Nwadike stood tall, the lightning in his eyes now mirrored by the glow of the crown.
Beside him, Osita's face hardened. The warmth vanished, replaced by the cold, jagged mask of the man who was about to become a pariah. He stepped back, deliberately putting distance between himself and the new King, his eyes already searching the horizon for the path that would lead him to his wife.
Nwadike stepped to the edge of the balcony. He looked out at the faces of the people who had watched him grow, and then at the allies who had stood by his father for centuries. His voice was calm, carrying the steady warmth of the Queen.
"You have known me since I was a child running through your markets," Nwadike began, a small, genuine smile touching his lips. "And I have known you as my family. Today, I do not take this crown to rule over you, but to stand before you. My father has held the storm at bay for a long time, now, it is my turn to be your shield."
