Cantrell Chronicles RESET, Part One

Coronation, a Cantrell Chronicles Reset update, Part Two - Chapter Thirty-Two

  King Joseph the Second hardly slept. He rose early feeling tired and beaten up.  Today, his son and heir would assume the throne. This was something Joseph felt certain must be.  He dressed in his formal suit, crown and all and slowly, very slowly made his way down the red runner to stand before the throne.  He spoke to his priest and reviewed all the information he could to know exactly how he was to go about abdicating. This wasn’t a rash decision.

There were many concerns that went into this mix.  Abdicating was what he must do. Father James even suggested he could accompany Princess Brianna to Vulcan. "Thank you, Father, that is very generous. But the Vulcans are a very closed society. They don't allow Outsiders to their Sacred Ceremonies, of which the k'Matra is one. But my heart thanks you."

“It was worth a try. I understand.”
“You’re a good man.”

Standing in front of the throne, he found himself ill-prepared for the emotions that besieged him.  For a moment he was held captive by them.  He stood there and sobbed like a baby.

Taking a moment to pull himself together again, he quickly realized he needed divine guidance before he could remove the crown from his head, giving up dreams he had for a lifetime. His divine duty.

He walked back down the runner and stood before the holy icon of his Savior. There he prayed quietly. At least at first. He kept coming back to the rough decision he came to a couple of weeks ago. As if he was being gently nudged in that direction.

Apparently, his first arduous conclusion was the path he was meant to take.  Joseph, being less than obedient at that moment began to rant, aloud, to the image.

“I know, I know, but I keep thinking there has got to be a better way. I’ve only sat on the throne for barely two years.  I have accomplished much, in that time, at least made significant changes. I know there is more I can achieve.  Nonetheless, your Will, not mine, Lord. Amen.”

“That reminds, me,” he said to himself. “I do have a couple of unfinished bits of business.” Taking the throne, King Joseph the Second, signed two more Decrees into law.

Knowing Crown Prince Erik had business he had to attend, the aged monarch decided to leave the throne room and seek his son.  It was now after eleven. His original plan was to abdicate within a half-hour of the scheduled coronation, which was at noon. Taking a peek outside, hearing the vague strains of a violin expertly played, he saw his son. Erik often soothed his emotions through playing music. So he wasn’t a bit surprised the youth was standing in the road in front of Castle Cantrell fiddling away.

Returning to the throne room, feeling far more positive about the situation, this time, he took the steps up to the throne, and slowly removed the crown, placing it upon the seat of the throne.  That easily it was done.

“Guide me, O Lord, as I relinquish my power and throne, as King of Ondarion.”

“Help me not to waiver, but to follow through as it is Your Will.”

“As I remove this crown from my head, giving up the Sacred Duty for which I swore such a short time ago, forgive me my weakness.”

“I do, hereby, place the crown from my head to the next person who will take it up. Grant him every peace and fill him with the courage he may need. I therefore put my son and heir into your Hands, O Lord. Let it be done! Amen.”

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

As time flew by, Erik went inside to get ready for the ceremony.  He also saw that his father wasn’t in the mood he fully expected.  Rather than being relieved, he seemed downtrodden.  Chatting with Father James, the cleric sought Joseph out to have a word with him. Both, after having spoken about the circumstances, a few weeks ago, had come to the same conclusion. The only way that made any sense, was, regretfully, the monarch should give up his throne. The King knew it was right, but understandably, when it came down to the actual deed, emotions would likely set in.  Father James pointed at the marks on the red runner, speaking to Erik, “You stand on the mark and contemplate for a moment. I shall be right back.”

“Will, do, Father,” Erik said.

The priest found the King Emeritus, just as he came through the back door to the castle. “Your Majesty,” Father James said.
Joseph held up a hand. “It’s just Joseph. I’m now a Grand Duke, son of a King.
“Are you okay?  Your son is very worried about your state of mind.”

“I’m okay, truly. I’m just blustering at the circumstances, of which I cannot change. Please, go coronate my son, before the country falls into discord.”

“Crown Prince, Erik, if you would kindly recite the Oath of Office.”
“I, Erik James of the House of Cantrell, do promise to  keep the Church of God and all the people in peace. To forbid acts of robbery and iniquity. And to uphold 
justice and mercy in all judgments. Upholding all the laws, customs and faith of all the people of Ondarion. To this I swear my oath.”

“And now if you would please kneel to receive the crown.”

Father James held the crown above Prince Erik’s head as he recited the following prayer:  "Lord in heaven, bless this crown and the head upon whom it will sit. Give him strength, insight, dignity and courage throughout his reign. Doing thy will in all things. Amen.”

“Rise, Your Royal Majesty and go in peace.”

“Just like that? That was fairly easy,” King Erik said, “I must have something in my eye, though.”

“That and this, God Save the King!”

“God Save the King!” the spectators called out in unison.

The newly crowned king went around and hugged his family members. He also took pictures with a couple of them, Father James and Kayleigh, of course, his queen, as a keepsake for the moment.

All for now, thanks for reading!