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his smithy whenever Marcus needed an escape from the palace.  Despite his stated indifference, she knew that Marcus was troubled by the campaign against him.  He told her that working with his hands allowed him a chance to burn off some of his frustrations and focus on what was important.  In those conversations, it was obvious that he clearly valued the advice that Norlan offered when asked.
    Standing right behind Marcus were his friends Daen and Nathen, dressed in their Royal Guard uniforms.  Because of their friendship, she had asked them to discreetly provide a guard for Marcus.  She hoped that the rumors would not lead some to resort to violence, but she felt better knowing that he was protected.
    With a final word to Norlan, Marcus moved forward to the line of nobles.  He was now lord of one of the richest holdings in the kingdom.  By rights, he could claim the head of the line.  As Keria nervously watched, Marcus strode up to where Genela was standing, the first in line.  Based on the look on his face, Genela was clearly not planning on moving aside.  They stared at each other silently, the other nobles growing quiet as they became aware of what was happening.
    Jonas, observing the situation, started to go down as the tension began to grow, but Keria stopped him.  “Marcus must handle this,” she whispered to him.
    After a few more tense moments, Marcus gave Genela a slight nod and gestured him forward.  “I know that the queen has been grateful for your counsel, Lord Genela, so it is right that you should lead us in the swearing of the oaths,” he said loudly, his voice echoing in the hall.
    Genela appeared surprised by the gesture.  He gave Marcus a nod.  “Thank you, Lord Marcus,” he said simply.
    Genela climbed the steps to the throne.  He knelt in front of Keria, who held out her hand.  Genela reached out and took it.  “By my sacred honor, I, Lord Genela, with the One and all of the others gathered as my witnesses, declare my and my family’s loyalty and fealty to you, Queen Keria, and will obey your commands,” he said clearly.  “I am your servant.”  With that, he leaned in and kissed the royal ring on her hand.
    “I thank you, Lord Genela,” Keria replied formally.
    Once Genela rose, Marcus took his place.  He repeated the words that Genela had used, but added as a whisper only she could hear, “You are my heart and love.”  As he went to kiss the ring, Keria moved her hand slightly, so his lips found her skin rather than the ring.  With a smile meant only for her, he rose and retreated down the steps.
    Each of the nobles came forward to declare their loyalty.  Keria tried to endure it with patience.  After what seemed to be an eternity, the last noble declared his loyalty and the crowd watched her expectantly.
    Keria rose from the throne.  “I am honored and grateful for your support and loyalty.  I swear that I will, with all of my strength, govern with justice and fairness to all.  I will defend the people of Sanduas against all enemies, even with my life.”
    “Hail, Queen Keria the First!” Genela called out.  “Hail!” the other nobles answered.
    She smiled and gave them all a nod of her head.  She was officially queen.  As she sat back down, Keria let out a breath she had not realized she had been holding.  Now, she could act.
    Jonas gave her a smile and a bow, and then descended the dais and went over to a cleric near the front of the crowd.  He took back his staff that she had been holding and stood there quietly, watching Keria.
    She straightened on the throne.  “Before I present myself to the people, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge those that fought against the recent demon threat.”  She gestured to Helgrant.
    “Guardsmen Daen and Nathen, come forward!” he called out.
    Marcus’ friends approached the throne, bowing to Keria.
    “Kneel,” she commanded as she rose and descended to stand before them.  With a quick glance at