Chapter 250

With both hands, King Lucien reached for the crown. He took it out with utmost respect, and as he did so, his voice raised again. “With the power vested in me as the king who conquered the past king of Mombana—as the present king of Mombana—I withdraw the royal feminine crown of Mombana and place it on your head.” He placed the gold crown on Danika’s head. “And as I do this, I crown you the Queen of Mombana.” His voice rose higher. “From today henceforth, you seize being a slave to anybody and you become a queen to everybody! Henceforth, you stop bowing to anybody, and everybody will bow to you! From henceforth, you stop being Slave Danika but Queen Danika!”

He paused, everywhere in majestic silence. He finished in repeat. “I crown you the new queen of Mombana!”

***

There were gasps everywhere. No one expected it. No one expected a king to ever give back a land he conquered. The other kings were more dumbstruck.

Danika stood in a trance while the king's words