Chapter 64 -- Crowning Glory
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I think the word to describe my return to Solitude would be triumphant. No doubt the city had been told of what had transpired at the Moot. The road leading up the gates was lined with well-wishers, and once I entered the city on horseback, alongside the Emperor, the other Jarls following us, the crowds... roared. Elisif may have been loved but the chant of my name was almost deafening.
Dragonborn.
We stayed on horseback until we reached the Blue Palace, the crowds being kept back a distance so we could dismount and peace and head in. It appeared preparations were already underway for our coronation. During our journey back north, we hadn't talked business at all. Once we were inside, the first thing I did was excuse myself, take Elisif by the hand, and lead her to her private quarters. Asking for privacy before shutting the doors, I took her in my arms and held her tight.
"Ragnar, I'm fine," she murmured, "It's... actually a relief, in a way."
"Eli..."
She leaned back, one of those grins I loved. "Ragnar, I knew they were going to make that decision. I made the best choice for both of us, but also the people of this city. I know the city will be safe hands with you in charge. And... I want you to marry Mirabelle. I know how much you love her. And you are her heart and soul. I know you love me in your own way, as much as I love you, but trust me, all of us know what Mirabelle means to you."
"Will you stay within the court?"
"Of course. I don't plan on moving out exactly. I'm sure you have plans for us."
"I do," I admitted, "Been thinking about it for a little while, just in case."
"So while this may no longer be my permanent bedroom, I appreciate knowing I can still call this palace home." She paused before adding, "And I'd love a child. I'm still taking potions, of course. I'm sure we can all come to an agreement, how it will all work."
"Are you sure you don't want to find a man to call your own?"
"I may do one day, Ragnar, but right now, I'm happy." She grabbed both my hands with hers. "And please believe me. I know you have doubts about all of this. Mirabelle tells me you often express reservations about this arrangement. Trust me, the six of us love you and we know how much you love all of us in return. None of us are jealous, or if we do feel it, we don't feel it for long. We are all with the Dragonborn because you chose us, but more importantly, we choose to be here. If we didn't, we would have left."
"Hmmm. Maybe I should look at it like that."
The smile on her face only broadened. "Exactly. I'm here because I love being with you, Ragnar. Whenever we are alone like this, you make me feel like the most special woman in the world, like the only woman in the world. And it would be my pleasure to continue my service to both Solitude, its Jarl and also the High King."
I gave her a hug, holding her tight against my chest for what felt like a long time, before there was finally a knock at the door, asking if we were available.
The first matter of business was the abdication of Elisif. It was only after she finished signing the paperwork that she showed the first real signs of emotion, needing to wipe her eyes after she had signed the final page. I got down on a knee next to her chair and gave her a hug. She didn't sob but only the hardest of hearts wouldn't have understood what she had just given up. But I know she had the respect of everyone in that room. Even Ulfric...
Solitude would now be leaderless until my coronation as both Jarl and High King. It was agreed that it would take place the very next day. Therefore, the only question I had was about the fact I was still a bachelor... technically, at least. And then there was the question of the life I did leave. I sat down with the Emperor, Balgruuf and Elisif to raise my concerns.
"You can marry after you've taken the crown," the Emperor stated, "You won't be the first nor the last to become a ruler as a single man."
"As for your lifestyle, no-one will really care if you deliver what you promise," Balgruuf added, "It will only be if the people are hungry and afraid that they will turn on you."
"Again, won't be the first or last," the Emperor added.
"You are intending to marry?" Balgruuf asked.
"Aye."
"It would certainly be cause for celebration after your coronation. Who would you marry, if I may ask?"
"Mirabelle Ervine. She was once a member of the College of Winterhold."
"Hmmm...." Balgruuf stated, stroking his chin, "She's Breton, yes?" I nodded. "Positives and negatives to such a marriage. You can marry whoever you want, of course, but there will always be a political element. Marrying a Breton will please the rulers of High Rock. And if she's a mage, that will hopefully change the minds of some of those who have a real dislike for those with expertise in magic."
"I'm marrying her because I love her, Balgruuf," I stated.
Moving away from my private life, the trio explained the procedure of how I would be crowned. I would leave the city the night before, returning the next day, walking through the city through the crowds, before entering the palace. I would then take my place on the throne, where the High Priest from the Temple of the Divines would invoke the will of the gods before the Crown of Solitude would be placed upon my head, followed by the Crown of Skyrim. And that would be it. Solitude would have a new Jarl, and Skyrim would have a new High King.
My girls wanted to join me outside the walls the night before my coronation, but Mirabelle and Lydia would have found it far too uncomfortable, while Aela was just about starting to show now. I insisted they stay within the walls. Once the coronation was over, I would immediately make plans about moving all of them into the palace.
I didn't camp alone the night before my coronation. I happily built a small tent and sat by the campfire, enjoying what was definitely going to be my last ever night of peace. At least six soldiers patrolled around me, though stayed far enough away not to bother me. Not that they would have done so. I did tempt a couple of them to join me for at least a drink, but they were under orders to ensure no-one approached me, even if they looked like city guards or other soldiers. They were taking their roles very seriously.
Despite the impending coronation, I found sleep easy that night, rising with the sunlight the next morning, enjoying a simple breakfast before I dressed. I had been deciding between fine clothes or armour. Then I figured I was the Dragonborn. Most people who knew me as a warrior, so I would enter as one. I wasn't hoping to look like a conquering hero. I was arriving as the man the Jarls of Skyrim had voted for. I liked to think I had at least the respect of most people of Solitude, if not Skyrim.
I could have entered on horseback but I chose to walk towards the gates of Solitude, flanked by the six soldiers, three to either side. Not too tight to me, but I don't think anyone would have been dumb enough to try anything. I had my sword and shield regardless, and if desperate, a dagger I always kept sheathed.
