Meldyr had not even eaten yet, and though he was hungry from the road he was used to not eating until his men did. Years on campaign kept him from complaining, though the wine was good. Better than the wine where he came from. 

When the Queen arrived, he had to admit she was beautiful. Golden haired and shapely, and resplendent in her royal dress. He had heard about her but he had never met her in person himself. She seemed intelligent in the eyes and her manner of speech at least, though maybe a bit sheltered. He fully expected to sit down and eat dinner, swear fealty to the new pompous King, whoever it was, and then go home. He had to admit while she seemed to fit royalty, no other nobleman or suitor here seemed fit to him. He wondered who she would chose. Hopefully not just one she found handsome. 

All of this is why one cannot stress just how odd it was to see the normally calm and confident Meldyr's jaw drop and hit the floor when she announced he was not only to become the next king, but marry her. If he had wine in his mouth he would have spit it out. All eyes turned to him, and he blinked with uncertainty, swallowing. A hush fell over the crowd as they awaited his next move. 

Slowly, after a long pause, he willed himself to move. He squared his shoulders, and held his head high. He looked as if he was receiving as commendation or a knighthood rather than the crown, and he strode toward the Queen with his hand handsomely on his sword hilt, and his other hand at his side in a closed fist. He knelt down before her and allowed her to place the crown upon his thick mane of dark hair. Once he felt the weight on his head, he swore he could feel the weight of the whole kingdom. 

He stood tall, and when his new fiance (he needed to get used to that) told him to give a speech, he glanced at her, and then collected himself and turned to the crowd. He drew in a breath, and despite himself he seemed to be the quintessential King, both a warrior and a commander. "As is my duty, I will do my best to serve this Kingdom." he said, his voice strong. "I cannot say I arrived here expecting to be crowned, but as my Queen has honored me, I shall lay down my life for this Kingdom. We will rule in the name of justice and prosperity." 

He placed a hand on his chest. "You have my word."