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Vas'Kaa heard the water moving as Kasumi snapped out of her meditation, unsure if it was actually her. "If you are in there, the coronation ceremony will begin shortly. Bel'tha'go's nobles and their families are gathering downstairs awaiting Lord Ran'Ke's arrival.", Vas'Kaa said before starting back down the hall, riding the crystal platform down to the ground level. Ra'Sha stood from his bed and stretched, walking into his closet. He removed his silk robe and put on his coat and boots, looking in a nearby mirror to straighten his hair, making himself look as presentable as possible before putting the ceremony robe on over his coat. He sighed deeply, "This is it, my coronation...Today I officially become King.", he said, inhaling and exhaling smoothly to calm himself. Daru'Khaan chimed within his mind, "Be cautious, Ra'Sha. This is also the day Arkon promised you would never forget.", Daru warned calmly. Ra'Sha nodded in the mirror, then turned and exited the room.

Ra'Sha walked down the hall, a thudding from the bathroom caught his attention. He tapped lightly on the door, "Hello?", he asked, opening the door and preparing himself for whomever is within. When he saw Kasumi, he ran in and knelt next to her. "Are you all right?", he asked, his voice sounded worried.

Ra'Sha helped her up from the floor, "After the coronation, Noxx'Zus and Rian'Ka will do their best to try and fix that, and this Darklord.", he said, confidence in his tone. As he helped her to her feet, the harsh abyssal tone of Arkon surged into his mind, "Fix me? HA, just wait...", he said, his words searing Ra'Sha's mind. He placed a hand on his head, a wince of pain in his eyes, but managed to keep it together. He shook his head and smiled to Kasumi, "The coronation is about to start.", he said.

Ra'Sha smiled and nodded, waiting just outside the door. When she was ready, he walked down the hall to the elevator, activating the crystal platform when she was on board. At the bottom, he walked out into the court, the nobles and their families gathered in the court hall. He walked out between the thrones, the noble councilman smiling brightly. "Lords and Ladies of Bel'tha'go. The coronation of Lord Ran'Ke will now begin.", the noble said, motioning to Ra'Sha as he sat in the leftmost throne. The nobles all clapped lightly and fell silent. The councilman walked up to Ra'Sha, "Lord Ran'Ke Liadon, first born of Ran'Nik and Akara Liadon. As Highlord, do you solemnly swear to uphold the rites and traditions of Bel'tha'go?", the noble asked loudly so all could hear. Ra'Sha looked out to the crowd, smiling nervously to the nobles, "I do." The nobleman took a breath, "And do you swear to the protection and service of your people?", the noble continued. Ra'Sha closed his eyes, "I do." The nobleman took one more breath, "And do you swear...", he continued but Ra'Sha could not hear. As he sit with his eyes shut, he awakens in the hall with the iron door. The chains, still glowing red, began to glow white hot. The chains shattered and the door flew open, intense flames roaring out and washing over him. In his mind he screamed in agony as the flames drew him into the room, the door slamming as a demonic chuckle echoed on the other side. The nobleman waved a hand in front of Ra'Sha's face, who has been sitting quiet for over ten minutes. Ra'Sha's eyes opened and the gold glow faded, replacing with an unholy red. "I...DO", he said, his voice not sounding like his but much more malevolent.

((Continued in The Palace))

Kasumi fell deeper into sleep, hugging Ra'Sha closely.

Kasumi felt warm and peaceful, a feeling she hasn't felt in a long time, a smile on her face.