Chapter Seventy Three

~Power Thirsty~

Lansel's sudden change of expression had drawn a lot of attention that they traced their eyes to whom Lansel was staring. That man suddenly started approaching him. The royal guards tried stopping him but Lansel gestured them not to. Everywhere became pin drop silent as the man approached him. He was looking all dishevelled and unkept. His eyes were sharp, there's a cruel stretched line on his lips. 

"What are you doing here, uncle Duncan?" Lansel's cold voice echoed in the hall. Everyone gasped when they heard him say 'uncle'. Like the late king's younger brother was supposed to be a dignified individual in the palace and not like some sort of beggar. 

Lord Nero slapped his forehead in frustration. 

"Why did father returned when he left is long ago?" He whispered.

"Who knows his motives?" Lord Arthur whispered back with a shrug. 

"Brother Nero, is that father?" Icelyn asked. 

"Yes Lyn" 

"Let's stop him then!" Lady Icelyn tried interfering but Lord Nero held her back. 

"Lansel will take care of him" Lord Nero replied.

"Mother, why is Uncle Duncan back all of a sudden?" Princess Neriah whispered to her mother.

"Power thirsty" Queen Diantha shook her head helplessly. Neriah nodded thoughtfully.

The man took a step forward, looking straight at Lansel. 

"That throne belong to me!" He yelled. Low murmurings took over and then a hush fell. 

Lansel smirked dangerously. 

"You left the royal family for 17 years and you suddenly returned. How is the throne yours?" He asked, narrowing his gaze. 

"I am the rightful king of this land and not you, pathetic little boy!" The man growled. 

"You don't address the King that way!" Marius snapped coldly, drawing out his sword. Lansel smirked and gestured Marius to step back and he obeyed, almost reluctantly. 

"All Styrixs love and unite together but you are different. Are you still a Styrix?" Lansel asked but the man kept shut.

"Take him away" Lansel commanded and just like that, the guards dragged him out of the hall. 

Niamh stared at Lansel with a confused look but he gave her a reassuring smile. 

"Your carriage is ready, Your Grace, ride round the palace for your citizens are eager to see your goddess" the herald announced 

King Lansel and Queen Neev appeared in front of the carriage. There were two majestic horses attached to it and the rider was sitting in front of them. There was an open space for them to sit, decorated with flowers. The banner of Moon Realm was flying at the back. 

The crowd roared cheerfully as they sighted them. Lansel turned to Niamh and took her hands. 

"Are you ready, My Queen?" He squeezed her hand softly. 

"Niamh gave him a small yet sweet smile and nodded. "Yes, My King" 

Lansel helped her up and he sat beside herm the carriage took off. 

"Moon Supreme! Moon goddess!"

"Moon Supreme! Moon goddess!

"Moon Supreme! Moon goddess!"

The crowd kept chanting. Niamh looked around, everywhere was filled with cheers, chanting their names. Men, women, soldiers, children, standing on the balconies, rooftops and fortress. 

"I can't still believe it!" Niamh thought. 

After riding round the palace, they stood at the balcony of the Grand hall and faced the crowd. Little by little, the chanting faded and what followed was total silent. 

"From the giant pearly white gate of our far north, to the rapid waters in the east, the cities of the Precious Stones, the heavens have heard your cries. Those from the Silver and Golden Cities, if you ever feel betrayed and cheated, you are allowed to seek redress in the court of the palace. The Mist Forest is cleared for you. Our founding fathers have built and united a land for all people and I shall continue to build upon that" Lansel gave his speech. 

A round of applause followed by the roaring of crowd. Lansel then turned to Neev. 

"With you by my side, my Queen" saying that, he pulled her closer and claimed her lips. The crowd went wild while Neev stood rooted there. 

"We're in public, Lansel" she whispered when they broke apart. 

"The public knows you're mine" Lansel smirked making her blush.

Many activities and rituals took place after that. Lord Melchoir and Lord Dexidus were also brought to justice. They were beheaded for attempted murder of the Queen Mother. People were severely warned not to do anything reckless or more punishments will be implemented. 

Drusilla's body also became the food of the snakes and Eudocia was tortured to death.