Rising from Dust (Light from Aphelion Book 1)
Page 52
“Are you ready to be king?” Selen asked Louis. With the rumours and the hateful thoughts, Louis had had a hard time believing the people’s reaction during the execution. He had prepared himself to die and had only wished a memorable and honorable end. Selen’s intervention had come as a twist in Louis’s final speech.
“You know, I don’t want to make it a life task, but I accept to lead the people until they are ready to make a world of their own. Besides, the kingdom is too vast to impose a republic. It will take time. Maybe what they need for now is a good king.” Louis half smiled.
Selen smiled back with complicity. He would not have called Louis’s words a change of heart—he didn’t wish for one—but it was a good start for moderation. “For freedom, equality, justice…”
“And love,” Louis said, looking into Selen’s eyes. He straightened and exhaled. “Are you ready?”
Selen took a deep breath. “I am,” he answered, resolute. This session would be a leap of faith.
Louis opened the door. The two men entered the great hall together. The sunlight shone through the high windows. Standards of velvet azure and argent, Trevalden’s colors, hung high on the walls. Their clothes matched the heraldry. Louis was clad in royal blue robes with ample sleeves, and Selen was in glimmering, ivory silk jacquards with matching pants and boots.
The long nave was crowded with new and old faces. There was something different in the men’s attitude. Confusion had replaced anger and scorn. The nobles looked uncertain of their future. For once, they feared the people. The faction wars were over.
Selen sat down on his throne next to Louis. The imposing dragon skull had a proud place on the wall behind them. Louis laid his arm on the armrest and held his hand raised. Selen saw the smile in the corner of his lips and the light in his eyes. The leap of faith. Delicately, Selen placed his hand on Louis’s. Instead of fear, he felt happiness. Instead of shame, he felt pride. He looked at the crowd and defied them with a kind smile. It would take time, yet Selen was patient. It was a new start. A new life. A second chance.
THANK YOU
Thank you for reading my first novel, Rising from Dust! I hope you enjoyed it. I would gladly appreciate your comments. Light from Aphelion – Book 2, Tears of Winter, is now in preparation. If you are curious to know more about the following events in Trevalden, feel free to join the official Facebook page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Martine Carlsson lives in the middle of the Swedish forest. She is French and graduated librarian and historian from the University of Liege. She takes her inspiration from the nature around her, from her roots in Brittany, and from fascinating parts from the European history. Therefore, it is not uncommon to read in her stories about forest creatures meeting peculiar characters in a detailed, historical-based background. She enjoys writing fantasy, especially a mix between harsh realism and magical wonders. Rising from Dust is her first novel and the first volume of the series Light from Aphelion.
Connect with Martine:
martinecarlsson@mail.com
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