Chapter 14 - THE TRUE HEIR

The recognition ceremony took place beneath the same golden columns where Elara had been slapped.

She insisted on it.

The entire kingdom watched.

She entered without a crown.

She wore a simple white gown.

Around her neck was Mara's rough ribbon.

Repaired.

And deliberately loose enough to reveal the Royal Sun.

Aldric stood before the throne.

Lady Beatrice carried the infant bracelet.

The royal physician carried the original birth record.

Witnesses from Mara's village had arrived.

Everything was documented.

Everything was public.

No more secrets.

Aldric took the ancient crown.

Then he stopped.

Elara looked at him.

“What?”

He smiled.

“You once told me you didn't want it.”

“I still don't know if I do.”

“Good.”

Elara raised an eyebrow.

Aldric continued.

“The people who desperately want crowns are usually the people who should never wear them.”

Elara smiled.

Then knelt.

Aldric placed the crown on her head.

“Rise, Aurelia Marianne Valorian.”

“Princess of Valoria.”

“First Daughter of the Crown.”

“And lawful heir to the throne.”

The hall erupted.

But Elara looked toward the back.

Celestine stood among the ordinary guests.

No diamonds.

No royal gown.

She was smiling.

Elara extended her hand.

Celestine looked confused.

“Come here.”

Whispers spread.

Celestine approached.

Elara faced the court.

“This woman was used by the same people who stole my childhood.”

“She also made choices that hurt others.”

Celestine lowered her head.

“But a person is more than the worst thing she has done.”

Elara looked at her.

“She stood beside me when doing so could have killed her.”

“She told the truth when a lie could have kept a crown on her head.”

Elara removed a small silver pin from the ceremonial table.

It carried no royal crest.

Only a simple sun.

She pinned it to Celestine's dress.

“You are not Princess Celestine.”

Celestine nodded.

“You are Celestine Voss.”

“And for the first time, that name belongs to you.”

Celestine cried.

The court applauded.

Then the doors opened.

A messenger rushed inside.

Elara almost laughed.

“Can we have one ceremony without someone running through those doors?”

The messenger bowed.

“Your Highness, we found something in Mara Ellison's cottage.”

Elara's smile disappeared.

“What?”

“A hidden compartment beneath the floor.”

He handed her a sealed letter.

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On the front were four words.

For Elara, when you're ready.