Chapter 40: (v.3) The Royal House of Palladino.

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The day of the coronation was a big one, and my nerves had never been more wrecked. Thankfully, I had a massive support system in the palace, ranging from Luca to Camila’s parents. I couldn’t help but pace back and forth in my living quarters as I waited for my valet to arrive with my ensemble.

“Everything’s going to be alright, Abbo,” I heard from Luca as I continued pacing.
“I hope so.”
“Our people may not know you well enough yet, but they’ll get to know you through tonight’s speech and in the coming months when you bring back Citizens’ Day.”
“Yeah, I’m still not too sure about that. I’m concerned for your safety and—”
“Abbo, you realize I don’t need to be in court on Citizens’ Day, right? Citizens’ Day is about the sitting ruler learning about what’s happening in the average citizen's life. It’s about getting to know them, connecting with them, letting them get to know you while you help them find resolutions to matters that have deeply affected them.”

I paused as I soaked in his words. He approached me, and I couldn’t help but meet his eyes, which sparkled back at me.

“Please let the people see what I see in you. They deserve to know that their new king will be nothing like their last. They’ve waited a long time for a kind, incredible, and righteous ruler who will do well for them. I believe in you, Abbo, and I want the people to believe in you, too. Please bring back Citizens’ Day. If you give it a chance, you’ll find it easier to connect with our people.”

What if Timothy somehow managed to find his way inside the palace? I couldn’t—

“Besides, José is already working on ensuring maximum security so that no unauthorized person can enter the palace. He’s ensured every palace guard on and off the grounds knows what the monster looks like. I also have Marko to keep me safe and secure as Citizens’ Day commences between you and the people. I trust your trust in José, and Marko hasn’t failed me either. We’ve got this, Abbo.”

I sensed Citizens’ Day was important to Luca, as he’d practically begged me to bring it back to the people. I sighed when I realized he wouldn’t give up on this mission.

“Alright, kiddo,” I caved. “We’ll talk more about it another day. Why don’t you check in on your brothers and see if they’re ready yet?”

Luca nodded as he accepted my suggestion and left me alone to think. I opened the balcony doors and stepped out to get some fresh air. It was a beautiful sunny day with a warm breeze flowing gently through my hair. Before I knew it, my valet was here, and I was being fitted for my coronation outfit. It was heavy, though beautifully designed with metallic gold, royal blue, and some red, and it adorned an array of gems like rubies and sapphires.

I was so focused on my appearance that I hadn’t heard my sweet wife return from her time with her valets. My eyebrows lifted when I saw how magnificent she looked. Her outfit was similar to mine, though she had more red in her dress than blue. It was hard to believe we were about to be crowned king and queen of a country that I hardly knew, though this thought suddenly made me realize that Luca was right. I had to give the people a chance to know me, and I decided I would. The afternoon flew by quickly, and the evening of the coronation arrived. Xir Charles was the highest-ranking court official, so he had the honor of handing me the scepter and placing the crown on my head.

“Citizens of Xudia,” he called live on television, though his eyes were focused on me. “I, Xir Charles Oswad, do hereby announce the formal coronation of His Majesty Giovanni Vincenzo Palladino, the second of his name, King of Xudia, along with his queen consort, Her Majesty Anastasia Maria Palladino.”

As he announced Ana, he placed a crown on her head, and we bowed in response.

“Your Majesties,” Xir Charles continued. “You may now rise and address your nation.”

Ana gave her speech first, as it was customary for queens to do so, and she gave a beautiful speech about how she’d always do her best to do right by the people in all matters. Naturally, the crowd in court bowed and curtsied to her words. She was the perfect person to be their next queen. I, however, was unsure of how well I’d do. As I stood before my royal subjects, though, I saw in their eyes what Luca had said earlier, and it only confirmed the decision I made was the right one.

“Citizens of Xudia,” I called as I began speaking in their native tongue. “I thank you for bestowing the honor of the crown upon me. I vow today that I will not dishonor you or the crown and will do right by you in every manner I can. We may not know each other that well yet, but I humbly thank you for the opportunity to show you what I can do and how I can best serve and protect you.”

Before I knew it, the crowd bowed and curtsied to me, and the air in the room suddenly felt lighter. It was as if the crowd had found relief or comfort in my words. I truly wanted to do right by this nation and live my speech as honorably as possible. I soon fell in love with the people of Xudia, and it became clear this was my real destiny. Time flew by quickly in the first few months as the new royal family and the palace came to life with the excitement of the newest addition to the family, Princess Rheya Camila Palladino.

The nation rejoiced with us, and they adored their new princess. Ana had an emergency total hysterectomy in the days that followed Rheya’s birth, but she recovered well, and Rheya was spoiled. We’d finally had our girl, and while we were upset we couldn’t have more children, we counted our blessings with the ones we had that were as healthy as can be. As Rheya grew, she became the spitting image of Ana, though she had a curiosity for life and adventure that mirrored Luca’s. She insisted on doing everything with him, as she looked up to him and favored him over Kris and Eli.

On the one hand, it was hard to believe that my family and I have lived in Xudia and ruled over it for the last five years. On the other hand, it had been a wonderful five years. I had both my parents here with us, and so did Ana. Luca would soon be turning sixteen, which meant he’d legally be an adult, and I wasn’t ready for that. Although, I will admit that it’s been incredible watching him become the young adult he was growing up to be.

I couldn’t help the huge, warm smile plastered on my face as I watched Rheya holding Luca’s hand in one of our routine walks as a family. I loved walking with them, watching them from behind as they walked ahead of me and Ana. For some reason, Rheya always needed to hold his hand during our precious walks. Kris and Eli weren’t big on these particular family outings, as Kris always had his nose in a book, and Eli preferred honing his karate skills. All the grandparents spent a great deal of time together, including Camila’s parents, who found forgiveness for my mother once and for all, and even her mother became good friends with mine.

Ana and I did everything within our royal capabilities to secure Luca’s rule and ensure his safety. However, the people grew to love me as their king and seemed to want me to remain king, even as Luca would soon be eligible. Camila’s killer was still out there, and we knew that he’d someday make another play for Luca. So Luca and his safety were still our main priorities. My family life was perfect, and I could no longer imagine living elsewhere besides this beautiful country.

Submitted: January 26, 2025

Young Adult fiction romance suspense royalty young-adult