choir of golden horns rang out through the vaulted halls.
Walking down the long marble aisle was King Kael, clad in his finest ceremonial robes of midnight blue and gold. But what caught every eye in the room was not the dread Dragon King.
Walking right beside him, holding his hand with an air of absolute, calm dignity, was Princess Amber. She wore a simple, elegant velvet dress the color of twilight, embroidered with tiny silver stars along the hem. And resting proudly upon her dark curls was the tiny golden crown—lined with three articulated dragon wings that shimmered with every step, and centered with a flawless, glowing ruby.
The assembly dropped to their knees in a synchronized wave of reverence, not out of fear of the king this time, but out of absolute, unyielding respect for the lineage that walked among them.
Kael led Amber up the steps of the massive obsidian throne. He gently lifted her up, seating her securely upon the colossal dragon-carved throne, which looked comically oversized for a seven-year-old, yet somehow fit her perfectly.
He stepped back, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword, and looked at his daughter with a warm, proud smile.
Amber looked out over the sea of bowing lords and ladies, then glanced up at her father. She adjusted the tiny crown on her head with a small, knowing grin, perfectly mimicking the proud posture of the Dragon King himself.
May you like
The kingdom of Drakoria had known many rulers, conquerors, and legends through the ages. But as the great hall erupted into thunderous, joyous applause that shook the very mountains outside, everyone knew that the true heart of the empire—and its greatest, most terrifying power—was safely seated right where she belonged.
And from that day forth, the realm knew peace, protected by the king who ruled the skies, and the little queen who commanded the stars.