The parade went without a hitch.
Of course, "without a hitch" was perhaps a generous way of putting it. Katarina had been almost assassinated a total of twenty-five times along the way. Fortunately, none of the attempts had caused any real damage. If anything, surviving them had only served to further elevate her prestige in the eyes of the people.
'At this rate, I'll be done with the coronation soon.'
That was what Katarina thought as the carriage finally pulled into the palace grounds.
Then she remembered something.
Katarina was the second child of the Farses royal family and its only princess. Her older brother, Klaus Farses, was the first prince and, under normal circumstances, the one who would have inherited the throne.
"Congratulations."
Klaus stood waiting for her, applauding with a smile on his face.
His eyes were smiling as well, but Katarina could detect a faint trace of frustration hidden within them.
'Of course. I basically stole his throne.'
