The Throne That Bleeds Itself
"You do not rule a kingdom by wearing the crown… you rule by bleeding for its people."
---
🏰 [Scene: The Inner Throne Hall – Capital of Emberhold]
The throne room was silent.
Not out of respect — but out of fear.
Because today…
a prince thought long dead
a flame thought long extinguished
a name thought erased
had returned.
Riven stepped through the blackflame arch of Emberhold.
Behind him: Lyara Nox and three witnesses from the Ashvault.
In his satchel: the Ember Requiem and Crown of Rooted Flame.
And in his heart: truth carved deeper than any sword wound.
---
👑 The Two Princes
At the far end sat Caelen Valtoris — robed in frostfire silk, crown still cold on his brow.
He rose slowly, eyes narrowing.
> "I see the ghost finally dares to cast a shadow," he said.
Riven's voice cut through the tension like flame through silk:
> "I am not your ghost.
I am your guilt — given form."
The nobles gasped.
The priests stammered.
The scribes… began to write.
---
🔥 The Flame Trial
Tradition demanded that any claim to the throne be tested through the Flame Trial — not of strength, but of memory and sacrifice.
A massive brazier was lit at the center of the throne hall.
Anyone making claim must bleed into it — and allow the flame to speak.
If they were false…
The flame would turn to smoke.
If they were true…
It would burn blue.
Riven stepped forward first.
He sliced his palm.
Let blood fall.
The flame turned blue.
---
❄ Caelen's Turn
Everyone looked to Caelen.
He hesitated.
Then stepped forward and bled.
The flame flickered.
Then turned blue again.
The Hall fell into silence.
> "Two flames," said High Priest Halrix.
"One throne."
---
🪓 The Twist: Duel of Sovereignty?
Some in the crowd called for war.
A duel.
Magic. Blade. Death.
But Riven raised a hand.
> "No."
"This kingdom has bled enough for pride."
"Let it bleed for truth instead."
He reached into his coat and removed the Crown of Rooted Flame.
Then into his other hand — the Ember Requiem.
> "You want proof of right?" Riven said.
"Then take mine.
Let the kingdom choose.
Not with fire.
With remembrance."
---
📜 The Chorus of Fire
He activated the Requiem.
Soft music filled the hall — the grief-song of generations.
The air shimmered.
Flamebearers long dead appeared in golden mist:
The First Queen
The Silent Guard
Elenya, the Widow of Charstone
Even young flame-apprentices
Each one turned toward the nobles.
Each one bowed to Riven.
> "You carry our story," Elenya whispered through the echo.
"So you carry our crown."
Even Caelen… looked shaken.
---
🧿 Final Judgment
High Priest Halrix stood, sweat dripping down his face.
> "This court declares… both flames valid."
"But only one has the people's memory."
"And only one has bled to make the kingdom remember itself."
He turned to the throne.
> "We name Aedric Riven Valtoris — The Flameborne Heir."
The hall erupted.
Some cheered.
Some cried.
Others left in silence.
Caelen simply… watched.
> "You win today, brother," he said coldly.
"But thrones do not forgive.
And the flame you carry… will one day demand a price."
---
💠 Title Earned: Heir of the Remembered Flame
> 🔥 Officially recognized as co-ruler of Emberhold
📚 Flamebearers and priests answer to Riven's decree
👁 Access to Flame Archives once sealed by Caelen's reign
⚠ Political enemies now begin to form against him in secret
---