The Crown She Never Asked For 🏰
The chamber was full — nobles, generals, scholars, emissaries from allied nations. All gathered in anticipation.
The Demon King stood at the center, dressed not as a warrior, but as a monarch — calm, regal, commanding.
But what he said next sent a ripple through the court.
"I will not sit on Verdantia's throne."
Gasps. Confusion.
"I never wanted power. I never learned how to rule a kingdom."
"But I know someone who did."
He turned.
Eyes locked on her.
Commander Seraphina.
His sister.
"She rebuilt this kingdom while I healed."
"She did not ask for this crown…"
"But she is the one who deserves it."
đź‘‘ A Throne Without a King
The hall was dead silent.
Seraphina's eyes widened — stunned. She looked around, as if someone else might step forward.
"Brother… I—"
He shook his head gently.
"You've already done more than any king."
The silence didn't last.
Soon came whispers.
Then murmurs.
Then arguments.
"A Queen? That's not our law—"
"Only men have ruled Verdantia—"
But those voices quieted the moment the Demon King spoke again.
"Anyone who has a problem…"
His gaze swept across the room — heavy, immovable.
"You can speak to me directly."
No one did.
🏵 The Coronation
Days later, the grandest ceremony Verdantia had ever held took place.
Banners of gold and black.
Crowds filled the plazas.
And at the center — Seraphina, clad in silver-stitched robes, a black-flamed mantle on her shoulders.
The first Queen of Verdantia.
The people didn't cheer out of tradition.
They cheered because they knew her.
They trusted her.
And because she had stood between them and ruin.
🛫 The King's Farewell
When the ceremony ended, the Demon King addressed the people one last time.
"I came back because I was forced."
"I stayed because I saw what this place could be."
"But now, I must leave."
"There is a world I left behind. A family that needs me."
"I go not to abandon you…"
"But to honor the ones who made me whole."
His family stood behind him.
Queen Isabella wiped tears from her eyes.
King Aldric looked down, hand clenched.
Even Prince Marcus remained silent — knowing that nothing he said would change it.
And Seraphina… she said nothing aloud.
But in her heart:
"When we finally found each other… you chose to leave."
But I won't stop you.
🌕 One More Promise
As he prepared to depart, someone else stepped forward.
Queen Alira.
"You're not going alone," she said.
"I brought you back. That makes this my responsibility."
"I'll help you find the way."
He looked at her for a long moment.
And nodded.
"Then let's begin."