Thief By Knight

EPILOGUE

Grantaire had insisted on delaying the coronation until Enjolras was well enough to attend. Everyone protested. War was coming. Nigel D'Brucie had vanished with nearly all of his soldiers, leaving his barony in turmoil. Dangerous times lay ahead, and there was much to be done.
But Grantaire was their king, and for once they had to let him have his way. when he came before the Archbishop, Enjolras and Felix stood beside him. Perry trailed behind. he was pleased to be the king's squire, though for the moment it meant little more than keeping the king from tripping over his mantle.
The crowd hushed as Grantaire kneeled before the altar and the crown was placed on his head. It was an awkward thing, and heavy. Grantaire didn't like it.
The Archbishop raised his hands. "In the name of God and his saints, I crown you Grantaire the First, King of Cambrai. May God our Father bless you and guide you all your days. Rise now, and greet your people."
Grantaire stood and turned around. The crowd erupted in cheers. He couldn't believe it. They wanted him for their king. He smiled at the familiar faces. Vivien sat with the rest of her family; even the baron was crying. Brys had already moved on, but Eliot had fetched Alain and Sydney from Savin. The three of them would make an interesting team, running Talley's Corner. Even Claude and the merchants from San Genevieve were here. They were his people.
Grantaire looked over the sea of faces, overwhelmed by this show of support. Then his gaze traveled up above the stained glass angels, where he spied another familiar face clinging to (carved decoration in corner of wall). This face had glowing, yellow eyes. Grantaire waved the crowd to silence. It was time to address his people. Dangerous times lay ahead, and there was much to be done.

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