The next week went by quickly. The King's will invited the council members to stay at his castle after his death. Brie and Sora spent several nights alone in Haven. They even got to spend a romantic night out, which the enjoyed.
The rest of Sora's party stayed behind at his mansion, clearing dungeons to occupy the time. They even honored their bet with Leila, although she refused to take any of their rewards.
The day after the funeral, Brie and Sora nervously prepared for their first council meeting. Sora ensured the letter from the King was snuggly tucked inside his right breast pocket.
"At least the funeral went well. There were so many… people? Is that the right word?" Sora asked. He was ashamed he didn't know how to refer to so many different races.
"Yes, people. I've never seen such a large funeral. Demons, vampires, uthra, humans and werewolves all in one place. It was kind of awkward being on stage for the wake," Brie said with a sigh.
"Yes, it was quite a remarkable sight. Azazel and Malphas did a good job hiding their excitement. I'm sure they're chomping at the bit to earn the throne or start a war," Sora said as he grabbed his crown.
"You look great, by the way. It was nice of the Uthra to make you such a nice dress and create a crown to match mine so quickly!" Sora exclaimed. "It fits you perfectly!"
"Thanks! I'm glad they made changes to your crown and had it properly fitted for you. It was so small on your head!" Brie giggled. "Now it looks great! They even changed the gemstone order to match mine."
"I wonder where they get all their gemstones from Earth. The only other place I've seen them is that jewelry store I went to for your birthday a few months ago. When I went back to get something for Sasha's birthday, the shop was closed."
"That's strange. I'm not sure. It's not like the Uthra have access to things other races don't. Maybe the King just liked history?" Brie suggested.
A guard finally knocked on the door. "Master Lockheart, Lady Reinhardt, the Council has arrived. This way please."
They were happy to see Celeste, albeit in the form of the muscular, blonde guard who always served as the King's head guard.
"Don't be nervous. Just read the contents of his letter verbatim. They will not choose to fight here." Celeste reminded them.
Brie and Sora walked until they arrived at a large, arched door.
"Well, this is it," Brie whispered.
"Once we open that door, there's no turning back. Are you sure you're ready?" Sora asked with a smile.
Brie gave him a quick kiss and pushed the door open.
Everyone stood up and bowed.
*****
"You have got to be fucking kidding me," Fenrir sneered.
"Not a polite way to address your new King and Queen Fenrir, is it?" Dorian said condescendingly.
"If you'll all please sit down and relax, I have a formal letter from the King, which is still sealed." Sora said as he handed it to Jackson, who sat closest to the King on the right.
They all passed around and inspected the letter to ensure the seal was intact. When Camilla finally handed it to Brie, she smiled, whispered, "Congratulations." and said to the group, "Well, let's hear our last message from King Joseph."
Sora began reading:
"To my loving, loyal council: If you are reading this, I have passed away. Do not mourn for me. I have been sick for far too long. I wished to leave this world and reunite with my wife in Paradise for quite some time. However, I needed to ensure that our wonderful civilizations, although quite different from one another, remained at peace. Because the group couldn't unanimously select someone for my successor, I chose Sora, as he is half-Uthra. This decision came with much thought, and my selection changed many times. However, once he brought his partner, Brie Reinhardt, to the council, I knew the gods were showing me the new King and Queen."
Brie blushed at these words. 'I wonder if he really meant that,' she wondered.
"I hope you will treat Sora with the kindness and warmth you have shown me over these past hundred years. I am not a fool. I know some of you will be rather upset with this decision and wish to start a war right away. However, this is still my council until Sora and Brie have announced to the world as the new King and Queen. They will now host the council meetings at a time and place of their choosing. I hope you all live long, blessed lives and your children continue to grow and flourish. Each of your civilizations are at their peak. I ask you to remember how broken Exteria has been at certain points in history before any of you rush in to start another war."
Azazel laughed, "Like Sora or any human can relate to that. Not even most of the Uthra can. What a joke."
"Enough," Brie said sternly, staring Azazel directly in the eyes.
"Apologies, your Majesty." Azazel said with a bow.
Sora continued reading the letter.
"I now wish to address Sora and Brie directly. The two of you may rule as you see fit. I hope you choose to continue to lead an era of peace and prosperity. Don't exile any of the races, always include them in all of your discussions and if this council does decide to go its separate ways remember this crucial information: You are the absolute rulers of these lands, and the people will follow you if you treat them well. You are both blessed by Athena to rule over these lands. Do not take this job lightly. With love, King Joseph Tanguin."
A bolt of lightning shot from the sky, into the castle and struck Sora and Brie, causing them to stand in paralysis.
The entire room heard a voice speak.
"Sora Lockheart. Do you accept the position of King of Exteria and all those who live on it?"
"Yes, it would be my honor," Sora said. He could freely move again.
"Brie Reinhardt. Do you accept the position of Queen of Exteria and all those who live on it?"
"Yes, thank you, it would be my pleasure," Brie smiled.
"The conditions have been set by Athena. You two shall henceforth be supreme rulers of this planet," the voice said.
The room went completely dark, lights flickered, and within a few seconds, everything was back to normal. The letter caught fire and laid neatly in a pile of ash next to Sora.
*****
In paradise, Cyrus held Athena tightly as they watched Athena finalize the initiation ceremony.
"It is done," Athena said politely.
"How do you think they'll do my love?" Aphrodite asked Cyrus.
"I think they'll be just fine. It seems Sora's alliance and the demon alliance each have an upper hand on one of the lost races," Cyrus said with a smile.
"You are correct, Cyrus. Although Sora and Brie know the location of the elves, it seems Azazel's princes are very close to finding and unlocking the power of the titans," Athena said calmly.
"I wonder who will find the other lost races first?" Athena said with a smile.
They stood from Paradise, looking down directly at the Council. Aphrodite laid her head on Cyrus' shoulder.
"It's in their hands now, let us meet with Chronos," Athena said as she teleported them away.